Tag: Medicare Beneficiaries

Medicare Advantage and Part D rule

Medicare Rights Center Comments on 2026 Medicare Advantage & Part D Rule

The Medicare Rights Center has submitted comments on the proposed Medicare Advantage and Part D rule for 2026 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This annual rule introduces critical provisions aimed at strengthening prior authorization standards, enhancing transparency, and improving access to accurate plan information for beneficiaries. We strongly support these reforms […]
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Medicare Conversion Factor Increases, But Payments Remain Lower

Medicare Conversion Factor Increases, But Payments Remain Lower

Medicare Conversion factor are up but payouts are still down compared to last year. Healthcare professionals will see a slight upward adjustment to their Medicare payments starting March 9 after President Biden signs the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), 2024.  Really fortunately, although the 2024 CAA increases the conversion factor (CF) finalized for calendar year (CY) […]
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CMS Enhanced Patient Appeal Procedures

CMS Enhanced Patient Appeal Procedures

Doctors must consider the implications of altering a patient’s status. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is suggesting novel retrospective and prospective appeal procedures in compliance with a federal district court order from the District of Connecticut. On December 21, the agency unveiled a proposed rule aiming to institute an appeal mechanism for […]
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How Implementing Site-Neutral Policies Can Help Reduce Healthcare Costs

How Implementing Site-Neutral Policies Can Help Reduce Healthcare Costs

The United States grapples with a healthcare affordability crisis, anticipating a 6.5 percent surge in costs due to inflation next year. Amidst concerns over escalating medical expenses, the deeper roots of these inflated prices often evade attention. Deficient government policies, notably Medicare reimbursement policies, contribute to consolidating the healthcare sector, ultimately driving up costs that […]
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CPT codes play a pivotal role in the transition to value-based care

CPT® codes play a pivotal role in the transition to value-based care

In order for value-based healthcare to succeed, it is imperative that physician practices effectively articulate the medical services and procedures they provide. This underscores the vital role of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set in driving the shift towards value-based care. According to the chair of the AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), […]
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Medicare Advantage Plans: A Positive Experience for Beneficiaries

Medicare Advantage Plans: A Positive Experience for Beneficiaries

Higher satisfaction with problem resolution was observed among beneficiaries who were more inclined to renew their Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans have garnered favorable satisfaction scores, with beneficiaries showing high approval ratings for trustworthiness, operational ease, and coverage adequacy, as outlined in a recent market research study. The 2023 US Medicare Advantage Study encompasses […]
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President’s Efforts to Limit Surprise Medical Bills and Reduce Health Care Expenses

The President administration has announced its intention to restrict the sale of “junk” insurance policies, including short-term plans that may not provide adequate coverage for individuals who are in-between jobs and require temporary health care coverage. These policies have been known to deny basic coverage to policyholders. On Friday, President announced a set of fresh […]
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Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage : Lawmakers Call for Streamlined Process

CMS has proposed a rule to simplify prior authorization in government-sponsored health insurance programs. However, some lawmakers are urging the agency to do more. A bipartisan coalition of 233 representatives and 61 senators have written a letter to CMS requesting that the proposed rules be expanded and that the changes be finalized quickly to enhance […]
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Medicare Updates IVIG Demonstration Payment for 2023

Medicare Updates IVIG Demonstration Payment for 2023

Healthcare providers submitting claims for services, supplies, and accessories ordered under the Medicare Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) Demonstration can expect to see an approximate 2.1 percent payment increase over last year. The calendar year 2023 rate for HCPCS Level II code Q2052 is $392.56, compared with $384.59 in 2022. What is the Medicare Intravenous Immune Globulin Demonstration? […]
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