http://medicarenewsline.com Medicare Benefits, News & Application Information Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:00:49 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en In a recent development, the Washington Post reports that CMS has issued an additional rule that requires hospice providers who are Medicare participants to put into effect a quality assessment and improvement system. This rule shall be implemented beginning December and involves patient participation in hospices to help settle upon ... http://medicarenewsline.com/hospices-to-improve-health-services/medicare-news/ The Centre for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed new rules under which Medical beneficiaries in rural areas will be able to access health care through Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) that have been designed to meet their specific needs. Speaking on the issue, acting CMS administrator, Kerry Weems said that ... http://medicarenewsline.com/medicare-rules-introduced-to-provide-health-care-in-rural-areas/medicare-news/ Are the US Presidential candidates building castles in the air? If reports are to be believed, the countless promises they have made regarding health care and other issues are going to be really difficult to implement. The reason being that in present day US, the budget deficit is rising, tax ... http://medicarenewsline.com/tough-times-ahead-for-next-president/medicare-news/ As per the Washington Post reports, the $257.5 billion War Appropriations Bill (HR 2642) has been passed by the House. The bill has been passed along with a clause that allows for the delay of six Medicaid regulations that have been proposed by the Bush government. The approval was given ... http://medicarenewsline.com/house-agrees-to-war-appropriation-bill/medicare-news/ A recent study published in the June issue of Medical Care says that with the expansion of the EPSDT Program (Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment) in California, accessibility to mental health care for children has greatly improved. The principle author of this study is Lonnie R. Snowden, a PhD ... http://medicarenewsline.com/mental-health-care-for-kids-improves/medicare-news/ On the latest in the medical world, Nada Stotland, MD, MPH and President APA said that the American Psychiatric Association will continue its struggle for legislation to stop the unfairness of the system which discriminates against Medicare patients who are in genuine need of mental health care.  This comment was made ... http://medicarenewsline.com/apa-fights-on/medicare-eligibility/ A Medigap Policy is insurance created to supplement your Original Medicare Plan. It helps to cover some limitations of the plan’s coverage. Policies will, of course, vary by available plans, coverage, and price. Therefore, before enrolling, make sure you spend time researching the plans and providers available to you, ... http://medicarenewsline.com/enrolling-in-a-medigap-policy-purchasing-supplemental-insurance/medicare-supplements/ Many Medicare beneficiaries choose to enroll in Medicare Part D in order to meet medication needs.  Part D is especially important for people who require significant prescription medication.  It can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs and make necessary drugs more accessible and affordable. If you have the Original Medicare Plan, you ... http://medicarenewsline.com/enrolling-in-a-medicare-prescription-drug-plan/medicare-enrollment/ Your Medicare Part D is the component of your plan that will provide you with your prescription drug coverage. It is an essential element of many people’s health care, and if you have medication needs – or think you may in the future – it is strongly advised that ... http://medicarenewsline.com/part-d-late-enrollment-penalty/medicare-enrollment/ If you are considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you need to meet a few specific requirements in order to be eligible to join. You need to have Part A and Part B – Hospital and Medical Insurance.  You also need to live in the plan’s service area.  You ... http://medicarenewsline.com/joining-a-medicare-advantage-plan/medicare-enrollment/