Medicare changes misrepresented, advocates say - send this to Seniors...

[cbdo2007]

Medicare changes misrepresented, advocates say
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
By: Emily Bregel

Many seniors and doctors who treat Medicare patients have been shaken up by news that health care reform efforts are largely funded by about $455 billion worth of projected savings in the government health insurance program for the elderly.

Enrollees fear that the changes, to be implemented over 10 years, could chip away at their benefits and worry that lower payments will force providers to stop taking new Medicare patients.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/mar/24/medicare-changes-misrepresented-advocates-say/

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WHAT DOES REFORM DO TO MEDICARE?

* Limits future payment increases to hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies (signed off by the hospital industry trade group American Hospital Association last year with the understanding that less uninsured patients in hospitals will significantly cut their costs.

* Cuts funding for private Medicare Advantage programs that are wasteful while offering bonuses to high-quality and efficient Medicare Advantage programs (this will actually give seniors with Medicare Advantage plans BETTER benefits)

* Gives $250 to Medicare enrollees for the so-called prescription doughnut hole; fills Medicare Part D doughnut hole over 10 years

* Boosts payments to primary care physicians

* Creates independent commission to recommend how to cut Medicare spending

* Funds pilot programs to cut down on waste and root out fraud in Medicare

SOURCE: Medicare Rights Center (comments added my me because it's hard to get a straight answer on this stuff)