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,...
0
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...
CHA Supports S. 3679, the READI for Disasters Act
Read moreAs a member of the California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports (CCLTSS), CHA and 36 other advocacy organizations submitted this letter to our California Senators in support of S. 3679, the Readiness for Elders and Americans with Disabilities Inclusion (READI) for Disasters Act. This act would establish a National Commission on Disability...
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Ends Friday, Dec 7 ~ Now’s the Time to Make Your Coverage Choices for 2019
Read moreHave you made your health care coverage choices for 2019? If so, great! If not, now is the time, as Medicare’s open enrollment ends this Friday, December 7. Each year this open enrollment period, also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP) is from October 15 – December 7. It’s a time where you...
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...
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...
Medicare’s Open Enrollment is Here ~ Review Your Medicare Options for 2019!
Read moreMedicare’s Fall Open Enrollment is here! Officially known as the Annual Election Period which runs from October 15 through December 7, this is main time when you can change your coverage. All changes are effective January 1 next year. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or disenroll and return to Original...
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Starts Oct 15th ~ Check Your Coverage Options & Your Mail
Read moreMedicare’s annual fall Open Enrollment is almost here! Running from October 15 – December 7, this is an important time to review your coverage and make any necessary changes for your coverage going forward as of January 1, 2019. During the open enrollment, you can join or switch Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Part...
Time-Limited Equitable Relief for Part B Penalties Extended 1 More Year
Read moreThe Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) extended their time-limited equitable relief from Medicare Part B penalties for one more year. It is now set to expire September 30, 2019. Eligible beneficiaries include people who are in Marketplace plans and missed signing up for Medicare Part B during their Special Enrollment Period following...
Medicare Cost Plans Ending by 2019 ~ Make Sure Members Know Their Rights
Read moreWhile many people haven’t heard of Medicare Cost plans, those who have often see them as the “best of both worlds”. Cost plans are basically an HMO with the option to opt out of the plan’s limited network of providers and see any doctor using Original fee-for-service Medicare. They are like an HMO with...