This open-ended financing structure allows federal funds to flow to states based on actual costs and needs as economic and other circumstances change. 2477), championed by Medicare Rights, would help prevent these costly errors—filling long-standing gaps in outreach and education, updating enrollment timelines to eliminate needless breaks in coverage, and informing policymaking on enrollment period alignment. Sign up to receive Medicare news, policy developments, and other useful updates from the Medicare Rights. Policy Documents Medicare Rights mourns the passing of Gerry Goodrich, our distinguished and dedicated Board Member. Policy Documents Some policymakers support replacing Medicare’s defined benefit package with a fixed-dollar amount (often called a voucher) that beneficiaries would use to purchase health coverage through a private plan or Original Medicare. National Call-in Week: Tell Your Senators to Act Now on Coronavirus Relief Legislation, Assess Your Medicare Coverage During Fall Open Enrollment, Congressional Democrats Seek Clarification from Trump Administration on Part D “Gift Cards”, Small Monthly Increase for Social Security Recipients, Tips for Enrolling in Medicare During the Coronavirus Public Health Emergency, What You Need to Know About Coronavirus and Medicare Coverage, Donor Spotlight: Nancy Rice, Monthly Donor, Working in Washington to Improve Medicare, National Education on Medicare and Coronavirus. Its inefficiencies can lead to delays in beneficiary access, abandonment of therapies, reduced adherence to treatment protocols, worse health outcomes, and higher costs. Some policymakers support broadening the conditions under which providers can privately contract with people with Medicare for the price of their services. There are currently more than 12 million Americans enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. DO NOT send personal information (such as your Medicare or Social Security number) or submit Medicare questions through this form. Newsletters Sign up to receive Medicare news, policy developments, and other useful updates from the Medicare Rights. Currently, far too many people make honest mistakes when trying to understand and navigate the unduly complex Medicare Part B enrollment process. Contact Us Please use this form to contact us for general inquiries about the Medicare Rights Center. Some lawmakers support increasing the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67. Important strategies include imposing limits on beneficiary out-of-pocket spending, allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and increasing pricing transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. This costly benefit cut is sometimes defended by arguing that as Americans live longer and delay retirement, most people will not need Medicare at age 65. There are changes to Medicare costs and coverage options every year, and it’s difficult for consumers and professionals alike to keep up with what’s new and how it will affect them or their clients.