Medicare News

What’s New

CHA Extends Congratulations to Newly Elected Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier

May 7, 2008 As a long-time advocate for Medicare beneficiaries and a supporter of California's Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), Speier sponsored several of the Medigap bills that now provide important consumer protections and the guaranteed right to purchase a Medigap policy. More CHA news…

Small Victory in Language Access – 2009 MA and Part D Plan Notices of Coverage to Include Information on Available Translated Materials

April 23, 2008 When Medicare Advantage and Part D plan companies send out their notice of 2009 plan changes this fall, they are requested to note what other languages the notice is available in. More Medicare disparities news…

State and National Bills Introduced to Protect Seniors from Fake Financial Experts

April 23, 2008 People 'preying' on the elderly using fraudulent titles such as "certified financial advisor" is serious problem addressed in 2 recent pieces of legislation. More Medicare Fraud & Abuse news…

No More Telephone Access to Medicare Carriers and Intermediaries? Share Your Experience with 1-800 Medicare

MARCH 5, 2008 As of August 2007, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) cut off callers' access to Medicare Carriers, Intermediaries, and Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). This change means both advocates and beneficiaries have no direct access to these centers for claims and payment investigations. More Medicare basics news…

Beneficiaries with ESRD Can Join MA Demonstration Plans in Several California Counties

FEBRUARY 28, 2008 Close to 500,000 Americans suffer from kidney failure (also known as end stage renal disease, or ESRD) and require either kidney dialysis or transplantation to live. More Medicare Advantage news…

Website Highlight: California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN)

FEBRUARY 20, 2008 CPEHN monitors, analyzes, and informs health policies affecting the health of communities of color. More health care disparities news…

SMP Volunteer Highlight of Recent CMS Press Conference

FEBRUARY 6, 2008 Joe O’Malley and his service as a Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) volunteer were the spotlight of a recent Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) press conference on a new policy concerning potential durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers. More Medicare fraud & abuse news…

Fond Farewells, Warm Welcomes and CHA’s New Oakland Office

JANUARY 30, 2008 Clare Smith, our former CEO/President, had her final day with California Health Advocates last December. More CHA news…

Benefits Can Now Be Cut at 65 for Retiree Plans – Does This Ruling Hinder or Help Retirees?

JANUARY 24, 2008 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced in late December that employers can reduce or eliminate health benefits for retirees when they turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare. More Medicare and other health insurance news…

Remember Your Transition Drug Supplies – Important Prescription Access Rights for Beneficiaries

JANUARY 24, 2008 As over two million low-income Medicare beneficiaries nationwide and close to 500,000 beneficiaries statewide were automatically transferred to a new benchmark plan for 2008, and as many more beneficiaries switched plans on their own, accessing their required drugs in their new plans may well present challenges. More prescription drugs news…