The COBRA & Medicare Conundrum Regarding the American Rescue Plan Act By Bonnie Burns, Consultant to California Health Advocates Background The federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) included a provision for federally subsidized premium assistance COBRA coverage from April 1, to September 30, 2021 for certain qualified individuals and their dependents. In some … [Read more...] about The COBRA & Medicare Conundrum
Medigap’s “Birthday Rule” is Extended to 60 Days
Want to change to a different Medigap plan? If you live in California and have a Medigap plan, you can. Our state law allows you an opportunity to buy certain plans without a health screening each year starting on your birthday for at least 60 days. This window used to be 30 days, but, thanks to the passage of SB 407 (Monning) in 2019, this Medigap "Birthday Rule" has been … [Read more...] about Medigap’s “Birthday Rule” is Extended to 60 Days
CHA Applauds Maryland’s Efforts to Bring Medigap “Birthday Rule” Right to Consumers
California Health Advocates submitted these two letters of support on behalf of Maryland's HB 653 and SB 659 which would establish the “birthday rule” for Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) for Marylanders. Our state originally adopted this rule more than 20 years ago, and Oregon adopted the same rule about 7 years ago. CHA applauds Maryland's efforts to extend this right … [Read more...] about CHA Applauds Maryland’s Efforts to Bring Medigap “Birthday Rule” Right to Consumers
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
House Passes Historic Bill to Lower Drug Prices & Expand Medicare
On December 12th, the U.S. House of Representative passed a historic piece of legislation, Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) by a vote of 230-192. If signed into law, this legislation would significantly reduce the cost of prescription drugs for beneficiaries and Medicare, including authorizing Medicare to negotiate prices for certain drugs and capping … [Read more...] about House Passes Historic Bill to Lower Drug Prices & Expand Medicare
