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New Law Expands Benefits for Chronically Ill Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries

July 16, 2018 By Barry Crimmins

Congress expanded benefits for Medicare recipients with chronic conditions in its latest budget bill. The law gives some Medicare plans the option of covering certain non-medical benefits and also increases telehealth services.

Passed with bipartisan support as part of the budget bill approved in early 2018, the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2018, gives Medicare Advantage plans the flexibility to cover equipment and supplies for beneficiaries who are chronically ill beginning in 2020. Covered items could include wheelchair ramps, grab bars, visits by a personal assistant, transportation, and meal delivery. Currently, Medicare does not cover any non-medical supplies.

The expansion of coverage in the CHRONIC Care Act applies only to Medicare Advantage plans, not to original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurers rather than the federal government. The government pays Medicare Advantage plans a fixed monthly fee to provide services to each Medicare beneficiary under their care, and the services must at least be equal to regular Medicare’s. While the plans sometimes offer benefits that original Medicare does not, the plans usually only cover care provided by doctors in their network or charge higher rates for out-of-network care. Policymakers will be following the expansion closely to see if it lowers overall medical costs. If it is successful, lawmakers can make an argument for similarly expanding original Medicare’s offerings.

The CHRONIC Care Act also increases telehealth services for Medicare Advantage members and people having stroke symptoms. Telehealth allows patients to consult with a doctor who is not in their geographic area, which can be helpful for beneficiaries in rural areas or who need a specialist.

For more information about the CHRONIC Care Act and the other areas it covers, click here and here.

 

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Law Offices of Barry R. Crimmins, PC

Elder Law News - May 2022 Thumbnail

Elder Law News, May 2022

With healthcare and nursing homes being a hot topic as of late, you may have some questions regarding your care or the care of a loved one. If so…

Elder Law NEWS - April 2022

Elder Law News, April 2022

In 2022, change remains constant. But, as it applies to eldercare, some shifts are favorable, while others could directly impact the financial stability and level of care your loved one receives. 

Elder Law NEWS - March 2022

Elder Law News, March 2022

If you or a loved one were hospitalized and put under observation status, don’t worry – you have the right to appeal. The CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) recently announced that beneficiaries could appeal a hospital’s decision to assign observation status.

February 2022 newsletter

Elder Law News, February 2022

If you’re among the growing numbers of caregivers, each day that passes brings an increased chance of needing long-term care. Unfortunately, for many senior citizens, that means living in a nursing home or other type of care facility which could be understaffed or under stress due to COVID-19 or various other reasons. 

Elder Law News, January 2022

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the amounts taxpayers of different ages can deduct from their 2022 income as a result of buying long-term care insurance, and the figures are almost the same as in 2021.

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