Medicare Handbook, 2010 Edition

The 2010 Medicare Handbook is the indispensable resource you need to clearly understand - and be able to advise on - Medicare's confusing rules and regulations. It has been prepared by an outstanding team of experts from the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., a private, non-profit organization devoted to helping elders and people with disabilities obtain necessary healthcare. These experienced attorneys and healthcare professionals address - from the beneficiary's perspective - issues you need to master to provide effective planning advice or advocacy services, including: Medicare eligibility rules and enrollment requirements Medicare covered services, deductibles, and co-payments Co-insurance, premiums, penalties Coverage criteria for each of the programs Problem areas of concern for the advocate Grievance and appeals procedures For each topic, you'll find an extensive selection of case citations, checklists, worksheets, and other practice tools designed to assist in obtaining coverage for clients, while minimizing research and drafting time. The 2010 Medicare Handbook has been updated to include coverage of: Re-bidding under the competitive bidding for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) as re-introduced in the fall of 2009 Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the variety of SNPs available under the Medicare Advantage program (Medicare Part C) Continued efforts on educating beneficiaries about their rights, particularly with respect to moving from one care setting to another Developments in the Medicare Hospice Care Benefit, including in-the-home hospice care as opposed to hospice in a skilled nursing facility Ongoing problems with the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, including providing good information about how to appeal the denial of coverage of drugs not on a plan's formulary