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.
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.
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.
New 'Elder Index' Seeks to Replace Outdated Federal Poverty Guidelines
April 23, 2008 The Elder Index calculates the basic cost of living for retired adults age 65 and older for every California county, taking into account costs for housing, food, transportation, out-of-pocket medical expenses and other necessary spending.
Beneficiaries with ESRD Can Join MA Demonstration Plans in Several California Counties
February 28, 2008 Close to 500,000 Americans suffer from kidney failure.
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.
SMP Volunteer Highlight of Recent CMS Press Conference
FEBRUARY 6, 2008 Joe O’Malley and his service as a Senior Medicare Patrol volunteer were the spotlight of a recent Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services press conference on a new policy concerning potential durable medical equipment suppliers.
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.
2 meetings are held every other month in Southern and Northern California locations, and the 1st and 2nd Wednesday of the month. Learn more…
We offer workshops on a variety of Medicare topics in California, designed for statewide organizations and federal and state agencies who work with and serve Medicare beneficiaries.
Also in our Education section:
Medicare Plans Still Not Accepting Best Available Evidence of LIS Eligibility
MAY 7, 2008 BAE policy applies when beneficiary presents evidence of LIS eligibility but CMS records show otherwise.
There’s a Hole in the Bucket: New “Gap” Product Being Sold to Fill-in Medicare Advantage Deficiencies
Nov. 2007 policy brief: Despite the insurance industry’s and CMS’ insistence that Medicare Advantage plans are a good value for all beneficiaries, significant “gaps” created by cost-sharing have led to new insurance product aimed at “filling” those gaps.
Informed Choice: The Case for Standardizing and Simplifying Medicare Private Health Plans
SEPTEMBER 2007 People with Medicare would be better able to make informed decisions about their coverage options if Medicare private health plans were limited to finite number of standardized benefit packages.
Medicare Private Plans Subgroup
Sep. 2007 CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY: Testimony before the NAIC Senior Issues Task Force. Statement of David Lipschutz and Bonnie Burns of California Health Advocates, recommending greater regulatory oversight by CMS, restoration of state regulatory oversight, and strengthened consumer protections.
Predatory Sales Practices in Medicare Advantage
JUNE 2007 Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Statement of David Lipschutz of California Health Advocates, addressing predatory sales practices in Medicare Advantage plans.
Page updated April 30, 2008