CHA Opposes State’s Proposed Denti-Cal Provider Rate Reduction for Gum Treatments for Nursing Home Residents
Read moreCalifornia Health Advocates is one of several organizations who submitted this letter opposing the State Plan Amendment (SPA) to reduce rates that Denti-Cal providers receive to provide gum treatment in nursing homes and also requiring x-rays be performed prior to rendering gum treatment services. We are concerned that this proposal would further limit the availability of...
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New Advocacy Guide: Oral Health for Older Adults in California
Read moreOur partners, Justice in Aging recently published a new advocacy guide regarding oral health for older adults in California. Below is a brief overview and links to the guide. Please share! Oral health affects overall health – this is particularly true for older adults. Yet, access to oral health treatment is limited and complicated...
Medicare’s Trust Fund Is Projected to Deplete in 8 Years; Social Security in 16
Read moreThe Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees released their financial reviews of the programs earlier this month and the news is not good. Medicare’s Trust Fund has sufficient funds to pay out full beneficiary benefits for its Hospital Insurance (Part A) for only 8 more years, until 2026. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)...
California Health Advocates Awarded Next 5-Year Grant Cycle for California Senior Medicare Patrol
Read moreCalifornia Health Advocates (CHA) received great news from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living. CHA was awarded one of the country’s 54 grants for the next 5-year grant cycle for Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). CHA has been the SMP grantee since the program’s inception in 1997.
New Medicare Cards, Same Old Scammers
Read moreMedicare is mailing new, more secure Medicare cards with a Medicare Number that’s unique to every person with Medicare. Medicare is getting rid of the old card because the old Medicare Number was based on a person’s Social Security Number. Scammers sometimes use Social Security Numbers to try to steal someone’s identity, open new...
What Can You Do If You’re Denied Coverage for a Drug? Understanding Medicare Part D Appeals
Read moreWhat can you do if your Part D prescription drug plan will not cover a drug that you need? Below are three important points for exercising your Part D appeal rights.
CMS Expands Eligibility for Time-Limited Equitable Relief from Part B Penalites
Read moreThis week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded those beneficiaries eligible for time-limited equitable relief from Part B penalties to people who are in Marketplace plans and missed signing up for Medicare Part B during their Special Enrollment Period following the loss of their or their spouse’s employer covered health insurance....
CHA Voices Concern & Opposition in Proposed Changes to Allow Brokers to Enroll Dual Eligibles into Cal MediConnect
Read moreCalifornia Health Advocates, along with numerous advocates across the state, submitted this letter to express our deep concerns and opposition to proposed changes that would permit brokers to enroll dual eligibles into the Cal MediConnect (CMC) program. The proposal to introduce brokers is inconsistent with consumer experience on the ground and exposes consumers to...