CMS Newsroom
News updates from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Read more.
Social Security and Medicare may experience their own COVID-19 side effects, experts say
Over the last year, COVID-19 has been especially devastating for people of retirement age. As of mid-February, those 65 and over accounted for 81% of the pandemic’s deaths in the United States. More than 373,000 older adults succumbed to the new virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read more.
Knowledge, Awareness of Medicare Advantage Plans Remain Low Despite High Enrollment
Recent GoHealth survey suggests many Medicare enrollees, especially older Americans, could be leaving valuable services and cost savings on the table. Many Americans who receive Medicare benefits seem to lack knowledge and awareness on all of the options available to them, especially those who are older, according to a recent study by GoHealth. Read more.
Rural Medicare Advantage Members Hit Care Access Snags, Switch Plans
Restricted provider networks under Medicare Advantage plans may pose care access barriers to rural beneficiaries, according to a new study published in Health Affairs. Researchers used Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data of 17,888 Medicare beneficiaries from 2010 to 2016 to analyze rural and nonrural beneficiary trends in terms of member satisfaction and care access. The results revealed that coverage may be lacking for rural beneficiaries due to limited benefits and narrow provider networks. Read more.
A Huge Spike in Medicaid Enrollment in PA. Shows How Devastating the Coronavirus Has Been
HARRISBURG — There are many ways to measure the pain being felt by people in Cumberland County. More families in the region are becoming homeless, social services groups said, sleeping in tents and cars. Many others need help getting food. Over the past year, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has seen a roughly 40% increase in the amount of people coming to them for help, said Joe Arthur, its executive director. Read more.
Democrats Look at Lowering Medicare Eligibility Age in Healthcare Package
Congressional Democrats and the Biden administration are planning another round of healthcare initiatives that could include lowering the Medicare eligibility age, following their major expansion of the Affordable Care Act this year. Read more.
WellCare: Lock-In and a Look Ahead
With 2021 Open Enrollment (OEP) behind us, and 2022 Annual Enrollment (AEP) quickly approaching, we are working hard to improve your experience and become your plan of choice. Read more.
Highmark's MEDIGAP MADNESS incentive contest is back!
Earn a bonus $10 for each application submitted through the Highmark Producer Portal! Read more.
Humana | 2021 Compliance Communication - SEP for Those Affected by Indy Health Part D Plan Termination
Indy Health Insurance Company, a stand-alone Part D plan in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, and Georgia has been terminated. CMS has temporarily enrolled impacted individuals into Medicare’s Part D LI-NET program administered by Humana as of March 1, 2021 to ensure continuation of drug coverage. Read more.
Transamerica | Medicare Supplement Insurance Premium Rate Change
Transamerica Life Insurance Company will be implementing Medicare Supplement insurance premium rate changes in the following states for in force policies. The in force policies that are affected were originally underwritten by Transamerica Premier Life Insurance Company. Read more.
Central States of Omaha | Big Incentives For Only One Issued Case!
Start strong with the industry's top bonuses. CSO’s unlimited incentives can make the first quarter of 2021 your best to date. Read more.
Manhattan Life | Continuing Adding To Your Wallet With Our Agent Incentive
Peace of mind for policy holders. Well-earned rewards for you. Get a strong start to 2021 with unlimited incentives. Read more.
UnitedHealthcare | 2021 Blast Off Incentive
Earn $100 to $300 cash from UnitedHealthcare on commission-eligible, accepted and paid applications for AARP Medicare Supplement Plans F and G for ages 65+ that are underwritten or within their Medicare supplement Open Enrollment period. Read more.
3/25 Medicare Workshop: Medicare Supplement vs. Medicare Advantage Plans
Join Christy Wilbert (Medicare Offerings VP) for a webinar on March 25th at 10am EST as she dives into the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans. It's your job as an agent to present both options and educate your clients. Key topics: How Medicare Supplements work; How Medicare Advantage Plans work; Researching providers; Researching formularies; What plan should I be suggesting? Watch on demand.
4/29 Medicare Workshop: How to Sell HMO's and SNP'S
Join Christy Wilbert (Medicare Offerings VP) for a webinar on April 29th at 10am EST to take a closer look at Medicare Advantage HMOs and Special Needs Plans. We hear a lot of questions on this topic, so we'll be discussing the similarities and differences between the two plans. We will have live Q&A to help clarify your understanding on the benefits of a SNP. Register Now.
