Dear Medicare Reporter reader,
Congress continues to use Medicare as a political football and ignores the impact their inaction has on those who rely on its benefits. That’s all the more reason why it’s vitally important for us to focus on understanding how Medicare works, how to get the most out of it, and the numerous threats to our hard-earned coverage.
On top of that, it’s been another difficult year for all of us and we know it’s not over yet. We’re tired, frustrated, scared, and cranky. And if you’re trying to handle an immediate illness or health situation in addition to everything else, well, hugs to all of you.
In 2019, just before the world changed, the Motley Fool reported that a survey by Nationwide Financial Services indicated that some 79% of future retirees were dangerously uninformed about Medicare. Of course, a financial services company wants to sell you their products, but even if you take that number with a grain of salt, it’s still pretty frightening.
So, in keeping with the Medicare Reporter’s mission to inform, here are some of 2021’s important Medicare stories.
The Wall Street Journal
Most of the 9.2 billon in questionable Medicare payments went to 20 insurers according to federal investigators.
The Los Angeles Times
Opinion: Drugmakers see disaster in Medicare negotiating prices. Don’t listen to them.
Kaiser Health News
Why doesn’t Medicare cover services so many seniors need?
The New York Times
Hospitals and Insurers didn’t want you to see these prices. Here’s why.
STAT News
In a new policy proposal Biden presses Congress to let Medicare negotiate drug prices.
Modern Healthcare
UnitedHealth's limits on out-of-network care seen as surprise billing ban reaction.
The Los Angeles Times
Column: The government lawsuit against Kaiser points to a massive fraud problem in Medicare.
Note: the lawsuit here refers to Kaiser Permanente, the health insurer and not to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the publishers of Kaiser Health News; they are two different organizations.
The Washington Post
Opinion: Trump had a scheme to privatize Medicare. The Biden administration isn’t stopping it.
The Hill
The biggest threat to Medicare you’ve never heard of.
CNBC.com
Why this 68-year-old cancer patient cannot enroll in Medicare Part B.
City Limits
Opinion: Medicare Advantage is a disadvantage for New York’s municipal retirees by your Medicare Reporter
I hope you all have a safe holiday and a healthy new year.
Toni L. Kamins