The following two categories of dental services are excluded from Medicare coverage

A primary service (regardless of cause or complexity) provided for the care, treatment, removal, or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting teeth, e.g., preparation of the mouth for dentures, removal of diseased teeth in an infected jaw.

Medicare Service – Statutory Dental Exclusions

Section 1862 (a)(12) of the Social Security Act states, “where such expenses are for services in connection with the care, treatment, filling, removal, or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting teeth, except that payment may be made under part A in the case of inpatient hospital services in connection with the provision of such dental services if the individual, because of his underlying medical condition and clinical status or because of the severity of the dental procedure, requires hospitalization in connection with the provision of such services.”

Many seniors do not receive recommended preventive and primary care

Under health insurance reform, a senior would not pay anything for a screening colonoscopy or other preventive services. Reform will eliminate any deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing for obtaining preventive services, making them affordable and accessible

Ending overpayments to private insurance companies that cost all Medicare beneficiaries

The federal government pays private insurance companies on average 14 percent more for providing coverage to Medicare Advantage beneficiaries than it would pay for the same beneficiary in the traditional Medicare program.

New Tips to Prevent Medical Identity Theft and Medicare Fraud

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and Assistant Attorney General Tony West today highlighted the Obama Administration’s work to fight Medicare Fraud and released new tips and information to help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries deter, detect and defend against Medical identity theft.

Medicare: Transparency and Open Government by President Obama

My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.

HHS Highlights Innovative New Open Government Initiatives

Part of Open Government Commitments in Service of National Priorities Programs Are Result of Accessible Federal Decision Making Process — HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today three innovative HHS ideas that have been developed as a result of a more open and accessible federal decision making process in collaboration between the public, private sector and the federal government.

Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price – Help and Assistance

Manufacturer reporting of Average Sales Price (ASP) data: A manufacturer’s ASP must be calculated by the manufacturer every calendar quarter and submitted to CMS within 30 days of the close of the quarter. Each report must be certified by one of the following: the manufacturer’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO); the manufacturer’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO); an individual who has delegated authority to sign for, and who reports directly to, the manufacturer’s CEO or CFO.

CMS Home, Medicare, Medicare Contracting Reform, Overview

CMS’ mission is to ensure health care security for beneficiaries. A major component in achieving this mission is the successful administration of Original Medicare, or Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicare. Medicare Contracting Reform (or section 911 of the Medicare Prescription Drug,

Medicare Help for Flu Like Symptoms

Persons with Disabilities: The term “disability” refers to limited physical or cognitive capacity. It includes people with neurological and neuro-developmental conditions, such as disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle (e.g., cerebral palsy, epilepsy/seizure disorders, stroke, intellectual disability/mental retardation); moderate to severe developmental delay; muscular dystrophy; and spinal cord injury. These chronic conditions interfere with functional capacity. “Disability” also includes people with other chronic health conditions that interfere with functional capacity.

Medicare beneficiaries will not see a Part B monthly premium increase

Most Medicare beneficiaries will not see a Part B monthly premium increase as a result of a “hold harmless” provision in the current law. This allows for 73 percent of beneficiaries to be protected from an increase raising the 2010 Part B monthly premiums from $96.40 to $110.50.