A health insurance program for aged persons designed to complement the retirement, survivors, and disability insurance benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act. It covers most persons aged 65 and over.
Medicare
Upcoming Events
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Past Events
Health care services have been moving out of facilities and into home and community settings gradually over an extended period of time. This trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medicaid has offered home and community-based services (HCBS) as a subset of long-term services and supports (LTSS) that allows patients to receive health services in their […]
Overview: This panel provided a high-level overview of health care coverage programs in the United States, such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and employer-based insurance, as well as recent changes to coverage such as bolstering subsidies. This Session:
The November 8 midterm elections have reshaped the contours of federal health policymaking for the remainder of President Biden’s current term. While Democrats outperformed expectations retaining control of the Senate—with the potential of adding a seat—and limiting their losses in the House, Republicans have gained a majority in the House. As a result, avenues for […]
During this exclusive briefing, former CMS Administrators Nancy Ann-DeParle and Dr. Mark McClellan provided a forward-thinking perspective about the implications of policy changes to the Medicare program for beneficiaries, the delivery system, and the overall financial sustainability of the Medicare program and then respond to audience questions. Speakers: Nancy-Ann DeParle, J.D., M.A., Managing Partner & […]
This event was Part III of the Alliance’s The Future of Medicare series. Download a summary of this event » The Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is projected to become insolvent within the next five years, meaning there will not be sufficient funds to cover the cost of promised benefits. The Hospital Insurance Trust Fund […]
This event was Part II of the Alliance’s The Future of Medicare series. Download a summary of this event » Medicare provides access to health care coverage for older adults, as well as people with disabilities or other qualifying health conditions. While Medicare provides comprehensive health coverage, many beneficiaries do not have access to additional […]
This event was Part I of the Alliance’s The Future of Medicare series. Download a summary of this event » During this session, panelists reviewed the basic mechanisms and facets of Medicare. Panelists provided a high-level introduction to the benefit design of each program; reviewed the mechanisms used to determine payments to providers and health […]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of Medicare and Medicaid regulatory flexibilities were implemented to help ensure access to care through expanded eligibility and enrollment, remote service delivery, alternative care sites, and more. Recognizing the programs’ critical roles in increasing access to care, federal policymakers approved funding to expand flexibilities over the course […]
This event was Part II of the Alliance’s Health Policy Roundup and 2022 Forecast series. Economic fallout and higher unemployment rates due to the pandemic have raised concerns about health insurance coverage enrollment and affordability in the U.S. Although the national uninsured rate remained mostly unchanged throughout the pandemic (at or around 10–11%), many eligible […]
Clinicians, hospitals, and health systems are searching for new ways to improve the oncology patient experience and promote health equity. The ongoing pandemic has complicated this push for improvement, as providers and health systems have had to change care delivery practices dramatically to protect patients from COVID-19. Furthermore, health equity has received significant attention over […]
This briefing examined the difference between perinatal health and perinatal mental health and their intrinsic relationship. Panelists dove into factors contributing to perinatal health and mental health as well as policy levers and promising solutions available to stakeholders to reduce and prevent mental health symptoms and mood disorders. Attendees learned about the existing policy levers […]
Toolkits
Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans
Over the past three years, enrollment in Medicare private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans has increased significantly. These plans offer a potentially greater choice of providers than beneficiaries will find in Medicare HMOs or PPOs. They often provide extra benefits not found in traditional Medicare. Beneficiaries attracted to the plans hope to lower their out-of-pocket costs compared […]
The Sustainable Growth Rate: Seeking a ‘Doc Fix’
The public is keeping a close eye on federal budget deficit reduction efforts this year, including potential automatic spending cuts initially mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011. Yet one component of the debate has been largely ignored – the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). Indeed, because of the SGR, physicians in January 2013 faced […]
Hospital Readmissions
Beginning on Oct. 1, 2012, hospitals for the first time faced a financial penalty for readmitting a Medicare patient whom they had already cared for in the past month. Data shows that readmissions have already fallen, although the policy remains controversial.
Replacing the SGR
With the cost of repealing the Sustainable Growth Rate for Medicare Physician Payment lower than ever, many suggest that 2014 is the year that permanent change may finally be realized. This toolkit provides a brief summary of the history of the SGR, including the recent actions by the House Energy and Commerce, House Ways and […]
The Future of Medicare
This report summarizes the three-part series “The Future of Medicare,” which explored the basics of the Medicare program.
Policymakers
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