Medicare Rights Center in the News
Our experts, services and resources are often featured in the news. Here are some recent examples that have appeared in prominent media outlets:
Depending on Medicare When Doctor Payment Is Shaky
MarketWatch, March 12, 2010, by Kristen Gerencher
Every year or so, Medicare patients and the doctors who treat them go through a ritual of guessing whether physicians' Medicare payments will be cut, possibly reducing access to care for seniors. This year is no different, but at 21.2%, this potential doctor-payment cut is the largest it's ever been, raising the stakes. Read entire story.
Last Chance to Change Medicare Health Plans
MarketWatch, March 8, 2010, by Robert Powell
It might seem a bit cruel and cold-hearted, but the government is once again asking older Americans to make some hard choices. For many Medicare beneficiaries, there’s one last chance to change their Medicare health plan before they are locked into that plan for the rest of 2010, according to a recent Medicare Rights Center release. Read entire story.
Medicare Cuts Trigger Warning
NBC News, March 1, 2010
Doctors say they may bail on the program if the expected cut in reimbursements becomes reality. NBC's Tracie Potts reports.
Last-ditch Effort Carries High Stakes for Florida Patients
The Palm Beach Post, February 22, 2010, by Stacey Singer
Few states have as much at stake in the health care fight as Florida, a state where one in five residents lacks any health coverage, where what coverage is available for the poor is breaking the bank, and where a large percentage of people — seniors — have government-provided health care that they're keen to protect. On the day President Obama released his health care proposal, the president of the Florida Hospital Association pleaded for an end to the congressional impasse. Read entire story.
Appealing Change in Drug Coverage
The Wall Street Journal, February 14, 2010, by Anne Tergesen
Every winter, millions of Medicare Part D recipients go to fill a prescription, only to learn that their plan no longer covers the medication. People in this situation can always switch to a similar drug that's covered, provided their doctor says it's safe and effective. But they also can launch a formal appeal of the denial -- and the odds of success are high. Read entire story.
Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Maze of Choices
Associated Press, February 2, 2010, by Tom Murphy
A dizzying array of choices awaits those searching for a Medicare Advantage plan. The average Medicare beneficiary has about 33 Advantage plans to chose from this year. Read entire story.
Outrage: Medical Bills Burden Medicare-Eligible Patients
AARP Bulletin Today, January 27, 2010, by Caroline E. Mayer
A growing number of patients who are eligible for Medicare Part B yet haven’t enrolled are now caught in a health insurance crossfire as private insurers become increasingly aggressive in enforcing the fine print of their policies. The problem occurs when retirees age 65-plus or people on disability assume their private insurance, which they have through a working spouse or retirement plan, will continue to cover their medical needs. Read entire story.