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October 15, 2021
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Important Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots
MEDICARE.GOV - September 30, 2021
If you previously got 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, you can get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine if you fall into certain categories.
CMS Will Pay for COVID-19 Booster Shots
CMS - September 25, 2021
Following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent action that authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for certain high-risk populations and a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will continue to provide coverage for this critical protection from the virus, including booster doses, without cost sharing.
COVID-19 Surge Forces Health Care Rationing in Parts of West
AP NEWS - September 17, 2021
In another ominous sign about the spread of the delta variant, Idaho public health leaders on Thursday expanded health care rationing statewide and individual hospital systems in Alaska and Montana have enacted similar crisis standards amid a spike in the number of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization.
Tell Congress to Oppose Proposals to Lower
the Medicare Eligibility Age
NAHU - September 7, 2021
Lowering the eligibility age for Medicare raises a number of alarming issues not only for the ongoing viability of Medicare itself, but also for the private individual market and the employer market.
Recall Alert for Certain Philips Medical Devices
MEDICARE.GOV - August 25, 2021
Philips recently issued a product recall for specific ventilators and sleep apnea devices. If you own or rent one of the Philips products that was recalled, talk to your doctor as soon as possible about whether to continue using your recalled equipment.
U.S. Officials Say Vaccinated Do Not Need A Booster Right Now
REUTERS - July 12, 2021
U.S. health officials, after meeting with vaccine maker Pfizer, reiterated on Monday that Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need to get a booster shot at this time, a spokesperson for the Health and Human Services Department said.
Senate: Fix Medicare’s “Two Midnight” Rule
June 18, 2021
Bipartisan companion legislation has been offered in the U.S. Senate to address Medicare’s “two midnight” policy; S. 2048, Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act. Many Medicare beneficiaries are classified as being on “observation,” which can result in significantly higher claims and prevent Medicare coverage from being applied for nursing home care for patients who do not have a 3-day inpatient hospital stay.
Biden Administration Bolsters Payments for At-Home COVID-19 Vaccinations for Medicare Beneficiaries
CMS - June 11, 2021
As part of President Biden’s commitment to increasing access to vaccinations, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced an additional payment amount for administering in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to Medicare beneficiaries who have difficulty leaving their homes or are otherwise hard-to-reach.
Updated Information for Medicare
Savings Programs & Extra Help
CMS - June 8, 2021
The Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help are important programs designed to help low-income Americans afford Medicare coverage. Many people who are eligible for these programs are not yet enrolled.
State & Health Plan Resources to Promote
COVID-19 Vaccination Access
CMS - June 4, 2021
Dually eligible individuals have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and likely face barriers to accessing vaccination. Health plans and PACE programs are uniquely positioned to ensure equitable access and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among dually eligible individuals. Resources for Integrated Care has posted several resources that may be of interest to states and health plans.
Hospital "Observation" Rules Legislation
NAHU - June 2, 2021
Bipartisan legislation has been offered in the U.S. House of Representatives to address Medicare’s “two midnight” policy; H.R. 3650, Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act.
COVID-19 Vaccines Now at the Irvine Spectrum Center
HOAG - May 26, 2021
In an effort to protect our community, Hoag is now offering free COVID-19 vaccines at the Irvine Spectrum Center. No appointment is needed and walk-ins are welcome.
Some Health Insurers Ending Waivers for Covid Treatment
NBC - April 26, 2021
Just as other industries are rolling back some consumer-friendly changes made early in the pandemic — think empty middle seats on airplanes — so, too, are health insurers.
In-Home Vaccinations for Home-Bound SCAN Members
MEDARRIVE - April 20, 2021
If you are a SCAN member and are not able to leave your home, SCAN and MedArrive will bring the COVID-19 vaccine to you. There is no cost for this service.
Can You Write Off PPE on Your Tax Return?
AARP - April 22, 2021
If you're still scrambling for tax deductions, here's one you may have overlooked: the cost of hand sanitizers, masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) you bought to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Medicare Covers the COVID-19 Vaccine at No Cost to You
MEDICARE.GOV - March 2, 2021
Medicare covers FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. You pay nothing for the COVID-19 vaccine. You won’t pay a deductible or copayment, and your provider can’t charge you an administration fee to give you the shot.
Common Medicine Recall
BGR NEWS - January 26, 2021
Several popular medications have come under fire in recent years due to the presence of probably human carcinogens. The latest recall affects metformin tablets produced by Nostrum Laboratories of Kansas City. If you take this medication, you will need to arrange for a replacement promptly, but don’t stop taking the medication abruptly before talking with your doctor.
Diabetes Drug Recall
CNN - October 10, 2020
A widely-used diabetes drug has been recalled after manufacturers found it contained unacceptably high levels of a cancer-causing contaminant. Indian pharmaceutical company Marksans Pharma Limited is recalling metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets because their levels of NDMA, a "probable human carcinogen," were higher than the acceptable daily intake limit of 96 nanograms per day, according to a recall published this week by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Part D Senior Savings Model
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION - October 5, 2020
Concerned about your rising out-of-pocket cost for insulin? Well you are in luck! CMS has implemented a new Part D Senior Savings Model and starting January 1, 2021 insulin will be more affordable. Contact us to find out which Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans in your area are participating in this model.
Reimportation
MEDPAGE TODAY - September 29, 2020
WASHINGTON -- Trump administration officials gave a few more details Friday on President Trump's plan to import lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada, but offered less information about another initiative the president discussed in a speech on Thursday: cards worth $200 to be distributed to Medicare beneficiaries to help them pay for prescription drugs.
"The FDA issued a final rule allowing proposals for importation of certain drugs from Canada by states, as well as the District of Columbia, territories, tribes and in certain circumstances, pharmacies and wholesalers," Brian Harrison, chief of staff at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said on a phone call with reporters. "These programs will be managed by a program sponsor, which will be authorized by the FDA to facilitate the importation of certain prescription drugs approved in Canada and appropriately labeled and approved for use in the U.S."
"The FDA issued a final rule allowing proposals for importation of certain drugs from Canada by states, as well as the District of Columbia, territories, tribes and in certain circumstances, pharmacies and wholesalers," Brian Harrison, chief of staff at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said on a phone call with reporters. "These programs will be managed by a program sponsor, which will be authorized by the FDA to facilitate the importation of certain prescription drugs approved in Canada and appropriately labeled and approved for use in the U.S."