Help protect Medicare’s future—support our 2025 Annual Benefit on Oct 28!
This Healthy Aging Month, we at Medicare Rights are highlighting the importance of comprehensive medical and community care to healthy and happy aging for older adults. Preventive Care Keeping up with regular preventive care appointments is one of the most important aspects of maintaining health and minimizing the risk of […]
Legislation funding the federal government expires September 30. Congress must pass another spending bill by then to avoid a shutdown, but lawmakers remain at odds. Standoff Over Health Coverage Last week, the Republican-controlled House cleared a stopgap measure to continue funding through November 21. It was then blocked by Senate […]
Earlier this month, we flagged important changes coming to Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) for the upcoming Fall Open Enrollment period, including the addition of Medicare Advantage (MA) provider directories. Now we commend the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for recently announced steps to further integrate the directories and […]
Over the past week, Medicare Rights has submitted comments in response to two proposed rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). These rules come out annually and are very technical documents dealing with how physicians, […]
This week, the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees met to review bills that aim to reduce coverage restrictions and costs for select services for certain Medicare beneficiaries. These important goals are, however, undermined by some components of the bills. Increased Free Screening, but Only for […]
On September 18, we recognize National HIV/AIDS Aging Awareness Day. This observance honors the history of activism and medical progress that has enabled people with HIV to live longer, fuller lives, while also drawing attention to the continued need for support and advocacy for older adults living with HIV. Aging […]
Unless Congress acts soon, critical tax credits that help over 22 million people buy Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans will expire at the end of this year, causing premiums and coverage losses to skyrocket. The Role of Premium Tax Credits Since 2012, ACA premium tax credits (PTCs) have helped […]
When people consider enrolling in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, one of their major tools is Medicare Plan Finder (MPF). This tool allows people to compare the plans available in their zip code, including being able to enter prescription drug information to get a rough idea of what their costs will […]
A new report from KFF examines Medicare beneficiary finances and health care costs. While satisfaction with the program remains high, challenges paying for it persist. Enrollees make significant, often burdensome contributions—including paying payroll taxes, premiums, and cost sharing. Many face additional costs due to Medicare’s lack of comprehensive coverage for […]
When Medicare pays for health services, there is one key factor that can cause a difference of thousands of dollars for procedures that are otherwise identical: location. Where a person receives care and how that provider is classified under Medicare’s payment structure is that hidden key. Medicare typically pays hospital […]
