News About
Health Care Reform
Recent News
- “Skinning” Medicare Beneficiaries
- Feb 17, 2011 The proposals for Medicare changes in Washington DC aim to have beneficiaries put more "skin in the game," basically pay more for their care as a means of cutting Medicare's costs. Yet, none of them address the issue of skyrocketing health care costs. All of them save Medicare dollars by imposing higher costs on Medicare beneficiaries, or by limiting benefits.
- What's Happening to My Medicare?
- Nov 21, 2011 The Super Committee announced that it will not reach a "debt deal" by this Wednesday, hence triggering a host of automatic cuts across the board. During the recent deliberations, proposals to reform Medicare have become pervasive around the growing concern of our federal deficit. This article provides a summary of these proposals and why they will not reduce Medicare spending in the long run.
- 50% Discount on Part D Brand Name Drugs Continues for 2012; 14% Discount on Generics
- Nov 8, 2011 Prescription Drugs Starting January 1, 2012, beneficiaries who reach the Part D coverage gap continue to have a 50% discount on their brand name drugs; their generic drug discount will double to 14%, up from 7% in 2011.
- Understanding Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit: Frequently Asked Questions
- Nov 3, 2011 Medicare Basics As of January of this year, Medicare began offering an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), a benefit covered once every 12 months after the first year of Medicare coverage that has no deductibles, coinsurance or copayments. Under this benefit, beneficiaries to develop a plan with their doctors to keep them healthy, vital and independent.
- Health Reform Creates a New Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan for Californians
- Jan 11, 2011 As a result of the federal Affordable Care Act of 2010, California has a new federally-funded program called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). The PCIP offers health coverage to people who are not yet eligible for Medicare, have been denied health coverage due to a pre-existing condition, and haven't had any coverage in the 6 months before applying.
- Review Upcoming Changes in Medicare Due to Health Care Reform
- Oct 26, 2010 As of January 1, 2011, health care reform brings changes in cost-sharing for preventive services, a newly covered annual wellness visit, a new maximum out-of-pocket limit for MA plan enrollees, a new Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period, and higher Part D premiums for people with high incomes.
- 50% Discount on Part D Brand Name Drugs Starts January 1st
- Oct 26, 2010 As of January 1, 2011, beneficiaries in the coverage gap will receive a 50% discount on all Part D covered brand name drugs and a 7% discount on generic drugs.
- Frequently Asked Questions on the CLASS Act
- Oct 26, 2010 Learn the answers to common questions about the CLASS Act, a part of the recent health care reform legislation that establishes a national voluntary cash benefit long-term care (LTC) insurance program.
- An Overview for Consumers: Selected Aspects of Health Care Reform
- Oct 26, 2010 Learn some of the most important issues about how health insurance will change in the coming years, specifically: 1) regulations on medical loss ratios (MLRs); 2) standards and disclosure on insurance companies’ unreasonable rate increases; 3) standardized definitions and terms to be used in health insurance contracts; and 4) standardized summary of health care benefits that will allow you to make side-by-side comparisons of health care coverage offered by different companies.
- The CLASS Act: Health Reform Creates New Voluntary Long-Term Care Insurance Program
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Jun 30, 2010 The health care reform legislation created a new voluntary federal long-term care insurance policy for actively employed individuals who will pay premiums through a payroll deduction system. Learn the details, including premiums, enrollment and disenrollment.
- What Does Health Reform Mean for Medicare Beneficiaries? Summary of Key Provisions
- Jun 22, 2010 After being a topic of debate for over a decade, health care reform became law this March through 2 bills. Learn some of the major changes affecting Medicare and its beneficiaries.
- Scam Artists Beware! Health Care Reform Makes Medicare Fraud Prevention a National Priority
- Jun 15, 2010 Now is one of the worst times to engage in health care fraud as the newly passed health care reforms is one of the strongest pieces of anti-fraud legislation in history. Learn about local fraud investigation efforts and successes.