NRLN Podcast Medicare Series
When you watch the podcast, Alyson Parker, NRLN Executive Director will inform you about the NRLN’s year-end push to gain passage of:
- Recoupment
- Susan Muffley Act
- Heath Care Tax Credit
- Pension Surplus Usage
- Annual Funding Notice
Alyson continued her comments by describing the NRLN process taking place to develop the NRLN’s 2023 Legislative Agenda. She noted that protecting retirees in de-risking (when a company sells its pension plan to and insurance company) will be an NRLN priority in 2023.
Bill Kadereit, NRLN President, opened his section of the live podcast with comments on Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. He said MA competition with Medicare was approved by Congress because insurance companies promised they could perform better.
In the last section of the live podcast, Ed Beltram, NRLN VP-Communications, presented questions from NRLN members for Alyson and Bill to answer.
If you did not receive an email with the NRLN President’s Forum message or an Action Alert posted on this home page, possibly you mistakenly “unsubscribed” on one of our emails or you have a new email address. You will no longer hear from us unless you “re-subscribe”.
Check the Congressional Report Card
NRLN Provides New “Report Card” Feature on Members of Congress. Do your Senators or Representative support bills that help retirees?
The NRLN board created the American Retiree Education Foundation (AREF) in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible, nonprofit education foundation to expand the research and educational reach of the NRLN and to enable NRLN to sharpen its focus as an organization lobbying for the passage of federal legislation and regulations that benefit retirees.
For example, the white paper on Protecting Pension Assets which is used to educate members of Congress on the need for legislation to prevent pension plan sponsors from using plan assets for non-pension expenses was funded by AREF. Access the white paper here.
You can help fund the AREF without costing you anything extra when you make a purchase online from Amazon through its AmazonSmile program.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- SUBSCRIBE to receive periodic emails
- ACT on NRLN Action Alerts
- CONTRIBUTE to NRLN’s lobby effort
- Make a tax-deductible DONATION to our American Retirees Education Foundation (AREF) research
MEDICARE AND YOU HANDBOOK 2023
The “Medicare & You” handbook includes items or services covered under a health insurance plan. Covered benefits and excluded services are defined in the plan’s coverage documents.
President's Forum
President's Forum 143 - New Congress, New NRLN Legislative Agenda
Bloomberg News reported on January 24 that health insurers are again circulating letters among members of Congress to marshal support for Medicare Advantage (MA), a program where private companies covered seniors’ healthcare with the help of $53 billion in taxpayer rebates in 2022. The Medicare Pricing Policy Committee (MedPAC) reported $57 billion. You may recall that in 2017, I referred to MA plans as Congress’ Trojan Horse, sent to Privatize Medicare. Some scoffed at that prediction then rebates were $20 billion.
The MedPAC’s January 12 report reveals that 2023 rebates to buy more enhanced benefits and to pay more MA premiums will be 20% higher, from $164 per month in 2022 to $196 per month in 2023. It is outrageous that Congress would pay $2,352 a year more for Medicare A & B benefits to insurance companies. These benefits are for 31.9 million in MA plans only but 29.4 million others in original Medicare are denied the same benefits that TV ads call “free”. About 15% of rebate money is kept by insurers to cover overhead and profit.
This year, that $196 will amount to over $75 billion! That’s over $200 million a day from general revenue and part of every nickel we pay in federal income tax, weekly, monthly, quarterly or on April 15, that is handed over to insurance companies. MedPAC reported that MA plans will control 52% of the Medicare market in 2023. I hope you will help us kill that Trojan Horse yet protect those in MA plans from losing what they have.
Bill Kadereit
National Retiree Legislative Network
Blockbuster New York Times Article on Exploitation of Medicare Advantage
by Bill Kadereit, President | National Retiree Legislative Network
For several years I have researched and written about how Medicare Advantage (MA) has been using federal government subsidies to offer special benefits that are denied to original Medicare enrollees. In my latest position paper (August 17, 2022), I noted that MA will cost taxpayers $53 billion in 2022 and the projection is that by 2030 the costs will be $100.8 billion!
The 2022 MedPAC report to Congress stated: “Aggregate Medicare payments to Medicare Advantage plans have never been lower that FFS Medicare spending.” MA payments per enrollee were 104% of original Medicare’s FFS (Fee-for-Service) in 2022.
NRLN Grassroots Network is the name for having support from NRLN members to respond to Action Alerts plus having Region, State and Congressional District leaders to support the NRLN’s Washington, D.C. lobbying efforts.
CLICK CHAPTERS on the MENU to see Other Chapters
Year 2022, on www.opensecrets.com – Following the Money in Politics
Send the NRLN Action Alert letter to your members of Congress to tell them to stop squandering your tax dollars on Medicare Advantage for special benefits that original Medicare enrollees do not receive
In the News
The articles and opinion pieces below are for information and are not necessarily a reflection of the NRLN’s position on issues.
The NRLN is nonpartisan and its positions on retirement issues are presented in its Legislative Agenda and white papers that can be accessed from under the Legislative Agenda tab on the website main menu.
Why Do Politicians Weaponize Medicare? Because It Works By Julie Rovner, Kaiser Health News – Feb 21, 2023
Federal student loan payments could restart in roughly 2 months — or 6. What to knowBy Annie Nova, CNBC – Feb 21, 2023
Wall Street has purchased hundreds of thousands single-family homes since the Great Recession. Here’s what that means for rental prices By Carlos Waters, CNBC – Feb 21, 2023
Buttigieg unveils freight rail reforms in wake of East Palestine derailment By Julia Shapero, The Hill – Feb 21, 2023
Opinion: Existing laws can oversee congressional stock trading — if we use them By George Ferris, The Hill – Feb 21, 2023
Natural immunity vs. COVID-19 vaccines: What a new study reveals From Advisory Board – Feb 21, 2023
7 healthcare disruptors to watch out for From Advisory Board – Feb 21, 2023
Social Security and Medicare: Troubling Math, Tough Politics By Patrick Semansky, Associated Press – Feb 20, 2023
Five takeaways from President Biden’s trip to Ukraine By Niall Stanage, The Hill – Feb 20, 2023
Marjorie Taylor Greene calls again for ‘a national divorce’ By Stephen Neukam, The Hill – Feb 20, 2023
CMS: 70% of hospitals are fully compliant with price transparency rules From Advisory Board – Feb 20, 2023
Health concerns abound after train derailment in Ohio From Advisory Board – Feb 20, 2023
Buttigieg pushes Norfolk Southern to support higher rail safety standards By Olafimihan Oshin, The Hill – Feb 19, 2023
Opinion: Rise of the tax machines: IRS algorithms are coming for you By Robert J. Kovacev, The Hill – Feb 19, 2023
Health Care Vaccine Mandate Remains as Some Push for an End By David A. Lieb, Associated Press – Feb. 19, 2023
Social Security: Proposal for $2,400 Extra in Checks Expanded and Reintroduced in Congress By Selena Fragassi, Yahoo.Com – Feb 16, 2023
As residents near Ohio train derailment begin to file lawsuits, some report lingering coughs or chest pain By Aria Bendix and Uwa Ede-Osifo, NCBC – Feb 18, 2023
Bird flu costs accumulate as avian influenza outbreak enters second year By Josh Funk, Associated Press – Feb 18, 2023
Progressive group calls on Buttigieg to add regulations after East Palestine train derailment By Jared Gans, The Hill – Feb 15, 2023
‘Never intended’ to sunset Social Security, Sen. Rick Scott says amid Biden criticism By Joey Garrison, USA Today – Feb 17, 2023
Opinion: This tax season, let’s bring the IRS into the 21st century By Greg MacFarlane, The Hill – Feb 17, 2023
Radiation may be unnecessary for some older breast cancer patients From Advisory Board – Feb 17, 2023
Inside the ‘food is medicine’ movement From Advisory Board – Feb 17, 2023
COVID-19 roundup: Vaccination may reduce the risk of post-infection diabetes From Advisory Board – Feb 17, 2023
PBGC Approves Supplemented SFA Application for GWU Local 610 Plan Press Release – February 17, 2023
PBGC Approves Supplemented SFA Application for Sheet Metal Workers Plan Press Release – February 17, 2023
PBGC Approves Supplemented SFA Application for Freight Drivers Local 557 Plan Press Release – February 17, 2023
CMS Proposes Policy and Payment Changes for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans By Lindsey Copeland, Medicare Watch – Feb 16, 2023
Medicare expenses in retirement could top $383,000 for a couple with high drug costs, study finds PUBLISHED THU, FEB 16 20231:58 PM ESTUPDATED THU, FEB 16 20233:02 PM EST By Sarah O’Brien, CNBC – Feb 16, 2023
Social Security’s future thrust into spotlight The Hill – Feb 16, 2023
Divided government threatens to clip wings of Congress’ China hawks Politico – Feb 6, 2023
The biggest threat to Amazon’s healthcare ambitions isn’t FTC From Advisory Board – Feb 16, 2023
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine will remain free From Advisory Board – Feb 16, 2023
Mental health care in the US is ‘broken and bewildering.’
Around the nation: Number of Americans with medical debt on their credit reports decreased by nearly 18% From Advisory Board – Feb 16, 2023
Single-payer and the long game Politico – Feb 16, 2023
Joe Biden boxes Republicans into a corner on Social Security, Medicare with an eye on 2024 By Joey Garrison, USA Today – Feb 15, 2023
Distrust over GOP plans for Social Security, Medicare marks rocky start to budget talks By Mike Lillis, The Hill – Feb 15, 2023
Opinion: Solving the puzzle of high inflation, weak growth and low unemployment By Nicholas Sargen, The Hill – Feb 15, 2023
What recession? Americans are still powering the economy despite high inflation By Tobias Burns and Karl Evers-Hillstrom, The Hill – Feb 15, 2023
US News is adjusting its Best Hospital rankings methodology. Here’s how. Advisory Board – Feb 15, 2023
The growing mental health crisis in America Advisory Board – Feb 15, 2023
The promise (and perils) of physician autonomy Advisory Board – Feb 15, 2023
CMS Proposes Benefit Expansion for Mobility Devices, Advancing Health Equity for People with Disabilities CMS Press Release – Feb 15, 2023
Amid Republican Threats to Social Security, Sanders, Warren, Schakowsky, Hoyle, and Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Increase Benefits and Extend Solvency Through 2096 Press Release Senate HELP Committee – Feb 13, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Continues Unprecedented Efforts to Increase Transparency of Nursing Home Ownership CMS Press Release – Feb 13, 2023
6 Big Shakeups to Social Security in 2023 By Vance Cariaga, Yahoo.Com – Feb 13, 2023
GOP Launches Probe Into COVID Origins With Letter to Fauci By Patrick Semansky, U.S.News – Feb 13, 2023
High sugar intake linked to elevated risk of heart disease and stroke, study finds By Uwa Ede-Osifo, NBC News – Feb 13, 2023
How CMS intends to ‘lower out-of-pocket drug costs’ From Advisory Board – Feb 13, 2023
Could ‘orthrus’ be the next dominant omicron subvariant? From Advisory Board – Feb 13, 2023
Biden escalates fight over Social Security and Medicare, frustrating Republicans By Sahil Kapur, NBC News – Feb 13, 2022
Republican senator warns Congress must take action now to protect Medicare and Social Security By Paul LeBlanc and Sam Fossum, CNN – Feb 12, 2023
GOP senator: ‘Vast majority’ want ‘a different direction’ than Rick Scott on Social Security By Olivia Olander, Politico – Feb 12, 2023
As Social Security’s full retirement age moves to 67, some experts say it should not go higher By Lorie Konish, CNBC, Feb 12, 2023
A1C: What Is It, and What Does It Mean for Your Heart? From U.S. News – Feb 12, 2023
Opinion: Pilots regularly train on simulators: Why don’t doctors? From The Hill – Feb 11, 2023
Don’t Feel the Burn: Stay Safe From Heat Injuries By Cara Murez, U.S. News – Feb 11, 2023
HHS Releases Initial Guidance for Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program HHS Press Release – Feb 9, 2023
‘That’s not a Republican plan’: McConnell distances GOP from Scott on Social Security, Medicare sunset plan By Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today – Feb. 10, 2023
GOP races from Medicare, Social Security third rail By Al Weaver and Mike Lillis, The Hill – Feb 10, 2023
Biden’s moonshot examined: Researchers say cancer cure is a long ways off By Erin Schumaker and Ruth Reader, Politico – Feb 10, 2023
PEG-lambda: The next game-changing COVID-19 treatment? From Advisory Board – Feb 10, 2023
Seniors’ Dental Care Declines After Medicare Kicks In By Cara Murez, U.S. News – Feb 9, 2023
Biden Administration Releases COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Road Map By Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder, U.S. News – Feb 9, 2023
Hundreds of prepared food items recalled over potential listeria concerns From Advisory Board – Feb 9, 2023
State of the Union brings brief unanimity on Social Security, Medicare. Why experts say there’s still reason to worry By Lorie Konish, CNBC -Feb 8, 2023
Primary Care a Hot Target; CVS Spends $10.6B on Oak Street From U.S. News – Feb. 8, 2023
Hospitals improve price transparency compliance over time From Advisory Board – Feb 8, 2023
Seniors urge Congress to protect Social Security, Medicare ahead of State of the Union By Lorie Konish, CNBC – Feb 7, 2023
Biden to push for universal insulin price cap in State of the Union By Adam Cancryn, Politico – Feb 7, 2023
Biden urges Congress to lower prescription costs NBC News – Feb 7, 2023
A Secret Weapon in Preventing the Next Pandemic: Fruit Bats By Jim Robbins, Kaiser Health News – Feb 7, 2023
Decisions by CVS and Optum Panicked Thousands of Their Sickest Patients By Arthur Allen, Kaiser Health News – Feb 7, 2023
‘This virus isn’t done with us yet’: Where the ‘tripledemic’ stands now From Advisory Board – Feb 7, 2023
CVS Health is close to acquiring Oak Street Health for $10.5B From Advisory Board – Feb 7, 2023
What the Senate HELP Committee has planned for healthcare From Advisory Board – Feb 7, 2023
Failure to raise U.S. debt ceiling would lead to ‘economic and financial catastrophe,’ Yellen says By Chelsey Cox, CNBC – Feb 6, 2023
Targeted Drug Tagrisso Could Be Advance Against Lung Cancer From U.S. News – Feb 6, 2023
The virus threat is easing, but US hospitals are still as full as ever By Deidre McPhillips, CNN – Feb 6 2023
How nurses feel about patient safety From Advisory Board – Feb 6, 2023
Are Apple devices overwhelming emergency dispatchers? From Advisory Board – Feb 6, 2023
Drugmakers place limits on 340B drug sales From Advisory Board – Feb 6, 2023
Medicare has changed for 2023. Here’s what is new By Kate Ashford, LA Times – Feb 5, 2023
House Republican Bill Would Force Massive Cuts to Medicare Benefits By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams – Feb 5, 2023
This Common Daily Habit Is Wrecking Your Health By Kacie Goff – Cnet – Feb 6, 2023
Why a New Alzheimer’s Drug Is Having a Slow US Debut From U.S. News – Feb 4, 2023
Before you enroll in Medicare, what to know about new rules that eliminate coverage gaps By Sarah O’Brien, CNBC – Feb 3, 2023
Reps plan renewed push on bill to restore lost Delphi pension benefits By Melissa Nan Burke, The Detroit News – Feb 2, 2023
Fighting Liver Cancer Takes Big Financial Toll: Study From U.S. News – Feb 2, 2023, at 7:38 a.m.
Nursing Home Residents Need Nurses, Wherever They Live From Medicare Advocacy – Feb 2, 2023
Here’s how the debt crisis could end if Biden-McCarthy talks fail From Politico – Feb 2, 2023
How US healthcare compares to peer nations, in 6 charts From Advisory Board – Feb 2, 2023
Inside the current urgent care ‘boom’ From Advisory Board – Feb 2, 2023
2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet From CMS – Feb 1, 2023
Biden and McCarthy hold ‘first good’ meeting on debt ceiling, but ‘no agreements, no promises’ By Politico – Feb 1, 2023
FTC Fines GoodRx for Unauthorized Sharing of Health Data By Associated Press – Feb 1, 2023
Ozempic: Dieters Who Use Scarce Diabetes Drug Could Face Side Effects From U.S. News – Feb. 1, 2023
CDC advises against using EzriCare eye drops as it investigates dozens of infections and one death in 12 states By Katherine Dillinger, CNN – Feb 1, 2023
Can these viruses increase your risk of dementia? From Advisory Board – Feb 1, 2023
Allergies in America, in 8 charts From Advisory Board – Feb 1, 2023
Why telehealth coverage needs ‘to become permanent,’ according to experts From Advisory Board – Feb 1, 2023
STAY CONNECTED
NRLN Podcast Medicare Series
When you watch the podcast, Alyson Parker, NRLN Executive Director will inform you about the NRLN’s year-end push to gain passage of:
- Recoupment
- Susan Muffley Act
- Heath Care Tax Credit
- Pension Surplus Usage
- Annual Funding Notice
Alyson continued her comments by describing the NRLN process taking place to develop the NRLN’s 2023 Legislative Agenda. She noted that protecting retirees in de-risking (when a company sells its pension plan to and insurance company) will be an NRLN priority in 2023.
Bill Kadereit, NRLN President, opened his section of the live podcast with comments on Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. He said MA competition with Medicare was approved by Congress because insurance companies promised they could perform better.
In the last section of the live podcast, Ed Beltram, NRLN VP-Communications, presented questions from NRLN members for Alyson and Bill to answer.
If you did not receive an email with the NRLN President’s Forum message or an Action Alert posted on this home page, possibly you mistakenly “unsubscribed” on one of our emails or you have a new email address. You will no longer hear from us unless you “re-subscribe”.
Check the Congressional Report Card
NRLN Provides New “Report Card” Feature on Members of Congress. Do your Senators or Representative support bills that help retirees?
The NRLN board created the American Retiree Education Foundation (AREF) in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible, nonprofit education foundation to expand the research and educational reach of the NRLN and to enable NRLN to sharpen its focus as an organization lobbying for the passage of federal legislation and regulations that benefit retirees.
For example, the white paper on Protecting Pension Assets which is used to educate members of Congress on the need for legislation to prevent pension plan sponsors from using plan assets for non-pension expenses was funded by AREF. Access the white paper here.
You can help fund the AREF without costing you anything extra when you make a purchase online from Amazon through its AmazonSmile program.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- SUBSCRIBE to receive periodic emails
- ACT on NRLN Action Alerts
- CONTRIBUTE to NRLN’s lobby effort
- Make a tax-deductible DONATION to our American Retirees Education Foundation (AREF) research
MEDICARE AND YOU HANDBOOK 2023
The “Medicare & You” handbook includes items or services covered under a health insurance plan. Covered benefits and excluded services are defined in the plan’s coverage documents.
President's Forum
President's Forum 143 - New Congress, New NRLN Legislative Agenda
Bloomberg News reported on January 24 that health insurers are again circulating letters among members of Congress to marshal support for Medicare Advantage (MA), a program where private companies covered seniors’ healthcare with the help of $53 billion in taxpayer rebates in 2022. The Medicare Pricing Policy Committee (MedPAC) reported $57 billion. You may recall that in 2017, I referred to MA plans as Congress’ Trojan Horse, sent to Privatize Medicare. Some scoffed at that prediction then rebates were $20 billion.
The MedPAC’s January 12 report reveals that 2023 rebates to buy more enhanced benefits and to pay more MA premiums will be 20% higher, from $164 per month in 2022 to $196 per month in 2023. It is outrageous that Congress would pay $2,352 a year more for Medicare A & B benefits to insurance companies. These benefits are for 31.9 million in MA plans only but 29.4 million others in original Medicare are denied the same benefits that TV ads call “free”. About 15% of rebate money is kept by insurers to cover overhead and profit.
This year, that $196 will amount to over $75 billion! That’s over $200 million a day from general revenue and part of every nickel we pay in federal income tax, weekly, monthly, quarterly or on April 15, that is handed over to insurance companies. MedPAC reported that MA plans will control 52% of the Medicare market in 2023. I hope you will help us kill that Trojan Horse yet protect those in MA plans from losing what they have.
Bill Kadereit
National Retiree Legislative Network
Blockbuster New York Times Article on Exploitation of Medicare Advantage
by Bill Kadereit, President | National Retiree Legislative Network
For several years I have researched and written about how Medicare Advantage (MA) has been using federal government subsidies to offer special benefits that are denied to original Medicare enrollees. In my latest position paper (August 17, 2022), I noted that MA will cost taxpayers $53 billion in 2022 and the projection is that by 2030 the costs will be $100.8 billion!
The 2022 MedPAC report to Congress stated: “Aggregate Medicare payments to Medicare Advantage plans have never been lower that FFS Medicare spending.” MA payments per enrollee were 104% of original Medicare’s FFS (Fee-for-Service) in 2022.
NRLN Grassroots Network is the name for having support from NRLN members to respond to Action Alerts plus having Region, State and Congressional District leaders to support the NRLN’s Washington, D.C. lobbying efforts.
CLICK CHAPTERS on the MENU to see Other Chapters
Year 2022, on www.opensecrets.com – Following the Money in Politics
Send the NRLN Action Alert letter to your members of Congress to tell them to stop squandering your tax dollars on Medicare Advantage for special benefits that original Medicare enrollees do not receive
In the News
The articles and opinion pieces below are for information and are not necessarily a reflection of the NRLN’s position on issues.
The NRLN is nonpartisan and its positions on retirement issues are presented in its Legislative Agenda and white papers that can be accessed from under the Legislative Agenda tab on the website main menu.
Why Do Politicians Weaponize Medicare? Because It Works By Julie Rovner, Kaiser Health News – Feb 21, 2023
Federal student loan payments could restart in roughly 2 months — or 6. What to knowBy Annie Nova, CNBC – Feb 21, 2023
Wall Street has purchased hundreds of thousands single-family homes since the Great Recession. Here’s what that means for rental prices By Carlos Waters, CNBC – Feb 21, 2023
Buttigieg unveils freight rail reforms in wake of East Palestine derailment By Julia Shapero, The Hill – Feb 21, 2023
Opinion: Existing laws can oversee congressional stock trading — if we use them By George Ferris, The Hill – Feb 21, 2023
Natural immunity vs. COVID-19 vaccines: What a new study reveals From Advisory Board – Feb 21, 2023
7 healthcare disruptors to watch out for From Advisory Board – Feb 21, 2023
Social Security and Medicare: Troubling Math, Tough Politics By Patrick Semansky, Associated Press – Feb 20, 2023
Five takeaways from President Biden’s trip to Ukraine By Niall Stanage, The Hill – Feb 20, 2023
Marjorie Taylor Greene calls again for ‘a national divorce’ By Stephen Neukam, The Hill – Feb 20, 2023
CMS: 70% of hospitals are fully compliant with price transparency rules From Advisory Board – Feb 20, 2023
Health concerns abound after train derailment in Ohio From Advisory Board – Feb 20, 2023
Buttigieg pushes Norfolk Southern to support higher rail safety standards By Olafimihan Oshin, The Hill – Feb 19, 2023
Opinion: Rise of the tax machines: IRS algorithms are coming for you By Robert J. Kovacev, The Hill – Feb 19, 2023
Health Care Vaccine Mandate Remains as Some Push for an End By David A. Lieb, Associated Press – Feb. 19, 2023
Social Security: Proposal for $2,400 Extra in Checks Expanded and Reintroduced in Congress By Selena Fragassi, Yahoo.Com – Feb 16, 2023
As residents near Ohio train derailment begin to file lawsuits, some report lingering coughs or chest pain By Aria Bendix and Uwa Ede-Osifo, NCBC – Feb 18, 2023
Bird flu costs accumulate as avian influenza outbreak enters second year By Josh Funk, Associated Press – Feb 18, 2023
Progressive group calls on Buttigieg to add regulations after East Palestine train derailment By Jared Gans, The Hill – Feb 15, 2023
‘Never intended’ to sunset Social Security, Sen. Rick Scott says amid Biden criticism By Joey Garrison, USA Today – Feb 17, 2023
Opinion: This tax season, let’s bring the IRS into the 21st century By Greg MacFarlane, The Hill – Feb 17, 2023
Radiation may be unnecessary for some older breast cancer patients From Advisory Board – Feb 17, 2023
Inside the ‘food is medicine’ movement From Advisory Board – Feb 17, 2023
COVID-19 roundup: Vaccination may reduce the risk of post-infection diabetes From Advisory Board – Feb 17, 2023
PBGC Approves Supplemented SFA Application for GWU Local 610 Plan Press Release – February 17, 2023
PBGC Approves Supplemented SFA Application for Sheet Metal Workers Plan Press Release – February 17, 2023
PBGC Approves Supplemented SFA Application for Freight Drivers Local 557 Plan Press Release – February 17, 2023
CMS Proposes Policy and Payment Changes for Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans By Lindsey Copeland, Medicare Watch – Feb 16, 2023
Medicare expenses in retirement could top $383,000 for a couple with high drug costs, study finds PUBLISHED THU, FEB 16 20231:58 PM ESTUPDATED THU, FEB 16 20233:02 PM EST By Sarah O’Brien, CNBC – Feb 16, 2023
Social Security’s future thrust into spotlight The Hill – Feb 16, 2023
Divided government threatens to clip wings of Congress’ China hawks Politico – Feb 6, 2023
The biggest threat to Amazon’s healthcare ambitions isn’t FTC From Advisory Board – Feb 16, 2023
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine will remain free From Advisory Board – Feb 16, 2023
Mental health care in the US is ‘broken and bewildering.’
Around the nation: Number of Americans with medical debt on their credit reports decreased by nearly 18% From Advisory Board – Feb 16, 2023
Single-payer and the long game Politico – Feb 16, 2023
Joe Biden boxes Republicans into a corner on Social Security, Medicare with an eye on 2024 By Joey Garrison, USA Today – Feb 15, 2023
Distrust over GOP plans for Social Security, Medicare marks rocky start to budget talks By Mike Lillis, The Hill – Feb 15, 2023
Opinion: Solving the puzzle of high inflation, weak growth and low unemployment By Nicholas Sargen, The Hill – Feb 15, 2023
What recession? Americans are still powering the economy despite high inflation By Tobias Burns and Karl Evers-Hillstrom, The Hill – Feb 15, 2023
US News is adjusting its Best Hospital rankings methodology. Here’s how. Advisory Board – Feb 15, 2023
The growing mental health crisis in America Advisory Board – Feb 15, 2023
The promise (and perils) of physician autonomy Advisory Board – Feb 15, 2023
CMS Proposes Benefit Expansion for Mobility Devices, Advancing Health Equity for People with Disabilities CMS Press Release – Feb 15, 2023
Amid Republican Threats to Social Security, Sanders, Warren, Schakowsky, Hoyle, and Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Increase Benefits and Extend Solvency Through 2096 Press Release Senate HELP Committee – Feb 13, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Continues Unprecedented Efforts to Increase Transparency of Nursing Home Ownership CMS Press Release – Feb 13, 2023
6 Big Shakeups to Social Security in 2023 By Vance Cariaga, Yahoo.Com – Feb 13, 2023
GOP Launches Probe Into COVID Origins With Letter to Fauci By Patrick Semansky, U.S.News – Feb 13, 2023
High sugar intake linked to elevated risk of heart disease and stroke, study finds By Uwa Ede-Osifo, NBC News – Feb 13, 2023
How CMS intends to ‘lower out-of-pocket drug costs’ From Advisory Board – Feb 13, 2023
Could ‘orthrus’ be the next dominant omicron subvariant? From Advisory Board – Feb 13, 2023
Biden escalates fight over Social Security and Medicare, frustrating Republicans By Sahil Kapur, NBC News – Feb 13, 2022
Republican senator warns Congress must take action now to protect Medicare and Social Security By Paul LeBlanc and Sam Fossum, CNN – Feb 12, 2023
GOP senator: ‘Vast majority’ want ‘a different direction’ than Rick Scott on Social Security By Olivia Olander, Politico – Feb 12, 2023
As Social Security’s full retirement age moves to 67, some experts say it should not go higher By Lorie Konish, CNBC, Feb 12, 2023
A1C: What Is It, and What Does It Mean for Your Heart? From U.S. News – Feb 12, 2023
Opinion: Pilots regularly train on simulators: Why don’t doctors? From The Hill – Feb 11, 2023
Don’t Feel the Burn: Stay Safe From Heat Injuries By Cara Murez, U.S. News – Feb 11, 2023
HHS Releases Initial Guidance for Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program HHS Press Release – Feb 9, 2023
‘That’s not a Republican plan’: McConnell distances GOP from Scott on Social Security, Medicare sunset plan By Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today – Feb. 10, 2023
GOP races from Medicare, Social Security third rail By Al Weaver and Mike Lillis, The Hill – Feb 10, 2023
Biden’s moonshot examined: Researchers say cancer cure is a long ways off By Erin Schumaker and Ruth Reader, Politico – Feb 10, 2023
PEG-lambda: The next game-changing COVID-19 treatment? From Advisory Board – Feb 10, 2023
Seniors’ Dental Care Declines After Medicare Kicks In By Cara Murez, U.S. News – Feb 9, 2023
Biden Administration Releases COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Road Map By Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder, U.S. News – Feb 9, 2023
Hundreds of prepared food items recalled over potential listeria concerns From Advisory Board – Feb 9, 2023
State of the Union brings brief unanimity on Social Security, Medicare. Why experts say there’s still reason to worry By Lorie Konish, CNBC -Feb 8, 2023
Primary Care a Hot Target; CVS Spends $10.6B on Oak Street From U.S. News – Feb. 8, 2023
Hospitals improve price transparency compliance over time From Advisory Board – Feb 8, 2023
Seniors urge Congress to protect Social Security, Medicare ahead of State of the Union By Lorie Konish, CNBC – Feb 7, 2023
Biden to push for universal insulin price cap in State of the Union By Adam Cancryn, Politico – Feb 7, 2023
Biden urges Congress to lower prescription costs NBC News – Feb 7, 2023
A Secret Weapon in Preventing the Next Pandemic: Fruit Bats By Jim Robbins, Kaiser Health News – Feb 7, 2023
Decisions by CVS and Optum Panicked Thousands of Their Sickest Patients By Arthur Allen, Kaiser Health News – Feb 7, 2023
‘This virus isn’t done with us yet’: Where the ‘tripledemic’ stands now From Advisory Board – Feb 7, 2023
CVS Health is close to acquiring Oak Street Health for $10.5B From Advisory Board – Feb 7, 2023
What the Senate HELP Committee has planned for healthcare From Advisory Board – Feb 7, 2023
Failure to raise U.S. debt ceiling would lead to ‘economic and financial catastrophe,’ Yellen says By Chelsey Cox, CNBC – Feb 6, 2023
Targeted Drug Tagrisso Could Be Advance Against Lung Cancer From U.S. News – Feb 6, 2023
The virus threat is easing, but US hospitals are still as full as ever By Deidre McPhillips, CNN – Feb 6 2023
How nurses feel about patient safety From Advisory Board – Feb 6, 2023
Are Apple devices overwhelming emergency dispatchers? From Advisory Board – Feb 6, 2023
Drugmakers place limits on 340B drug sales From Advisory Board – Feb 6, 2023
Medicare has changed for 2023. Here’s what is new By Kate Ashford, LA Times – Feb 5, 2023
House Republican Bill Would Force Massive Cuts to Medicare Benefits By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams – Feb 5, 2023
This Common Daily Habit Is Wrecking Your Health By Kacie Goff – Cnet – Feb 6, 2023
Why a New Alzheimer’s Drug Is Having a Slow US Debut From U.S. News – Feb 4, 2023
Before you enroll in Medicare, what to know about new rules that eliminate coverage gaps By Sarah O’Brien, CNBC – Feb 3, 2023
Reps plan renewed push on bill to restore lost Delphi pension benefits By Melissa Nan Burke, The Detroit News – Feb 2, 2023
Fighting Liver Cancer Takes Big Financial Toll: Study From U.S. News – Feb 2, 2023, at 7:38 a.m.
Nursing Home Residents Need Nurses, Wherever They Live From Medicare Advocacy – Feb 2, 2023
Here’s how the debt crisis could end if Biden-McCarthy talks fail From Politico – Feb 2, 2023
How US healthcare compares to peer nations, in 6 charts From Advisory Board – Feb 2, 2023
Inside the current urgent care ‘boom’ From Advisory Board – Feb 2, 2023
2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet From CMS – Feb 1, 2023
Biden and McCarthy hold ‘first good’ meeting on debt ceiling, but ‘no agreements, no promises’ By Politico – Feb 1, 2023
FTC Fines GoodRx for Unauthorized Sharing of Health Data By Associated Press – Feb 1, 2023
Ozempic: Dieters Who Use Scarce Diabetes Drug Could Face Side Effects From U.S. News – Feb. 1, 2023
CDC advises against using EzriCare eye drops as it investigates dozens of infections and one death in 12 states By Katherine Dillinger, CNN – Feb 1, 2023
Can these viruses increase your risk of dementia? From Advisory Board – Feb 1, 2023
Allergies in America, in 8 charts From Advisory Board – Feb 1, 2023
Why telehealth coverage needs ‘to become permanent,’ according to experts From Advisory Board – Feb 1, 2023
