Medicare

As the Nov. 5 election approaches, the AARP is warning voters to look with skepticism on 'issue ads' targeting older Americans and sponsored by well-heeled interests such as the prescription drug industry. More . . .

Consumers in eight states are now able to compare'“for the first time--the quality of care provided by home health care agencies in their state. More . . .

The American Medical Association says some doctors may be forced to stop treating Medicare beneficiaries if Congress fails to reverse cuts in physician reimbursements that are about to take effect. More . . .

A study by the General Accounting Office has found that a system instituted in 1998 to control Medicare's payments to nursing facilities has resulted in patients receiving less care. More . . .

A federal district judge has ruled that the Bush administration violated federal law by failing to send comparative information on the available Medicare health plans to each beneficiary last year. More . . .

Under a new pilot program, the Bush administration will give about 11 million senior citizens'”nearly a third of current enrollees'”the option of choosing a preferred provider organization (PPO) for their medical care next year. More . . .

Three Medicare beneficiaries with a serious eye disease are claiming the Bush administration is violating the law by not allowing them to appeal its decision to deny coverage for a drug that could prevent them from going blind.

Medicare officials have issued guidelines allowing homebound beneficiaries to leave their homes for special occasions--such as family reunions, graduations or funerals--without losing their home health care benefits. More . . .

Congress has passed legislation allowing enrollees in Medicare managed care plans to return to regular Medicare or change plans at any time over the next three years, delaying restrictions that were scheduled to take effect this year. More .