Earlier today, the White House announced a framework for the “Build Back Better” budget reconciliation bill. While the outlined package takes important steps forward, it does not go far enough. It leaves critical Medicare improvements—like prescription drug reform and an expansion of Part B to cover vision and dental care—behind. […]
At the beginning of the COVID-19 public health emergency, policymakers relaxed rules around how people with Medicare could access telehealth services. In part, this allowed beneficiaries to seek remote care from providers they did not already have relationships with. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human […]
This week, Congress is working to reach a deal on the budget reconciliation bill. Critical health care reforms are on the table—and we need your help to ensure they make it into the final package. Medicare and Medicaid provide critical health coverage to millions of older adults and people with […]
Medicare Rights Advocacy Medicare Rights advocates for expansion of Medicaid eligibility and the Medicare Savings Program Medicare Rights, in coalition with Medicaid Matters New York, Community Service Society of New York, Legal Aid Society, New York Legal Assistance Group, and StateWide Senior Action Council have put forward a proposal to expand […]
There is significant public, bipartisan support for the Medicare policy changes lawmakers are considering for inclusion in the Build Back Better budget reconciliation bill. One recent poll finds 84% of Americans—89% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans—favor adding dental, vision, and hearing coverage to Medicare. Another, out this week from […]
Medicare Open Enrollment begins tomorrow, October 15, giving people with Medicare the option to shop for new coverage for the coming year. But many beneficiaries do not compare plans and may find themselves with coverage that is too expensive or not suited for their needs. This week, the Kaiser Family […]
Over 12 million people in the United States have both Medicare and Medicaid for their health coverage. Medicare, which covers older adults and people with disabilities, and Medicaid, which covers people with limited income and assets, work together to provide the health care people need. However, it can often be […]
Health care affordability is one of the main trends that the Medicare Rights Center sees on its helpline. The cost of Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays can be overwhelming for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families—but there are programs that can help. Medicare Rights’ helpline counselors screen […]
In recent months, the Medicare Rights Center has been helping ensure that important health care reforms are included in the budget bill Congress hopes to pass this fall. While Medicare and Medicaid provide critical coverage to millions of older adults and people with disabilities, gaps in eligibility and benefits, rising […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced Medicare will cover booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine without any cost-sharing. As with the initial vaccinations, there will be no applicable copayment, coinsurance, or deductible. Medicare beneficiaries who are 65 and older or at high risk can get the shot […]
