Policy & Research

What the Affordable Care Act Means for Older Adults

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) strengthened Medicare and Medicaid and created important coverage avenues and consumer protections for people of all ages. Despite these…

What Medicare Premium Support Means for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

Some policymakers support turning Medicare into a premium support system, also called a defined contribution system or a voucher program. These programs would give…

What Administrative Barriers Mean for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

Policymakers often overlook or disregard the problems people may face when they try to enroll or stay enrolled in public programs or to get…

What Medicaid Financing Means for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

Medicaid is financed and administered through a federal-state partnership. Under current law, the federal government matches state Medicaid spending based on a statutory formula,…

What Raising the Medicare Eligibility Age Means for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

Medicare is a nearly universal program for people 65 and over, guaranteeing health care for older adults who have paid into the system during…

What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 made key changes in Medicare law and coverage to improve prescription drug affordability for older adults and…

What Medicaid Cuts Mean for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

With the passage of HR 1, Congress is cutting around $1 trillion from Medicaid over the course of the next 10 years. The cuts…

What Medicaid Waivers Mean for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

Many states have expanded Medicaid coverage and care through Medicaid “Section 1115” waivers, but some states are inclined to move in the opposite direction,…

What Medicare Private Contracting Means for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

Some policymakers endorse proposals to give Medicare providers the right to charge beneficiaries more for care than is currently allowed, either through balance billing…

What Medicare Means Testing Means for Older Adults and People With Disabilities

A core component of Medicare is its universality. Some policy ideas would undermine that promise by limiting benefits to people with lower incomes or…

Comments on HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027

Comments on the 2027 Advance Notice

Medicare Rights strongly supports proposed actions to limit some gaming in Medicare Advantage payment.

Comments on Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) Model

The Medicare Rights Center submitted these comments in opposition to the GUARD model for raising beneficiary drug costs.

Improving Care Coordination

In Improving Care Coordination, the case study contrasts the consequences of weak versus effective care coordination across Medicare and Medicaid. Ms. T’s experience shows…

Stopping Coverage Loss and Disruption

In Stopping Coverage Loss and Disruption, the case study focuses on “churn,” or the loss and regaining of coverage, and how it can interrupt…

Closing Gaps in Benefits and Services

In Closing Gaps in Benefits and Services, the case study examines how differences in Medicare and Medicaid coverage rules, vendors, and plan structures can…

Fixing the Appeals Process

In Fixing the Appeals Process, the case study contrasts two beneficiary experiences to show how fragmented versus integrated systems impact access to care. Mr.…

Comments on Proposed 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Policy Changes

Comments on the Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 

Medicare Advantage Marketing, Brokers, and Agents 

Agents and brokers for MA plans receive commissions per enrollment and often receive additional “administrative” bonuses that balloon MA spending. These financial incentives drive…

Beneficiary Experiences With Medicare Advantage Marketing

As the cost of care rises, beneficiaries increasingly look for plans that promise discounts or additional benefits. MA plans take advantage of this and…

Beneficiary Experiences with Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits

Original Medicare has significant gaps in coverage, including very limited coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care. By advertising supplemental benefits that seem to…

Comments on 2026 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS)

Our comments are informed by our work helping callers to our National Helpline navigate and afford their care. These experiences drive us to support…

Comments on the Proposed 2026 Physician Fee Schedule

Our comments are informed by our work helping beneficiaries, including callers to our National Helpline, navigate, understand, access, and afford their care. Based on…

Medicare Savings Programs: A Lifeline for Millions

To make it clear what a difference MSP enrollment can have in the lives of older adults and people with disabilities, and to support…

Medicare Advantage Proliferation: Too Much of a Complicated Thing

In recent years, insurance companies have flooded the MA market with plans that are difficult to tell apart, creating overwhelm and confusion that costs…

Medicare Financing: Shifting the Focus to Sustainability in Addition to Solvency

This part of the series explores the origins and structure of Medicare financing. Through an issue brief, infographic, and video, it outlines the various…

Medicare Site Neutrality: Pursuing a More Rational Payment System

Under current site-specific payment rates, the same service can cost patients and Medicare vastly different amounts based on the location and hospital affiliation of…

A Cut to Medicaid is a Cut to Medicare

Without Medicaid, many Medicare enrollees—especially those with limited income—would struggle to afford care, risking their health or having to choose between medical care and…

Medicare & Medicaid in New York

Medicare guarantees access to health care for older adults and people with disabilities. Together with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid, Medicare builds…

Comments on the 2026 Advance Notice

Comments on Proposed 2026 Medicare Advantage Part D Policy Changes

A comprehensive commentary by the Medicare Rights Center on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule for Contract Year 2026 (CMS–4208–P).…

Medicare Trends and Recommendations

This report features the top helpline trends and highlights the most commonly sought helpline and Medicare Interactive answers, providing a glimpse into the various…

Medicare Savings Program Enrollment

This case study focuses on how automatic enrollment in Medicare Savings Programs can remove many individuals' barriers when enrolling. Simplifying the enrollment process is…

Medicare Savings Program Recertification

Medicare Savings Program recertification varies widely nationwide. This case study compares two experiences—one with automatic recertification and one with a more complex process—to illustrate…

Medicaid Renewal

Renewing Aged, Blind, and Disabled Medicaid is necessary to maintain benefits. This case study contrasts a complicated renewal process with one eased by COVID-19…

Medicare-Medicaid Integration

Coordinating benefits and services for dually eligible individuals is often complex and disjointed. This study examines the challenges of poorly integrated care and offers…

2025 Outpatient Prospective Payment System

Our comments focus on the important proposals in support of formerly incarcerated individuals. We appreciate the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) working…

2025 Physician Fee Schedule

As science and medicine progress, they reveal the interconnectedness of bodily systems and expose the folly of historic silos in care. We greatly appreciate…

Letter Asking House Ways and Means Committee to Revisit Recent Medicare Bills

On June 27, the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means advanced several bipartisan bills intended to improve Medicare coverage and affordability. While Medicare…

Medicare Reforms in the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 made key changes in Medicare law and coverage to improve prescription drug affordability for older adults and…

Medicare Private Contracting

Some policies would give Medicare providers the right to charge beneficiaries more for care than is currently allowed through balance billing or private contracting…

Medicare Means Testing

A core component of Medicare is its universality. Some policy ideas would undermine that promise by limiting certain benefits to people with lower incomes…

Raising the Medicare Eligibility Age

A commonly discussed reform would raise the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67 or even 70. This would reduce access to care and…

Medicare Premium Support

Proposals to turn Medicare into a premium support system, also called a defined contribution system or a voucher program, are evergreen. Such programs would…

Affordable Care Act Coverage Expansions and Consumer Protections

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) strengthened Medicare and Medicaid and created important coverage avenues and consumer protections for people of all ages. Despite these…

Medicaid Financing

Proposals to restructure Medicaid’s financing often recommend transforming the program from a guaranteed benefit to a fixed payment system, coupled with new limitations on…

Medicaid Waivers

Many states have expanded coverage and care through Medicaid 1115 waivers, but some have attempted to use them to limit eligibility or restrict coverage,…

Medicaid Work Requirements

State and federal support for conditioning Medicaid eligibility on compliance with monthly employment and reporting requirements persists, with strategies like 1115 waivers and statutory…

Comments on the Medicare Savings Program Application Redesign

Medicare Rights' comments are informed by our work helping thousands of people with Medicare apply for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). As the Centers for…

Health Care Consolidation Request for Information

Consolidation and market concentration impact many aspects of the U.S. health care system. Our response to the RFI focuses on the consequences for Medicare…

Medicare Rights Center Response to Medicare Advantage Data Request for Information

It is evident Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment and costs are growing, that access issues abound, and that transparency is long overdue. To ensure MA…

Improving Integrated Care for the Dually Eligible: Policy Recommendations for New York

In 2022, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) released its Dual Eligible Integrated Care Roadmap, which outlined the state’s many priorities for…

Medicare Advantage 2025 Rate Announcement Sign-on Letter

The Medicare Rights Center joined 47 organizations representing people with Medicare, families, advocates, and providers in a letter thanking the U.S. Department of Health…

Testimony: Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Telehealth Services

Testimony of Frederic Riccardi, President Medicare Rights Center, on “Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Telehealth Services” before the United States House of…

Comments on the 2025 Advance Notice

The Medicare Rights Center welcomes CMS’s efforts to refine Medicare Advantage payment methodology and supports further action to improve costs and the beneficiary experience,…

Comments Supporting the Complete Rescission of the 2018 Association Health Plan Final Rule

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Proposed Rescission of the 2018 Association Health Plan Final Rule. We…

Comments on Proposed Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D for 2025

The Medicare Rights Center commented on the Contract Year 2025 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program,…

Statement for the Record on Medicare Advantage Marketing and the Enrollee Experience

The Medicare Rights Center submitted a statement for the record to the Senate Finance Committee regarding the October 18, 2023 hearing titled “Medicare Advantage…

Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) Draft Guidance

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) draft guidance. Medicare Rights is a…

2022 Medicare Trends and Recommendations

In 2022, Medicare Rights staff and volunteers addressed more than 27,000 questions through its national helpline and professional email channels. Additionally, Medicare Rights’ free…

Statement for the Record on Medicare Revenues and Program Sustainability

The Medicare Rights Center submitted a statement for the record to the Senate Budget Committee regarding a September 27, 2023 hearing on opportunities to…

Comments on 2024 Physician Fee Schedule

Medicare Rights comments on medically necessary dental and mental health and substance use disorder provisions in the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule.

Comments on the Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance Proposed Rule

Medicare Rights comments in support of provisions in the Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance proposed rule.

Comments on Health and Human Services Grants Regulation

Medicare Rights comments in support of the Health and Human Services Grants Regulation proposed rule.

Increasing Access to Medicare Savings Programs: Lessons Learned and Policy Recommendations from New York

Last year, New York State passed a landmark budget that expanded income eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), a long-overdue reform that the Medicare…

Comparing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Around half of people with Medicare get their health coverage from Original Medicare and the other half from Medicare Advantage, also known as a…

Medicare Advantage History: Legislative Milestones

Created in 1965, Medicare initially included Inpatient/Hospital insurance (Part A) and Outpatient/Medical insurance (Part B) and paid providers directly on a fee-for-service basis. The…

The Beneficiary Experience with Medicare Advantage Enrollment and Access

Many people can struggle to choose a Medicare Advantage plan that best meets their needs. For both newly eligible enrollees and those re-evaluating their…

Payments to Medicare Advantage: The Methodology

Under Original Medicare, Medicare pays providers a fixed rate for each service rendered to enrollees. By contrast, Medicare pays private Medicare Advantage plans a…

The Overpayment Cycle: Payments to Medicare Advantage

Flaws in the Medicare Advantage payment formula yield inflated plan payments that grow with enrollment. Plans use these additional dollars to offer services Original…

Promise and Pitfalls of Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)

Like other Medicare enrollees, people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid can choose to receive their Part A and Part B benefits…

Congress Must Streamline and Simplify Medicare Enrollment

Statement for the Record on Inaccurate Medicare Advantage Provider Directories

The Medicare Rights Center urges immediate action to address the long-standing problem of inaccurate MA provider directories. This misinformation derails thoughtful coverage choices and…

Separate Licensing Standards for Relative or Kinship Foster Family Homes

These comments from the Medicare Rights Center are in support of separate licensing standards for relative or kinship foster family homes.

Omitting Food From In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations 

Medicare Rights comments in support of removing food from the calculation of in-kind benefits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program

Callers to our national helpline regularly report struggling to afford the prescription medications they need to maintain their health and well-being. The Inflation Reduction…

Interoperability and Prior Authorization Proposed Rule

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes proposed rule. Prior authorization…

Proposed Coverage of Power Seat Elevation Equipment

Medicare Rights applauds CMS for proposing to extend Medicare coverage of power seat elevation. This feature is critical to promoting beneficiary health, safety, and…

Part D Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program

The Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Rebate Program will require drug companies to pay a rebate if they raise certain Part D drug prices faster…

Part B Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program

The Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Rebate Program will require drug companies to pay a rebate if they raise certain Part B drug prices faster…

Comments on the Conscience Proposed Rule

The Medicare Rights Center appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Safeguarding the Rights of Conscience as Protected by Federal Statutes proposed rule. We…

Comments on the 2024 Advance Notice

Medicare Rights strongly supports the proposals in the Advance Notice (AN) that would improve Medicare Advantage (MA) payment accuracy. Modest but important, these changes…

Social Security Administration Learning Agenda Request for Information

Medicare enrollment can be a difficult and daunting task. Year after year, among our most frequent helpline calls are from or on behalf of…

Medicare Coverage Gaps: Care Inside the Home and DME in the Community

Medicare does not cover most long-term services and supports (LTSS) or durable medical equipment for use outside of the home. While home health should…

Medicare and Health Equity

Medicare eligibility translates into meaningful gains in health equity. But the COVID-19 pandemic in particular has demonstrated that racial, ethnic, gender, LGBTQ+ status, disability…

Filling Gaps in Medicare Coverage: Dental, Vision, and Hearing

Medicare does not cover many of the essential services that older adults and people with disabilities need in order to live healthy lives. In…

Simplifying Medicare Advantage Enrollment

The proliferation of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and the variation across plans makes enrollment decisions based on a beneficiary’s individual circumstances overly complex, resulting…

Improving the Effectiveness of Extra Help for Prescription Drugs

Medicare’s Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”) can be a lifeline, helping low- and moderate-income beneficiaries pay for coverage they would not…

Improving Access to Extra Help for Prescription Drugs

Current Medicare policies expose low- and moderate-income beneficiaries to excessive out-of-pocket costs. For those who qualify, the Low-Income Subsidy(LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”)…

Medicare Part D Appeals Problems and Options to Correct Them

The Medicare Part D appeals process is an essential safety valve, allowing access to needed prescription medications—such as those that are not on the…

Medicare Part B Enrollment: Pitfalls and Solutions

While most people newly eligible for Medicare are automatically enrolled in Part B—because they are collecting Social Security retirement benefits at or before age…

Medicare Coverage Gaps: The Need to Curb Beneficiary Out-of-Pocket Spending

Unlike most modern health insurance coverage, Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum, exposing beneficiaries to limitless financial risk. While Medicare Advantage (MA) plans do…

Medicare Hospital Outpatient and Observation Status: The Three-Day Stay Problem

Medicare benefits for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) hinge on a complicated concept, the three-day rule. This rule requires beneficiaries to be hospital inpatients for…

Improving Medicare Savings Programs

Current Medicare policies expose low- and moderate-income beneficiaries to excessive out-of-pocket costs. For those who qualify, the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) can be a…

Access to Medicare Supplemental Insurance Policies (Medigaps)

While it is relatively easy for a Medicare beneficiary to enroll into and disenroll from a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan on an annual basis,…

Comments on Proposed Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D for Contract Year 2024

The Medicare Rights Center comments on the Medicare Program; Contract Year 2024 Policy and Technical Changes proposed rule.

Letter to CMS on Medicare Coverage of At-Home COVID-19 Tests

A letter from the Medicare Rights Center asking CMS to explore maintaining no-cost Medicare coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests beyond the public health emergency…

Comments on Streamlining Medicaid & MSP Applications Proposed Rule

Comments supporting changes to streamline Medicaid and MSP applications, determinations, and redeterminations.

Temporary Increase in Federal Medical Assistance Percentage in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Medicare Rights comments in support of reverting the interpretation of Medicaid maintenance of effort to the original CMS interpretation.

Letter in Support of House Ways & Means Markup of Mental Health Legislation

Access to behavioral health care is a significant, ongoing challenge for many people with Medicare. Swift legislative action is needed to address this, in…

Comments on the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule

Medicare Rights Center's comments on the medically necessary dental and expanded access to behavioral health providers topics in the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule.

Medicare Advantage Request for Information

Medicare Rights appreciates the opportunity to comment on CMS's Request for Information (RFI) on Medicare Advantage (MA). In our response, we offer suggestions and…

Principles of Medicare Parity

Principles for Medicare coverage parity for substance use disorder and behavioral health.

Letter to Congressional Leaders on Improving Medicare Coverage of Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Care

Letter to the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committee leaders urging them to take action to improve Medicare coverage for people with…

Comments on CAA/BENES Act Proposed Rule

Comments on the enrollment changes made by BENES Act provisions and other matters.

2020-2021 Medicare Trends and Recommendations

This report features select helpline trends and highlights the most commonly sought helpline and Medicare Interactive answers, providing a glimpse into the information and…

Letter to US Senators on Home and Community-Based Services

This letter expresses Medicare Rights' strong and unified support for including a robust investment in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in the next legislative…

Joint Letter on Medicare Enrollment and the PHE Unwinding

In a letter to CMS, the Medicare Rights Center and other leading beneficiary advocacy groups share concerns about the Medicare-related impacts of unwinding of…

Comments on the 2023 Advance Notice

Comments on the Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2023 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part…

Comments on 2023 C&D Rule

Comments on the 2023 C&D rule: Medicare Program; Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit…

Community Statement on Medicare Coverage for Medically Necessary Oral and Dental Health Therapies

Statement from advocacy, medical, and dental organizations showing the need for coverage for medically necessary oral and dental care in Medicare.

Letter to Senators Urging Drug Pricing Reform

Medicare Rights joined over 90 groups to urge US Senators to pass drug pricing reforms through reconciliation.

Comments on the 2023 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters

We provided comments on the 2023 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans.

Advocacy Organizations Urge Better Medicare Coverage of COVID-19 Services

Join letter to the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from 67 advocacy organizations…

Comments on Revocation of Georgia 1332 Medicaid Waiver

We provided comments supporting CMS revoking the Georgia 1332 Medicaid waiver which would eliminate access to HealthCare.gov for Georgia residents.

Medicare Savings Programs in New York State: <br/>Policy Recommendations from the Medicare Rights Center

The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and the resultant economic fallout has highlighted longstanding barriers affecting Medicare beneficiaries, older adults and people with disabilities,…

Comments on the 2022 Physician Fee Schedule

Comments on the Physician Fee Schedule for 2022 which extends a glidepath for temporary telehealth services until the end of 2023 and makes permanent…

Home Health Comments

Home health is a valuable and necessary benefit that can help people with Medicare live safely in their homes and communities. But far too…

Comments on Updating Payment Parameters Proposed Rule

Comments on the Updating Payment Parameters proposed rule that would make changes to ACA marketplace enrollment, assistance, and standards.

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act

The Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2021 (H.R. 3650/S. 2048) would count the time Medicare beneficiaries spend in the hospital under “observation”…

Joint Letter on Medicare Improvements

Medicare Rights and other leading beneficiary advocate groups urged the Administration and Congress to keep improvements to the Medicare program central in ongoing discussions…

Joint Letter on Medicaid HCBS

Medicare Rights joined over 150 leading advocacy organizations in calling on Congress to fully fund the $400 billion investment in Medicaid Home and Community…

Comments on the Office of Management and Budget Request for Information on Methods and Leading Practices for Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through Government

The need to address equity has never been clearer. The COVID-19 pandemic, entrenched economic exploitation, rising income inequality, and violent and systemic racism must…

Comments on 2022 IPPS Proposed Rule

Comments on the proposed use of an indirect estimation algorithm for racial and ethnic demographics as well as a clarification of the requirement for…

Comments on Changes to the HIPAA Proposed Rule

Comments on changes to the HIPAA proposed rule that would speed up individual access to records but create inappropriate laxity in some aspects of…

Statement for the Record “Negotiating a Better Deal: Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs”

Immediate action is needed to transform the nation’s drug pricing system in ways that will lower prices, strengthen Medicare, and promote the well-being of…

Comments on the HCBS Access Act Discussion Draft

If enacted, the HAA would greatly expand access to HCBS, helping people who need supports to stay in their communities, age in place, and…

Comments on Interim Final Rule on MCIT and Definition of “Reasonable and Necessary” (CMS-3372-IFC)

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) appreciates this additional opportunity to comment on the Medicare Program; Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) and Definition…

Testimony: The Future of Telehealth: How COVID-19 is Changing the Delivery of Virtual Care

Testimony of Frederic Riccardi, President Medicare Rights Center, on “The Future of Telehealth: How COVID-19 is Changing the Delivery of Virtual Care” for the…

Letter Urging Biden Administration to Take Immediate Action on Key Issues Facing Medicare Beneficiaries

In a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Secretary Norris Cochran, two leading Medicare beneficiary advocacy organizations,…

Letter From 50 Organizations Calling on CMS to Ease Medicare Enrollment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Medicare Rights Center and 49 state and national organizations urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reinstate two policies to…

Improving Medicare Assistance Programs: Easing Access to LIS

For those who qualify, the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program (also called “Extra Help”) can be a lifeline, helping them pay for Medicare coverage they…

Address Disparities and Inequities

Medicare Rights urges the administration to address disparities and inequities in order to improve health care and coverage for all. Medicare has long been…

Reduce Barriers to Care

The Biden administration must reduce barriers to care by making coverage more available, accessible, and affordable. On our Helpline, we frequently hear from older…

Simplify Medicare Enrollment

Medicare Rights asks the Biden administration to simplify Medicare enrollment in order to ensure active, informed, and meaningful beneficiary choice. A rapidly aging population,…

Immediately Respond to COVID-19

The Medicare Rights Center encourages the Biden administration to immediately respond to COVID-19 in ways that prioritize older adults and people with disabilities. The…

Policy Recommendations for the Biden Administration

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) looks forward to working with the Biden administration to advance policies that protect and strengthen Medicare as well…

Comments on the Fourth COVID Interim Final Rule

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), signed into law on March 18, includes an option for states to receive enhanced federal Medicaid funding.…

Comments on SUNSET rule

The COVID-19 public health emergency continues to demonstrate the need for reliable access to health care, especially for older adults and people with disabilities.…

Comments on Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2022

As the current COVID-19 public health emergency continues to reveal, the need for health care can arise at any moment and may be the…

Summary of Policy Recommendations for the Biden Administration

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) looks forward to working with the Biden administration to advance policies that protect and strengthen Medicare as well…

Comments on Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) and Definition of “Reasonable and Necessary”

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Medicare Program; Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) and Definition of…

What’s at Stake in the Affordable Care Act: A Voter Guide

During the 2020 election cycle, voters should pay attention to candidates’ statements about the ACA, including their stance on its elimination. In this document,…

What’s at Stake in Medicare: A Voter Guide

Medicare has been a lifeline for millions since its inception in 1965, but threats and uncertainties persist. To determine candidates’ views on Medicare, voters…

What’s at Stake in Medicaid: A Voter Guide

For 2020, voters should pay close attention to candidates’ statements about Medicaid, including their vision for the future of the program. To help voters…

2018-2019 Medicare Trends and Recommendations

In 2018-2019, Medicare Rights staff and volunteers addressed more than 37,000 questions and issues through the organization’s national helpline. In addition, Medicare Rights’ free…

Letter of Support for the Heroes Act

Medicare Rights is pleased to support the recently updated Heroes Act (H.R. 8406). It includes urgently-needed policy and program changes to better meet the…

Comments on Georgia’s Proposed 1332 Waiver

Comments in opposition to approving Georgia's proposal to eliminate HealthCare.gov access for Georgians.

Letter on Concerns About the Impact of USPS Operation Changes on Mail-Order Medication Delivery

Millions of people with Medicare currently rely on the U.S. Postal Service for timely delivery of their prescription medications. Any operational changes that result…

Comments on IRS Proposed Rule on “Certain Medical Care Arrangements”

Comments in opposition to reclassifying payments for health care sharing ministries as payments for medical insurance for tax purposes.

Letter to Senate Leaders on COVID-19 Relief Priorities

We recognize the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant economic downturn will have lasting impacts on people with Medicare and the program, and that additional…

Joint Principles from the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the Medicare Rights Center: Medicare Expansion of Telehealth Helps Beneficiaries Access Care During the Pandemic–But Caution is Needed Before Making These Changes Permanent

As policymakers consider the post-pandemic Medicare telehealth landscape, the Medicare Rights Center and the Center for Medicare Advocacy offer our shared perspective on next…

BENES Act Letter of Support Signed by 106 Stakeholder Organizations

The undersigned organizations share a commitment to advancing the health and economic security of older adults, people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Together,…

Comments for the Telehealth Taskforce

Comments in response to the Taskforce on Telehealth Policy’s request for input from stakeholders.

BENES Act Letter of Support from former CMS and HCFA Administrators

A July 9, 2020 letter of support for the BENES Act (S. 1280/H.R. 2477) signed by all ten former living Centers for Medicare &…

Comments on the Second COVID-19 Interim Final Rule

Medicare Rights provided comments on the second Interim Final Rule with Comment that made changes to Medicare rules, payments, and reporting during the COVID-19…

Comments on Oklahoma SoonerCare 2.0 1115 Waiver Application

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) appreciates this opportunity to comment on Oklahoma’s Sooner Care 2.0 Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver application. While we…

Letter to CMS on Extending Medicare Enrollment Flexibilities

Medicare Rights and 40 leading advocacy organizations sent a letter to CMS, requesting extensions of several expiring enrollment flexibilities that are helping Medicare-eligible individuals…

Comments on Bipartisan Policy Center Integrated Care White Paper

The Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights) appreciates this opportunity to comment on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s white paper, “Policy Options for Integrating Care for…

Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

The novel coronavirus, “SARS-CoV-2,” has proven especially dangerous to populations that Medicare serves—people 65 years and older, people who live in a nursing home…

Comments on Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2021 for MedicareAdvantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies–Part II

Medicare Rights generally supports the transition of many of the provisions in this proposed rule from subregulatory guidance to notice-and-comment rulemaking. While we recognize…

Thank You Letter to SSA About Automatic Deposit of Stimulus Funds for SSA Recipients

On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), thank you for clarifying that 2019 Social Security and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries do not have…

Letter to SSA About Automatic Deposit of Stimulus Funds for SSA Recipients

On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), I am writing today to urge you to immediately clarify that 2019 Social Security beneficiaries…

D-SNP Fast Complaint and Appeal Decision Comments

Letter to CMS About COVID-19 Requests

On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), thank you for your agency’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. As this work…

Letter to Congress About COVID-19 Requests

Improving Medicare Assistance Programs: Making LIS More Effective

Comments on CMS-4190-P: Medicare and Medicaid Programs Contract Year 2021 and 2022

Comments on Draft Update to Manual For State Payment of Medicare Premiums

Substance Use Disorders and Report to Congress

Ensuring Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations

Rules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews

Medicaid Program; Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation

Comments: Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage

House Testimony: “Legislation to Improve Americans’ Health Care Coverage and Outcomes”

Comments: OIG Anit-Kickback Statute

Comments: TennCare Demonstration, Amendment 42

Comments: Nondiscrimination requirements for HHS grantees

Comments: CMS Applicable Integrated Plan Coverage Decision Letter

Oncology Care First Model: Informal Request for Information

Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) Letter of Support

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances Comments

Letter of Support for the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019

Comments: Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Letter to CMS Time-limited Equitable Relief

Comments: 2019 Medicare Plan Finder Review

Medicare Program; Specialty Care Models to Improve Quality of Care and Reduce Expenditures

Joint Letter to U.S. House on Part D Reforms

Why New York Should Simplify Medical Bills and Improve Health Care Price Look-Up Tools

Comments: Nondiscrimination in Health and Health Education Programs or Activities

Request for Information: Reducing Administrative Burden to put Patients over Paperwork

Case Study: Streamlining Part D Appeals Process Act

Congress Must Streamline the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Appeals Process

Statement for the Record: “Open Executive Session to Consider an Original Bill Entitled the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2019”

Joint Sign-on Letter: Part D Improvements

Joint Sign-on Letter: BENES Act

BETTER Act Endorsement

Comments: Consumer Inflation Measures Produced by Federal Statistical Agencies

Statement for the Record Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee Full Committee Hearing Lower Health Care Costs Act

Statement for the Record Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing “No More Surprises: Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills”

Joint Letter: Introduction of H.R. 2073 and S.110

Letter: Draft Medicare Part D Legislation

Letter: Help Committee Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Health Care Costs

Comments: Proposed Interoperability and Patient Access Rule

Comments: Direct Contracting—Geographic Population-Based Payment Model Option

Statement for the Record House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Hearing “Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills”

Protect & Strengthen: ACA Coverage Protections

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) strengthened Medicare and Medicaid and created important coverage avenues and consumer protections for people of all ages. Despite these…

Comments: Part D Rebate Safe Harbor

Comments: 2020 Final Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines

2017 Medicare Trends and Recommendations

In 2017, Medicare Rights staff and volunteers addressed more than 15,000 questions and issues through the organization’s national helpline. In addition, over 2.8 million…

Comments: 2020 Call Letter

LCAO Letter to Senate HELP Committee

Comments: HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2020

Comments: Accrediting Organizations Conflict of Interest and Consulting Services RFI

Joint Comments: Request for Information on Modifying HIPAA Rules to Improve Coordinate Care

Comments: Modernizing Part D and Medicare Advantage to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses (CMS-4180-P)

Comments: ACA Exchange Program Integrity (CMS9922-P)

Comments on Proposed Changes to the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Fee-for-Service, and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs (CMS-4185-P)

Comments: Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Medicare Program; International Pricing Index Model for Medicare Part B Drugs

Comments: State Relief and Empowerment Waivers (1332 Waivers) Guidance

Comments: Drug Pricing Transparency

Comments in Response to Proposed Rulemaking: Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds

Comments: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Regulatory Provisions to Promote Program Efficiency, Transparency, and Burden Reduction

Comments: Medicare Anti-Kickback Statute and Beneficiary Inducements CMP Request for Information

Comments: “Healthy Michigan”

Comments: Alabama Medicaid Workforce Initiative

Comments: Medicare Program; Medicare Shared Savings Program; Accountable Care Organizations–Pathways to Success

Comments: 2019 Final Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines (MCMG)

Letter to CMS RE: Final 2019 Medicare and You Handbook

Letter to CMS Re: Extension of Relief Opportunity for Marketplace Enrollees

Comments: 2019 Physician Fee Schedule

Comments: CY 2019 Changes to the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System, Quality Incentive Program, Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) CMS-1691-P

Letter to Congress Re: Changes to the Part D Coverage Gap

Comments: Kentucky HEALTH

Comments: Mississippi Medicaid Workforce Training Initiative

Letter to Congress Affirming Our Commitment to Maintaining the Bipartisan Budget Act (Bba) of 2018’s Part D Donut Hole Reforms

Comments: HHS Blueprint to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs

Comments: Request for Information on Direct Provider Contracting Models

Letter to CMS Re Inaccuracies in the Draft Medicare & You Handbook for 2019

Comments: 2019 Medicare Advantage Marketing Materials

Letter to Congress: Certain Provisions in the FY18 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Letter in Support for the Medicare Beneficiary Opioid Addiction Treatment Act (S. 2704)

Letter: Opposition to H.J. Res. 2

2016 Medicare Trends and Recommendations:

In 2016, the Medicare Rights Center’s (Medicare Rights) staff and helpline volunteers fielded more than 16,758 questions and issues through the organization’s National Consumer…

Analysis of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018

Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2019 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates, Part C and Part D Payment Policies and 2019 Call Letter

Comments on Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition Across the United States

Comments on proposed changes to the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Fee-for-Service, and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit programs (CMS-4182-P)

Comments on Draft Strategic Plan FY 2018-2022

Comments on Medicare Program: Cancellation of Advancing Care Coordination through Episode Payment and Cardiac Rehabilitation Incentive Payment Models; Changes to Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Payment Model (CMS-5524-P)

Medicare Snapshot: Stories from the Helpline

Comments on “Medicare Red Tape Relief Project”

New York’s Health System Transformation

Comments on Affordable Care Act: Reducing Regulatory Burdens and Improving Health Care Choices to Empower Patients

Comments on CMS “Welcome to Medicare” Packages

Comments to Seema Verma Suggesting Improvements to Parts C and D

Comments on Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Market Stabilization (CMS-9929-P)

Comments on Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2018 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates, Part C and Part D Payment Policies and 2018 Call Letter

2015 Medicare Trends and Recommendations:

Comments on Conditions for Coverage for End-Stage Renal Disease Facilities Third Party Payment (CMS-3337-IFC)

Comments on Enhancements to the Star Ratings for 2018 and Beyond

Medicare Snapshot: Stories from the Helpline

Comments on Affordable Care Act; HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2018 (CMS–9934–P)

Comments on Inappropriate Steering of Individuals Eligible for or Receiving Medicare and Medicaid Benefits to Individual Market Plans

Comments on Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule

Comments on the Proposed Medicare Changes (HHS-2015-49)

Part B Drug Payment Model Testimony

Comments on the Proposed Part B Drug Payment Model

Comments in Response to Senate Finance Committee Chronic Care Working Group Proposals

2014 Medicare Trends and Recommendations

Comments on the proposed Revisions to Requirements for Discharge Planning

Comments on Medicare-Medicaid Plan Quality Ratings Strategy

Sign-on Letter for Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2017

Comments on Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2017

Comments on Alternative Payment Model (APM) Framework, Draft White Paper

Comments on the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA)

Letter of Support for Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2015 (S. 1884 & H.R. 3261)

Letter of Support for Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2015 (S. 31 & H.R. 3061)

Response to Senate Finance Committee’s Request for Input on Chronic Care Policies

White House Conference on Aging Comment Letter

Letter of Support for DME Competitive Bidding Program

2015 Medicare Drug Savings Act Letter of Support to U.S. House

2015 Medicare Drug Savings Act Letter of Support to U.S. Senate

Medicare Snapshot: Stories from the Helpline

Response to House legislative package to repeal and replace the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula (H.R. 2)

FIDA Toolkit for New York City and Nassau County Health Care Providers

Sign-on Letter: Draft 2016 Part C and Part D Call Letter

Medicare Rights Feedback on CMS 2016 Part C and Part D Call Letter

2013 Medicare Trends and Recommendations

Medicare Part B Enrollment: Pitfalls, Problems and Penalties

Health Reform and Medicare: The Doughnut Hole in 2015

Medicare Snapshot: Stories from the Helpline

How Medicare is Affected by the Overturn of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

Hearing on the Future of Medicare Advantage Health Plans

A Winning Strategy for Medicare Savings: Better Prices on Prescription Drugs

New York’s Medicare Marketplace Update

Messing with Success: How CMS’ Attack on the Part D Program Will Increase Costs and Reduce Choices for Seniors

2012 Medicare Trends and Recommendations

Medicare Advantage: What Beneficiaries Should Expect Under the President’s Health Care Plan

Health Reform and Medicare: Closing the Doughnut Hole

Build on What Works: Medicare Cost Savers

The Affordable Care Act: Before and After

10 Years Later: A Look at the Medicare Prescription Drug Program

The President’s and Other Bipartisan Proposals to Reform Medicare

Paying More for Less: More Medicare Cost Sharing

Paying More for Less: Medigap Cost Sharing

Paying More for Less: Premium Support

Paying More for Less: Raising the Eligibility Age

Medicare Facts and Faces: Refused at the Pharmacy Counter

A Bridge to Health

Medicare Voices: Celebrating 47 Years of Medicare

New York’s Medicare Marketplace

Deficit Reduction and Medicare President Obama’s Plan

Painting a Grim Picture

Medicare Facts and Faces: Planning Ahead

Medicare and Medicaid: Essential Partners

Recertification in New York State

Streamlining Medicare and QMB Enrollment for New Yorkers

Questions and Answers on Medicare and Health Reform

Medicare Facts and Faces: Why Consumers Disenroll from Medicare Private Health Plans

Local Promise

Warning Signs: Preliminary Report Highlights Problems with State Implementation of MIPPA LowIncome Reforms