CMS Expands Payments for In-Home COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
June 10, 2021
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took additional steps this week to make COVID-19 vaccines available to Medicare
📢 URGENT: Protect Medicaid for Millions of People with Medicare
Coverage and Benefits
Medicare provides health coverage to over 60 million older adults and people with disabilities, paying for important medical care in hospital and outpatient settings. Nearly 12.5 million beneficiaries also rely on Medicaid, which helps with affordability through the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), and covers services Medicare does not, such as long-term services and supports. The Medicare Rights Center supports strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, modernizing benefits and financial assistance, and bolstering the workers and caregivers who deliver this vital care.
President Biden Releases FY22 Budget Proposal
June 3, 2021
Last week, President Biden submitted his first budget request to Congress. The White House plan includes legislative proposals and detailed funding
Biden Administration Prohibits Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity
May 13, 2021
This week, the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights announced that a ban on sex discrimination
Statement for the Record “Negotiating a Better Deal: Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs”
May 4, 2021
Immediate action is needed to transform the nation’s drug pricing system in ways that will lower prices, strengthen Medicare, and promote the well-being of those who rely on its coverage. H.R. 3 would significantly advance these goals, in part by authorizing Medicare to negotiate prices for certain drugs; imposing inflationary rebates; and restructuring Part D to cap beneficiary out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 per year, reduce the federal government’s liability, and better align pricing incentives.
New Research Highlights Supplemental Coverage “Cliff” For Some with Medicare
April 29, 2021
A new research article published in Health Affairs examines the supplemental coverage “cliff” that some people with Medicare may experience. These beneficiaries
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Bill Is an Important Step
April 29, 2021
This week, the Medicare Rights Center submitted comments in response to a discussion draft of a bill to expand access to Medicaid
Letter Urging Biden Administration to Take Immediate Action on Key Issues Facing Medicare Beneficiaries
February 9, 2021
In a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Secretary Norris Cochran, two leading Medicare beneficiary advocacy organizations, the Medicare Rights Center and the Center for Medicare Advocacy, urge the Biden Administration to take swift action to strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. As outlined in the letter, matters requiring immediate attention include simplifying Medicare transitions during the COVID-19 public health emergency, enhancing Medicare outreach and enrollment strategies, and increasing regulatory review efforts. Looming deadlines and unmet needs make these improvements urgent.
Reduce Barriers to Care
January 20, 2021
The Biden administration must reduce barriers to care by making coverage more available, accessible, and affordable. On our Helpline, we frequently hear from older adults and people with disabilities who live on modest or limited incomes and are struggling to access and afford their care. These financial challenges—which have in many cases been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic—along with rising health care and prescription drug costs, antiquated coverage rules, and burdensome program requirements can make it difficult for older adults and people with disabilities to obtain the care they need. The following reforms would help reduce these barriers to care by making Medicare stronger, easier to navigate, and more affordable.
Summary of Policy Recommendations for the Biden Administration
December 17, 2020
The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) looks forward to working with the Biden administration to advance policies that protect and strengthen Medicare as well as the health and economic well-being of those who rely on its coverage. To facilitate this dialogue, we compiled a set of administrative actions for their consideration. We will also outline our legislative priorities for the 117th Congress.
CMS Expands Payments for In-Home COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
June 10, 2021
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took additional steps this week to make COVID-19 vaccines available to Medicare
President Biden Releases FY22 Budget Proposal
June 3, 2021
Last week, President Biden submitted his first budget request to Congress. The White House plan includes legislative proposals and detailed funding
Biden Administration Prohibits Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity
May 13, 2021
This week, the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights announced that a ban on sex discrimination
Statement for the Record “Negotiating a Better Deal: Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs”
May 4, 2021
Immediate action is needed to transform the nation’s drug pricing system in ways that will lower prices, strengthen Medicare, and promote the well-being of those who rely on its coverage. H.R. 3 would significantly advance these goals, in part by authorizing Medicare to negotiate prices for certain drugs; imposing inflationary rebates; and restructuring Part D to cap beneficiary out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 per year, reduce the federal government’s liability, and better align pricing incentives.
New Research Highlights Supplemental Coverage “Cliff” For Some with Medicare
April 29, 2021
A new research article published in Health Affairs examines the supplemental coverage “cliff” that some people with Medicare may experience. These beneficiaries
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Bill Is an Important Step
April 29, 2021
This week, the Medicare Rights Center submitted comments in response to a discussion draft of a bill to expand access to Medicaid
Letter Urging Biden Administration to Take Immediate Action on Key Issues Facing Medicare Beneficiaries
February 9, 2021
In a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Secretary Norris Cochran, two leading Medicare beneficiary advocacy organizations, the Medicare Rights Center and the Center for Medicare Advocacy, urge the Biden Administration to take swift action to strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. As outlined in the letter, matters requiring immediate attention include simplifying Medicare transitions during the COVID-19 public health emergency, enhancing Medicare outreach and enrollment strategies, and increasing regulatory review efforts. Looming deadlines and unmet needs make these improvements urgent.
Reduce Barriers to Care
January 20, 2021
The Biden administration must reduce barriers to care by making coverage more available, accessible, and affordable. On our Helpline, we frequently hear from older adults and people with disabilities who live on modest or limited incomes and are struggling to access and afford their care. These financial challenges—which have in many cases been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic—along with rising health care and prescription drug costs, antiquated coverage rules, and burdensome program requirements can make it difficult for older adults and people with disabilities to obtain the care they need. The following reforms would help reduce these barriers to care by making Medicare stronger, easier to navigate, and more affordable.
Summary of Policy Recommendations for the Biden Administration
December 17, 2020
The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) looks forward to working with the Biden administration to advance policies that protect and strengthen Medicare as well as the health and economic well-being of those who rely on its coverage. To facilitate this dialogue, we compiled a set of administrative actions for their consideration. We will also outline our legislative priorities for the 117th Congress.