On August 8, a federal judge in Connecticut largely denied the government’s motion to dismiss and granted plaintiff’s motion for certification of a nationwide class. Sherman v. Burwell, No. 3:15-cv-1468 (JAM) (D. Conn.). The … [Read more...] about Court Allows Medicare “Rubber Stamp” Case to Go Forward and Certifies Nationwide Class
Weekly Alert
Center for Medicare Advocacy Presents at National SHIP and SMP Conference about Medicare for Beneficiaries Under 65
The Center for Medicare Advocacy was pleased to attend, exhibit and present at this year's national SHIP and SMP conference. Pursuant to a Target Population Grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Center is working to … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Presents at National SHIP and SMP Conference about Medicare for Beneficiaries Under 65
Issue Brief Examines Oral Health for Older Adults in California
Justice in Aging, one of the Center's longtime partners, recently released an issue brief, Oral Health in California: What About Older Adults? The Issue Brief includes a summary of the state of oral health for older adults in California. … [Read more...] about Issue Brief Examines Oral Health for Older Adults in California
Observation Status Hurts Medicare Beneficiaries – Whether they have NOTICE or Not
An August 7, 2016 New York Times article once again highlighted the problem of hospital Observation Status, including issues with the NOTICE Act, which is supposed to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their status. The … [Read more...] about Observation Status Hurts Medicare Beneficiaries – Whether they have NOTICE or Not
CMS Delays Implementation of NOTICE Act Until Fall 2016
Beginning August 6, 2016, the Notice of Observation Treatment and Implication for Care Eligibility Act (NOTICE Act)[1] requires hospitals to provide written and oral notice, within 36 hours, to patients who are in observation or other outpatient … [Read more...] about CMS Delays Implementation of NOTICE Act Until Fall 2016
Exley v. Burwell: Settlement In Medicare Appeals Delay Case Granted Final Approval
On August 1, 2016, Judge Jeffrey Meyer of U.S. District Court in Connecticut granted final approval to a settlement agreement that will ensure timely decisions for Medicare beneficiaries who appeal denials of coverage to Administrative Law Judges … [Read more...] about Exley v. Burwell: Settlement In Medicare Appeals Delay Case Granted Final Approval
New CMS Research Looks at Health Disparities Impacting Older LGBT People
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released research drawn from the 2013-14 National Health Interview Survey highlighting health disparities between LGBT and other older people (age 65 or older). The National Health … [Read more...] about New CMS Research Looks at Health Disparities Impacting Older LGBT People
Kaiser Family Foundation Issue BriefTurning Medicare Into a Premium Support System: Frequently Asked Questions
Jul 19, 2016 by Gretchen Jacobson and Tricia NeumanThis Issue Brief, available at http://kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/turning-medicare-into-a-premium-support-system-frequently-asked-questions/, is an excellent breakdown of what a … [Read more...] about Kaiser Family Foundation Issue BriefTurning Medicare Into a Premium Support System: Frequently Asked Questions
A Model to Waive the Three-Day Inpatient Hospital Stay Requirement for Care in a Skilled Nursing Facility
In order for Medicare Part A to pay for a patient’s stay in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), the patient must first have spent at least three consecutive days as an inpatient in an acute care hospital.[1] For many Medicare beneficiaries, … [Read more...] about A Model to Waive the Three-Day Inpatient Hospital Stay Requirement for Care in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Democratic and Republican Party Platforms: Side-by-Side Comparison of Issues Important to Medicare Beneficiaries
Platform Side-by-Side Suggested Medicare/Healthcare Priorities Language Originally Submitted to Platform CommitteeThe two major American political parties have released their 2016 party platforms in anticipation of their respective party … [Read more...] about Democratic and Republican Party Platforms: Side-by-Side Comparison of Issues Important to Medicare Beneficiaries