In April 2011, the Center for Medicare Advocacy celebrates 25 years of advocating for, and on behalf of, older people and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare. We started as a small organization in Connecticut, added a Data Unit in … [Read more...] about 25 Years of Medicare Advocacy, and Hope for 25 More
Weekly Alert
Keeping Medicare and Medicaid Strong?
Medicare and Medicaid have been providing health insurance coverage to older people, people with disabilities, women, and families with children for more than 45 years. These programs ensure that vulnerable populations who could not get health … [Read more...] about Keeping Medicare and Medicaid Strong?
Why Medicaid Matters to Medicare Beneficiaries and Their Families
Medicare and Medicaid, which together serve over 95 million Americans,[1] are our two major national public programs offering secure and stable access to health care for beneficiaries, and peace of mind to the their families. Medicaid is under … [Read more...] about Why Medicaid Matters to Medicare Beneficiaries and Their Families
Happy Anniversary, Health Care Reform
One year ago, on March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Health Care Reform law[1] that will provide access to health insurance for virtually all Americans. As the Center for Medicare … [Read more...] about Happy Anniversary, Health Care Reform
Reducing Antipsychotic Drug Use in Nursing Homes: Save Residents’ Lives, Save Medicare Billions of Dollars
Many nursing home residents who do not have a diagnosis that supports their taking antipsychotic medications are nevertheless given antipsychotic drugs. These drugs are both dangerous to residents and extremely expensive for the Medicare … [Read more...] about Reducing Antipsychotic Drug Use in Nursing Homes: Save Residents’ Lives, Save Medicare Billions of Dollars
Help Someone Retain Part D Extra Help
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released state by state information on numbers of individuals whose Part D low income subsidy (extra help) will end March 31 if they do not respond to SSA’s request for information concerning their … [Read more...] about Help Someone Retain Part D Extra Help
More Nurses in Nursing Homes Would Mean Fewer Patients Headed to Hospitals
Nursing home residents are frequently hospitalized. Residents who have recently been admitted from the hospital are frequently rehospitalized.[1] Many of these hospitalizations, which "can cause discomfort for residents, anxiety for … [Read more...] about More Nurses in Nursing Homes Would Mean Fewer Patients Headed to Hospitals
Medicare General Enrollment Ends March 31st: Opportunity for Some to Access QMB Coverage
The 2011 Medicare Part A and B general enrollment period runs from January 1st through March 31, 2011. Medicare Part A enrollment (to purchase Part A – for those who are not entitled to receive it without paying a premium) has become … [Read more...] about Medicare General Enrollment Ends March 31st: Opportunity for Some to Access QMB Coverage
The Burden of Out-of-Pocket Costs on Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare provides a vital foundation for the health and wellness of Americans who are 65 or older or have significant disabilities. The program currently covers a portion of health care costs for over 47 million individuals throughout the United … [Read more...] about The Burden of Out-of-Pocket Costs on Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare Secondary Payer Collection Requirements for Insurers Threaten Beneficiary Rights
The Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) program seeks to conserve funds by prohibiting Medicare payment for health care that could be covered by another insurer. Thus, when a Medicare beneficiary experiences an injury that might be covered by liability, … [Read more...] about Medicare Secondary Payer Collection Requirements for Insurers Threaten Beneficiary Rights