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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 2d

Among GAO’s key findings is that physicians are increasingly consolidating with other entities, including hospital systems, private equity firms, and insurers. They found stakeholders’ views on the potential effects to be varied, with some pointing to quality declines.

Health Care Consolidation Continues to Raise Concerns - Medicare Rights Center

A recent literature review from a government watchdog shows that physician consolidation is on the rise. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that patterns like practices being...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 3d

Drugs selected for negotiation must be brand-name drugs that don’t have competition and must be among those that drive the most Medicare spending. The negotiated prices are a minimum of 38% off the 2023 list price.

Negotiated Prices Take Effect for Ten Drugs in 2026 - Medicare Rights Center

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 created a new ability for Medicare to negotiate prices for the most expensive drugs the program covers. The first set of negotiated drug prices will go into e...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 5d

These values are vital to our mission to protect and expand access to health care for older adults and people with disabilities. Join Dr. Kullar and the Medicare Rights community to be champions for the millions who rely on Medicare. Learn more at medicarerights.org/events

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 5d

We are honored to have Dr. Dhruv Kullar as the keynote speaker at our annual benefit event this year. Dr. Kullar is a physician, professor, and writer whose work reflects a deep commitment to health equity and compassion in care.

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 6d

The recent federal budget law blocks simplifying Medicare Savings Program enrollment, maintaining barriers. “[MSPs] are meant to make it easier for people with very limited incomes to afford health care,” said Medicare Rights' President Fred Riccardi. “This is a real setback.” Read on the NYT.

Millions of Poor Retirees Have Lost an Easier Path to Help With Medicare

www.nytimes.com

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 9d

The budget reconciliation bill, HR 1, contained drastic cuts to states’ Medicaid funding and coverage. While most of these cuts have not yet gone into effect, many states are already fearing economic downturns or recession spurred in part by rising costs and tariffs.

States Already Cutting Medicaid, Massive Federal Cuts Yet to Come - Medicare Rights Center

The budget reconciliation bill, HR 1, contained drastic cuts to states’ Medicaid funding and coverage. While most of these cuts have not yet gone into effect, many states are already fearing economic ...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 9d

It's true that Advantage Plans must cover what Original Medicare does, but there may be different restrictions and rules to get coverage. Our counselors can help walk you through the appeal process--our national helpline is 800-333-4114. And you can learn more about Medicare Advantage appeals here:

Medicare Advantage post-service standard appeals - Medicare Interactive

If your plan does not pay for a service or item you received, you may still be able to get coverage. Learn what to do if you disagree with your plan’s decision not to pay for a service or item.

www.medicareinteractive.org

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 10d

Congressional Democrats have pledged not to vote on a budget extension unless Congress extends subsidies for ACA Marketplace plans. Many Republicans in Congress argue there is plenty of time before the year end to extend the subsidies, but Marketplace open enrollment begins November 1.

Federal Government Shuts Down Over Health Care Subsidies - Medicare Rights Center

The federal government is currently in a shutdown triggered by a lack of bipartisan agreement on government funding and access to health care coverage. Congressional Democrats have pledged not to vote...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 11d

Contact your plan to learn more about the denial reason. If your plan denies coverage for something, you can appeal. Contact the Medicare Rights Center at 800-333-4114 for help navigating the appeal process

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 11d

Medicare Advantage Plans can deny coverage for services for many reasons. One common denial reason is that the plan does not have enough evidence that the service was medically necessary. The explanation of benefits you get from the plan should include the denial reason for the service you mentioned

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 11d

Even if you cannot attend, consider making a contribution today to sustain our pursuit of getting Medicare right. Learn more at medicarerights.org/events

Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 11d

While leaves change color, Medicare Rights' mission remains evergreen. Our annual benefit this October is an opportunity to join us in doubling down on our commitment to high-quality, affordable health care for millions of older adults and people with disabilities.

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 11d

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment
MA plans
Standalone Part D drug plans
Now's the time to review your Annual Notice of Coverage and/or the Medicare & You Handbook. If you need help during the enrollment period, call our free, national helpline: 800-333-4114

Text reads: Client services corner. News from the helpline. 800-333-4114. Medicare Open Enrollment is just two weeks away! Now is the time. Remind yourself of the changes you can make from Oct. 15 ~ Dec. 7. End text. The background is off-white with blue waves of various shades decorating it.

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 11d

The Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period starts in JUST 2 WEEKS! Medicare Rights wants to remind you that Fall Open Enrollment--AKA the Annual Election Period--runs between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, and is the time for you to make changes to your Medicare coverage such as changes to:

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 12d

For Healthy Aging Month, we highlight the importance of comprehensive medical and community care. Affordable care, a choice to live independently, and the support of caregivers who themselves are well-supported are key to aging-friendly communities. www.medicarerights.org/medicare-wat...

Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 16d

We recently flagged important changes coming to Medicare Plan Finder for the upcoming Fall Open Enrollment period, including the addition of Medicare Advantage provider directories. Now we commend CMS for recently announced steps to further integrate the directories and MPF.

Final Rule and New Special Enrollment Period Will Aid Those Misled by Provider Directories - Medicare Rights Center

Earlier this month, we flagged important changes coming to Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) for the upcoming Fall Open Enrollment period, including the addition of Medicare Advantage (MA) provider directori...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 17d

Congressional Democrats are broadly opposed to the House-passed bill. One key concern is that it does not address time-sensitive health care issues. While Democrats are hoping the impasse will bring Republicans to the negotiating table, the latter have yet to show interest in a bipartisan approach.

Federal Funding Deadline Looms - Medicare Rights Center

Legislation funding the federal government expires September 30. Congress must pass another spending bill by then to avoid a shutdown, but lawmakers remain at odds. Standoff Over Health Coverage Last ...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 20d

NHAAAD honors the history of activism and medical progress that has enabled people with HIV to live longer, fuller lives while drawing attention to the continued need for support and advocacy for older adults living with HIV. Read Medicare Rights' reflections: www.medicarerights.org/medicare-wat...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 23d

This week, two House committees met to review bills that aim to reduce coverage restrictions and costs for select services for certain Medicare beneficiaries. These important goals are, however, undermined by some components of the bills.

House Committees Mark Up Medicare Bills That Aim for Improvements, but Have Unintended Consequences - Medicare Rights Center

This week, the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees met to review bills that aim to reduce coverage restrictions and costs for select services for certain Medicare beneficiaries. Th...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 24d

Over the past week, Medicare Rights has submitted comments in response to two proposed rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services dealing with how physicians, hospitals, and other providers get paid.

Proposed Rules are a Mixed Bag but Take Important Steps to Bolster Primary Care - Medicare Rights Center

Over the past week, Medicare Rights has submitted comments in response to two proposed rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) a...

www.medicarerights.org

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 26d

Medicare Rights' president spoke with Robin Hamilton on "Democracy Does" to encourage people to keep an eye on the evolving Medicare landscape and turn to community-based organizations for support getting care, reliable info, and cost-assistance programs. democracydoes.podbean.com/e/red-tape-a...

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Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · 28d

Follow Jamie's and Riley's journeys in our video to better understand how the same care can have wildly different price tags under Medicare, and how site neutrality offers a common-sense solution to inflated overpayments.

Medicare Site Neutrality: A More Rational Payment System

YouTube video by Medicare Rights Center

youtu.be

Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · Sep 12

Currently, if someone is interested in a plan & has a provider they want to keep seeing, they must leave MPF. In addition, MPF does not show detailed information on supplemental benefits.

CMS announced that it will be updating MPF to allow beneficiaries to search by provider & see directory info.

Important Medicare Plan Finder Improvements Planned This Fall, More Work Needed - Medicare Rights Center

When people consider enrolling in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, one of their major tools is Medicare Plan Finder (MPF). This tool allows people to compare the plans available in their zip code, inclu...

www.medicarerights.org

Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · Sep 11

PTCs help nearly 93% of Marketplace enrollees afford insurance, reducing enrollee premiums from $619 to $113 per month, on average. Unless Congress acts, PTCs that help +22 million people buy ACA Marketplace plans will expire at the end of this year.

www.medicarerights.org/medicare-wat...

Congress Must Preserve Access to Affordable Marketplace Coverage - Medicare Rights Center

Unless Congress acts soon, critical tax credits that help over 22 million people buy Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans will expire at the end of this year, causing premiums and coverage loss...

www.medicarerights.org

Medicare Rights Center @medicarerights.bsky.social · Sep 10

Our latest infographic breaks down the payment systems at play driving up costs for Medicare and those it serves. We advocate for equal pay for equal service, regardless of setting. This would help sustain Medicare for this generation and the ones to come. www.medicarerights.org/policy-docum...