Category archives: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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3 weeks ago
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Recognizing the huge problems caused by opioid addiction in the United States, Medicare is adding a new outpatient opioid treatment benefit, paying for methadone and related treatment in certain facilities.
Under a new rule taking effect in January 2020, Medicare will now provide payment to o... [read more]
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1 month ago
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Medicare does not offer much in the way of dental benefits. To get dental coverage, you need to purchase separate and often costly dental insurance or sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental care. Advocates for Medicare beneficiaries are arguing for a change.
Common dental ... [read more]
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2 months ago
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2020 federal guidelines for how much money the spouses of institutionalized Medicaid recipients may keep, as well as related Medicaid figures.
In 2020, the spouse of a Medicaid recipient living in a nursing home (called t... [read more]
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3 months ago
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After small or no increases the past couple of years, Medicare’s Part B premium will rise sharply in 2020. The basic monthly premium will increase $9.10, from $135.50 a month to $144.60.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the premium increase on November 8, 2019. N... [read more]
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6 months ago
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In order to be eligible for Medicaid, you cannot have recently transferred assets. Congress does not want you to move into a nursing home on Monday, give all your money to your children (or whomever) on Tuesday, and qualify for Medicaid on Wednesday. So it has imposed a penalty on people who transfe... [read more]
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7 months ago
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Hospice care is supposed to help terminally ill patients maintain their quality of life at the end of their life, but two new government reports find that serious problems in some hospices may be actually causing harm to hospice patients. The reports propose that additional safeguards are needed.
... [read more]
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7 months ago
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The Trump administration is officially rolling back a ban on the use of arbitration agreements by nursing homes that was initiated under President Obama. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a rule that once again allows nursing facilities to use arbitration to settle disputes... [read more]
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1 year ago
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When personal injury lawsuits are settled, the underlying settlement figure may be less than initially meets the eye due to attorneys’ fees, expenses and other costs. To ensure the resulting settlement best protects the plaintiff's long-term financial interests, as well as their health and quality o... [read more]
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1 year ago
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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]
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1 year ago
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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]
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1 year ago
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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]
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2 years ago
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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]
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