Medicare Part D | ElderCareABCblog.com

Medicare Outpatient Services

There’s a lot to learn about Medicare Outpatient Services. A few weeks ago my husband went in for a cardiac catheterization and stent placement. With a stent implant you have to spend an overnight in the hospital. I assumed the hospital stay would be covered under Medicare Part A, but it’s not – it falls…

Tougher Penalties for Medicare Scammers

By Mary Jane Stern During July 2010 Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Seblius made South Florida their first stop of a seven city itinerary for Regional Healthcare Fraud Prevention Summits as part of the Obama Administration's effort to crack down on health care fraud. A recent study reported South…

What is a Medicare Part B Excess Charge?

by Mary Jane Stern Many people struggle trying to understand what a Medicare Part B Excess charge is. I know I did initially. It’s an additional charge a physician or other healthcare provider can charge. There are many doctors and facilities who accept the Medicare allowed charge. However, there are also doctors and other healthcare…

Medicare Part D Complaint – Resolved

There’s an old saying, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Well I became the squeaky wheel regarding the denial of a 30 day temporary prescription fill by AdvantraRx, our Medicare Part D provider. First, our complaint was filed with Medicare and I cannot stress enough for anyone who has ANY issue with ANY provider of…

Another Part D Provider Sanctioned by Medicare

By by Mary Jane Stern Just the other day I started writing a blog about AdvantraRx our Medicare Part D provider for 2009 and 2010. This year, 2010, they reclassified a drug my husband takes as a Step Therapy (ST) drug and would not honor his prescription unless he took another medication or paid for…

Fox Insurance Co. Terminated as a Medicare Provider

by Mary Jane Stern After an ongoing audit, on March 09, 2010, Medicare announced they terminated their contract with Fox Insurance Company effective immediately: “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today terminated its contract with Fox Insurance Company. After an onsite review of the plan and its services, CMS determined that the plan’s…

No COLA for 2010 Part D Premiums Rising

by Mary Jane Stern It has been reported there will be no COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for 2010 and you would hope there would no increases in other areas of Medicare premiums for your healthcare. But, in a press release from CMS, August 14, 2009, premiums for Part D will rise in 2010. What…

Part D Low Income Subsidy

by Mary Jane Stern Medicare Part D offers a Low Income Subsidy (LIS) or extra help to pay for part of the costs associated with the plan. The Part D costs include your deductible, premium and copayments. Some beneficiaries may qualify for all or a partial subsidy. Of course this isn’t easy to understand because…

Too Many Lies about Healthcare Reform and Medicare

by Mary Jane Stern Have you been watching all of the statements being made about the changes in Medicare if healthcare reform is passed? Do you believe them? Some of the statements being made are just cruel and inhuman. It’s like what Sarah Palin, Senator Grassley wrote and said about how President Obama is going…