The Medicare program can be confusing for those trying to navigate the differences between Parts A, B, C, and D. Since the program's inception in 1965, changes made to the program have made it a more complex system for beneficiaries, … [Read more...] about Medicare Benefit Redesign: Proposals to Restructure Could Hurt More than Help
Weekly Alert
CMS’ Proposed Rules on Observation Status Would Not Help Beneficiaries
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued proposed rules and an interim CMS Ruling to allow hospitals to bill Medicare Part B after a Part A claim is denied. 78 Fed. Reg. 16,632 (March 18, 2013).[1] These … [Read more...] about CMS’ Proposed Rules on Observation Status Would Not Help Beneficiaries
Bills Concerning Hospital Observation Status Reintroduced
Increasingly, hospital patients throughout the country are learning they are considered outpatients, on "observation status," not inpatients, although they have stayed many days and nights and been treated IN a hospital. The Center has … [Read more...] about Bills Concerning Hospital Observation Status Reintroduced
Happy Anniversary, Affordable Care Act
Since the landmark Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law on March 23, 2010,[1] it has increased access to needed health services, reduced costs and improved care for millions. Yet, as this progress continues and the law's most impactful … [Read more...] about Happy Anniversary, Affordable Care Act
Medicare Advantage “Cuts?” Don’t Believe it.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is beginning to rein in Medicare Advantage (MA) overpayments by bringing MA payment more in line with what traditional Medicare spends on a given beneficiary. The insurance industry is not only fighting this … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage “Cuts?” Don’t Believe it.
Medicare and Mental Health
In addition to societal stigma, people with mental health needs often face barriers to adequate medical coverage and treatment for their conditions. While many individuals and their families face these issues in the private market, people with … [Read more...] about Medicare and Mental Health
Protect Medicare: Reject Paul Ryan’s Budget Proposal
Statement of Judith Stein, Executive Director, Center for Medicare AdvocacyNothing new. Paul Ryan’s “new” budget proposal recycles ideas that will harm older people, people with disabilities, families and Medicare. It is a plan … [Read more...] about Protect Medicare: Reject Paul Ryan’s Budget Proposal
Honor Women’s History Month: Preserve a Strong Medicare Program
March is Women's History Month, honoring generations of women who have made, and are making, invaluable contributions to society. The Medicare program has been a critical lifeline for American women and their families for decades, contributing to … [Read more...] about Honor Women’s History Month: Preserve a Strong Medicare Program
Sequester Update: Issues Facing Older and Disabled People
Last week, the package of federal spending cuts known as the "sequester" took effect as lawmakers failed to enact legislation that would delay or prevent the cuts mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011. The American Taxpayer Relief Act … [Read more...] about Sequester Update: Issues Facing Older and Disabled People
New CMS Website: Medicare Secondary Payer Conditional Payment Information
On January 10, 2013, President Obama signed legislation for the establishment of a website to provide information to beneficiaries about their Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) obligations.[1] While there are exceptions, Medicare generally expects … [Read more...] about New CMS Website: Medicare Secondary Payer Conditional Payment Information