House GOP Committee Advances Bill Targeting Social Security and Medicare
The GOP-controlled House Budget Committee advanced legislation that the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Ron Wyden, referred to as a 'backroom scheme' to cut Social Security and Medicare outside of the regular political process.
Wyden argued against the Fiscal Commission Act, claiming that it involves trading away Americans' earned benefits in a secretive process, and instead called for Republicans to work with Democrats to ensure the wealthy pay their fair share. [ more ]
If You're on Medicare, You Could Save Money on Drugs This Year
Prescription drug costs are falling for more than a million seniors due to the Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden.
The changes include a $35 monthly cap on insulin costs, an out-of-pocket cap of $3,300, and the ability for Medicare to negotiate drug prices. [ more ]
US to cover HIV prevention drugs for older Americans to stem spread of the virus
The Biden administration is proposing a federal policy to provide free preventive medication for older Americans to protect against HIV.
Medicare would cover the full cost of preexposure prophylaxis drugs (PrEP), including long-acting injectables, for those 65 and older.
The proposal aims to address the inequities in access to PrEP but does not address the financial struggles of younger Americans or potential funding cuts for federal HIV prevention efforts. [ more ]
In fight over Medicare payments, the hospital lobby shows its strength
Hospitals are using their political power to protect their higher payment rates from Medicare for services compared to other doctors and facilities.
A provision requiring Medicare to pay the same rates for medical treatments regardless of whether they're done in a hospital-owned clinic or elsewhere has sparked a lobbying battle. [ more ]
What to do if your hospital drops your Medicare Advantage plan
More than half of Medicare-eligible people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, but hospitals have been dropping these plans due to issues with prior authorizations and denials.
Hospitals and health systems in at least 11 states announced they would be out-of-network for some or all Medicare Advantage plans in 2024. [ more ]
Hospitals are fighting a Medicare payment fix that would save tax dollars
A House-passed bill aims to equalize Medicare payments for certain infusions given in hospitals with payments for the same services done in other health care settings.
Hospitals are fighting against the bill in the Senate, arguing that it would force them to cut jobs or services. [ more ]
Retired couples might need $400,000 in savings to cover medical expenses
Retired couples who are Medicare beneficiaries may need as much as $413,000 saved to cover medical expenses in retirement.
For single men, the savings figure is $184,000, for single women it's $217,000, and couples in supplemental insurance plans would need $351,000. [ more ]
Psychologists renew demand for doubling of Medicare-subsidised sessions
Psychologists are urging the government to increase the number of subsidised psychology sessions and reduce the gap fee to help individuals under financial strain.
The Australian Association of Psychologists wants the Medicare rebate to be increased by over $50 for some sessions and the number of subsidised sessions to be doubled from 10 to 20. [ more ]
CMS Notifies Additional Individuals Potentially Impacted by MOVEit Data Breach
CMS and Maximus Federal Services are sending letters to 330,000 people with Medicare notifying them of a data breach and offering free credit monitoring services.
The breach occurred due to a security vulnerability in the MOVEit software used by Maximus Federal Services.
Impacted individuals may also receive a new Medicare card with a new number. [ more ]
Positive Healthcare is leaving Florida, causing an insurance scramble for HIV/AIDs patients
Positive Healthcare, also known as PHP, will no longer offer coverage in Florida after Dec. 31, leaving close to 900 patients scrambling for insurance.
Florida hospitals would not allow PHP to pay a percent of Medicare like it does in California, leading to the decision to pull out of the state.
The insurance plan offered rich benefits to South Floridians living with HIV, who often have multiple co-morbidities and need a lot of support. [ more ]