Good News For Those On Social Security, Some Medicare Advantage Plans Lowering Prices – By Derek Baine

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Social Security recipients recently got the good news that come January, their cost of living adjustment (COLA) will rise more than it has in decades.  Now more good news as, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan is projected to drop 11% in 2022 to just $21.22.  The CMS also projected that Medicare enrollees who buy Part D drug coverage will see their premium rise from $31.47 this year to $33 next year (Source AARP Bulletin, November 2021 Issue, page 4).

AARP Gets Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services To Regulate Nursing Homes More Stringently : By Derek Baine

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The AARP Foundation and other advocates agreed to amend a lawsuit against CMS after the agency which regulates nursing facilities, agreed to reinstate the ability to levy steep finds to hold nursing homes accountable for the health and safety of residents.  Previously, nursing homes could be fined only once per violation.  Under the new rules, the CMS can levy fines on a facility for every day they are or were in violation of the rules (Source AARP Bulletin, November 2021 Issue, page 4).

Medicare Advantage Premiums To Drop 11% In 2020

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According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Advantage plans are expected to decline by 11% in 2020 to $21 (from $23.63 in 2020).  About 42% of Medicare participants are expected to enroll in the plans, as many of those have added new services.  There are also a wide array of plans available, 47 in 2020 compared to just 39 in 2020.