Medicare coverage is the federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with long-term disabilities. It covers a wide range of medical services, including hospitalizations, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and specialized care like skilled nursing, home health, hospice, and preventive services There are two primary ways to receive Medicare […]
Medicare changes in 2025 marks a significant year for Medicare beneficiaries as the program undergoes its most substantial changes in decades. The Inflation Reduction Act has introduced several key reforms aimed at lowering prescription drug costs and improving overall coverage. 1. Out-of-Pocket Drug Costs Capped at $2,000 A major highlight of the Medicare changes in […]
Medicare Advantage (MA) has become a dominant force in the Medicare landscape, accounting for over 54% of overall Medicare enrollment. This trend is expected to continue, with penetration rates projected to reach 64% by 2033. However, the future of the Medicare Advantage market is not without its challenges. The Slowdown Begins While MA has experienced […]
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, a type of private health insurance that serves as an alternative to traditional Medicare, have long been a subject of debate within the healthcare industry and among policymakers. However, recent political developments suggest a growing appetite for MA reform, marking a significant departure from previous bipartisan consensus. A Rising Tide of […]
Surge in MA Prior Authorization Denials: New Study Reveals A new study highlights significant variation among Medicare Advantage plans regarding the number of determinations made and the frequency of denials. Notably, MA Prior Authorization Denials surged between 2021 and 2022, according to a recent analysis from health policy research. Researchers examined data from the Centers […]
MA rates face a potential 0.2% reduction as proposed by CMS. However, analysts said regulators are likely to increase the payout rate in the final announcement. Medicare Advantage health insurers will see a slight decline in their payment MA Rates in 2025 as a new regulatory proposal is finalized. CMS released interim reimbursement rates for […]