On October 27, 2011 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) released notices detailing the Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and Deductibles for calendar year 2012. Hospital Deductible: $1,156 per spell of illness Hospital … [Read more...] about 2012 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and Co-Pays
Weekly Alert
Hospice – Care When It’s Needed Most
November is National Hospice Month. The first White House proclamation honoring hospice month was signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Access to care has improved significantly in the three decades since November has been celebrated as … [Read more...] about Hospice – Care When It’s Needed Most
“Skin in the Game,” Health Equity and Deficit Reduction
"Patients should pay more for their health care." Both Republicans and Democrats, including President Obama, promote policies to increase patients' costs as a solution to curbing the use of "inappropriate" health care services … [Read more...] about “Skin in the Game,” Health Equity and Deficit Reduction
Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes and Enrollment Updates
Once again the Medicare Advantage and Part D Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) is upon us; it's time to contemplate Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage choices for another calendar year. The big news is that the ACEP, … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes and Enrollment Updates
The President’s Plan for Economic Growth and Deficit Reduction: A First Look at the Impact on Medicare
Last week, President Obama unveiled his recommendations to Congress's Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction ("Super Committee").[1] The President's Plan for Economic Growth and Deficit Reduction seeks to pay for the … [Read more...] about The President’s Plan for Economic Growth and Deficit Reduction: A First Look at the Impact on Medicare
COBRA: A Summary
The Center for Medicare Advocacy (the Center) is experiencing an increase in inquiries about obtaining health insurance coverage under COBRA, the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.[1] This higher volume is likely related to the … [Read more...] about COBRA: A Summary
Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans
Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. In years past, the annual enrollment period began in mid-November and lasted to the end of the year, … [Read more...] about Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans
Study Finds that Use of Hospitalists Shifts Costs from Inpatient Care to Post-Discharge Setting
Hospitalists are defined as physicians who are based full-time in acute care hospitals and who provide care to hospitalized patients. The past decade has witnessed a rapid growth in hospitals' use of hospitalists, who have been shown to … [Read more...] about Study Finds that Use of Hospitalists Shifts Costs from Inpatient Care to Post-Discharge Setting
CMS to Begin Round Two of Its Competitive Bidding Program for the Provision of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS)
On August 19, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Round 2 of its DMEPOS competitive bidding program.[1] Bidding is to begin in January 2012. Round 2 adds more product categories for competitive bidding … [Read more...] about CMS to Begin Round Two of Its Competitive Bidding Program for the Provision of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS)
Medicare Reimbursement For Skilled Nursing Facilities Remains High For 2012 Despite Reductions In Overpayments
In final rules setting out Medicare reimbursement rates for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 (which starts October 1, 2011), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reduced reimbursement by $3.87 billion, or … [Read more...] about Medicare Reimbursement For Skilled Nursing Facilities Remains High For 2012 Despite Reductions In Overpayments