Category: Medicare

Addiction Treatment Medicine Is Vastly Underprescribed, Especially by Race, Study Finds

Black patients with opioid use disorder were far less likely to fill prescriptions for the most effective addiction treatments than white patients. But strikingly few patients of all races got the medicine.
Corporate Giants Buy Up Primary Care Practices at Rapid Pace

Large health insurers and other companies are especially keen on doctors’ groups that care for patients in private Medicare plans.
Medicare Delays a Full Crackdown on Private Health Plans

The New York Times – Business:
After intense lobbying by insurers, U.S. health officials say curbs aimed at overbilling by Medicare Advantage will be eased in over 3 years.
Social Security and Medicare Funds Still Face Long-Term Shortfalls, Report Says

The New York Times – Business:
Slower economic growth could mean some retirement benefits will be cut sooner than originally forecast.
Medicare Tries to Combat Fraud. Now Insurers Are Fighting Back.

The New York Times – Business:
The Biden administration has proposed changes to how it would pay private Medicare Advantage plans, setting off a lobbying frenzy.
More Retiree Health Plans Move Away From Traditional Medicare

The New York Times – Business:
Retirees whose former employers offer health coverage are being shifted to privately run Medicare Advantage, often against their wishes. The change saves millions for employers.
Biden Budget Will Propose Tax Increase to Boost Medicare

The New York Times – Business:
The president’s plan targets Americans earning more than $400,000 a year in an attempt to increase the program’s solvency by 25 years.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Criticizes Medigap Sales Incentives in New Report

The New York Times – Business:
Senator Elizabeth Warren has issued a report urging oversight of insurance brokers who are being offered financial incentives to push more expensive plans.
Fixing Social Security and Medicare: Where the Parties Stand

The New York Times – Business:
Republicans and Democrats have sharply divergent approaches to repairing the programs. Any solutions will affect younger workers as much as retirees.
As Lawmakers Spar Over Social Security, Its Costs Are Rising Fast

The New York Times – Business:
New budget projections are expected to show that the program’s spending is outpacing tax revenues as an aging population claims benefits.
The Medicine Is a Miracle, but Only if You Can Afford It

The New York Times – Business:
A wave of new treatments have cured devastating diseases. When the costs are too much, even for the insured, patients hunt for other ways to pay.
New Medicare Rule Aims to Take Back $4.7 Billion From Insurers

The New York Times – Business:
The government plans to aggressively audit Medicare Advantage plans for overbilling but may face lawsuits.