29 Apr 2009
April 29, 2009

Medicare won’t help Part D beneficiaries recover insurance overcharges

Medicare 0 Comment

Seniors who have been overcharged by Medicare’s prescription drug program shouldn’t look to the government for help.  The government-run health-care program for older adults appears to have washed its hands of any responsibility for mistakes that have cost subscribers and taxpayers several billion dollars.  That was the message contained in Medicare’s response this week to.. read more →

17 Apr 2009
April 17, 2009

Two Year Waiting Period For Medicare Eligibility Under Social Security Disability Program Would Gradually Disappear In Proposed Legislation

Medicare 0 Comment

As many Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients already know all too well, there is currently a two-year waiting period from the day their applications are approved until they can begin receiving Medicare benefits. This policy forces people with disabilities to either find another form of health insurance (sometimes through Medicaid, if they qualify), or.. read more →

21 Jan 2009
January 21, 2009

CMS issues new POMS for trusts

Child Support, Family Law, Governmental or Public Benefit Programs, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Benefits, Special Needs Planning, Spousal Support, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits 0 Comment

A new Programs Operations Manual System (POMS), used by Social Security Administration employees to administer the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, has recently been issued by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for trusts under the heading “SI 01120.200 Trusts – General, Including Trusts Established Prior to 1/1/00, Trusts Established.. read more →

24 Dec 2008
December 24, 2008

A Roundup of Key Elder Law Numbers for 2009

Governmental or Public Benefit Programs, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits 0 Comment

Below is compilation of Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and other figures for 2009 that are of interest to the elderly, the disabled and their families. Source: ElderLawAnswers.com Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Figures for 2009 – effective January 1, 2009 In 2009, the spouse of a Medicaid recipient living in a nursing home (called the “community spouse”).. read more →

02 Dec 2008
December 2, 2008

Public Benefits Basics – Social Security and SSI Benefits

Governmental or Public Benefit Programs, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits 0 Comment

Because much of the elder law practice population is elderly or disabled and at or below the poverty level, a basic understanding of Social Security programs (and related Medicare and Medicaid benefits) is important. Social Security Disability (“SSD”) Benefits: Available to a blind or disabled worker who: (1) applies for benefits; (2) has not reached.. read more →

14 Oct 2008
October 14, 2008

Second Circuit Rules that the Three-Day Hospitalization Requirement for Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage under Medicare Starts at Inpatient Admittance

Medicare, New Cases, Skilled Nursing Facilities 0 Comment

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that until a patient is formally admitted to a hospital as an inpatient, the clock does not begin to run on Medicare’s three-day hospital stay requirement to qualify for skilled nursing facility coverage. estate-of-landers-v-leavitt (2nd Cir., No. 06-4921-cv, Oct. 1, 2008).   Marion Landers, along with several other.. read more →

24 Sep 2008
September 24, 2008

Medicare Part B Premium Unchanged For 2009

Medicare, News Briefs 0 Comment

Medicare’s monthly premium will be unchanged at $96.40 next year for most of the 44 million beneficiaries in the U.S. health program for the elderly and disabled. This is the first time in eight years the rate won’t rise.  Medicare fees will stay the same partly because the program’s reserves have increased, according to a.. read more →

15 Aug 2008
August 15, 2008

Under New Policy, Medicare Will No Longer Pay The Extra Cost Of Treating Certain Medical Conditions That Occur While A Patient Is In The Hospital

Governmental or Public Benefit Programs, Medicare 0 Comment

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a new State Medicaid Directors Letter concerning “hospital acquired conditions.” The gist of the letter is that as of October 1, 2008 Medicare will stop reimbursing hospitals for the extra cost of treating certain conditions that, evidence shows, should not occur if treatment in the.. read more →

18 May 2008
May 18, 2008

Key Numbers for New Jersey Medicaid, Medicare, SSI and Social Security in 2008

Governmental or Public Benefit Programs, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits 0 Comment

New Jersey issued updated numbers for calculating Medicaid eligibility in 2008. They are: Minimum Community Spouse Resource Allowance – $20,880.00 Maximum Community Spouse Resource Allowance – $104,400.00 Resource Allowance for an Individual – $2,000.00 Resource Allowance for a Couple (both husband and wife in a nursing home) – $3,000.00 Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance through.. read more →

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