Medicare Watch Archive

Note to readers: This week we bring you the inaugural issue of a newly revamped Medicare Watch. The new Medicare Watch combines the policy and advocacy updates that were featured in our newsletter Asclepios with the latest information on Medicare rules and benefits. Medicare Watch will also feature summaries of interesting cases, as well as spotlights on the work of the Medicare Rights Center and other organizations to improve Medicare.

Health Reform and Medicare

This week, President Obama provided new details on his comprehensive health reform plan, including his proposal to phase out the coverage gap in the Medicare drug benefit. Read Medicare Rights Center President Joe Baker’s statement on how the Medicare benefit will improve if health reform passes.

Report on State MIPPA Implementation

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) aligned eligibility criteria for programs that help pay cost-sharing for medical care and prescription drugs for people with Medicare. A new Medicare Rights Center report highlights problems with how states are implementing the law and recommends steps to fix these problems.

Case Flash

Mrs. L is enrolled in a Medicare HMO and in Medicaid, but was being billed copays for her doctor visits. A Medicare Rights Center counselor helped the doctor bill Medicaid for Mrs. L's copays so she could continue to afford treatment.

Read the full Case Flash here.

Spotlight

This week Congress passed emergency legislation to delay a 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors. The Medicare Rights Center joins other advocates on this NBC News Report in pushing for a permanent solution that will avoid future Medicare pay cuts.