CHA Calls for Eliminating D-SNP “Look-Alikes” & Promotes Further Alignment of Medicare & Medicaid Benefits
Read moreBelow are the comments California Health Advocates submitted in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Call Letter to Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans for 2020. In the letter, CHA calls for the end of marketing and eventual elimination of D-SNP “look-alikes”. D-SNP look-alikes do not genuinely serve the needs of people...
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Keep Medigap Plans Standardized ~ Support SB 407
Read moreApproximately 11 million Medicare beneficiaries have Medicare Supplement insurance, better known as Medigap. Medigap pays some or all of Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs, namely the coinsurance and deductibles. Medigap insurance is offered through 10 standardized, easily comparable benefit packages, plans A-N, mandated under federal law. (Note: plans E, H, I and J were previously removed...
HICAP Seeks Volunteers to Help with Medicare Questions
Read moreAre you retired and looking for a meaningful volunteer experience? The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) may be perfect for you! HICAP is seeking volunteers to help people with Medicare navigate the complex system of their healthcare coverage options. After 24-30 hours of training plus internship, HICAP volunteers help clients understand Medicare, including supplemental...
The Benefits & “How To” of Creating an Oral Health Benefit in Medicare
Read moreDid you know that over 50% of older adults don’t have access to oral health care? This is the case despite the fact that one in five older adults have untreated tooth decay and 70% have gum disease. The numbers are even higher among older adults of color, those with low-incomes and/or less education,...
Having Trouble with Your Nursing Home? Learn Common Problems & How to Resolve Them
Read moreCan a nursing home deny needed therapy services? Evict a resident for being “difficult”? Limit family members and friends to specified “visiting hours”?
Statement on Governor’s New Year Budget ~ Good Investments & More is Needed for Long Term Care Needs of Older Adults & Those with Disabilities
Read moreThe Governor’s January 2019-20 budget proposal makes much-needed investments in California’s communities. Yet, more is required to address the long-term care needs of older adults and persons with disabilities to ensure their highest quality of life and quality of care. California Health Advocates is one of 37 organizations making up the California Collaborative for...
Senate Bill Introduced to Include Dental Benefit as Part of Medicare Part B
Read moreIn early January, Senator Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2019 (S. 22) which would add a comprehensive oral care benefit to the Medicare program. It would repeal a current mandate that prohibits Medicare coverage for such services, and would embed this oral health care benefit into Medicare Part B. Comprehensive...
Your Story Can Help Us Fix California’s Broken Long Term Care System
Read moreDid you or a loved one have to spend all of your savings and other assets in order to pay out of pocket for long term care services or qualify for In Home Support Services (IHSS)? We’re working to fix California’s broken long-term care system and our advocacy partners at United Domestic Workers of...