For decades, Medicare beneficiaries – particularly those with long-term or debilitating conditions and those who need rehabilitation services – have been denied necessary care based on a so-called “improvement standard.” This illegal practice means that Medicare coverage for vital care is denied to thousands of individuals on the grounds that their condition is stable, chronic, … Read more
As lawmakers debate the future of Medicare as part of broader efforts to address the federal deficit, proposals have emerged that would have severe repercussions for beneficiaries and their families. Sound solutions that would protect Medicare coverage while reducing costs to taxpayers have not been seriously addressed. Our six solutions would accomplish both these goals. Read … Read more
A lawsuit was filed on November 3, 2011 by the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and co-counsel National Senior Citizens Law Center, seeking to end the use of hospital "Observation Status" (Bagnall v. Sebelius (No. 3:11-cv-01703, D. Conn)). The suit was filed on behalf of seven individual plaintiffs from three states who represent a nationwide class of people … Read more