CMS Issues Updated Best Available Evidence Policy Memo
August 18, 2008: 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: 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: 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 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 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 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.
Is Your Pharmacy Profiting at Your Expense?
June 16, 2008 Albertsons pharmacy division (Sav-On Drugs, Jewel Osco) and its affiliated companies are being sued for violating the California privacy rights of thousands of its customers by illegally selling their confidential prescription information to pharmaceutical companies.
California's Senior Medicare Patrol Project Saves Medicare $7+ Million in Fraud Claims
June 16, 2008 California's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) project helped Medicare avoid paying over $7 million in fraudulent claims last year, which accounts for 99% of Medicare's avoided costs for all 57 SMP projects nationwide.
The CMC holds 2 meetings every other month in southern and northern California locations. More about the CMC…
Thur, August 28 — Sacramento
TOPIC:
Update on “Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008” — Medicare Bill H.R. 6331
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NEW! “Medicare Enrollment Periods" Fact Sheet (PDF)
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Plan Comparison Charts
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Webcasts and Brochures
We offer workshops on a variety of Medicare topics in California, designed for statewide organizations and federal and state agencies who work with and serve Medicare beneficiaries.
Promises Made, Promises Denied: Consumers of Long-Term Care Insurance Experience Denied Claims and Premium Increases
JULY 24, 2008 Testimony before the House Energy & Commerce Committee,
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Statement of Bonnie Burns, Training and Policy Specialist, California Health Advocates addressing. See also the archived hearing and written testimonies.
CHA Comments on CMS' Proposed Regulations Concerning Medicare Advantage and Part D Issues (PDF)
July 15, 2008 Addresses establishing special needs plans eligibility and care coordination, eliminating inflated drug prices for beneficiaries, clarifying best available evidence (BAE) and other polices related to the low-income subsidy, codifying provisions of marketing guidelines, and more.
New Website Provides One-Stop Source on California Medicare Information
May 19, 2008 In launching their new single 'full-service' website, CHA is expanding their educational and advocacy services to a much broader audience, reaching both Medicare consumers and health professionals.
