Tag Archives: 2017 medicare changes

Proposed Changes to Medicare Payments

CMS, who manages Medicare, has recently announced some proposed changes to how Medicare reimbursements will be made.  These proposals are targeting such areas as:  Hospital Observations status, Physicians, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Part B drugs, etc.  The various proposals are accepting comments in June.  The main goal of the proposed changes is to reward better patient health and cost efficiency.

You can check back on this blog for updates once these proposed changes have been finalized or go to CMS.gov.

Based in the Richmond, Va area, David Higgs of Choices In Medicare specializes in helping seniors transition to Medicare.  He can be reached at email address:  David@ChoicesInMedicare.com or go to website:  www.ChoicesInMedicare.com

CMS Finalizes 2017 Medicare Advantage Payment

CMS has just released their 2017 Medicare Advantage plan capitation rate.  On average, the payment will increase by .85%.  You may recall that Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are one way Medicare Beneficiaries can get their Medicare.  This shifts the risk and responsibility for a Beneficiary’s Medicare claims from Medicare to the private insurance company offering the Medicare Advantage plan.

This slight increase probably means most plans will not have to change their benefits much.  We will know in October when all 2017 plans will be published.  The increases fluctuate from year to year.  If you want to know more about this news story, click on the link below.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-04/u-s-increases-2017-medicare-advantage-rates-less-than-expected

If you have questions about Medicare coverages or the difference between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplements, contact me at:  David@ChoicesInMedicare.com or go to www.ChoicesInMedicare.com website.