Medicare
Coronavirus
Long-Term Care
Factors Associated With COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities: Findings from a Literature Review
A review of 30 studies finds that certain characteristics of long-term care facilities are associated with COVID-19 cases and deaths, including having a relatively large share of Black or Hispanic residents, for-profit status, having a relatively large number of beds, and being located in urban areas. Community transmission was consistently associated with cases and deaths. Further, there is some evidence that nursing homes with higher staffing levels, including higher 5-star quality ratings for staffing from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, have a lower likelihood of cases or deaths.
New & Noteworthy
- Medicare Advantage
Financial Performance of Medicare Advantage and Group Market Insurers Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
The drop in health care utilization during the coronavirus pandemic has contributed to higher gross margins and lower medical loss among many private insurance plans. Findings suggest that health insurers in most markets have become more profitable during the pandemic.
- Financing
Medicare’s Finances Have Gotten Much Worse in Recent Years, Foreshadowing Tough Choices for November’s Winners
This Policy Watch post discusses the latest Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund solvency projections, which show the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt Medicare’s financial outlook, and foreshadow the tough choices facing the next President and Congress. - Part D
Options to Make Medicare More Affordable For Beneficiaries Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
Medicare covers more than 60 million Americans, but gaps in coverage and high cost-sharing requirements can make health care difficult to afford. We examined policy options to make Medicare more affordable, including the likely cost & how many people would be helped. - Physician Opt-Out
How Many Physicians Have Opted-Out of the Medicare Program?
Despite changes in law that have made it easier for physicians to opt-out of the Medicare program, only 1 percent of all non-pediatric physicians have formally done so in 2020. The share varies specialty, and is highest for psychiatrists, at 7.2 percent. If a public option moves forward, and if current opt-out rules apply to both Medicare and the public option, physicians may be even less likely to opt out to retain their patients and revenue.
Prescription Drugs
Reform Proposals
What’s the Latest on Prescription Drug Proposals from the Trump Administration, Congress, and the Biden Campaign?
Congress, the Trump Administration and the Biden campaign have all proposed ways to lower prescription drug costs. Our chartpack summarizes key elements in these proposals and their likely impact on prices, people and federal spending.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Data Note
More Than Half of All People on Medicare Do Not Compare Their Coverage Options Annually
Fifty-seven percent of Medicare beneficiaries do not review or compare their coverage options annually – a decision that can lead to unanticipated costs or coverage disruptions as beneficiaries pick Part D stand-alone drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare’s annual open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7.
Medicare advantage statistics
Latest Polling59%
of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in plans operated by UnitedHealthcare, Humana, or BlueCross BlueShield affiliates in 2019. (2019 Issue Brief)
29%
of new Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans during their first year on Medicare in 2016. (2019 Issue Brief)
34%
of all Medicare beneficiaries (22 million people) are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. (2019 Issue Brief)
62%
of the 22 million Medicare Advantage enrollees in 2019 are in in HMOs, with the rest in local or regional PPOs. (2019 Fact Sheet)
The Essentials
- Basics
An Overview of Medicare Coverage
Medicare plays a key role in providing health care and financial security to more than 60 million older people and younger people with disabilities. - federal budget
The Facts on Medicare Spending
Medicare spending was 15 percent of total federal spending in 2018. Benefit payments totaled $731 billion that year. - income and assets
Finances of Medicare Beneficiaries, 2016-2035
Half of all Medicare beneficiaries had incomes below $26,200 per person in 2016 and savings below $74,450. - medicare part d
An Overview of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit
- quiz
How Much Do You Know About Medicare?
Take this quiz to find out how much you know about Medicare, the people it serves, the benefits it covers, and its financial status.
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