Observation Status – hospital patients’ classification as outpatients, which makes them ineligible for Medicare Part A coverage of their subsequent stay in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) when they do not have “inpatient” … [Read more...] about Observation Status Update
Weekly Alert
Congress Passes “Doc Fix” – Senate Unable to Improve the Bill for Medicare Beneficiaries
On April 14, 2015, the Senate overwhelmingly (92 to 8) passed H.R. 2 – the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) – which repeals and replaces the flawed Medicare physician reimbursement system known as the sustainable growth rate … [Read more...] about Congress Passes “Doc Fix” – Senate Unable to Improve the Bill for Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare Myths vs. Facts – “Doc Fix” Edition
In the spirit of aiding the discussion concerning the budget and the SGR “Doc Fix,” we raise many of the myths surrounding Medicare and answer them with facts.Congress is working to repeal and replace the Sustainable Growth Rate … [Read more...] about Medicare Myths vs. Facts – “Doc Fix” Edition
Final 2016 CMS Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and D Released
Every year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues payment, performance and other rules that apply to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans that choose to participate in the Medicare program in the following calendar year. … [Read more...] about Final 2016 CMS Call Letter for Medicare Parts C and D Released
The 2015 National Voices of Medicare Summit
Reflections on the 2nd Annual National Voices of Medicare Summit A Look Back at the Summit from the Attendees' View2015 Program and Speakers Register Now for 2016! Reflections on the 2nd Annual National Voices of Medicare Summit … [Read more...] about The 2015 National Voices of Medicare Summit
Center for Medicare Advocacy Co-Authors Report Published by the Kaiser Family Foundation Comparing Consumer Protections in Major Health Plans
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) has published a report entitled “Comparison of Consumer Protections in Three Health Insurance Markets: Medicare Advantage, Qualified Health Plans and Medicaid Managed Care Organizations.” The report is … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Co-Authors Report Published by the Kaiser Family Foundation Comparing Consumer Protections in Major Health Plans
Observation Status Bills Reintroduced in Both the House and the Senate (H.R. 1571/S. 843)
For the last several years, the Center has been trying to address the problem of Observation Status in the hospital, which can affect both what Medicare beneficiaries pay for hospital stays, and their coverage of subsequent care in a nursing … [Read more...] about Observation Status Bills Reintroduced in Both the House and the Senate (H.R. 1571/S. 843)
“Doc Fix” Package Passed by House Takes Too Much from Beneficiaries with Too Little In Return
Today, March 26, the House of Representatives passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 2). While the Center for Medicare Advocacy believes it’s in the best interest of Medicare beneficiaries to find a … [Read more...] about “Doc Fix” Package Passed by House Takes Too Much from Beneficiaries with Too Little In Return
No Way to Celebrate Medicare’s 50th: Proposed Congressional Budgets Offer More of the Same, Less for Medicare and Beneficiaries
Today the Senate releases its budget, which like the companion House budget released yesterday, appears to have significant cuts to the Medicare program. Yet again, yesterday’s House budget includes a proposal to create a “premium … [Read more...] about No Way to Celebrate Medicare’s 50th: Proposed Congressional Budgets Offer More of the Same, Less for Medicare and Beneficiaries
Ongoing “Doc Fix” Negotiations
Unless Congress takes action by March 31, 2015, doctors who treat Medicare patients will see a 21% payment cut due to the current physician payment formula called the "sustainable growth rate" or "SGR." Lawmakers have … [Read more...] about Ongoing “Doc Fix” Negotiations