In late April, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued finalized rules to both strengthen consumer protections in Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans, and reduce out-of-pocket drug costs for beneficiaries. As summarized in CMS' recent fact sheet, this final rule revises the MA and Part D regulations related to marketing and communications; the … [Read more...] about CMS’ Finalized Rules Will Lower Drug Costs & Increase Consumer Protections
CHA Calls for Increased Consumer Protections & Oversight of Part C & D Plans
California Health Advocates worked together with Center for Medicare Advocacy to submit comments on the proposed rule for Medicare Part C and D. While we wholeheartedly support several of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS’) stated goals of the proposed rule, namely to “strengthen consumer protections to ensure MA and Part D beneficiaries have accurate and … [Read more...] about CHA Calls for Increased Consumer Protections & Oversight of Part C & D Plans
Victory in Medicare’s Coverage of “Off-Label” Prescription Drugs
Do you or someone you know take a prescription drug to help with an "off-label", or non-FDA approved, condition? This is a legal and common practice where doctors can prescribe medicines for treating less common conditions. Yet, until recently, Medicare denied coverage of these drugs. On February 11, 2022, however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit reversed … [Read more...] about Victory in Medicare’s Coverage of “Off-Label” Prescription Drugs
Why Did Medicare’s Part B Premium Rise 14.5% in 2022?
If you're on Medicare, chances are you had a bit of a shock when seeing the 2022 Medicare Part B premium amount. It went up by $21.60, from $148.50 in 2021 to $170.10 in 2022. That's a 14.5% increase, and is one of the steepest increases in Medicare's history. So why was there such a significant increase, particularly when there was only a $3.90 increase between 2020 and 2021? … [Read more...] about Why Did Medicare’s Part B Premium Rise 14.5% in 2022?
Proposed Rule Would Lower Part D Drug Costs, Increase MA Plan Oversight & More
Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule with needed and welcomed changes for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Some of the changes include: lowering Part D out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries starting January 1, 2023, increasing marketing oversight and holding plans accountable for misinformation - including information … [Read more...] about Proposed Rule Would Lower Part D Drug Costs, Increase MA Plan Oversight & More
