Archives: In the News

Shopping for Nursing Homes More Tricky in Trump Era

In November, CMS exempted nursing homes that violate new patient safety rules from financial penalties for 18 months. In June, it proposed to reverse an Obama administration rule prohibiting clauses in residents’ contracts requiring them to use arbitration to settle disputes rather than go to court.

“The industry sees this administration as a real golden opportunity to get what it wants,” said Toby Edelman, senior policy attorney at the Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA), a nonprofit group that

Reuters Jan 11, 2018

Taxes and the Safety Net

Make no mistake, says Center Executive Director Judith Stein, the tax cuts for corporations and wealthy people that Congress is determined to pass will lead to major cuts to health and economic security for the rest of us.

The New York Times Dec 11, 2017

Connecticut Health Advocates Sound The Alarm Over GOP Tax Bill

“In the immediate future you will hear, we cannot afford Medicare, we cannot afford Medicaid, we cannot afford Social Security act," she said. "That’s the second step in this dance.”

Connecticut Health Advocates Sound The Alarm Over GOP Tax Bill Nov 27, 2017

The Right Way to Choose a Medicare Plan During Open Enrollment

“Consumers really need to look beyond the premiums to understand their total out-of-pocket costs,” says David Lipschutz, senior policy attorney at the Center for Medicare Advocacy, a national nonprofit organization.

To understand the true cost of your plan, add up what you will likely pay in deductibles and copays, which can offset any savings in premiums. Use your benefits statements and medical bills for the past year as a guide.

Consumer Reports Nov 17, 2017

More choices, no big surprises projected for Medicare in 2018

"[T]here are more choices, but there’s a lot more research and comparison shopping you have to do,” said Sue Greeno , the Center for Medicare Advocacy, a nonprofit based in Connecticut and Washington, D.C. “Medicare’s [online] Plan Finder tool is excellent, but without knowing how to use it, it could be daunting. So we always advise people to go their local [SHINE] office and get unbiased, individualized counseling.”

Orlando Sentinel Oct 30, 2017

Medicare Vs. Medicare Advantage: How To Choose

The Center for Medicare Advocacy recently summarized the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans.

Kaiser Health News Oct 19, 2017

Looking to Medicare as a model for health care coverage? Improve Medicare first.

When looking to expand access to health care coverage, it’s natural to look to Medicare, the country’s well-tested, flagship health insurance program. But before moving more people into Medicare, it needs to be improved and simplified.

The Hill Sep 8, 2017

Under ‘Observation,’ Some Hospital Patients Face Big Bills

Patients can be hospitalized for days, can undergo exams and tests, can receive drugs — without ever officially being admitted to the hospital. Instead, they’re “under observation,” which means they’re outpatients, not inpatients. That can bring financial hardships — including lack of coverage for subsequent nursing home care.

New York Times - The New Old Age Sep 1, 2017

Observational Vs. Admitted: CT Advocates Win Class Status For Suit Challenging Medicare Benefits

The Center for Medicare Advocacy has won class certification for a lawsuit demanding that Medicare beneficiaries be allowed to challenge their patient classification as "observational" rather than "admitted" when hospitalized — a distinction that can cost thousands of additional dollars in hospital, medication and nursing home care.

The Hartford Courant Aug 2, 2017

Former Medicare Chief Sean Cavanaugh Joins Center For Medicare Advocacy Board

The Center for Medicare Advocacy on Tuesday (Aug.1) announced that Sean Cavanaugh, former Medicare chief under the Obama administration and deputy CMS administrator, has joined their board of directors.

Inside Health Policy Aug 2, 2017

AGING WELL – Taylor: What is Outpatient Observation Status?

An article from The Citizen, Auburn discusses Outpatient Observation Status. The CMA grant project with The John A. Hartford Foundation is mentioned.

AGING WELL - Taylor: What is Outpatient Observation Status? Jul 25, 2017

Editorial: Senator Collins Is Right to Oppose the Senate’s Version of Trumpcare

The Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 hurts our nation’s health care system as a whole and our most vulnerable citizens in particular. The Center for Medicare Advocacy is ready to partner with everyone who will work to make America healthier and protect our care. We look forward to working with Sen. Collins and other lawmakers to develop real health care legislation that will accomplish just that.

Lewiston Sun Journal Jun 30, 2017