Since its implementation in 1965, Medicare has excluded coverage for hearing aids and related audiology services despite the large numbers of older Americans that have hearing loss. It is increasingly well-documented, however, that untreated hearing … [Read more...] about Time for Medicare to Cover Audiology Care
Weekly Alert
Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments Regarding Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D
1. Comments to CMS re: 2017 Draft Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and DEvery year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) releases a draft of payment, performance and other rules that will apply to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Submits Comments Regarding Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D
Medicare’s Home Health Benefit Under Threat
1. CMS Proposes Medicare Home Health Prior Authorization DemonstrationOn February 5, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a two-page Paperwork Reduction Act notice in the Federal Register announcing their effort … [Read more...] about Medicare’s Home Health Benefit Under Threat
Attention Patients and Prescribers of Part D Drugs
March 2016 Update:CMS is now delaying enforcement of the Part D Prescriber Enrollment Requirements until February 1, 2017.Nevertheless, prescribers of Part D drugs should submit their Medicare enrollment applications or opt-out affidavits to … [Read more...] about Attention Patients and Prescribers of Part D Drugs
Can Electronic Health Records Help Advance Quality Health Care for Older LGBT Patients?
On October 5, 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced final rules concerning its requirements for Meaningful Use Stage 3 of its health records initiative. These measures have the potential to reduce health disparities … [Read more...] about Can Electronic Health Records Help Advance Quality Health Care for Older LGBT Patients?
Medicare General Enrollment Period Runs January through March 31; Offers Opportunities for Help Paying Medicare Cost-Sharing
The 2016 Medicare Part A and B General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31, 2016. As detailed below, this enrollment period is especially important for many individuals who are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part … [Read more...] about Medicare General Enrollment Period Runs January through March 31; Offers Opportunities for Help Paying Medicare Cost-Sharing
The President’s Proposed FY 2017 Budget: The Impact on Medicare
On February 9, 2016, President Obama unveiled his Fiscal Year 2017 Budget.[1] With respect to Medicare, this year’s proposed budget is very similar to last year’s, both good and bad, with some notable exceptions. While not a … [Read more...] about The President’s Proposed FY 2017 Budget: The Impact on Medicare
New Medicare Administrative Contractor for Durable Medical Equipment (Effective June 27, 2016)
On January 4, 2016, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded the administration of the Jurisdiction B Durable Medicare Equipment Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) serving Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, … [Read more...] about New Medicare Administrative Contractor for Durable Medical Equipment (Effective June 27, 2016)
New Eligibility and Enrollment Materials from CMS
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted new materials for unions and employers to help employees with decisions about Medicare. The materials are available at … [Read more...] about New Eligibility and Enrollment Materials from CMS
Center Submits Comments to Senate Finance Committee’s Bipartisan Chronic Care Working Group (CCWG)
In December 2015, the Senate Finance Committee’s Bipartisan Chronic Care Working Group released a Policy Options Document. The Policy Options Document was issued as part of a process begun in May 2015 to develop legislation to address … [Read more...] about Center Submits Comments to Senate Finance Committee’s Bipartisan Chronic Care Working Group (CCWG)