The Darker Side of Medicare Advantage Plans

Q. Last year, during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, my wife and I saw a commercial on television for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that sounded almost too good to be true. The company seemed reputable, so we took the claims … [Read more...]

Significant Improvements to Safety and Quality Care for Long-Term Care Residents

Last week, the Biden administration announced several nursing home reforms that will improve staffing and accountability at nursing homes throughout the country. Advocates are calling these the most significant reforms in … [Read more...]

CMS Lifts COVID-19 Nursing Home Visitation Restrictions

Before the pandemic and even more so during it, social isolation and loneliness have been considered serious health risks for older Americans.Judith Gimbel worries that isolation is killing her mother, Ida, who she hasn’t seen … [Read more...]

CMS Launches New Compare Tool, Featuring All Eight Healthcare Tools in One Place

Lois’ mom moved to Northern Virginia last winter. Since she has been here, she has needed new doctors, a hospital for a surgical procedure, and a new physical therapist. Lois tried to be helpful in finding her mother names of … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Were You Double Billed by Medicare in September?

Dear Rune,Welcome to the Critter Corner! I hope you can help me. I believe I may have been double billed last month by Medicare. Is t his something that you have heard about, and if so, what should I do? Thanks for your … [Read more...]

CMS Finalizes Commitment to Person-Centered Care for Nursing Home Residents

Q. My father has Alzheimer’s, and he is no longer able to live safely on his own. Since my mother died, I have been his caregiver, and although trusting his care to strangers isn’t going to be easy, I know a nursing home is the … [Read more...]

Government Raises the Bar on Nursing Home Ratings

Q. My father has dementia and will need skilled nursing care in the near future. There are so many nursing homes in this area to consider, and I have heard differing opinions from friends and family. How can we really know which … [Read more...]

How New Health Information Technology Will Save Money and Lives

Why is it that our most sensitive, personal data is often in an unorganized state of disarray? Most of us probably could more quickly pull a given DVD or book from our collections than proffer to a doctor a condition or … [Read more...]

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