CMS Provides Additional Protection Measures for California Beneficiaries Affected by Wildfires
Read moreWith a growing number of Medicare beneficiaries affected by California wildfires and other natural and manmade disasters across the country, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has provided additional protection measures to ensure these beneficiaries have access to care, prescription drugs and durable medical equipment. These measures are in addition to the Special Enrollment...
0Important Information for Medicare Beneficiaries Affected by California Wild Fire Disasters
Read moreCMS is providing a Special Enrollment Period available for Medicare beneficiaries not able to make their health care choices during Medicare's Open Enrollment due to California's wildfire disasters.
Protect Yourself from Marketing Misconduct ~ Know What Plans & Agents Cannot Do
Read moreAs we’re now over three weeks into Medicare’s open enrollment, it’s important to review your coverage options, AND to be aware of marketing and enrollment scams! Here’s a new novella that shares what Medicare health plans and their agents CANNOT do in their plan marketing and provides savvy tips on how to protect yourself...
Distraction Alert ~ President’s Drug Proposal is “Much Ado About Nothing”
Read moreWith the election just days away, the president announced a weak proposal to decrease Medicare drug costs. While he claims it will “revolutionize” Medicare drug prices, it in fact would only slowly address the lowering of drug prices for a very small portion of drugs covered under Medicare Part B, NOT the drugs covered...
Watch Out for “Spoofed” Social Security Phone Scams
Read moreHave you received any calls that appear to be from Social Security where the caller asks for your Social Security number in order to “increase your benefits”? Or threatens that your benefits will be cut off if you don’t give your Social Security number? If so, hang up. It’s a scam. The Federal Trade...
VA’s New Final Rule Affects Several of its Needs-Based Programs
Read moreEarlier this month, the Department of Veteran Affairs’ new final rule went into affect, which significantly impacts the VA Pension, the Aid & Attendance Benefit and some other needs-based benefit programs. Those who work with Veterans should be aware of these changes when advising clients. Many of the changes affect certain eligibility requirements, including:...
Join Us at Online Care Fair, 11/15 from 2-5 p.m. ~ Free Resources for Caregivers
Read moreDo you know of any caregivers looking for helpful advice, resources and real support? If so, spread the word and join us for AARP’s free live Online Care Fair on Thursday, November 15, 2018, 2-5 p.m. PST. Both California Health Advocates and our California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are participating and will have a...
More Good News Regarding Equitable Relief for Part B Penalties
Read moreEarlier this month, we shared the good news that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) extended the equitable relief for Part B penalties for one more year until September 30, 2019. We also found out that CMS is adopting our recommendation to create a permanent fix. Both of these changes will make...