Over 500 Organizations Representing Patients, Healthcare Providers, Employers Urge Congress to Eliminate IPAB
Letter to Capitol Hill Says Independent Payment Advisory Board would “severely limit Medicare beneficiaries’ access to care”
WASHINGTON – Over 500 organizations representing patients, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, veterans, healthcare providers and employers sent a letter to Congress today urging lawmakers to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), the 15-member panel of political appointees that will have unprecedented powers to affect Medicare spending.
In the letter, the organizations assert that IPAB will have a harmful impact on Medicare beneficiaries’ access to quality healthcare and also sets a dangerous precedent by essentially transferring legislative responsibilities to an unelected board that is not subject to judicial review. Under provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, IPAB is charged with recommending Medicare spending reductions if program expenditures exceed an arbitrary level set in statute. Those recommendations could only be overturned by a supermajority of both houses of Congress. More Details
More Than 400 Innovative Medicines in Development For Top Chronic Diseases Affecting Older Americans
Two Reports Show Progress in Treatment Options for Chronic Disease
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 20, 2013) – America’s biopharmaceutical research companies are developing 465 new medicines that target the 10 leading chronic conditions affecting seniors, according to a new report and overview released today by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
With the population of Americans over 65 on the rise and life expectancy climbing, chronic
diseases remain a principal threat to the health and productivity of older Americans, as well as
to rising health care costs. Innovative medicines have led to major advances against many
chronic diseases – and the robust discovery pipeline of new medicines portends continued
progress for seniors and our health care system.
Survey: U.S. Seniors Overwhelmingly Satisfied with Medicare Part D Coverage
Affordability, Reliability and Ease-of-Use Cited as Primary Factors; Room for Improvement Exists with Open Enrollment, Plan Education
Survey results can be found here.
Washington, D.C. (October 3, 2012) – With the future of Medicare top of mind for millions of America’s seniors and their families, a national survey released today finds that nine out of 10 seniors are satisfied with their Med October 15 icare prescription drug coverage (Part D).
The survey also shows that overall satisfaction with Part D has increased from 78 percent to 90 percent since the program was first implemented. Ninety-six percent report that their coverage works well, and nearly 3 in 4 seniors say it works “very well.” More
How to Enroll
Medicare "Part D" is a collection of prescription drug coverage plans. Finding the Medicare plan that best matches your needs and enrolling is simple.
To enroll call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a Medicare counselor. When you call, make sure you have on hand:
- A list of the prescription drugs you take, including the dosage and frequency
- Your Medicare ID card
- The name and phone number of your preferred pharmacy
The Social Security Administration can also provide assistance for those who qualify for additional help. Call 1-800-772-1213 to check your status. Learn More »
Medicare Drug Benefit Stories
Important Dates
- Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D in 2012 has ended. There are special circumstances in which you can enroll or change plans. Learn more here
- March 1, 2013
Mandatory government spending reductions under “sequestration” take effect. For more information, click here - October 15, 2013
Medicare open enrollment period begins - December 7, 2013
- Medicare open enrollment period ends
- January 1, 2013
Changes made during open enrollment period take effect
News | Medicare Tomorrow
- May 23, 2013 - Organizations to Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall | View event details
- April 25, 2013- Organizations Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall | Listen to event Audio
- March 21, 2013 - CMS Medicare chief Jonathan Blum touted improved drug adherence as a Medicare cost saver in an Inside Health article.
- March 21, 2013 - Organizations Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall | Listen to event Audio
- February 28, 2013 - Organizations Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall | Listen to event Audio
- December 11, 2012 - Organizations Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall | Listen to event Audio
- November 27, 2012 - Medicare Today Produces Spanish-Language Version of “Why Medicare Part D Works” video | Watch here
- November 14, 2012 - Organizations Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall | Listen to event Audio
- October 17, 2012 - Organizations Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall | Listen to event Audio | Open Enrollment
- October 8, 2012 - HLC President and Medicare Today Chair, Mary R. Grealy interview with the Senior Voice America radio program regarding what seniors need to know about the upcoming Medicare Part D open enrollment period. She also discussed the solvency challenges facing the Medicare program | Listen to event Audio
- October 3, 2012 - Organizations Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall | Audio | Survey
- September 18, 2012 - Organizations Participate in Medicare Part D Tele-Town Hall. Audio | Presentation
- August 7, 2012 - Medicare Part D Premiums to Remain Steady for Third Straight Year.
- July 30, 2012 - Organizations Participate in Medicare Par D Tele-Town Hall. Listen to event Audio
- July 27, 2012 - Download the Value of Medicare Part D Toolkit by clicking here.
Download the Value of Medicare Part D Toolkit by clicking here.
Medicare Today E-Card
Birthday E-Card Reminder
Send your senior friends, family and neighbors turning 65 years old this year a reminder to enroll in the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Contact
Medicare
Call: 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Visit: Medicare.gov
Medicare Today
Visit: MedicareToday@hlc.org
About Medicare Today
HLC launched the Medicare Today program in November 2004 to reach out to Medicare beneficiaries who needed reliable information on how to get the greatest value from their Medicare benefits. Medicare Today administers the partnership of over 400 national and local organizations including American Academy of Family Physicians, and National Alliance for Hispanic Health.