Upcoming Webinars
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) Residents Rights & Staffing
Wednesday July 19, 2023, 2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT
This webinar will be useful to both nursing home residents and advocates. The Center hopes attendees will gain a better understanding of the current state of the policies surrounding skilled nursing care and resident rights, as well as insight to potential upcoming changes. Presented by Center for Medicare Advocacy Senior Policy Attorney Toby Edelman, Long Term Care Community Coalition Executive Director Richard Mollot and CT Long Term Care Ombudsman Mairead Painter.
Register now at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2899768835755423321
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Previously Recorded Webinars
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Pressing Beneficiary Issues & Stories
Originally presented on Thursday May 25, 2023 and Sponsored by California Health Advocates Senior Medicare Patrol, this presentation will examine real stories of current Medicare issues told by our advocates, as well as including real stories of Medicare fraud from the SMP.
Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage & Updates
Originally presented on Thursday March 23, 2023 and sponsored by California Health Advocates Senior Medicare Patrol, This presentation addressed Medicare skilled nursing facility coverage, quality and more, and included a Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) fraud update.
Slides can be downloaded here, and the recording is available here for re-viewing.
Medicare Home Health Coverage & Updates
Originally presented on Thursday February 23, 2023 and sponsored by California Health Advocates Senior Medicare Patrol, this presentation reviewed the services that the Medicare home health benefit covers, including skilled nursing; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; medical social services; and home health aides, and included an SMP fraud update.
Help Available for Lower-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Originally presented Thursday January 19, 2023 and sponsored by California Health Advocates Senior Medicare Patrol, this presentation discussed programs that can help low income Medicare beneficiaries, and included an SMP fraud update.
Medicare Advantage Overview & Concerns
Originally presented Thursday November 17, 2022 and sponsored by California Health Advocates Senior Medicare Patrol, this presentation addressed Medicare Advantage issues and concerns, and included an SMP fraud update.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage & the Inflation Reduction Act
Originally presented November 3, 2022, and sponsored by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, this webinar addressed information for Medicare beneficiaries on the following topics: an Overview of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and Costs; a Review of the Medicare Plan Finder Tool to Examine Options for Prescription Drug Plans During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Election Period (October 15-December 7); and an Explanation of Changes to Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and Costs as a Result of the Recently Enacted Inflation Reduction Act; and concluded with discussion, questions and answers.
Originally presented October 13, 2022, this webinar discussed the 2023 Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP), including outreach and education materials issued by the Medicare program, Medicare Plan Finder, common enrollment pitfalls, options when you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, and other considerations for Medicare beneficiaries and those who assist them. Policy changes and other updates for 2023 will also be discussed, including Medicare Advantage network adequacy and other changes made by final regulations.
Voices of Medicare: Community Stories
Originally presented June 21, 2022, this presentation examined real stories of current Medicare issues told by our advocates. Stories from the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s community encompassed understaffing in nursing homes, unjust Medicare Advantage denials, litigation victories for beneficiaries, and achieving health equity and quality care through telehealth by addressing the digital divide.
Choosing the Medicare Option That’s Right For You When You Are Living With Paralysis
A Webinar for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation by the Center for Medicare Advocacy
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Associate Directors Kathy Holt and David Lipschutz that explores the pros and cons of getting Medicare through the traditional public program or a private managed-care Medicare Advantage program, offers resources and strategies for decision-making and enrollment, information on coordinating insurances, and programs for help with Medicare costs.
Medicare Home Health and DME Update
Originally presented April 28, 2022 – Sponsored by California Health Advocates Senior Medicare Patrol, and presented by Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director, attorney Judith Stein, and Associate Director, attorney Kathleen Holt, the presentation includes live question & answers in addition to an overview of current fraud trends from SMP Outreach Specialist & Case Manager Sandy Morales.
Originally presented February 23, 2022 – The first in a series as part of our innovative Legal-Ombudsman Partnership supported by a grant from the Point32Health Foundation and the CT Department on Aging and Disability Services, the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the CT Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program present this virtual education session on Medicare Coverage for Nursing Home Residents. Topics included A Medicare Overview, Medicare Nursing Home Coverage, and Where Residents Can Get Help.
Medicare & Health Care Updates
Originally presented Thursday January 27, 2022 – Sponsored by California Health Advocates
an overview of Medicare issues in 2022, including potential legislative and administrative changes. We will highlight key issues to watch in the coming year, including pandemic-related policy changes. Featuring a Medicare fraud update from the California Senior Medicare Patrol and a discussion about the need for Medicare coverage of audiology care with Dr. Frank Lin, Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University.
Medicare Coverage of Home Health Services Part 1
Medicare Coverage of Home Health Services Part 2
Originally presented January 12 and 19th, 2022
Medicare’s home health benefit offers coverage of a range of services for beneficiaries who qualify, but the benefit is often misunderstood. We review the services the Medicare home health benefit covers, including skilled nursing; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; medical social services; and home health aides. We also discuss current challenges and possible strategies for beneficiaries who are trying to access or maintain home health services, especially if they have longer-term, chronic conditions, including hearing from a successful family advocate.
Skilled Nursing Facility Update | Vaccinations, Visitation, and the Build Back Better Act
Originally presented December 15, 2021
Examined skilled nursing facility vaccination and visitation rules in the COVID era, the important nursing home provisions in the Build Back Better Act, and included an open discussion with the audience and special guest Mairead Painter, Connecticut Long-term Care Ombudsman and Vice President of the National Association of State Ombudsman Programs. Come with questions and comments!
Sponsored by the Ossen family Foundation Medicare Outreach, Education and Advocacy Project
Originally presented November 5, 2021
Sen. Richard Blumenthal joined us to discuss health care and related issues in Connecticut. The program included: Medicare Updates and Concerns; Congress/Administration Priorities; 2022 Medicare Enrollment; Q&A with attendees.
Spotlight on the Medicare Savings Programs
Sponsored by California Health Advocates
Originally presented October 28, 2021
An Overview of Current Medicare Fraud Issues; An explanation of what Medicare Savings Programs (or MSPs) are and why they are important; a look at how they differ state to state; how to apply; why to encourage their use; and some specific examples of calculating MSP eligibility.
Medicare Enrollment Issues for 2022
Originally presented October 20, 2021
A discussion of the 2022 Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP), including outreach and education materials issued by the Medicare program, Medicare Plan Finder updates, common enrollment pitfalls, options when you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, and other considerations for Medicare beneficiaries and those who assist them. Policy changes, potential helpful legislation, and other updates for 2022 will also be discussed, including Medicare Advantage network adequacy and other changes made by final regulations.
Health Equity, Medicare, and the Modern Civil Rights Movement
Originally presented September 8, 2021
A discussion of issues in health equity, with a focus on some that have arisen as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. Presented by Center for Medicare Advocacy Policy Attorney Kata Kertesz and Chiplin Medicare & Health Policy Fellow, Cinnamon St. John with special guest Dr. David Smith, author of The Power to Heal.
Sponsored by California Health Advocates, this discussion includes an SMP Update on current fraud trends, Medicare’s historic role in equity, COVID and health disparities; equity for individuals with chronic conditions; Medicare Advantage, current Congressional debates and live Q&A.
A Program for Medicare Beneficiaries – Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment
This detailed DME presentation included an overview of the definition of DME, barriers to obtaining and maintaining DME, Practice tips, case studies and advocacy tips.
Voices of Medicare: Updates from the Field
This presentation examines real stories of current Medicare Issues told by our advocates, including:
- Home Health Access Issues – Associate Director Kathy Holt
- Medicare Advantage – Senior Attorney Mary Ashkar
- Medicare Appeals – Attorney Paul Grabowski
- Low-Income Beneficiary Issues– Policy Attorney Kata Kertesz
- Oral Health – Senior Attorney Wey-Wey Kwok
Geography is not Destiny: Mitigating Harm in SNFs During and After COVID 19
Sponsored by California Health Advocates Senior Medicare Patrol, this presentation includes a discussion of the Center’s recent research into nursing home successes and failures during the COVID pandemic, and what can be done to improve care going forward, as well as updates on residents rights, and fraud awareness and prevention.
This presentation provided a summary and update of Medicare home health coverage, care, and payment issues. The webinar focused on the opportunities and challenges facing beneficiaries with longer term and debilitating conditions who need care at home, and included practical tips and advocacy guidance.
Medicare & Health Care Updates
This presentation examined what’s happening in the Medicare and related health care world in the early days of 2021, including impacts of COVID-19, from the perspective of beneficiary advocates.
Sen. Chris Murphy discusses health care and related issues in Eastern Connecticut, welcomed by the Center for Medicare Advocacy and our Ossen Community Advisory Team.
Skilled Nursing Facility Update
The webinar provides an overview of Nursing Home Quality of Care & Quality of Life Standards from a consumer perspective.
Ossen Medicare Outreach, Education and Advocacy Project Presents: Medicare Basics, Resources & More
Members of the Ossen Medicare Outreach, Education and Advocacy Project Advisory team for an introduction from the Center for Medicare Advocacy including an overview of Medicare basics, in depth descriptions of the Advisory Team and the services they offer the people of Eastern Connecticut, a discussion of holiday needs for Eastern Connecticut residents, and live Q&A.
Current Issues in Medicare, Open Enrollment, and Medicare Savings Programs
This webinar, focused on Connecticut residents, provided an overview of Medicare Issues, updates about Medicare enrollment for 2021, and eligibility for Connecticut’s Medicare Savings Programs.
Medicare Enrollment Issues for 2021
This webinar will discuss the 2020 Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP), including outreach and education materials issued by the Medicare program, Medicare Plan Finder updates, common enrollment pitfalls, options when you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, and other considerations for Medicare beneficiaries and those who assist them. Policy changes, potential helpful legislation, and other updates for 2021 will also be discussed, including Medicare Advantage network adequacy and other changes made by final regulations.
Ossen Medicare Outreach, Education and Advocacy Project Presents: Staying Safe and Healthy at Home
Members of the Ossen Medicare Outreach, Education and Advocacy Project Advisory team offer an in-depth overview of the project, Advisory team organizational summaries, a discussion of how the Center for Medicare Advocacy can help with access to care, and Q&A.
Skilled Nursing Facility Staffing
The Center for Medicare Advocacy has been examining the broad variety of approaches to nurse staffing in nursing homes, and their effectiveness, or lack of effectiveness, in achieving improved staffing levels and competencies. This webinar discusses some of our findings.
Medicare and Caregivers
This presentation explores the role Medicare does, and could, play in supporting older and disabled beneficiaries and their caregivers.
Medicare Savings Programs for Connecticut Medicare Beneficiaries
Learn about the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) in Connecticut, icluding how MSPs can help some Connecticut residents pay for Medicare costs, and review a case study to learn how MSP assistance is calculated.
CT CHOICES Program Update training: COVID-19 Related Changes to Medicare & Medicaid in Connecticut
This presentation – aimed at Connecticut’s SHIP counselors – includes an overview of Medicare Updates Related to COVID-19 including Enrollment, Medicare A, B, C & D, a case study, and some non-COVID updates, as well as an overview of Medicaid and SNAP related changes for Connecticut.
Medicare Administrative Law Judge Hearing Advocacy Tips
Hosted by the National Center on Law and Elder Rights, and presented by Center for Medicare Advocacy Attorneys Mary Ashkar and Paul Grabowski, this free webinar will provide practical tips and checklists to help attorneys maximize their preparedness for an ALJ hearing.
Sponsored by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
A discussion the Medicare appeals process from Center for Medicare Advocacy experts who have handled thousands of appeals.
Medicare for People Living With ALS During a Public Health Emergency (PHE) and Beyond
Sponsored by Team Gleason
This presentation will help people living with ALS better understand changes to Medicare during the PHE and how to make the best decisions about Medicare at any time.
- COVID-19-related Medicare changes affecting people with ALS
- Assistance in paying for Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance
- When special enrollment periods can be available and/or useful to change Medicare plans
- Resources and practical tips
Presented by Center for Medicare Advocacy Associate Director, attorney Kathleen Holt.
Medicare: (1) An Overview of COVID-19 Coverage-Related Updates, and (2) DME Coverage and Case Studies to Obtain Equipment
Sponsored by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
(1) An overview of changes to Medicare coverage during the COVID-19 emergency, including expansions in telehealth coverage and remote patient monitoring, removal of physician referral requirements, and more flexibility in obtaining prescription medications,
(2) The Medicare process to obtain durable medical equipment, during and outside a public health emergency, including Medicare rules and requirements; Case studies to illustrate the process and tips to ensure safe, efficient, and effective success; and Policy discussions to explore DME that Medicare currently does not cover, but should cover in the future.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Associate Dirtectors Kathy Holt and David Lipschutz
Medicare & Health Care Updates – In Light of COVID-19
This presentation examines and tries to make sense of what’s happening in the Medicare and related health care world, including impacts of COVID-19, from the perspective of beneficiary advocates.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Associate Director, Attorney David Lipschutz and guest(s).
Obstacles to Accessing Covered Care – Medicare, Fraud and COVID-19
This webinar, originally slated to discuss Payment model issues, was re-routed to focus on COVID-19 issues.
Presenters: California Health Advocates Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud Case Manager and Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Morales; Center for Medicare Advocacy Associate Director Kathy Holt and Senior Policy Attorney Toby Edelman; Special Agent Eric Panicucci and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robb Breeden of the Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Medicare Home Health Updates in Light of the New Medicare Payment Model
A summary of the Medicare home health benefit, including issues with coverage and access.|
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director, Attorney Judith Stein, and Associate Director, Attorney Kathy Holt.
Replay: Medicare for People with Paralysis (Recorded Presentation with LIVE Q&A) – Sponsored by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Understanding Medicare is important to those who currently qualify for health coverage through Medicare, or may qualify in the future. An Overview of Medicare for People Living With Paralysis includes information on eligibility, enrollment, coverage (with a special emphasis on home health care and durable medical equipment: related laws, regulations, policies and practical tips to assist people living with paralysis to access home and community-based Medicare coverage), and choosing between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. (Recorded presentation with LIVE Q&A)
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director, Attorney Judith Stein, and Associate Director, Attorney Kathy Holt.
Coordination of Benefits – What Pays When?
This webinar will explore issues relating to Medicare beneficiaries with coverage from other sources of insurance, including Medicaid, as well as other services for low income beneficiaries.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Associate Director, Attorney Kathy Holt and Policy Attorney Kata Kertesz.
Medicare Enrollment Issues for 2020
This presentation will address important issues surrounding the current Medicare enrollment period, including policy changes for 2020, the updated Medicare Plan Finder, marketing guideline revisions, and CMS outreach and education materials, including the Medicare & You publication.
Presenters: David Lipschutz, Senior Policy Attorney, Center for Medicare Advocacy and Lisa Swirsky, Policy Advisor, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
Medicare for People with Paralysis – Sponsored by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Understanding Medicare is important to those who currently qualify for health coverage through Medicare, or may qualify in the future. An Overview of Medicare for People Living With Paralysis includes information on eligibility, enrollment, coverage (with a special emphasis on home health care and durable medical equipment: related laws, regulations, policies and practical tips to assist people living with paralysis to access home and community-based Medicare coverage), and choosing between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director, Attorney Judith Stein, and Associate Director, Attorney Kathy Holt.
Skilled Nursing Facility Updates
The webinar will provide an overview of Nursing Home Quality of Care & Quality of Life Standards from a consumer perspective.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Senior Policy Attorney Toby Edelman and Policy Attorney Dara Valanejad, with special guests Eric Carlson, Justice In Aging Directing Attorney, and Richard J. Mollot, Executive Director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition.
Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Update
This presentation discusses Medicare coverage of DMEPOS, as well as look at the process for obtaining and maintaining proper access to necessary equipment and supplies.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Associate Director, attorney Kathleen Holt with Senior Medicare Patrol Project Director Micki Nozaki of California Health Advocates.
Medicare & Health Care Hot Topics
This presentation examines what’s happening in the Medicare and related health care world, from the perspective of beneficiary advocates.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Associate Director David Lipschutz, Medicare Rights Center Federal Policy Director Lindsey Copeland and Justice in Aging Deputy Director Jennifer Goldberg.
Key Medicare Issues Facing People with Serious Illnesses
This Presentation discusses current issues in Medicare, including updates the “Jimmo v. Sebelius” Medicare Improvement Standard case settlement, Observation Status, and more.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judith Stein and Senior Policy Attorney Toby S. Edelman, with special guest Charles Sabatino, Director of the ABA Commission on Law and Aging.
This presentation provides a summary of the Medicare home health benefit, including issues with coverage and access.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director, attorney Judith Stein, and Associate Director, attorney Kathleen Holt, with special guest Cindy Krafft.
Medicare Advantage Education & Enrollment Issues
This presentation addresses Medicare Advantage changes for 2019, change in enrollment periods, the Medicare & You publication, and other CMS outreach and education materials.
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Managing Attorney David Lipschutz, with Chiplin Senior fellow Ben Belton, and guests.
Skilled Nursing Facilities Update
Presenters: Center for Medicare Advocacy Senior Policy Attorney Toby Edelman and Policy Attorney Dara Valanejad, with special guest attorney Richard J. Mollot, Executive Director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition.
Enhancing the Promise of Medicare – Oral Health, Audiology, Vision Benefits
Presenters: Attorneys David Lipschutz, Wey-Wey Kwok, Guest Speakers
Hospital Observation Status Update: What Does it Mean and What Can You Do About It?
Presenters: Sr. Policy Attorney Attorney Toby Edelman, Litigation Director Alice Bers
Jimmo v. Sebelius Update – Medicare Coverage for Maintenance Care, CMS Corrective Action Plan and Implementation
Presenters: Attorneys Judith Stein, Alice Bers, Gill Deford (Counsel for Jimmo plaintiffs)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Part 1 – History/Myths/Who is Served (Rough Cut)
Presenters: Ben F. Belton, Chiplin Senior Fellow, Attorney Kathleen Holt
SSDI Part 2 – Overview of Benefits for Those Who Qualify and Best Practices for Applications
Presenters: Ben F. Belton, Chiplin Senior Fellow, Attorney Kathleen Holt
Hospital Observation Status Update
Presenters: Attorneys Toby Edelman and Alice Bers
Introduction to Medicare Appeals, and Practice Tips
Presenters: Attorneys Mary Ashkar, Paul Grabowski
Presenters: Executive Dir. Judith Stein, Esq., Associate Dir. Kathleen Holt, Esq.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF): An Update on Recent Federal Policy Developments
Presenters: Sr. Policy Attorney Attorney Toby Edelman, Policy Attorney Dara Valanejad
Team Gleason/CMA Webinars & Town Halls
Team Gleason and the Center for Medicare Advocacy are pleased to announce a new initiative to help people living with ALS understand the Medicare home health benefit and maximize access to coverage and care. The Home Health Initiative will provide the following three Educational Webinars:
Webinar #1: An Overview of Medicare for People Living With ALS – Eligibility, Enrollment, Choosing Between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, Coverage and Payment Issues.
Webinar #2: An Overview of Medicare Home Health Coverage – Related Law, Regulations, Policies and Practical Tips to Assist People Living With ALS to Access Home and Community-Based Medicare Coverage.
Webinar #3: Case Studies: Pathways to Maximizing Medicare Home Health Coverage and Access to Care for People Living With ALS (Considering Skilled Care, Homebound, Face-to-Face Certification and “Dependent” Service Issues)
Each webinar is 90-minutes long, and includes 30 minutes of Q&A. The webinars are presented by Center for Medicare Advocacy attorneys and include Power Point slides.
Team Gleason/CMA Virtual Town Hall Discussions: ALS & Medicare
As part of our Team Gleason/Center for Medicare Advocacy Home Health Initiative we will host three Virtual “Town Hall” calling hours for people living with ALS, to share answers to questions received on the email portal and to answer live questions from callers about Medicare and home health care.
Team Gleason Town Hall Session 1 (Recording)
Team Gleason Town Hall Session 2 (Recording)
Team Gleason Town Hall Session 3 (Recording)
Administration for Community Living Webinar Series
with thanks to the Administration for Community Living we offer this former free webinar series:
Medicare for People Living with Disabilities
Webinar #1 An Overview of Eligibility, Enrollment and Payment
- Download Slides – (English) (Espanol) (.pdf)
- Sign in and Watch Now
Webinar #2: Medicare for Dually Eligible and Low-Income People Under Age 65
Webinar #3: Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage and Related Issues for Individuals Under 65
Webinar #4, Medicare Home Health Coverage for People with Chronic Conditions (Including a Jimmo Update)
Webinar #5, Transitions Onto (and Off Of) Medicare for Individuals Under Age 65
Webinar #6, Choosing Traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan: Pros and Cons for Individuals Under Age 65
Webinar #7, Best Practices and Tips for Education, Resources, and Community Collaboration to Assist Medicare Individuals Under Age 65
Encore Presentation with New Content from OIG and the Center (portions recorded) – Best Practices and Tips for Education, Resources, and Community Collaboration to Assist Medicare Individuals Under Age 65