Medicare Minutes

Condition Won't Improve? You Can Still Get Medicare Home Health Coverage!

This month we will discuss some new rules issued by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or "CMS" - the agency that runs Medicare - that will help people who need home health therapy services get the coverage they need.

What is Quality of Care?

This month we will discuss the concept of "Quality of Care" which you have no doubt heard of in relation to the recently passed health reform laws, but which you may only vaguely understand.

DON'T TURN BACK ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

This month we want take a moment to remind you that despite the exaggerations and accusations that have been shouted around, health care reform is good for Medicare beneficiaries.  Stay informed, and make sure it continues to be so.

Health Care Reform - By the Numbers

This month we're happy to present some details on the new health care reform law and its effects.  So sit back and listen to some health care reform facts, by the numbers.

Income-Related Medicare Premiums

This month we will discuss income-related premiums in Medicare parts B and D.

Exploring www.healthcare.gov

This month we will take a look at the website the federal government recently launched to help with health care choices: www.healthcare.gov.

Visitation Rights for Patients

Visiting a companion, friend or loved one in the hospital seems like a simple and ordinary act of kindness, doesn't it?  But such visits have been anything but simple for many loved ones.

The Medicare Part D $250 Rebate Check

Relief from the Medicare Part D "donut hole" gets started this month, June of 2010, when Medicare begins sending out the $250 rebate checks that you may have heard about.

Medicare Part B Premium: Who Pays What, and Why?

One of the topics we are most frequently asked questions about is the Medicare Part B premium.  This has been particularly true since the Part B premium became related to a beneficiary's income.  In 2010 additional complications arose from the so-called "hold harmless" provision.  This edition of Medicare Minutes will discuss this provision, who it affects, who it doesn’t affect, and what it does to premiums in general.

Some Real Facts on Health Care Reform

Today, on our April, Twenty-Ten edition of Medicare Minutes, we want to help you understand how the recently passed health care reform law will affect you.