Medicare

Bookstore shelves are bursting with titles to help the elderly and their families cope with the legal decisions that confront them. ElderLawAnswers.com reviews three of the best reference works we've found so far.

The federal government has released data on the quality of care delivered at the 17,000 nursing homes around the nation that care for Medicare or Medicaid patients. But a report terms the data "inacurate" and calls its release "premature."...

Seniors across the nation are beginning to feel the effects of doctors leaving Medicare, and the problem is reaching crisis proportions in some areas, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. More . . . .

The pharmaceutical industry is mounting a last-minute, pre-election advertising blitz to help Republicans win control of Congress and block a Medicare-based prescription drug plan. More . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .