Medicare is facing cost pressures with legislators, advocates -
CMS must decide how it will handle some tests and medications
The Associated Press. Lawmakers Urge Medicare Cover cancer test
More than 130 lawmakers are urging the Obama administration to expand coverage for lung cancer test in Medicare that could cost program logs, calling screening important for vulnerable seniors. In a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, lawmakers called for a quick decision on coverage for low dose CT for higher risk patients aged developing lung cancer. ... A CMS spokesperson said the agency decision is based on whether the test is "reasonable and necessary", regardless of the cost to Medicare (Yen, 6/17)
The Hill :. Advocates breath "prior authorization" for Hospice Drugs
palliative care programs and urge workers the Obama administration to suspend the rules say they limit patient access to needed medicines at the end of life. During a day of lobbying on Capitol Hill, more than 240 lawyers have asked Medicare to withdraw a new process of "prior authorization" for medications used for patients in palliative care. ... The agency said that "prior authorization" would help ensure the correct distribution of health insurance was paid for each prescription. Palliative care and related drugs are covered by Part A, while other drugs into Part D (Viebeck, 6/17)
The Mirror CT :. Observation status: "The term Hospital Patients should know
patients, take note: as of October 1, those who spend more than 24 hours in the hospital may receive a notice that they were placed on something called "observation status." It is a technical term, but that could mean the difference between having paid their recovery - or be left with a hefty bill. The notice is required under a new state law Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed last week. It takes effect Oct. 1 (Levin Becker, 6/18)
Related KHN coverage :. FAQ :. Care Hospital Observation can be costly for Medicare patients (Jaffe, updated 6/18)
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