California Health Advocates

Updated Fact Sheets

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:07:29 -0800

"Medicare: An Overview" (PDF), "2009 Premiums, Co-insurance & Deductibles (Original Fee-for-Service Medicare)" (PDF), and "Medicare Part D: An Overview" (PDF) have been updated.

CMC Teleconference, November 10th: Medicare Updates 2010: The Landscape of Plans in California and the Upcoming Annual Coordinated Election Period

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:22:23 -0700

Our next CMC meeting will be a statewide teleconference providing 2010 Medicare updates on the landscape of plans and the upcoming Annual Coordinated Election Period. Join us on Tuesday, November 10th.

RSVP by November 9th to Jasmine Suo.

2010 California Medicare Advantage Plans - PDF

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:04:18 -0700

Download PDF -
Review of cost and types of Medicare Advantage plans being offered through out California. Also includes a county-by-county chart of the numbers of each type of MA plan. Summarized from CMS data.

Medicare Advocates Applaud CMS Efforts to Keep Politics in its Place

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:49:28 -0700

CHA, along with several advocacy organizations, supports CMS’ recent crackdown on Medicare Advantage plans sending misleading information on health care reform to enrollees.

Comments on CMS' Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Manual

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:24:48 -0700

Comments submitted by CHA, drafted jointly with various advocacy organizations. Comments on Chapter 4, covering creditable coverage and late enrollment penalties; and Chapter 18, covering Part D enrollee grievances.

CHA’s Senior Medicare Patrol Project Receives Three National Awards

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:13:54 -0700

HHS Secretary Sebelius presented 3 national awards to our SMP project for having the highest number of volunteers, developed cases, and community presentations.

Updated Fact Sheet: Your Rights to Purchase a Medigap Plan

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:36:18 -0700

"Your Rights to Purchase a Medigap Plan" (B-005) Fact Sheet has been updated.

Comments on CMS' Beneficiary Protections Chapter in Medicare Managed Care Manual

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:22:31 -0700

Comments submitted by CHA, drafted jointly with various advocacy organizations. Recommends new and strengthened beneficiary protections for Medicare Managed Care plans.

New Website Helps Californians Find Free or Low-Cost Health Care Services

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:29:07 -0700

Learn how to get coverage and/or treatment at no or low cost through health services offered statewide.

Updated Fact Sheets: Medicare Savings Programs, Medi-Cal (for People with Medicare)

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:54:37 -0700

"Medicare Savings Programs" (PDF) and "Medi-Cal (for People with Medicare)" (PDF) Medicare Fact Sheets have been updated.

CHA’s Senior Medicare Patrol Project Awarded 3-Year Grant

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:50:16 -0700

Our SMP project recently received its 5th SMP grant from the Administration on Aging.

CHA Testifies on Consumer Protections for Long-Term Care Insurance Before Senate Special Committee on Aging

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:26:45 -0700

Bonnie Burns, CHA Training and Policy Specialist, testifies on the need for greater consumer protections, standardization of policies and regulation of LTC insurance products.

Governor Proposes $9 Billion in New Massive Cuts; Entire Programs Targeted for Elimination

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:10:15 -0700

California’s budget deficit is projected to be over $24 billion by June 2010; the Governor proposes additional permanent spending cuts and program eliminations to key Medi-Cal and other health and human services programs.

CMC Teleconference, June 24: National Health Reform

Tue, 26 May 2009 20:49:01 -0700

Our next CMC meeting will be a statewide teleconference on National Health Reform, Wednesday, June 24th, 10 a.m. - 12 noon.

Updated Fact Sheets

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:39:04 -0700

"Medi-Cal (for People with Medicare)" (PDF) and "Medicare and People With Disabilities: An Overview" (PDF) Medicare Fact Sheets have been updated.

Are You Eligible for a 65% Reduction on Your COBRA or CalCOBRA Premiums?

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:04:10 -0700

Review frequently asked questions on the Recovery Act’s COBRA Subsidy.

Continued Health Disparities: Higher End-of-Life Medicare Costs for Minority Patients

Tue, 05 May 2009 13:06:20 -0700

Disease death rates for elderly African Americans and Latinos are similar to those for whites, yet why are their end-of-life Medicare costs significantly higher?

Recovery Act Provides Important Health Care & Benefit Provisions

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:13:34 -0700

Authorizing $789 billion in federal spending, the Act includes a one-time payment of $250 to people receiving Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income payments.