This week, a report out of The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University and the Community Living Policy Center demonstrates how increasing access to Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) can reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals with long-term supports and services (LTSS) needs, their families, […]
A data spotlight from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—the federal agency that enforces consumer financial law—shows that medical debt was common even before the COVID-19 pandemic upended many people’s lives and finances. Thanks in large part to their high levels of health care coverage through Medicare, people 65 and […]
A new brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) examines the often extreme cost liability that Part B covered drugs—typically, those administered by physicians and other health care providers—can carry. The findings are clear: immediate action is needed to rein in drug prices, improve affordability, and better support people with […]
This week, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) delivered its annual report to Congress that examines Medicare’s payment policies, including Medicare Advantage (MA). In this year’s report, MedPAC reiterated its position that Medicare pays more for MA enrollees than it does for similar beneficiaries enrolled in traditional Medicare and added […]
A new analysis from the AARP Public Policy Institute finds drug companies have increased prices for many brand name Part D drugs in 2022, contributing to affordability challenges for people with Medicare. According to the report, 75 of the 100 brand name drugs with the highest Medicare Part D spending […]
This week, Medicare Rights submitted comments on a proposed rule that would make some important changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D plans. If finalized, this rule would alter how MA plans can use third parties to market to consumers; require plans to communicate with enrollees in multiple languages; […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced changes to its Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model portfolio that are intended to advance the agency’s goal “of creating a health system that achieves equitable outcomes through high quality, affordable, person-centered care.” The updates include transitioning the current Global and […]
This week, the Biden-Harris administration announced new reforms to improve nursing home staffing, transparency, and oversight. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 1 million nursing home residents and over 1 million staff have tested positive for the virus, and approximately 150,000-200,000 residents have died. Advocates have pointed to staffing shortages, the […]
Medicare Rights Advocacy Medicare Rights urges New York to expand Medicare Savings Program eligibility Medicare Rights, in coalition with Medicaid Matters New York, New York Legal Assistance Group, StateWide Senior Action Council, and others, advocates for the inclusion of S8228/A9245 in one-house budget bills and the final 2022-2023 New York State Budget. […]
