Hospital coverage and inpatient hospital care are crucial for the recovery of many acute illnesses and injuries. Yet a common misconception among patients is that they will remain in the hospital until they feel "well enough" to go home. Instead, hospitals only keep patients for as long as a high intensity of medical care is needed. Most of a patient's recovery actually happens … [Read more...] about Hospital Discharge Planning is Key to Recovery
Medicare Covers COVID-19 Tests & CMS Issues Guidance to Medicare Advantage & Part D Plans
As the coronavirus is spreading nationally and globally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced early in March that Medicare will cover coronavirus testing. All COVID-19 tests ordered by your doctor or other health care provider will be covered under Medicare Part B as a diagnostic laboratory test, and therefore has no out-of-pocket costs. Coverage can … [Read more...] about Medicare Covers COVID-19 Tests & CMS Issues Guidance to Medicare Advantage & Part D Plans
House Leaders Introduce Bills to Prevent COBRA from Biting People Eligible for Medicare
“Many retirees are unexpectedly exposed to out-of-pocket liability for any costs paid under COBRA benefits on or after date of Medicare eligibility and penalties for late enrollment in Medicare. Some of this risk would be eliminated if COBRA notices addressed the interaction with Medicare, and vice versa. Unfortunately, such information is not required under either Medicare or … [Read more...] about House Leaders Introduce Bills to Prevent COBRA from Biting People Eligible for Medicare
Alert ~ Delayed Billing for Medicare Part B Premium Payments in December 2018
We just received word from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that there was a delay in the mailing of the December 2018 Medicare Premium Bills (CMS-500). Bills are normally mailed by the 10th of each month. Yet, last month, CMS' print contractor mailed the Medicare Premium Bills almost a week late, between December 15th and December 17th. Most beneficiaries … [Read more...] about Alert ~ Delayed Billing for Medicare Part B Premium Payments in December 2018
More Good News Regarding Equitable Relief for Part B Penalties
Earlier 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 a significant difference in the lives of many beneficiaries. For … [Read more...] about More Good News Regarding Equitable Relief for Part B Penalties
