Enrollment Still Growing In Medicare Advantage Plans, GAO Says
Predictions of the demise of Medicare's private insurance plans are premature, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
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Predictions of the demise of Medicare's private insurance plans are premature, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
They argue that if policies were less generous, seniors might reduce their trips to the doctor of find cheaper care, which would save the government money.
State Medicaid directors and health insurers press panel to move people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid into private health plans for more efficient care.
Complaint filed in federal court alleges one of the nation's largest hospice companies and HMO firms defrauded the government by inappropriately shifting patients into the program for terminally ill.
To help give a sense of the enormity of the pressure faced by panel members, KHN has examined just one of many areas the committee must consider. Here is a sampling of the advice and requests from health care interests.
Both Democrats and Republicans are eyeing proposals to require well-off Medicare beneficiaries to pay more for their coverage as the super committee looks for ways to hold down spending.
More than half of 15 major deficit reduction proposals put forth in 2010 and 2011 call for higher-income Medicare beneficiaries to pay more for their coverage.
Although the GOP presidential candidate is offering to let beneficiaries stay in the traditional fee-for-service program, critics say his plan could shift more cost to individuals.
The free counseling program is available in nearly every county. The current open enrollment season ends Dec. 7.
Here are some questions SHIP officials recommend asking.
Open-enrollment season for Medicare Part D often brings confusion for seniors all over the United States trying to sign up for prescription drug plans. Most counties in the U.S., however, have programs to help seniors wade through the options.
As Medicare prepares to factor patient ratings into reimbursements, hospitals everywhere are pulling out the stops to please. Some of the nation's most prestigious hospitals are struggling to appease their exacting patients.
Former Sen. Alan Simpson and former Clinton White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles both zeroed in on health care costs and the deficit during testimony before the super committee on Tuesday.
Jackie Judd talks with KHN's Mary Agnes Carey about the super committee's public hearing Tuesday when it heard from the leaders of previous deficit reduction groups.
Federal officials have changed the evaluation system to include more quality measures and plans that don't meet standards in three years will face expulsion.
KHN staff writer Mary Agnes Carey reports that most beneficiaries face only a small boost in their monthly premiums next year, and some will enjoy decreases, Obama administration officials announced.
KHN staff writer Phil Galewitz reports that the combination of rising enrollments and the end of federal stimulus funds is forcing a huge spike in state spending on Medicaid, the state-federal program for the poor.
Publication of the new Medicare data on HHS website is a step in the government's plan to link payments to quality.
Medicare's open enrollment season begins
Only a handful of Medicare Advantage plans win five stars for quality. But the bonuses attached to the federal rating system are reshaping the competitive landscape for insurers.
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