Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Archives | Grady H. Williams, Jr. LL.M, Attorneys at Law

Category archives: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Social Security Payments, Medicare Premiums and Deductibles, to Rise in 2019
2 weeks ago
Social Security payments are set to grow next year, although for some recipients the extra income will be slightly offset by an increase in Medicare premiums and deductibles. Announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) on October 11, 2018, and effective December 31, Social Security pay... [read more]

It’s Open Enrollment Season: Is Your Medicare Plan Still Working For You?
4 weeks ago
Do you have the right Medicare plan? It is fall, which means it is time to think about whether your current plan is still giving you the best coverage or whether a new plan could save you money or offer better coverage. Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, during which you can freely enroll in or swit... [read more]

On Life Support for Two Years, Program That Moves People Out of Institutions Is Closer to Reauthorization
1 month ago
After expiring two years ago, a program that helps people with disabilities transition out of institutions and into the community appears to be headed for renewed funding and even improvement. The Ensuring Medicaid Provides Opportunities for Widespread Equity, Resources, and Care (EMPOWER) Ca... [read more]

Proposed New Medicare Payment System May Affect Beneficiaries
4 months ago
Medicare is proposing a new flat rate reimbursement system for doctors who treat Medicare patients. Some worry that the plan may reduce payments to specialists and cause fewer doctors to accept Medicare patients. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) says the proposed changes a... [read more]

Looming Deadline for Electronic Check-in for Home Care Workers Raises Concerns
4 months ago
Starting in 2019, providers of home health care services will be required to clock in electronically with Medicaid prior to performing services. However, disability rights advocates and a bipartisan group of senators are calling for the state-by-state rollout of these Electronic Visit Verification (... [read more]

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Steering Enrollees to Lower-Quality Nursing Homes?
7 months ago
A new study has found that people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan were more likely to enter a lower-quality nursing home than were people in traditional Medicare. The study raises questions about whether Medicare Advantage plans are influencing beneficiaries' decision making when it comes to c... [read more]

Don't Let Health Care Providers Use the Improvement Standard to Deny Medicare Coverage
1 year ago
Have you or a loved one been denied Medicare-covered services because you’re "not improving"? Many health care providers are still not aware that Medicare is required to cover skilled nursing and home care even if a patient is not showing improvement. If you are denied coverage based on this outdate... [read more]

Relief From Medicare's Part B Late-Enrollment Penalty Offered to Some
1 year ago
Medicare is offering relief from penalties for certain Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare Part A and had coverage through the individual marketplace. For a short time, these individuals will be able to enroll in Medicare Part B without paying a penalty for late enrollment. Indivi... [read more]