Long-term care pharmacies are struggling with an Affordable Care Act provision related to short-cycle dispensing of brand name oral solid drugs, according to a recent letter from the Long Term Care Pharmacy Alliance and the National Community Pharmacists Association.
About 90% of seniors, including dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, are happy with Medicare's prescription drug program, a new survey reveals.
July 05, 2012
It's well established that nursing home residents frequently struggle with conditions such as heart failure and depression. It's also true that critics of nursing home care are quick to blame these conditions on substandard care
The vast majority of the medications used by people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid can find what they need through Medicare Part D formularies, a federal report finds.
February 17, 2012
A new Medicare overhaul proposed by two Republican senators on Thursday would save an estimated $200 billion to $500 billion over 10 years by way of "premium support."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
