The 2013 Medicare Part A and B general enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31, 2013. As detailed below, this enrollment period is especially important for many individuals who are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. Most people do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A because they have sufficient work history. … Read more →

Federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines for 2012 were published in the Federal Register on January 26, 2012.[1]  The guidelines provide the baseline for eligibility levels for many public benefits, including health benefits for older people and people with disabilities. The published poverty levels merely state a dollar figure for different-sized family units.  They do not … Read more →

Balance Billing is Prohibited.  Period. New Guidance released jointly by the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) and the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office (MMCO) once again highlights and advises about an issue that has created hardships for low-income people using Medicare and challenges for advocates trying to help them. The jointly-issued Guidance includes a link … Read more →

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released state by state information on numbers of individuals whose Part D low income subsidy (extra help) will end March 31 if they do not respond to SSA’s request for information concerning their continued eligibility.  Nationwide, 86,789 low-income Medicare beneficiaries subject to routine redeterminations had not responded to SSA … Read more →

The 2011 Medicare Part A and B general enrollment period runs from January 1st through March 31, 2011.  Medicare Part A enrollment (to purchase Part A – for those who are not entitled to receive it without paying a premium) has become particularly important for low-income older people.  In addition to the important benefits covered … Read more →

Federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines for 2011 were published in the Federal Register January 20, 2011. 76 FR 3637 (January 20, 2011).  The guidelines provide the baseline for eligibility levels for many public benefits, including health benefits for older people and people with disabilities.[1] The published poverty levels merely state a dollar figure for different-sized … Read more →

Introduction Long-awaited guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning implementation of various provisions of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Protections Act of 2008 (MIPPA), Pub. L. 110-275, was released on February 18, 2010. [1] The guidance, in the form of a State Medicaid Director Letter (SMDL # 10-003), signed by … Read more →

Guidance released recently by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sheds new light on an issue that has created hardships for beneficiaries and challenges for advocates trying to help them. The guidance addresses two issues: balance billing of Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs)and payment of Medicare cost-sharing for dually eligible beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare … Read more →