An excellent article by reporter Joe Lawlor was headlined “Martin’s Point fraud settlement highlights shortcomings in Medicare Advantage program” (Aug. 4). It might have said the settlement highlights shortcomings in “private, market-based insurance.” Over and over again, we bemoan the failings of treating health care as a business. Yet we are the only developed country […]
Medicare
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Martin’s Point Health Care to pay $22 million to settle Medicare fraud claims
An agreement announced Monday, the largest Medicare fraud settlement in state history, includes a $3.8 million payment to a whistleblower who sued Martin’s Point in 2018 alleging that it was miscoding the health conditions of Medicare Advantage patients.
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Posted inMaine Voices, Opinion
Commentary: On anniversary of their founding, we must recognize value of Medicare, Medicaid
About 50% of Mainers benefit from these programs, but we still have far to go to improve our health as a nation, including improvements in life expectancy, preventable hospitalizations and infant mortality.
Posted inMaine, News
New law will put more dollars into pockets of older, low-income Mainers
About 19,000 Maine residents over 65, many of them low-income women living alone, will be made eligible for the program under the new law.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Commentary: Expand Medicare Savings Program, allow Mainers to age with dignity
When my fellow legislators and I speak with older constituents, we too often hear about the exorbitant price of medication, heat and electricity and the impossibility of buying gifts for grandchildren.
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Tom Purcell: Hey, Medicare, I’m counting on you
I will qualify for Medicare coverage in five years and, much to my surprise, I can’t wait to get government health coverage — because my current coverage is pricey. I recently finished a consulting assignment, which provided me full health benefits. To maintain my health insurance policy through Cobra, I must pay $750 a month. […]
Posted inNation & World, News, Politics
McConnell slams Scott over plan to sunset Medicare, Social Security
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell slammed fellow Republican Rick Scott’s plan that would require Congress to reauthorize even popular programs such as Social Security and Medicare every five years.
Posted inNation & World, News, Politics
Social Security, Medicare brawl awaits Washington, even if not this year
Biden has repeatedly slammed congressional Republicans for advancing plans that would cut both programs.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Commentary: Republicans want to cut Medicare. Here’s how real leaders would handle the deficit
The difference between public servant and politician has seldom been more stark than it is today.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Commentary: Osteoporosis is a public health crisis. It doesn’t have to be
Bone scans allow us to take better control of our health. So why are they so hard to access?