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Medicare Beneficiaries

All articles tagged with #medicare beneficiaries

health1 year ago

"Massive Medicare Fraud Uncovered: Wasteful Spending on Unwanted Catheters"

A report by the National Association of Accountable Care Organizations revealed a staggering increase in Medicare billing for urinary catheters, with over 450,000 beneficiaries billed in 2023, up from about 50,000 in previous years. Seven high-volume suppliers accounted for $2 billion in charges, potentially representing nearly one-fifth of all Medicare spending on medical supplies. The spike in claims for catheters that were never delivered has raised concerns of a far-reaching Medicare scam, prompting outrage from doctors, state insurance departments, and healthcare groups.

health-medicine2 years ago

"Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Reduce Thromboembolic Events in Elderly and End Stage Renal Disease Patients: US Study"

A study conducted among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years and those with end stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving dialysis found that bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were 47% effective in preventing thromboembolic events among immunocompetent persons aged ≥65 years and 51% effective among adults aged ≥18 years with ESRD, compared with receipt of the original monovalent vaccines alone. The findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against COVID-19–related thromboembolic events, emphasizing the importance of staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination to prevent complications.

healthcare2 years ago

2024 Medicare Part B Premiums on the Rise

Medicare Part B premiums for 2024 will increase by $9.80, or 6%, to $174.70 per month, with the annual deductible rising to $240. The increase is due to projected increases in healthcare spending and the need to repay providers for underpayment. Higher-income beneficiaries will pay more, with premiums ranging from $244.60 to $584 per month. The increase will partially offset the 3.2% cost of living adjustment for Social Security recipients. Medicare open enrollment for 2024 is approaching, and Medicaid is a separate federal program that provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals.