Medicare News
Managing Editor/Writer:
Karen Fletcher, MPH, CHA Publications Consultant. E-mail
What’s New
CMS Issues Updated Best Available Evidence Policy Memo
August 18, 2008: Prescription Drugs — CMS’ memo about a new process to the Best Available Evidence policy to help beneficiaries who claim to be LIS eligible but cannot present evidence.
Guide to CMS, SSA and Medicare Plan Mailings for Beneficiaries this Fall
August 14, 2008: Prescription Drugs — CMS recently published a handy chart outlining the notices beneficiaries will be receiving this fall from CMS, Social Security and Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
Federal Standards for Long-Term Care Insurance Policies Needed, Witnesses Voice at House Hearing
AUGUST 4, 2008: Long-term care — Three panels of witnesses at a House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on July 24th called on federal lawmakers to require minimum standards for private long-term care insurance policies.
Veto Override on Medicare Bill Marks Important Victory for Beneficiaries & Advocates
JULY 30, 2008: Medicare Basics —The Medicare bill's historical veto override provides long-sought provisions in Medicare benefits, marketing guidelines for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, protections for low-income beneficiaries, and language access requirements.
Medicare Part D Lawsuit Settlement Helps Shorten Delays in Getting Medication for Low-Income Beneficiaries
JULY 30, 2008: Prescription Drugs — Tens of thousands of low-income Americans who become eligible for Medicare each month will no longer have to wait weeks for subsidized prescription drug coverage under a new settlement with the Bush administration.
Telephone Scams in California Continue – Protect Your Medicare and Credit Card Info
JULY 1, 2008: Medicare fraud and abuse — Have you been offered a new Medicare card with dental, vision, and hearing aid benefits? If so, this offer may be one of the recent telephone scams being made to beneficiaries around the state and nationwide.
More Medicare news articles from CHA:
Medicare basics
-
23 New Medicare Administrative Contractors Replace Medicare's Current Contracts
June 16, 2008
- No More Telephone Access to Medicare Carriers and Intermediaries? Share Your Experience with 1-800 Medicare MARCH 5, 2008
- Senator Smith Reports Incorrect and Misleading Answers with 1-800 Medicare
- California Health Advocates' Updated Tools for 2008
Medicare Advantage
- Beneficiaries with ESRD Can Join MA Demonstration Plans in Several California Counties
- Private Insurers Enroll Beneficiaries in Fight Against MA Payment Cuts
- Controversial Limited Open Enrollment Period (L-OEP) Ended July 31, 2007
Prescription drugs
- Is Your Pharmacy Profiting at Your Expense? June 16, 2008
- Remember Your Transition Drug Supplies – Important Prescription Access Rights for Beneficiaries
- Reminder: Creditable Coverage Disclosure Required of Entities Offering Drug Coverage to Medicare Beneficiaries
- Standardizing Prescription Drug Labels Legislation Signed into Law
Low-income help
- New 'Elder Index' Seeks to Replace Outdated Federal Poverty Guidelines APRIL 23, 2008
- Citizenship Proof Required for Medicaid Eligibility Beginning on July 1st
- How Are People with Medicare and Medi-Cal Fairing Under Medicare Part D?
Medicare and other health insurance
- Benefits Can Now Be Cut at 65 for Retiree Plans – Does This Ruling Hinder or Help Retirees?
- Most Large Employers Plan to Maintain Drug Coverage for Medicare Retirees over Next 2 Years
Medicare billing, claims and appeals
- Still Got Complaints? Here’s Your Guide for Medicare Fraud, Billings and Claims and Part D
- Got Medicare Complaints? Here’s Your Guide
- Medicare Beneficiary Complaint Chart
Medicare fraud and abuse
- California's Senior Medicare Patrol Project Saves Medicare $7+ Million in Fraud Claims June 16, 2008
- State and National Bills Introduced to Protect Seniors from Fake Financial Experts April 23, 2008
- SMP Volunteer Highlight of Recent CMS Press Conference
- Los Angeles and Florida Pilot Program Targets Medicare Fraud
Health care disparities
- Small Victory in Language Access – 2009 MA and Part D Plan Notices of Coverage to Include Information on Available Translated Materials April 23, 2008
- Website Highlight: California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN)
- California Leads Nation in Growing Numbers of Grandparent Caregivers
Long-term care
- Gambling on Death? Trends in the Buying and Selling Death Benefits
- Judge Orders State to Promptly Investigate Complaints of Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse
