Feds wrote $128M in duplicate checks to docs, report finds
April 27, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government wrote duplicate checks to doctors who provided care for veterans, costing taxpayers as much as $128 million in extra payments, according to a new watchdog report out this week.
Most oppose Social Security, Medicare cuts: AP-NORC poll
April 7, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Most U.S. adults are opposed to proposals that would cut into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and a majority support raising taxes on the nation’s highest earners to keep Medicare running as is.
Medicare, Social Security could fall short over next decade
March 31, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The financial safety nets millions of older Americans rely on — and millions more young people are counting on — will run short of money to pay full benefits within the next decade, the annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report released Friday warns.
Biden says he’s focused ‘intensely’ on lowering drug costs
March 15, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said his administration was focused “intensely” on lowering health care costs and took aim at “MAGA” Republicans who he said are intent on dialing back Medicare coverage for millions of Americans.
When will Medicare cover medical marijuana?
March 15, 2023 GMTMany older adults are using medical marijuana to treat a variety of conditions, but experts say that conflicting laws, unclear safety standards and complicated rulemaking processes mean it could be years before Medicare may cover the drug.
Joe Biden plans new taxes on the rich to help save Medicare
March 7, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed new taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare, saying the plan would help to extend the insurance program's solvency by 25 years and provide a degree of middle-class stability to millions of older adults.
Insurer Humana lays out employer-sponsored coverage exit
February 23, 2023 GMTThe health insurer Humana will stop providing employer-sponsored commercial coverage as it focuses on bigger parts of its business, like Medicare Advantage.
The insurer said Thursday it will leave the business over the next 18 to 24 months.
Social Security and Medicare: Troubling math, tough politics
February 20, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — It seems no one wants to cut Social Security or Medicare benefits.
Not President Joe Biden, who is already telling voters his upcoming federal budget proposal will “defend and strengthen” the programs.
What’s new for Medicare in 2023?
February 2, 2023 GMTA new year means changes to Medicare, including updated premiums and deductibles and sometimes big policy moves.
Feds expect to collect $4.7B in insurance fraud penalties
January 30, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration estimated Monday that it could collect as much as $4.7 billion from insurance companies with newer and tougher penalties for submitting improper charges on the taxpayers' tab for Medicare Advantage care.
Doctor gets nearly 17 years in prison for vast opioid scheme
January 30, 2023 GMTDETROIT (AP) — A Detroit-area doctor was sentenced Monday to nearly 17 years in prison and ordered to pay $30 million for leading a scheme to bill Medicare and private insurers for unnecessary painkiller injections and write prescriptions for millions of opioids.
Why do so many older adults choose Medicare Advantage?
January 25, 2023 GMTIn 2022, 48% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans instead of original Medicare, and experts predict that number will be higher in 2023.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and bundle Medicare benefits in a way many people find appealing — but they also limit care to network providers , often require preapproval to see specialists and can saddle beneficiaries with high out-of-pocket costs for serious conditions.
Mississippi company to pay $1.87M to settle false claims
January 11, 2023 GMTOXFORD, Miss. (AP) — An orthopedic clinic in north Mississippi and its owner have agreed to pay more than $1.8 million to resolve allegations that the health care provider knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Spending bill secures funds for Native American health care
December 23, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Access to health care for Native Americans and Alaska Natives will be bolstered with funding included in a massive government spending bill awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature.
Biden administration proposes crackdown on scam Medicare ads
December 14, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Wednesday proposed a ban on misleading ads for Medicare Advantage plans that have targeted older Americans and, in some cases, convinced them to sign up for plans that don't cover their doctors or prescriptions.
Missouri man admits 26-year Social Security fraud
December 2, 2022 GMTST. LOUIS (AP) — An eastern Missouri man has admitted that he stole almost $200,000 by collecting his mother's Social Security benefits for 26 years after her death.
Reginald Bagley, 62, of Dellwood, pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony charge of stealing money belonging to the United States, the U.S.
5 mistakes you’re making with Medicare open enrollment
November 9, 2022 GMTMillions of retirees are in the thick of Medicare open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, but many find the process challenging. Some don’t understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, many are overwhelmed by Medicare advertising, and only 4 in 10 people review their plan options each year, according to a July 2022 report from health care consulting firm Sage Growth Partners.
Supreme Court skeptical of rejecting civil rights precedent
November 8, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed unlikely to agree to overturn decades of precedent in a case about civil rights lawsuits, a result that would preserve the ability of individuals to use federal law to sue.
Medicare enrollees warned about deceptive marketing schemes
November 5, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Mailers designed to look like official government forms. Buses sporting scam pitches for Medicare websites. TV commercials featuring celebrities who encourage people to sign up for Medicare plans that do not always include their current doctors.
NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn’t happen this week
October 28, 2022 GMTA roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out.
Data breach victims sue Rhode Island transit agency, insurer
October 25, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Two people whose personal information was compromised in a data breach at Rhode Island’s public bus service that affected about 22,000 people sued the agency and a health insurer on Tuesday seeking monetary damages and answers.
Biden to visit Democratic headquarters as Election Day nears
October 23, 2022 GMTREHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden will visit Democratic National Committee headquarters on Monday as he looks to pep up staff and volunteers with just over two weeks to go before Election Day.
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine will cost $110-$130 per dose
October 21, 2022 GMTPfizer will charge $110 to $130 for a dose of its COVID-19 vaccine once the U.S. government stops buying the shots, but the drugmaker says it expects many people will continue receiving it for free.
NP pleads guilty in $4.4M health care fraud scheme
October 20, 2022 GMTPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A nurse practitioner has pleaded guilty to fraudulently billing commercial health insurers and Medicare nearly $4.4 million for services that he never provided to patients as he had claimed, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
How to change Medicare plans — and why you might want to
October 18, 2022 GMTMedicare open enrollment starts soon, but 7 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries say they don’t compare Medicare plans during this period, according to a 2021 analysis by KFF, a health policy nonprofit.
That’s not great, since Medicare Advantage plans — which operate much like the private insurance you may have had through an employer — change from year to year.
Biden pushing lower prescription drug costs in midterm press
October 15, 2022 GMTIRVINE, California (AP) — President Joe Biden is highlighting his administration’s efforts to lower prescription drug costs on Friday as part of his three-state Western tour this week, as he confronts a sobering inflation report in the waning weeks before midterm elections.
Deadline to close nursing home extended by 1 year
October 13, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The deadline to close a nursing home administered by the city of San Francisco has again been extended after city and federal regulators reached an agreement that allows the embattled facility to continue caring for patients, officials announced.
CVS Medicare Advantage business takes quality rating hit
October 7, 2022 GMTCVS Health shares tumbled early Friday after the company said a big Medicare Advantage plan took a hit in government quality ratings about a week before a key enrollment window opens for the coverage.
Exercise caution with zero-premium Medicare Advantage plans
October 5, 2022 GMTHealth insurers will flood the Medicare Advantage market again this fall with enticing offers for plans that have no monthly price tag.
The number of so-called zero-premium plans has been growing for years, and they can appeal to retirees who live on fixed incomes.
Former Kentucky lawmaker sentenced to prison in fraud case
October 4, 2022 GMTLONDON, Ky. (AP) — Former Kentucky lawmaker Robert Goforth was sentenced Monday to two years and one month in federal prison for health care fraud and money laundering.
Goforth, who resigned from the Kentucky House in 2021, also faces two years of supervised release, media outlets reported.
Oregon to cover health-related climate expenses
September 29, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon is set to become the first state in the nation to cover climate change expenses for certain low-income patients under its Medicaid program as the normally temperate Pacific Northwest region sees longer heat waves and more intense wildfires.
Michigan Supreme Court takes major car insurance case
September 29, 2022 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court agreed Thursday to decide whether major changes in car insurance law apply to people who were catastrophically injured before summer 2019.
The case is being closely watched by insurers, health-care providers and long-term victims of crashes.
Millions of Americans will save on Medicare fees next year
September 27, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time in a decade, Americans will pay less next year on monthly premiums for Medicare’s Part B plan, which covers routine doctors’ visits and other outpatient care.
The rare 3% decrease in monthly premiums is likely to be coupled with a historically high cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits — perhaps 9% or 10% — putting hundreds of dollars directly into the pockets of millions of people.
Wisconsin’s Johnson embraces controversy in reelection bid
September 27, 2022 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Far from shying from his contrarian reputation, Wisconsin Republican Sen.
Biden’s strategy to end hunger in US includes more benefits
September 27, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is laying out its plan to meet an ambitious goal of ending hunger in the U.S. by 2030, including expanding monthly benefits that help low-income Americans buy food.
Biogen pays $900M to settle doctor kickback allegations
September 27, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Biogen has agreed to pay $900 million to resolve allegations that it violated federal law by paying kickbacks to doctors to persuade them to prescribe its multiple sclerosis drugs, federal prosecutors said.
Evaluations highlight concerns, harm at state health centers
September 22, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A new evaluation of state-operated hospitals for veterans, the mentally ill and the elderly describes inadequate oversight that threatens the ability to provide quality care, including harmful conditions at a care facility for military veterans in Truth or Consequences.
Doctor admits to fraud involving more than 2,000 patients
September 21, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A doctor admitted in federal court on Wednesday that he certified products and tests for thousands of Medicare and Medicaid patients in Missouri whom he never met.
Oluwatobi Alabi Yerokun, 36, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements related to health care matters.
4 non-investment questions to ask an adviser before retiring
September 14, 2022 GMTUsing a financial adviser for your investment needs is 100% on brand, but what about the other parts of your retirement life? For example, a third of people ages 64 and up have a financial adviser, but only 2% of them asked their adviser to help with their Medicare choices, according to a July 2022 report f rom health care consulting firm Sage Growth Partners.
Idaho Legislature asks judge to reconsider abortion ruling
September 8, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Legislature has asked a federal judge to reconsider his decision blocking the state from enforcing a strict abortion ban in medical emergencies.
Tech CEO convicted in COVID-19, allergy test fraud case
September 2, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A Silicon Valley executive who prosecutors said lied to investors about inventing technology that tested for allergies and COVID-19 using only a few drops of blood and charged up to $10,000 per allergy test was found guilty of health care fraud, authorities announced Friday.
4 things you should know about working after you turn 65
August 31, 2022 GMTContinuing to work past the traditional retirement age gives many the opportunity to add more money to their nest egg — and delay Social Security, which will bump up their eventual benefits check. In May, 21.9% of Americans ages 65 and older were working, compared with 19.5% in May 2020, according to a study released in June by MagnifyMoney, which analyzed U.S.
EXPLAINER: Lower prescription prices to take time in new law
August 27, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — After decades of failed attempts, Democrats passed legislation that aims to rein in the soaring costs of drugs for some in the United States.
Insulin cap for Medicare patients signals hope for others
August 25, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Years before he came to the Senate, Raphael Warnock spent time bedside with Georgia residents suffering from the long-term effects of diabetes, a condition made worse by limited access to life-saving drugs like insulin.
Judge: Idaho abortion ban seems to conflict with federal law
August 22, 2022 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's near-total abortion ban appears to have a serious conflict with a federal law governing emergency health care treatment, a federal judge said Monday.
The U.S. Department of Justice sued the Republican-led state of Idaho earlier this month, saying the abortion ban set to take effect on Thursday violates a federal law requiring Medicare-funded hospitals to provide “stabilizing treatment” to patients experiencing medical emergencies.
Judge reinstates work requirement in Georgia Medicaid plan
August 20, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — In a victory for Georgia's Republican governor, a federal judge on Friday reinstated a work requirement in the state's plan to expand Medicaid coverage to more low-income residents.
Biden signs massive climate and health care legislation
August 16, 2022 GMTWhat’s in big Biden bill? Health, climate goals become law
August 16, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden arrived at the White House promising to “build back” America, and legislation he signed Tuesday delivers a slimmer, though not insignificant, version of that once sweeping idea.
Deadline to close nursing home extended by 2 months
August 16, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The deadline to close a nursing home administered by the city of San Francisco has been extended by two months and patients will no longer be transferred or discharged as part of a federally-mandated closure plan, local, state and federal officials said Monday in a joint statement.
In Biden’s big bill: Climate, health care, deficit reduction
August 12, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The biggest investment ever in the U.S. to fight climate change.
Congress OKs Dems’ climate, health bill, a Biden triumph
August 12, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Congress gave final approval Friday to Democrats' flagship climate and health care bill, handing President Joe Biden a back-from-the-dead triumph on coveted priorities that the party hopes will bolster their prospects for keeping their House and Senate majorities in November's elections.
What Medicare Part A’s belly-up date means for you
August 10, 2022 GMTAt its current pace, Medicare’s Hospital Insurance trust fund will run out of money in 2028, according to the June 2022 Medicare trustees report.
Nursing home to stop discharging patients after deaths
July 29, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A nursing home run by the city of San Francisco will stop discharging patients as part of a federally-mandated closure plan after at least four patients died within days or weeks of being moved from Laguna Honda Hospital, officials said.
Deal on Capitol Hill could ease seniors’ health costs
July 28, 2022 GMTA deal on Capitol Hill that could cut prescription drug costs for millions of Medicare beneficiaries was cautiously cheered by older Americans and their advocates Thursday even as many worried it might never come to fruition.
Senators seek help for seniors struggling with opioid use
July 28, 2022 GMTBANGOR, Maine (AP) — Senators from Maine and Maryland have proposed legislation they said would support older residents who are addicted to opioids.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen.
Virginia company pays $310K to resolve false claims charges
July 27, 2022 GMTDANVILLE, Va. (AP) — A Virginia company and its owner have agreed to pay $310,000 to resolve allegations that they violated federal and state law by submitting false bills to Medicare and Medicaid, according to the U.S.
Medical company to pay $16M to resolve false billing claims
July 20, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A national medical testing company has agreed to pay $16 million to resolve allegations that it submitted claims for payment for medically unnecessary tests to Medicare and other federal health care programs, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
5 ways to protect yourself from Medicare fraud
July 20, 2022 GMTMedicare fraud is big business, and like most businesses, it has adapted to the new environment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The public health emergency created an opportunity for fraudsters to modify and repurpose existing schemes,” a spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, said in an email.
Doctor admits to receiving kickbacks for sham brain scans
July 15, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A Connecticut ophthalmologist has pleaded guilty to receiving kickbacks in a scheme in which he ordered hundreds of medically unnecessary brain scans that resulted in millions of dollars in fraudulent billing to health insurers, federal prosecutors said.