Medicare Health Insurance News

The Huffington Post – More than a million seniors in the Medicare system have been issued $250 “donut hole” rebate checks, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Bloomberg – The recently passed health reform law may be just what the doctor ordered, according to a new report that says the legislation will extend the fiscal life of Medicare by 12 years – to 2029.

Moneyblog – The Justice Department made coordinated raids on Friday at alleged Medicare fraud operations in Florida, Louisiana, New York, Michigan and Texas as the Obama administration launched what is being called the largest attack on health care fraud in U.S. history.

Associated Press – The heads of a national debt commission reported Sunday that the federal debt next year is expected to exceed $14 trillion, and that the nation’s discretionary spending is consumed by Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Kaiser Health News – Plenty has been said about recently passed health reform provisions that allow young adults to stay on their parents’ health plans longer and temporary risk pools for folks with pre-existing conditions. But there’s much more in the legislation to look forward to, including a provision requiring insurers to justify their premium increases.

The Hill – The Department of Health and Human Services has announced that it will begin taking applications for a federal program that awards subsidies to businesses, unions and governmental entities that would use the money to cover health care costs for retirees over 55 who don’t yet qualify for Medicare.

Associated Press – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the House may try to pass a much smaller bill that would spare doctors from Medicare cuts.

Political Correction – Republicans have spent 16 months attacking Democratic health reform proposals. Now that it’s passed? More of the same.

HHS.gov – Hospitalized patients would have the right to choose their own visitors – including same-sex domestic partners – under new rules proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today.

The Washington Post –The U. S. Senate rejected a package of jobless benefits Thursday that would have protected doctors from a steep cut in Medicare rates that’s schedule to take effect today.