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

Category archives: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Medicare Premiums to Increase By Almost $10 a Month in 2020
3 weeks ago
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]

Medicaid's Asset Transfer Rules
4 months ago
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]

Reports Find Hospice Deficiencies Go Unaddressed
5 months ago
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]

New Rule Once Again Allows Nursing Home Arbitration Agreements
5 months ago
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]

Five Questions to Ask Before Settling a Personal Injury Lawsuit
1 year ago
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]

Social Security Payments, Medicare Premiums and Deductibles, to Rise in 2019
1 year 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?
1 year 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 year 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
1 year 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
1 year 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?
2 years 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
2 years 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]