Medicare Part D

Medicaid drug costs are much lower than Medicare Part D costs, report finds

August 17, 2011

Medicaid's net unit drug costs are much lower than costs under Medicare Part D, which is attributed to higher Medicaid rebates for brand name medications, according to a new report.
 

Medicare Part D keeps seniors out of nursing homes, hospitals, study shows

July 28, 2011

Medicare's prescription-coverage program cuts healthcare costs by about $12 billion. That's because the benefit reduces admissions to nursing homes and hospitals, according to a new study.
 

Medicare Part D sponsors may be overcharging beneficiaries; investigation sought

March 10, 2011

Congressional Democrats are calling for a full review of the Medicare Part D program following a recent audit that found that many program sponsors have been overcharging beneficiaries by underestimating manufacturer rebates in their bids.
 

Some healthcare reform provisions take effect

January 03, 2011

A number of key healthcare reform provisions affecting the long-term care industry began Jan. 1, right before the new session of Congress comes back to Washington, according to The Hill.
 

Open enrollment for Medicare Part D drug program sparks debate

October 26, 2010

In preparation for the Medicare Part D open enrollment period, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said it has streamlined its coverage options and eliminated choices it considered repetitive. But critics of the changes charge that eliminating such options undermines the spirit of President Obama's pledge, "If you like your plan you can keep it."
 

Beneficiary groups endorse plan to simplify Medicare Part D

October 11, 2010

A number of Medicare beneficiary advocacy groups have voiced support for a plan from the Department of Health and Human Services to simplify the Medicare Part D program. They want to reduce the number of available plans.
 

CMS confirms 50% discount for drugs in Medicare Part D coverage gap in 2011

October 01, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently disclosed that 234 drug manufacturers that sell drugs covered by Medicare Part D have signed a pledge to provide a 50% discount to seniors who fall into the coverage gap, or doughnut hole.
 

Sebelius, Biden confirm Medicare Part D drug discounts next year amid skepticism of price hikes

September 24, 2010

Vice President Joe Biden and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reassured seniors Thursday that there will be a 50% discount for those who fall into the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" beginning next year.
 

Increased use of generic drugs helps to save Medicare Part D billions

September 17, 2010

The Medicare Part D prescription drug program saved more than $33 billion in 2007 due to the use of generic drugs, according to a new government report.
 

Medicare Part D premiums to rise modestly as drug discounts take effect

August 20, 2010

The average monthly Medicare Part D premium will rise by about $1 to $30 beginning next year. That is the same time that new benefits designed to begin closing the coverage gap kick in, health officials said Wednesday.
 

Democrats look to Medicare Part D checks to sway seniors by November

August 17, 2010

Many seniors are still wary of healthcare reform, but Democrats hope some of the new law's provisions will help win over reluctant elders, according to recent reports.
 

Improved Medicare Part D drug coverage leads to rise in antibiotic use, study finds

August 16, 2010

Antibiotic use by seniors has increased as a result of better drug coverage under the Medicare Part D drug program, according to a study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.
 

CMS releases drug maker agreement in move to close Medicare Part D coverage gap

August 04, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Monday took the next step in its bid to close the Medicare Part D coverage gap: It released a drug maker agreement that will secure 50% savings for beneficiaries next year.
 

Health agencies warn seniors about Medicare Part D rebate scams

July 27, 2010

As another round of $250 Medicare prescription drug rebate checks goes out in the mail, healthcare officials are reminding seniors to be aware of potential scams.
 

More Medicare Part D rebate checks are in the mail, Sebelius says

July 09, 2010

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discussed the next round of Medicare Part D rebate checks for seniors this week at a Seniors Forum in New Hampshire.
 

Vermont decides not to recoup some seniors' Medicare Part D rebate checks

June 16, 2010

Some low-income seniors in Vermont received good news Monday: State officials said they are giving up in their attempt to collect the $250 Medicare Part D rebate checks.
 

Vermont to seniors: Give me your $250 Medicare Part D checks

June 14, 2010

Many seniors across the country are gearing up to receive $250 reimbursement checks for costs associated with the Medicare Part D coverage gap. But Vermont is telling some seniors to hand that money over to the state.
 

Government to send $250 checks to seniors in the Medicare Part D doughnut hole

June 01, 2010

Medicare beneficiaries who fall into the Part D prescription drug coverage gap soon will receive checks for $250 to help cover the costs of the drugs, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
 

CMS to inform seniors of Medicare changes resulting from healthcare law

May 25, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to send information to Medicare beneficiaries to notify them of changes under the new healthcare reform law, the agency said Monday.
 

CMS issues notice of sanctions to Medicare Advantage insurer

May 19, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this week informed Medicare Advantage insurer Quality Health Plans of its intent to impose intermediate sanctions and a civil monetary penalty (CMP) on the company due to its failure to comply with certain requirements. QHP is the third insurer in as many months to come under fire from CMS for non-compliance.
 

CMS notifies Medicare Part D provider Aetna of possible sanctions

April 13, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently notified Aetna Insurance Company of its intent to impose an intermediate sanction to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries continue to have access to prescription drugs under Medicare's requirements.
 

Long-term care leaders criticize Washington Post article on reimbursements

March 31, 2010

A recent Washington Post analysis of the use of "ultra-high" reimbursement categories for nursing homes "paints a negative, incomplete picture of the growing role and tangible benefits associated with skilled nursing facility (SNF) patient care," two leading long-term care advocates said.
 

OIG calls its healthcare suggestions 'priority recommendations'

March 31, 2010

The Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services has released a report highlighting recommendations, including some that could affect nursing homes.
 

Retirees face average of $250,000 in medical bills during retirement

March 26, 2010

Married seniors planning to retire this year may face $250,000 in medical bill over the course of their retirement. That does not include long-term care or nursing home costs, according to a study by Fidelity Investments.
 

A big night for healthcare reform

March 22, 2010

Sunday evening marked the turning point for the passage of healthcare reform. After the turmoil of the past year, you almost have to pinch yourself to believe it.
 

Government offers funds to help switch seniors from terminated Fox Insurance plan

March 17, 2010

Some states will receive additional funding for insurance information programs for seniors after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services terminated a federal contract with Fox Insurance Company.
 

Medicare terminates prescription drug contract with Fox Insurance Company

March 11, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Tuesday ended its contract with Fox Insurance Company after an on-site review revealed serious policy violations. It represents the first time that CMS has terminated a contract with a Part D drug plan since the drug program began in 2006, according to CMS.
 

Federal government gives states more than $4 billion to help with Medicare Part D 'clawback' costs

February 22, 2010

The Obama administration is granting $4.3 billion to states to help them offset the cost of Medicare drug coverage for those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
 

AAHSA members to call lawmakers today, urging them to pass healthcare reform

January 26, 2010

The White House has signaled that it may be scaling back the healthcare reform bill, and one long-term care group is speaking out about it.
 

Study: Nursing home residents with most to gain from Medicare Part D drug program are least likely to enroll

January 14, 2010

Many nursing home residents benefit from Medicare Part D but don't enroll in the prescription drug program, according to a recent study.
 
Popular Topics
Affordable Care Act Alzheimer's Assisted Living Budget Census Centers For Disease Control And Prevention Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services CLASS Act CMS Department Of Health And Human Services Florida GAO Government Accountability Office Group Therapy HHS Jobs Kathleen Sebelius Kosher Meals LeadingAge Length Of Stay Long-Term Care Marketing Medicaid Medicare Nursing Homes