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Seniors Care Services:
Medicare Call Centers Inadequate, Report Charges
With the next enrollment period for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit looming, California Health Advocates and the Medicare Rights Center are demanding that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) require Medicare private drug plans to provide timely and accurate information to people with Medicare who turn to the plans' call centers for assistance.
According to a new report issued today by the two consumer organizations, call center representatives for companies offering Part D coverage remain unable to answer basic consumer questions regarding how the benefit works.
The report found that the call centers frequently could not provide the information people with Medicare needed to make appropriate enrollment decisions.
October 12, 2006
Feds Give Up on Canadian Drug Crackdown
Customs Agents Will Stop Seizing Grandma's Prescriptions
Under election-year pressure from a nervous Congress, federal officials say they will stop seizing prescription drugs mailed to the U.S. from Canada. Last month, Congress approved cross-border drug purchases in Canada, where prescriptions sell for less.
"This is a huge victory," said Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). "For nearly a year, the White House has been punishing seniors for filling their prescriptions at lower Canadian prices. Now it looks like the government is getting out of the business of harassing these consumers."
October 5, 2006, James R. Hood
Higher Income Seniors to Pay Higher Medicare Premiums
Beginning in 2007 Medicare beneficiaries who earn more money will pay higher premiums for their Medicare Part B coverage. A provision of the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act calls for a change in the formula for assessing Part B premiums. The Part B premium has been based on Medicare covering 75% of the premium costs and the beneficiary paying for 25%. With the changes, higher income beneficiaries will pay a higher percentage of premium costs.
For those making more than $80,000 (single) or $160,00 for couples the percentage of the premium will increase to 28.3 % in 2007, 31.6% in 2008 and 35% in 2009. Those beneficiaries with even higher incomes will see large percentage increases.
Monday September 11, 2006
Nursing Shortage May Lead to Senior Health Problems
The nursing shortage is not just a U.S. phenomenon it seems. A report from Britain finds that understaffed hospitals leave nurses with too little time to feed their elderly patients. Many seniors are unable to eat and drink without assistance due to physical or mental disability. Seniors are also at higher risk of malnourishment. Malnourishment can lead to other health problems including pressure sores and may lengthen hospital stays.
Tuesday August 29, 2006
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