Medicare News
Easy Resources to Stop Unsolicited Mail, Emails and Telemarketing Calls
November 19, 2008 Beneficiaries can protect themselves from insurance fraud, identity theft, and marketing scams by stopping unsolicited mail, email and telemarketing calls. See the outlined resources.
New Online Tools! 2009 Part D Plan Charts, Fact Sheets, Medicare Marketing Regulations Powerpoint and More
November 12, 2008 For both beneficiaries and advocates, these tools support important health care choices for 2009 during Medicare's fall enrollment period (November 15- December 31).
Reviewing TrOOP and a Little-Known "Cash Price Policy" – Do You Know What Costs Count?
November 12, 2008 Not all out-of-pocket drug expenses count toward a beneficiary reaching his/her Part D catastrophic coverage. Review what costs count and what do not and CMS' "cash price policy."
New Fact Sheet Explains Medicare Coverage for People with End Stage Renal Disease
October 24, 2008 This new fact sheet covers how one qualifies for Medicare, when coverage begins and ends, how it coordinates with employer or union group health plans, and options for other supplemental coverage.
MIPPA Watch #1: Updates on Provisions Now Effective from Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA)
October 17, 2008 Review a chronological list of MIPPA provisions effective retroactively and those effective as of January 2009.
Medicare Issues New Rules to Enforce MIPPA Marketing Requirements this Fall
October 4, 2008 CMS released final regulations to protect Medicare beneficiaries from deceptive or high-pressure marketing tactics by private insurance companies and their agents during enrollment season for the 2009 plan year.
Need Help in the Part D Donut Hole? – A Review of PAPs and the Co-Pay Relief Program
September 11, 2008 Between 15-26% of California Health Advocates' hotline calls this past summer were concerning Part D coverage, particularly questions about what to do when reaching the coverage gap referred to as the "donut hole."
CMS Issues Updated Best Available Evidence Policy Memo
August 18, 2008: CMS’ memo about a new process to the Best Available Evidence policy to help beneficiaries who claim to be LIS eligible but cannot present evidence.
Guide to CMS, SSA and Medicare Plan Mailings for Beneficiaries this Fall
August 14, 2008: CMS recently published a handy chart outlining the notices beneficiaries will be receiving this fall from CMS, Social Security and Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
California Medicare Coalition
Next CMC meeting to be announced. More about the CMC…
Education
Fact Sheets
NEW!
We offer workshops on a variety of Medicare topics in California, designed for statewide organizations and federal and state agencies who work with and serve Medicare beneficiaries.
Advocacy & Policy
CHA testifies on 1-800 Medicare before Senate Special Committee on Aging
September 11, 2008 Tatiana Fassieux, CHA Board Chair and HICAP Manager, testifies on 1-800 Medicare performance, complaints, and suggestions for improvement. See also the hearing and other written testimonies. Also view ABC News Good Morning America's video clip, "Medicare's Busy Signal."
Press Releases
CHA Offers New Spanish and English Medicare Podcasts and Blog
November 5, 2008 – CHA's new Medicare podcasts help both English and Spanish-speaking beneficiaries and their families review Medicare coverage and their health plan options for 2009. CHA also launches its blog with current Medicare news for professionals.
Wayne Soucy Named CEO of California Health Advocates
October 27, 2008 — CHA announces Wayne B. Soucy of Rancho Mirage, CA as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.
