Next week, Medicare celebrates its 48thbirthday. Since 1965 Medicare has been a critical source of health and economic security for generations of Americans while evolving to meet the needs of those who rely on the successful program. Medicare … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday, Medicare!
Weekly Alert
Setting the Record Straight: The Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Created in 1956, the Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)[1] provides modest but essential support to 14 million working-age individuals with disabilities and children.[2] Recently, the SSDI program has come under attack by … [Read more...] about Setting the Record Straight: The Social Security Disability Insurance Program
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
Five years ago this month, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)[1] became law. Since then, MIPPA has successfully increased enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program and helped ensure that thousands of Medicare … [Read more...] about The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act: Improving Enrollment in the Medicare Savings Program Five Years Later
Federal Commission on Long-Term Care Holds First Meeting
On June 27, 2013, the Federal Commission on Long-Term Care held its first meeting in Washington, DC. The bi-partisan commission of 15 appointees, including Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judith Stein, was created by the … [Read more...] about Federal Commission on Long-Term Care Holds First Meeting
Celebrating Pride and Equality: New SSA Rules on Gender Discrimination & DOMA Ruling
New SSA Rules on Gender Designation Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published new rules that make it easier for the estimated 700,000 transgender Americans to update their Social Security records to reflect their gender … [Read more...] about Celebrating Pride and Equality: New SSA Rules on Gender Discrimination & DOMA Ruling
Medicare’s National Mail Order Program for Diabetic Testing Supplies
On July 1, 2013, Medicare Part B will implement a national mail-order competitive bidding program specifically for diabetic testing supplies. [1],[2] The program applies to all zip codes in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto … [Read more...] about Medicare’s National Mail Order Program for Diabetic Testing Supplies
Let DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Proceed While Addressing Identified Problems and Concerns
Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program is once again under attack. Many questions have been raised about whether the program is fair to providers and whether … [Read more...] about Let DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Proceed While Addressing Identified Problems and Concerns
New Report: Immigrants and Immigration Reform are Good for Medicare
A new study published in Health Affairs reports that immigrant workers in the United States disproportionately contribute to the Medicare Program and help ensure its financial solvency and strength.[1] The study's authors found that between 2002 … [Read more...] about New Report: Immigrants and Immigration Reform are Good for Medicare
CMS Updates Guidance for Hospital Discharge Planning
On May 17, 2013, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an update of Appendix A of the State Operations Manual (SOM) revising its interpretive guidelines for hospital Discharge Planning.[1] Medicare discharge planning … [Read more...] about CMS Updates Guidance for Hospital Discharge Planning
Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Joint Testimony to Congress on Medicare Reform Proposals
This week, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on proposals to reform Medicare at which critical issues facing the Medicare program and current and future beneficiaries were discussed. The Center for Medicare Advocacy, … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Joint Testimony to Congress on Medicare Reform Proposals