If your hospital stay was reclassified from inpatient to observation status, leading to denial of Part A coverage for post-hospitalization skilled care, you can now file a retroactive appeal. Post-hospitalization denials dating as far back as 2009 may be appealed. The…
more
A Senate subcommittee recently blasted Medicare Advantage plans for their handling of pre-authorization requests for post-acute care. The report, from the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation and released on October 17, focuses on the post-acute skilled nursing care that seniors…
more
Medicare Part D plans are stand-along prescription drug plans available to those with original Medicare. Part D coverage is sold by private companies. Several big changes are coming to Part D in 2025 as a result of the Inflation Reduction…
more
Have you heard about PACE, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly? Offering a variety of services, PACE can allow certain people to age at home and in the community, instead of being admitted to a nursing home for…
more
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and have ever sought pre-authorization for a recommended medical procedure, you know the pre-authorization process can be time-consuming and too often, unsuccessful. Intended to make sure medical procedures are truly necessary,…
more
On October 12, the final numbers were released for 2024. Here they are: Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 3.2% raise in 2024. This translates to an additional $59 per month for the…
more
Inflation appears to be losing steam. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the inflation rate was 4.9% in April 2023, the smallest increase since April 2021 and the first increase below 5% in two years. This trend is good…
more
Our office frequently receives calls from adult children whose parents have entered or are about to enter long-term nursing care. Accustomed to Medicare covering their parent’s medical bills, they now face a frightening fact: Medicare will not cover their parent’s…
more
The nationwide Public Health Emergency (PHE) brought about by the Covid pandemic is scheduled to end on May 11, 2023. It has been renewed every 90 days since it was first declared in March 2020. The end of the Public…
more
If you are enrolled in original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage program, the time has arrived: Medicare Open Enrollment period kicks off October 15 and runs through December 7. During this period you can make certain changes to your coverage….
more
