In a continuation of the Obama Administration's effort to extend rights to same sex couples, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new State Medicaid Director Letter 11-006 (SMDL). There are currently federal … [Read more...] about CMS Permits States to Extend Certain Medicaid Spousal Protections to Same-Sex Couples
Weekly Alert
Why Medicaid Matters to People with Medicare
Medicare and Medicaid, which together serve over 95 million Americans,[1] or nearly one third of the U.S. population, are our two major national public health insurance programs offering secure and stable access to health care for beneficiaries, and … [Read more...] about Why Medicaid Matters to People with Medicare
So, What Would You Do? Real Solutions for Medicare Solvency and Reducing the Deficit
Once again the House of Representatives’ leadership are proposing to change Medicare into a private voucher system. Their proposals would have severe repercussions for Medicare beneficiaries and their families.[1] Sound solutions that … [Read more...] about So, What Would You Do? Real Solutions for Medicare Solvency and Reducing the Deficit
Bittersweet Transitions at the Center for Medicare Advocacy
Vicki Gottlich Headed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) The Center for Medicare Advocacy is sad to say goodbye to Vicki Gottlich, who has been a Senior Policy Attorney in our Washington, DC office since January, 2000. Vicki … [Read more...] about Bittersweet Transitions at the Center for Medicare Advocacy
New Rules for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
On April 15, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final regulations to provide policy and technical changes to the Medicare Parts C (Medicare Advantage) and D programs.[1] The regulations address concerns raised … [Read more...] about New Rules for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
Many Uninsured Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions Will Find It Easier to Obtain Coverage
Individuals with pre-existing conditions who have been uninsured for six months may now find it easier to obtain coverage through the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). PCIP was created by the Affordable Care Act to provide interim … [Read more...] about Many Uninsured Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions Will Find It Easier to Obtain Coverage
CMS Sends Out Reminders to LIS-Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is sending "Choosers Reminder Notices" to approximately 944,000 Medicare beneficiaries who are eligible for the Part D low-income subsidy (LIS). The notices, … [Read more...] about CMS Sends Out Reminders to LIS-Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries
Combating Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Health Care
Combating fraud, waste and abuse in health care and in other federal programs remains a popular refrain for reducing federal expenditures. In a survey conducted by AARP in September 2009, 80% of Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older agreed that … [Read more...] about Combating Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Health Care
2011 Medicare Trustees Report
The Medicare Trustees issued their annual report on Medicare's financial status on Friday, May 13, 2011. According to this year's report, the Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund has sufficient reserves to pay out the full amount of … [Read more...] about 2011 Medicare Trustees Report
Send Us Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs)
The Center is concerned about the use of MSNs that do not reveal to beneficiaries that their service was denied based on a National Coverage Determination. Such an MSN will instead provide a misleading explanation, such as "Medicare does … [Read more...] about Send Us Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs)