medicare Archives - Page 15 of 15 - DR News

Government Set to Negotiate Medicare Prescription Drug Prices for Elder Adults, Starting with the 10 Costliest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Biden administration is gearing up for negotiations with drugmakers in an effort to lower the costs of prescription drugs covered by Medicare. This move is part of the Inflation Reduction Act and marks the first time that Medicare will directly negotiate drug prices with manufacturers. The negotiations, which will run through August 1, are expected to be intense as the government aims to address the soaring costs of prescription drugs for …

Now is the Moment to Review Your Medicare

Open enrollment for Medicare occurs between October 15 and December 7. This is your chance to make sure Medicare is working for you. It is very important that you review your options to make sure you have the right coverage.

Humana Faces Rough Start to 2024 Following Surprise Fourth Quarter Loss and Surge in Medicare Advantage Business Utilization

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Humana, a leading insurance company, is facing significant challenges as it entered 2024, with its stock trading near a four-year low. The company recently reported a surprise loss in the fourth quarter and cited higher usage in its Medicare Advantage business as the cause. This surge in older patients seeking care last year led to an imbalance between premiums and the cost of care for Humana. CEO Bruce Broussard acknowledged the complexity …

You Need to Pay Attention to Medicare Changes

If you have Medicare, you should be aware that open enrollment will begin soon. Each year, from October 15 to December 7, seniors on Medicare can modify their existing coverage.

Medicare Beneficiaries Highlight Disparities in COVID-19 Treatment Prescriptions, New Study Shows

Boston, MA – A recent study published in the JAMA Health Forum reveals that a significant number of nonhospitalized Medicare enrollees infected with COVID-19, but at low risk for severe disease, received drugs to combat the disease in 2022. This has raised concerns about the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of public health strategies aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. The Harvard-led research team analyzed claims data to determine rates of prescriptions …

Medicare Advantage Meeting Sparks Controversy Over Cost and Patient Selection

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recently convened to discuss its annual reports on the status of the Medicare program, including the controversial findings of its report on Medicare Advantage (MA). The discussion became heated as the commission clashed over the assessment of MA’s costliness and its implications for patients’ health and healthcare financing. MedPAC’s MA status report revealed that the program’s payments were higher compared to the traditional fee-for-service (FFS) model, …

Medicare Overpayments: Warren and Jayapal Push for Aggressive Plan Changes

Washington, D.C. – The Biden administration is preparing to establish new regulations for next year’s Medicare Advantage plans, with Democratic lawmakers proposing significant changes to the functioning of these insurance plans. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) penned a letter to Medicare Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, urging the government to take decisive steps to address the estimated $100 billion in annual overpayments and questionable quality bonuses received by Medicare Advantage insurers. They argue …

Medicare Advantage Enrollment: Exploring the Pitfalls and Risks

SEATTLE, Washington – When Richard Timmins attended a Medicare informational seminar in 2016, he was attracted to the promise of broader and less expensive coverage offered by Medicare Advantage plans. The plans, largely funded by the government but administered by private insurance companies, seemed like a practical choice at the time for the 76-year-old retired veterinarian. However, after noticing a lesion on his earlobe three years ago, Timmins’ experience with his Premera Blue Cross Medicare …

Medicare Business Faces Grim Outlook for the Year Ahead

Los Angeles, CA – Medicare business is expected to face tough times ahead with the effects of the pandemic lingering for the next year or more. As the healthcare industry continues to grapple with the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Medicare providers are bracing themselves for a difficult period. One of the major concerns for the Medicare business is the decrease in patient visits and elective surgeries, which are significant sources of revenue for …

TRICARE For Life: Essential Tips for Getting Care with Medicare Coverage

Falls Church, Va. – For those who are either new to TRICARE For Life (TFL) or have been enrolled for years, there may be questions about navigating healthcare with TFL. TFL provides wraparound coverage for military retirees and their eligible family members with Medicare Part A and Part B. This means that Medicare is the primary health coverage when a person has TFL. Understanding how Medicare coverage works is essential in order to avoid unexpected …