High readmission rates put Medicare revenue at risk

by Eriksen Insurance | Feb 27, 2012 | Medicare

Crains Chicago Business reports: “More than two dozen Illinois hospitals face Medicare cuts totaling as much as $19 million next year under the new federal health care law because too many of their patients are being readmitted for heart attacks and other...

Income-Relating Medicare Part B and Part D Premiums Under Current Law and Recent Proposals: What are the Implications for Beneficiaries?

by Eriksen Insurance | Feb 23, 2012 | Medicare

Kaiser Family Foundation reports: “Proposals to raise premiums for higher-income Medicare beneficiaries are currently being discussed along with other options to reduce federal spending on Medicare.  Last year, as part of a more comprehensive effort to reduce...

Medicare Part B premiums for 2012 lower than projected

by Eriksen Insurance | Jan 9, 2012 | Medicare

HHS.gov reports: “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that Medicare Part B premiums in 2012 will be lower than previously projected and the Part B deductible will decrease by $22. While the Medicare Trustees predicted monthly...

Ron Wyden and Paul Ryan’s Bipartisan Plan for Health Care and Medicare Reform

by Eriksen Insurance | Dec 22, 2011 | Medicare

Forbes reports: “This morning, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.) and Republican Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) have shaken up Capitol Hill with an intriguing, bipartisan plan for reforming Medicare, and also the private-sector employer-sponsored insurance system....

Can’t raise taxes? Hike Medicare premiums instead

by Eriksen Insurance | Dec 22, 2011 | Heath Care Costs, Medicare

Benefits Pro Reports: “Raising taxes on millionaires may be a non-starter for Republicans, but they seem to have no problem hiking Medicare premiums for retirees making a lot less. The House is expected to vote Tuesday on a year-end economic package that...

Medicare Part B 2012 Premiums Lower Than Projected

by Eriksen Insurance | Oct 27, 2011 | Medicare

Kaiser Health News reports: “The Obama administration today announced that premiums for Medicare Part B coverage in 2012 will be $99.90 a month for most beneficiaries, a smaller-than-expected increase over the $96.40 paid this year by a majority of elderly and...