MEDICARE

WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Biden administration estimated Monday that it could collect as much as $4.7 billion from insurance companies with newer and tougher penalties for submitting improper charges on the taxpayers' tab for Medicare Advantage care. The penalties are expected to return $4.7 billion over the next decade, the agency estimated. The questionable payments are submitted through Medicare Advantage, a booming program that nearly half of the 60 million people enrolled in Medicare sign up for. Medicare Advantage is different from traditional Medicare, with private companies offering plans that are reimbursed by the government for care. The move will raise insurance rates, warned Matt Eyles, the president of America's Health Insurance Plans, the lobbying arm for health insurance companies.

A Detroit doctor has been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison for organizing a vast opioid scheme. The doctor would bill Medicare and insurers for unnecessary prescriptions for opioids.

Debt ceiling negotiations between Democrats and Republicans should not include Social Security and Medicare, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Sunday.

If you picked a Medicare Advantage Plan during the most recent fall annual enrollment period and it's not a good fit, you can make a change through March 31.

The White House hit back after Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said he wants to “strengthen” Medicare and Social Security, arguing on Sunday that the House GOP leader and his conference actually want to slash spending on the entitlement programs. McCarthy said in an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation” earlier Sunday that he wants to…

WASHINGTON — (AP) — For all the sound and fury about raising the nation's debt limit, most economists say federal borrowing is not at a crisis point ... at least not yet. The national debt is the accumulation over time of the yearly deficit. If the government cuts spending or raises taxes, it can trim the deficit and run a surplus, something that last happened in 2001. This has occurred even as the national debt has climbed almost nine-fold since 1991. Voters generally want minimal taxes, but they also want more Social Security, health care and other programs.

WASHINGTON — (AP) — For all the sound and fury about raising the nation's debt limit, most economists say federal borrowing is not at a crisis point ... at least not yet. President Joe Biden counters that the government spending cuts sought by Republicans in return for a debt limit increase would break the middle class. The national debt is not the yearly deficit, the amount the government outspends its tax revenues. This has occurred even as the national debt has climbed almost nine-fold since 1991. Voters generally want minimal taxes, but they also want more Social Security, health care and other programs.

For all the sound and fury about raising the nation's debt limit, most economists say federal borrowing is not at a crisis point.

By playing up his consistent vow not to cut Social Security and Medicare, the former president hopes to put his chief 2024 GOP rival, who repeatedly voted in Congress to slash both programs, on the back foot.

With one of Medicare's funding sources facing projected insolvency in 2028, the Republican Study Committee includes program changes in its proposed budget.

Spending cuts to balance the budget will require difficult choices that Congress has avoided.

I was proud to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, because I’m already hearing stories about Americans who can now afford the healthcare they need.

Republicans have indicated that they're willing to hold off on raising the debt ceiling in order to secure cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

Trump's comments put him at odds with prominent House Republicans who are pushing for major reductions in the entitlement programs and array of others in exchange for raising the nation’s debt.limit.

A federal jury in the Northern District of Illinois convicted a Chicago man yesterday for participating in a conspiracy to pay approximately $25 million in illegal kickbacks to generate business for his durable medical equipment pharmacy. Without the involvement of the Symed, the conspirators could not have submitted claims to obtain reimbursement from Medicare or other federal health care benefit programs. Sorensen was convicted of one count of conspiracy and three counts of payment of illegal kickbacks. Assistant Chiefs Leslie S. Garthwaite and Daniel J. Griffin of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program.

If debt ceiling negotiations are unsuccessful, the U.S. could default on its debt. Here's what that may mean for Social Security and Medicare.

The deficit has ballooned so much largely because of policy decisions made by Republicans. They are not the party of fiscal responsibility.

A Mississippi orthopedic clinic has agreed to pay $1.87 million settlement. A health care provider at the company allegedly submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid.

The federal government for the first time has the power to negotiate Medicare drug prices due to the Inflation Reduction Act.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made concessions to far-right GOP members to win his seat, which likely include cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

Financial Adulting 101: Here’s why your paycheck is less than you thought it would be.

Most seniors who are eligible for the treatment will have to pay for it out of pocket because Medicare has limited coverage to people participating in studies.

The House GOP is itching for a fight over spending cuts — including to major entitlement programs.

An Alzheimer's drug that removes the substance amyloid from the brain has received a conditional approval from the FDA. A large study found the drug decreased the loss of thinking and memory by 27%.

For some Medicare beneficiaries, a Medigap plan ends up being the best fit for supplemental coverage. Here's what to consider when choosing one.

Patients with long Covid may experience disruptions to their health insurance coverage if they lose their job. Fortunately, they have other options to turn to.

The government is leaving billions of dollars on the table. Here’s how to fix it.

Millions of people who enrolled in Medicaid during the COVID-19 pandemic could start to lose their insurance plans by April 1 if Congress passes the $1.7 trillion spending package leaders unveiled Tuesday.

Medicare officials said 254,000 beneficiaries may have had identifying information exposed in a ransomware attack that occurred in October.

Medicare Advantage Plans and prescription drug plans often make changes from year-to-year, which means it's worthwhile evaluating your costs for next year.

“People are rightfully concluding,” says former House speaker Paul D. Ryan, that Trump “is becoming more of a political liability.”

The Biden administration announced that it will extend the payment pause on federal student loans while its forgiveness plan remains blocked in the courts.

Newly released federal audits reveal widespread overcharges and other errors in payments to Medicare Advantage health plans for seniors.

Taxpayers footed the bill for care that should have cost far less, according to records released under the Freedom of Information Act. The U.S. government may charge insurers $650 million as a result.

The midterm election results were "positive for seniors." Yet some say a fight over Social Security could still be brewing with debt ceiling negotiations.

The effort could further protect patients and taxpayers without harming innovation.

In certain situations under current rules, new Medicare beneficiaries have had to wait months for coverage to kick in. Next year, those delays will disappear.

House Republicans who may regain majority in midterm elections say "miracle" of longer lives necessitates raising retirement age.

As beneficiaries are encouraged to review their coverage for 2023, fraudsters may try to capitalize on that and cast a broad net to lure in victims.

WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed unlikely to agree to overturn decades of precedent in a case about civil rights lawsuits, a result that would preserve the ability of individuals to use federal law to sue. The justices were told that result could leave tens of millions of people who have rights under federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid without access to the courts. The court is being asked to answer whether a person can use Section 1983 to go to court with claims their rights under the nursing home act are violated. Biden administration lawyer Benjamin Snyder told the court that Congress did not intend to allow Section 1983 lawsuits when it enacted the nursing home legislation. A trial court dismissed the case, but a federal court of appeals said it could proceed.

The Supreme Court seems likely to reject a call to overturn decades of precedent and limit the ability of individuals to use federal civil rights law to sue.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed unlikely to agree to overturn decades of precedent in a case about civil rights lawsuits, a result that would preserve the ability of individuals to use federal law to sue. The justices had been asked to use a case about a nursing home resident who claimed a violation of his rights to more broadly limit the right to sue. The justices were told that result could leave tens of millions of people who have rights under federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid without access to the courts.

House Republicans who may regain majority in midterm elections say "miracle" of longer lives necessitates raising retirement age.

President Biden on Saturday ripped into protesters gathered outside the venue where he was speaking, calling them "idiots" for labeling Democrats "socialists."

Here are some of the most pressing personal finance issues for the midterm elections — and how Tuesday's results may affect your wallet.

With Medicare’s open enrollment underway, health experts are warning older adults about an uptick in misleading marketing tactics that might lead some to sign up for Medicare Advantage plans that don’t cover their doctors or prescriptions and drive up their out-of-pocket costs.

Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri rejected an idea to use debt limit as leverage for Social Security and Medicare negotiations, calling it "dumb."

Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on Thursday called for a broad bipartisan deal to protect the solvency of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, popular programs that face serious funding issues over the next few decades. “You’re going to get your financial house in order. We cannot live with this crippling debt,” Manchin, whose pivotal vote…

If you are thinking about dropping your Advantage Plan in favor of basic Medicare, your costs will likely look different, experts say.

Democrats, including President Joe Biden, have said the midterm election may shape two government programs retirees rely on, Social Security and Medicare.

The President is headed to South Florida to give remarks on social security and Medicare, and fundraise for the DNC candidates.

President Biden visits Florida for a rally for gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist and Senate hopeful Val Demings.

Daniel Canchola admitted his role in a scheme that preyed on seniors' cancer fears.

A nurse practitioner has pleaded guilty to fraudulently billing commercial health insurers and Medicare nearly $4.4 million for services that he never provided to patients as he had claimed.

We asked our News 6 Insiders to submit any questions they had about the program and took them straight to Justin Jacobs, president and CEO of Health Plan Markets, to get the answers.

Do you have Medicare questions? We just might have answers.

For the first time in a decade, Americans will pay less next year on monthly premiums for Medicare’s Part B plan, which covers routine doctors’ visits and other outpatient care.

President Joe Biden has signed Democrats’ landmark climate change and health care bill.

Some older Americans are cheering news of a deal on Capitol Hill that could lead to lower drug costs.

The Biden administration is warning pharmacies not to discriminate against women who may seek reproductive health prescriptions, including some that might be involved in ending a pregnancy.

Senate Democrats want to boost taxes on some high earners and use the money to extend the solvency of Medicare.

A Cuban man charged in a $4.2 million Medicare fraud scheme is being held as a flight risk after officials said he tried to flee the U.S. on a Jet Ski.

A stronger-than-expected economic recovery from the pandemic has pushed back the go-broke dates for Social Security and Medicare, but officials warn that the current economic turbulence is putting additional pressures on the bedrock retirement programs.

Medicare recipients will get a premium reduction — but not until next year.

Since the health industry is always evolving, making the right choice when it comes to your health insurance can be difficult.

Biogen is looking for a new CEO less than a year after its launch of its Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm largely fizzled.

Medicare says it’s considering a cut in enrollee premiums, after officials stuck with an earlier decision to sharply limit coverage for a pricey new Alzheimer’s drug projected to drive up program costs.

Medicare says that millions of enrollees will finally have access to free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at drug stores.

The House has passed a bill capping the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for insured patients.

When the end of the COVID-19 pandemic comes, it could create major disruptions for U.S. health care.

Legislation to limit insulin costs for people with diabetes is getting a new push in the Senate.

Two widely supported bills are encountering delays in the Senate.

The Biden administration says people with Medicare will be able to get up to eight free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month, starting in early spring.

Medicare says it's shining a light on key markers for nursing home quality.

The requirements, which apply to providers that take part in the Medicaid and Medicare programs, will start to take effect Thursday in Florida.

Medicare says it will limit coverage of a $28,000-a-year Alzheimer’s drug whose benefits have been widely questioned.

U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra is ordering Medicare to reassess a big premium increase facing millions of seniors this year.

The head of a Senate panel that oversees Medicare says the Biden administration should cut back a hefty premium increase soon to hit millions of enrollees.

A new $56,000-a-year Alzheimer’s medication that’s leading to one of the biggest increases ever in Medicare premiums is highlighting the limitations of President Joe Biden’s strategy for curbing prescription drug costs.

President Joe Biden is pledging his social agenda legislation will deliver tangible savings on prescription drugs for all Americans.

Sen. Bernie Sanders is asking the White House to cut back a big Medicare premium hike set to take effect in weeks and tied to a pricey Alzheimer’s drug whose benefits have been widely questioned.

Workers and families with private health insurance would reap savings on prescription drugs from a little-noticed provision in President Joe Biden's social agenda bill.

When we go to a new doctor for the first time, there are a few things doctors suggest bringing for the initial visit.

One of the questions patients often ask after they have chosen a Medicare plan is: How do I choose a provider?

A plan that works for one person might not be what works for another person.

Medicare’s “Part B” outpatient premium will jump by $21.60 a month in 2022, one of the largest increases ever.

Medicare enrollees who take expensive medicines could save thousands of dollars a year under the Democrats’ sweeping social agenda bill, but those dividends won’t come overnight.

Democrats say they have sealed a deal to lower pharmaceutical drug costs for most older Americans as part of President Joe Biden’s sweeping $1.75 trillion domestic proposal.

House Democrats have added paid family and medical leave, immigration law changes and a state-and-local tax break to President Joe Biden's $1.75 trillion social services and environmental bill.

As Medicare open enrollment is in full swing, this is a time when many Medicare beneficiaries have questions.

Two congressional aides say Democrats have made significant progress on adding compromise provisions curbing prescription drug prices to their massive social and environment package.

Medicaid issues are turning up as winners in President Joe Biden’s social budget framework even as divisions force Democrats to hit pause on far-reaching improvements to Medicare.

When shopping for a Medicare plan, one of the things people get so focused on is the benefits. In doing so, many often overlook the providers.

It’s that time of year again when millions of Americans across the country will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance benefits for the coming year.

Calling all people ages 65 and older: Did you realize the window for Medicare open enrollment is now available?

Negotiating Medicare drug prices is a linchpin of President Joe Biden's ambitious health care agenda.

Democrats are fretting about how they’d divide a shrinking pie amid signs that negotiations over President Joe Biden’s massive domestic policy bill could yield a smaller serving of health care spending.

A House committee has dealt an ominous setback to President Joe Biden’s social and environment package.

The sharp shock of the coronavirus recession pushed Social Security a year closer to insolvency but left Medicare’s exhaustion date unchanged, the government reported Tuesday.