Some Democrats already believe Medicare Part D is a "Republican-engineered windfall†for pharmaceutical companies, but the good fortune may not last, say the experts. (Philadephia Inquirer) According to Verispan, a health information company, Medicare Part D accounted for as much as 13.6 percent (Bristol-Myers Squibb) of drugs sales from January to July. Medicare Part D prescription drugs accounted for 8.8 percent of Pfizer's retail sales, 10.9 percent of Merck's, and 9.5 percent of Eli … [Read more...] about Medicare Part D Windfall For Drug Companies…For Now
Bob Dole Hosts Weekly Medicare Podcast
Senator Bob Dole has gone high-tech. Every Monday, he hosts a podcast called Success: The Benefits of the New Medicare Drug Plan, with interviews from Medicare beneficiaries signed up for the new prescription drug program. (Medical News Today) According to the site, there are 70+ days remaining until the enrollment period starts for Medicare Part D. Dole’s podcast is apparently designed to encourage beneficiaries to enroll. He said, “Now is the time for seniors to learn about their … [Read more...] about Bob Dole Hosts Weekly Medicare Podcast
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Limits; Patients Rights
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will submit Amendment Number 747 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance. From the September 8 Texas Register: Amendment 747 revises the methodology used by the State to estimate the Medicaid Upper Payment Limit (UPL) for hospital inpatient services. The UPL is the federal limit on Medicaid payments to a group of hospitals and is determined under Federal regulations as a reasonable estimate of the amount that would be paid for the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Limits; Patients Rights
CMS Chief to Resign
Mark McClellan, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is resigning. McClellen had been CMS chief since March 2004. According to Medical News Today, McClellan is headed to the conservative think tank, American Enterprise Institute. McClellan, born right here in Austin, Texas, oversaw the launch of Medicare's new prescription drug program, Medicare Part D. He is a medical doctor who's served in the federal government since the late 1990s. He is the brother … [Read more...] about CMS Chief to Resign
Pharmaceutical Association Accused of Medicare Conflict of Interest
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has been accused of unethical behavior by "political officials." (Medical News Today) PhRMA is alleged to have given money to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for an advertising campaign praising politicians who voted for Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug program. Quoting the AP, Medical News Today reports that Eric Wohlschlegel, spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce, said his agency paid for the ads but didn't say whether … [Read more...] about Pharmaceutical Association Accused of Medicare Conflict of Interest
New Posters for USERRA and Workers’ Compensation
It is time to update your mandated notices by adding the newly revised USERRA and Workers' Compensation posters. (Text from the interim notice that employers were required to post in March 2005 was temporary.) First, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) posted its final regulations for the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) in December 2005. The new regulations include a few minor changes to the text of the required notice to employees, effective January 18, … [Read more...] about New Posters for USERRA and Workers’ Compensation
DOJ Launches New Website Regarding Employment, Voting and Financial Security Rights of Veterans and Members of Armed Services.
Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales proclaimed: "Every day, men and women of our nation's armed forces put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their rights are protected in return." The new Web site, located by clicking here, is a partnership between the Justice Department and other federal agencies that oversee these protections. The new website consolidates notices and information on several laws, including the Uniformed … [Read more...] about DOJ Launches New Website Regarding Employment, Voting and Financial Security Rights of Veterans and Members of Armed Services.
Provider Medicare Payments To Be Withheld
In order to move $5.2 billion from the closing fiscal year to the new one, beginning October 1, the federal government will not send providers Medicare reimbursements until after that date. Providers will be paid in full but won't receive interest on the delayed payments. According to Herb Kuhn, director of the Center for Medicare Management at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), providers have not complained to his agency about the so-called Medicare holiday. Providers may … [Read more...] about Provider Medicare Payments To Be Withheld
Disaster Preparation At TexasOnline
Hopefully this hurricane season won't be as devastating as the last, but it's good to be prepared. Texas providers (and all residents) should visit the disaster preparation resource page at TexasOnline to stay up-to-date on current news and tips. You'll find links to organizations and agencies that specialize in preparing for disasters, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and American Red Cross. There are links to state and local government agencies and organizations, and … [Read more...] about Disaster Preparation At TexasOnline
Provider Letters: Permanency Planning and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation
Effective September 1, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability (DADS) must delegate "the development of a permanency plan to a mental retardation authority (MRA), to a private entity other than an entity providing long-term institutional care, or to DADS personnel" for an individual under 22 receiving services or seeking admission to an institution. DADS will delegate the responsibilities to the local mental retardation authority where the individual or his legally authorized … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Permanency Planning and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation