Hospital Discharge Planning is Key to Recovery
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
What Can You Do If You’re Denied Coverage for a Drug? Understanding Medicare Part D Appeals
What can you do if your Part D prescription drug plan will not cover a drug that you need? Below are three important points for exercising your Part D appeal rights.
New Class of Hospital Patients May Gain Access to Appeal “Observation Status”
A new ruling yesterday in Alexander v. Price, 3:11-CV-1703 (MPS) certified a class composed of all Medicare beneficiaries who, since January 1, 2009, have received or will have received “observation services” as an outpatient during a hospitalization. This ruling is a first crucial step in creating a legal right where Medicare beneficiaries placed in “observation status” can appeal that status.
Do You Know How to Make Sense of Your Medicare Statements?
Statements about your Medicare coverage contain important information about the costs of medical care and prescriptions you have recently received. Below we explore 2 main types of Medicare statements: the […]
Review Medicare’s Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment & How to Use this Benefit
Durable medical equipment (DME) is equipment that helps you complete your activities of daily living. Wheelchairs, walkers, and home oxygen equipment are some examples of Medicare-approved DME. Most people need […]
Hospital Transitions ~ Do You Know Your Discharge Rights?
Did you know that 1 in 5 hospital inpatients return to the hospital within 30 days of leaving? To make the transition from the hospital as smooth as possible for […]
