As the U.S. healthcare system continues to evolve, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have seen rapid growth, offering seniors an alternative to traditional Medicare. With more than 30 million beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage as of 2025, the demand for administrative efficiency and accurate claims processing has never been greater. Medical billing companies play a pivotal […]
Enrolling in Medicare can feel like navigating a maze of paperwork and deadlines. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process, focusing specifically on the new Medicare enrollment application. We’ll break down the different parts of the application, explain eligibility requirements, discuss enrollment periods, and offer tips for a smooth and successful enrollment experience. Understanding […]
The bill was crafted partly in response to rising complaints among seniors over aggressive marketing practices for Medicare Advantage plans. U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, have introduced the bipartisan Medicare & You Handbook Improvement Act, which is meant to ensure that when seniors assess their Medicare coverage options, they have the necessary […]
Medicare Advantage plans hold up their end of the contract with CMS, and provide, at a minimum, a fair reimbursement for services delivered. The physician advisor is a fast-growing specialty that has evolved into so much more than someone who performs endless chart reviews for observation status determinations, medical necessity reviews, peer-to-peer conversations with payors, […]
For most readers the results of this analysis will be amazing but true. Longtime RACmonitor contributor and R1 Physician Advisory Services Vice President Dr. Ronald Hirsch recently pointed site Publisher Chuck Buck in the direction of something that, frankly, wowed him: a PhD thesis from a young Columbia University student on the topic of […]
President Trump’s fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget allows for $87.1 billion in discretionary budget authority and $1.2 trillion in mandatory funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) commands the lion’s share of HHS’s budget, the Trump administration has found ways to cut $395 million […]
Controversy continues to swirl around this subject. A recent article of mine focused on the argument that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have to follow the two-midnight rule. It certainly generated buzz; I received a number of emails with comments and questions. First, I want to note that I love getting comments and questions. I can’t […]
Undercoding, or reporting a lesser service than was performed and documented, is sometimes employed as a defensive strategy to stave off claims denials or audits. But, undercoding can make a provider an outlier, and may create consequential patient care, compliance, and financial liabilities. For example: Undercoding Leaves Money On The Table, Driving Down Provider Reimbursement […]
Explanation of Medicare Benefits (EOB) error message 96 Non-covered charge was the No. 1 reason for claims denials in December in all of Medicare Jurisdiction H, according to the region’s Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). “Prior to performing or billing a service, ensure that the service is covered under Medicare,” Novitas Solutions says on their website. This should be […]