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	<title>Medicare Supplemental Insurance Comparison</title>
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	<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com</link>
	<description>Medicare Quotes</description>
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		<title>MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE COMPARISON</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/medicare-supplemental-insurance-comparison/05/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/medicare-supplemental-insurance-comparison/05/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 15:40:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff Cline</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE COMPARISON]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medigap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medigap prices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medigap rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medigap supplemental insurance comparisons]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/?p=1409</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Get All of the Facts Being part of the baby-boomer generation you are probably very in tune to details and what it take to make good decisions. You probably don’t do anything before you make a comparison of information relating &#8230; <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/medicare-supplemental-insurance-comparison/05/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Get All of the Facts</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Being part of the baby-boomer generation you are probably very in tune to details and what it take to make good decisions. You probably don’t do anything before you make a comparison of information relating to the decisions you need to make.  That is a very good practice to have.  Then you know that you have all the facts and your decisions will not be done lightly or without thought.  Having the practice in place will help you when it comes to making decisions about your health care.  If you are 65 you have probably made decisions regarding your Medicare benefits.  While there is not that many options for you when it comes to traditional <strong><a target="_blank" title="MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE COMPARISON" href="http://youandmedicare.com/">Medicare Supplemental Insurance Comparison</a></strong> you do have options relating to supplemental insurance.  Doing a Medicare supplemental insurance comparison can be done quick and easy with just the click of the mouse.  Find out about renters insurance and get a free </span><a target="_blank" title="renters insurance quote" href="https://www.unitrindirect.com/HO/SRQuote.aspx"><span style="color: #000000;">renters insurance quote</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> today.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>What is Medicare Supplemental Insurance?</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/senior-health-insurance/08/1999/"><span style="color: #000000;">Senior Health Insurance</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> also know as Traditional Medicare automatically goes onto effect on the first day of the month that you turn 65.  Once you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B you are then eligible to enroll in a Medicare supplemental insurance plan.  Medicare supplemental insurance plans are essentially all the same, the big difference is the cost.  The plans are regulated and the coverage is exactly the same from carrier to carrier however, the rate is different due to the carrier’s liabilities and what the overhead is.  So it is very important to compare the costs.  The most important thing to keep in mind is that regardless of the cost you simply cannot go without this valuable coverage.  Once Medicare has paid for their portion, which is 80% of approved procedures and services you are responsible for the remaining 20% without a cap.  So depending on what services you receive your portion could cost you hundreds of dollars and could put you into a financial tailspin.  With a Medicare supplemental insurance plan you could have you 20% portion covered at 100% all for only one simple monthly premium payment.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #000000;">Get Started Today</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Be sure to contact your health insurance provider to get your </span><strong><a title="MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE COMPARISON" href="http://seniorsupplemental.com">Medicare Supplemental Insurance Comparison</a></strong><span style="color: #000000;">.  Knowing you have done your homework when it comes to health care coverage you will have peace of mind when the time comes and you need to visit your health care professional.  Don’t hesitate another minute.  Contact your health insurance agent today to get the process started and receive coverage at a rate that will fit into your budget.  You can also find searching online.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_800" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/medicare-quotes.php"><span style="color: #000000;"><img class="size-full wp-image-800" title="Medicare Supplemental Insurance Quotes" src="http://seniorsupplemental.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/btn_get-quotes.jpg" alt="Medicare Supplemental Insurance Quotes" width="300" height="61" /></span></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Medicare Supplemental Insurance Quotes Call toll free 1-800-MEDIGAP ®</p></div>
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		<title>Medicare Savings Programs</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/medicare-savings-programs/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/medicare-savings-programs/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:01:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Angela Reese</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medicare and supplemental insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicare savings programs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[premiums]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savings Programs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/medicare-savings-programs/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to the current health care system, there is a lot of emphasis put on the amount of cost that the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare incur. Programs that are created from Medicare or Medicaid as known to be over budget and costly. As the purpose for Medicare and Medicaid are to help those who are not able to afford health care, <a href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/eligibility-enrollment-solutions/">Medicare Savings Programs</a> were created to help those who can not pay their portion of the cost sharing for being enrolled in a Medicare program. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/medicare-savings-programs/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When it comes to the current health care system, there is a lot of emphasis put on the amount of cost that the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare incur. Programs that are created from Medicare or Medicaid as known to be over budget and costly. As the purpose for Medicare and Medicaid are to help those who are not able to afford health care, <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/eligibility-enrollment-solutions/">Medicare Savings Programs</a> were created to help those who can not pay their portion of the cost sharing for being enrolled in a Medicare program.</p>
<p>Medicare beneficiaries or those enrolled currently in a Medicare plan, who are unable to remit payment for being a part of these plans may be eligible to take part in a Medicare savings program. There are four main areas of eligible members who can take advantage of this program being offered, because of their current financial situation. The four eligible classes include Qualified Individual, Qualified disabled and working individual, Qualified Medicare beneficiary, and Specified low-income Medicare beneficiary. Those individuals who are eligible for any of these four categories are able to have part or all of their monthly Medicare premiums covered by a MSP, or Medicare savings program.</p>
<p>The new health care laws enacted through the Affordable Care Act, include the establishment of ACOs, or Accountable Care Organizations. These collaborative health care systems are made up of a number of health care providers who work together in order to provide better health care, which will hopefully translate to higher cost savings. It is these organizations that are a primary contact for the Medicare Shared Savings Programs being put in place by the ACA of 2010. Through the Affordable Care Act these Accountable Care Organizations are required to provide care for Medicare beneficiaries who pay for a Fee-For-Service care structure.</p>
<p>Providing a structure of care and providers that can work together to provide the high quality care and reduce cost are the goal of these ACO&#8217;s that have been created. These programs should reduce costs through promoting accountable care for these Medicare enrollees as well as more coordinated care that will create overall health and service quality.</p>
<p>Restructuring the way care is provided and the way providers interact with each other will is an attempt to <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/members/">lower costs</a> and provide better care.</p>
<p>Click here to learn more about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/members/">lower costs</a>.</p>
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		<title>Risk Adjustment Software</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/risk-adjustment-software/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/risk-adjustment-software/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:01:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Angela Reese</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medicare and supplemental insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[risk adjustment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[risk adjustment software]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/risk-adjustment-software/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our health care industry and health insurance industry are facing many current issues. The trend in the industry seems to be pointing to expenses only continuing to rise despite efforts. The ACA or Affordable Care Act was intended to reign in the <a href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medical-groups/advisory-services/">medical costs</a>, and provider health insurance for a lower cost but the goals of the program seem to be far out of reach. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/risk-adjustment-software/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our health care industry and health insurance industry are facing many current issues. The trend in the industry seems to be pointing to expenses only continuing to rise despite efforts. The ACA or Affordable Care Act was intended to reign in the <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medical-groups/advisory-services/">medical costs</a>, and provider health insurance for a lower cost but the goals of the program seem to be far out of reach.</p>
<p>To create an insurance structure aimed at lower costs and providing better care the focus must be on patient management systems and programs. The goal of the better patient management systems would be to record and analyze information to create a environment that creates cost savings while not hurting the quality of care.</p>
<p>Achieving correct risk adjustment numbers for Medicare Advantage members is a major factor in receiving higher cost savings. The anticipated yearly or monthly cost of a patient or group of patients based on the encounter reporting, encounter data and past medical history is the Risk Adjustment. Using the risk adjustment software tools that are going to provide the correct information are a basic part of improving health care.</p>
<p>Utilizing a number of different data sources,  <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicaid/health-plans/risk-adjustment-encounter-reporting-solutions/">risk adjustment software</a>, calculates the estimated costs for care that a patient will likely have over a year due to that patients medical state. The software has become more sophisticated and will likely continue to improve even more. Numerous companies specialize in the risk adjustment products to correctly evaluate the data better. With the advancements made in the specialized software there is continued room for improvement from that aspect and from the aspect of physician patient recording and documentation.</p>
<p>It is through these encounters, and the data that is recorded about them, that will help <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicaid/health-plans/risk-adjustment-encounter-reporting-solutions/">risk adjustment software</a>,  to function at its highest level. Because the data used by this type of software is collected from doctor reports as well as health insurance claims and other data, it is vital that a large emphasis is being placed on having high quality encounter reporting and data exchanged between doctors and health insurance companies. The more accurate the reporting is, the more accurate the calculation for risk adjustment will be as well.</p>
<p>Click here to learn about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com">medical cost</a>.</p>
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		<title>Pharmacist Insurance for Retirees Spelled Out</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/pharmacist-insurance-for-retirees-spelled-out/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/pharmacist-insurance-for-retirees-spelled-out/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:56:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Greg Wilson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medicare and supplemental insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/pharmacist-insurance-for-retirees-spelled-out/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Medicare Part D is a government managed system that helps to buy all your prescription medications. You must sign up to a Medicare Part D plan if you'd like insurance coverage. It isn't automatic. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/pharmacist-insurance-for-retirees-spelled-out/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Medicare Part D is a government managed system that helps to buy all your prescription medications. You must sign up to a Medicare Part D plan if you&#8217;d like insurance coverage. It isn&#8217;t automatic.</p>
<p>The most important adjustments to Medicare recently involve Part D. Often the main priority involving nearly all Medicare users relates to the expense of doctor prescribed drug coverage, specifically gap coverage pertaining to the so called doughnut hole.</p>
<p>For calendar year 2012, Medicare Part D participants pay out 86% of the actual cost for generic medications and approximately 50% of the cost (plus fees for dispensing) for brand-name medicines when the coverage gap begins. The very good news is that the financial savings will continue through year 2020 when the gap is closed up permanently.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;d like insurance coverage to help pay for your prescribed medication expenses, seek advice from a licensed professional. Certified Medicare health insurance agents can assist you to choose the best program to meet your requirements.</p>
<p>Drugstore contracts will vary with each prescription drug program. Some plans contain stringent regional restrictions, that include state boundaries, while some supply national pharmacy coverage. For those who have an active lifestyle that includes regular traveling, it may help you to have a policy that permits you to utilize pharmacies in all states.</p>
<p>Medicare Part D plans use a designated service area. This is basically the area where the provider does business. To sign up, you will need to live in the plan&#8217;s provider area. Remember that many carriers offer mail-order services. In this way you can have your medications mailed straight to your home. Your adviser can help you find a program that suits what you need, so don&#8217;t be reluctant to phone and inquire.</p>
<p>Each medical insurance provider establishes their own prices. Payments pertaining to doctor prescribed drug plans can vary widely, even to get identical coverage, so it pays to shop before you purchase.</p>
<p>Insurance companies publicize new fees and other premium information each October. Make sure to check and compare rates each year prior to open enrollment.</p>
<p>Please remember if you don&#8217;t sign up for a Medicare Part D policy as soon as you are eligible, your future monthly premiums could be higher. This late entry consequence is established by Medicare, not the insurance companies. Every month you wait subsequent to eligibility you&#8217;ll pay an additional 1% every month permanently.</p>
<p>For those who currently have prescription drug insurance coverage coming from an employer or union, get in touch with your employer or union&#8217;s benefits manager before you make changes to your plan. Your company or union plan will advise you every year if your prescription medication insurance is creditable.</p>
<p>In many instances, when you get rid of your company or union insurance plan, you will not have an way to get it back again. Plus, virtually all employer or union drug coverage plans can&#8217;t be dropped when you have other healthcare insurance (e.g., doctor and hospital) via their group plan. Be mindful that should you drop coverage for your self, you will not have the ability to keep coverage for your wife or husband and dependents.</p>
<p>People who have limited earnings and resources may be eligible for a Extra Help paying for their Medicare prescription drug insurance plan expenses. Extra Help is a government program to help those having limited income and assets afford Medicare prescription medication costs. You may be able to get Extra Help, otherwise known as the low-income subsidy, if your yearly income and resources are beneath the recognized limits. Phone your Medicare office to determine if you are eligible.</p>
<p>For more information about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://medicarepartdrx.com/finder/drug-plans/maryland/">Maryland Medicare Part D</a> or <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://medicarepartdrx.com/finder/drug-plans/virginia/">Virginia Medicare Part D</a> visit us online.</p>
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		<title>Correctly Determining Risk Adjustment</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/correctly-determining-risk-adjustment/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/correctly-determining-risk-adjustment/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:20:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Angela Reese</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medicare and supplemental insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advantage plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[risk adjustment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/correctly-determining-risk-adjustment/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A Risk Adjustment program has been created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and used to determine the reimbursement amounts given to members enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans. This formula takes into account the diagnostic data and patient history to determine the risk factors of a member. In other words, the <a href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/risk-adjustment-encounter-reporting-solutions/">risk adjustment</a> formula will look at a patients health issues and put a price on how much each health issue will cost the private health care plan over time. Medicare and Medicaid have used risk adjustment for a long time and are constantly researching and improving the formula. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/correctly-determining-risk-adjustment/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A Risk Adjustment program has been created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and used to determine the reimbursement amounts given to members enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans. This formula takes into account the diagnostic data and patient history to determine the risk factors of a member. In other words, the <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/risk-adjustment-encounter-reporting-solutions/">risk adjustment</a> formula will look at a patients health issues and put a price on how much each health issue will cost the private health care plan over time. Medicare and Medicaid have used risk adjustment for a long time and are constantly researching and improving the formula.</p>
<p>One of the most important parts of a successful Medicare risk adjustment is being able to correctly predict the care costs of a patient connected to a particular disease. Currently Medicare gets its information from the patient&#8217;s health plan in the form of claims data as the method for determining the payment for risk adjustment. This means that from the data gathered through the information given to Medicare by private health insurance companies is the main source of determining how much payment these private plans should receive to cover their member&#8217;s likely health care costs.</p>
<p>Because the Medicare risk adjustment is calculated mainly based on claims reporting, precise and careful reporting is very important between the health care provider and the health insurance plan. A number of calculation errors can occur causing improper risk adjustment. The problems of recording patient visits and activity as well as the sharing of information from the health care provider, health insurer and Medicare are where many of the errors have have taken place.</p>
<p>One mistake commonly made is applying or listing too few diagnostic codes to patients. Some patients can have many diagnostic codes that apply to their health issues and situation that are never listed. To receive proper reimbursement health care providers and health insurance plans need to pay attention to the proper recording of each patient encounter to assure the proper application of the necessary and applicable diagnostic codes.</p>
<p>Altegra Health is a leader in the industry of risk adjustment. Getting health care providers and health insurance plans the proper <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medical-groups/reimbursement-services/">reimbursement</a> are Altegra Health&#8217;s main focus.</p>
<p>Want to find out more about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.HEDIS.com">risk adjustment</a>.</p>
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		<title>Risk Adjustment Analytics</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/risk-adjustment-analytics/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/risk-adjustment-analytics/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:58:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Angela Reese</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medicare and supplemental insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[analytic software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Care Providers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Risk adjustment Analytics]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/risk-adjustment-analytics/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Risk adjustment analytics are the source of how the calculations are established to determine how much a patient will cost in relation to their current health conditions and other factors. To accurately calculate the anticipated cost of care over a period of time the health insurance plans and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid consider this health information. While <a href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/quality-performance-solutions/">risk adjustment analytics</a> have been adequate there is still a lot of room for improvement. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/risk-adjustment-analytics/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Risk adjustment analytics are the source of how the calculations are established to determine how much a patient will cost in relation to their current health conditions and other factors. To accurately calculate the anticipated cost of care over a period of time the health insurance plans and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid consider this health information. While <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/quality-performance-solutions/">risk adjustment analytics</a> have been adequate there is still a lot of room for improvement.</p>
<p>With many problems within our health care system and health insurance system that we have today, many believe that risk adjustment analytics could play a key role in the improvement of that system. Finding solutions for risk adjustment analytics is an area of focus that is constantly being sought within the health care industry. Better solutions are a way to create more accurate reimbursement and increase the cost savings of both health insurance providers and health care providers.</p>
<p>An important aspect of risk adjustment analytics and solutions is to focus on each individual member, and calculate their risks, and factors that can help to give a correct estimation of the individuals yearly cost. Possible improvement in this area comes from more capable software to help determine risk. Many software programs are on the market are better assisting health care providers and health insurance plans better estimate the needs of their members.</p>
<p>The recording of patient problems, interactions and encounters is still a large area of improvement but after that aspect comes the technological one. More highly analytical software programs can help assist the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as well as health care providers with the true cost of risk adjustment.</p>
<p>Analytic <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/risk-adjustment-encounter-reporting-solutions/">software</a> is highly capable of reviewing charts and formulating calculations from the information recorded. However without that correct recording of health issues, encounters and interactions risk adjustment analytics can not be 100% successful. When recording and software work together, this is where the healthcare industry, patients and families will benefit.</p>
<p>Click here to learn more about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/risk-adjustment-encounter-reporting-solutions/">software</a>.</p>
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		<title>Star Ratings</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/star-ratings/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/star-ratings/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:51:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Angela Reese</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medicare and supplemental insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/star-ratings/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Medicare <a href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/about-us/">Star Ratings</a> Program was first introduced in 2008 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a method to allow people an easy way to compare the quality of nursing homes in their area. It was put into place as a way to allow families who are looking for a quality nursing home for a loved one the chance to see just how each nursing home performs in a number of different important areas. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/star-ratings/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Medicare <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/about-us/">Star Ratings</a> Program was first introduced in 2008 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a method to allow people an easy way to compare the quality of nursing homes in their area. It was put into place as a way to allow families who are looking for a quality nursing home for a loved one the chance to see just how each nursing home performs in a number of different important areas.</p>
<p>The ratings given are between one star and five stars with one being a failing grade and five being of highest quality. Three main factors are looked at when the ratings are given. They are nursing home health inspections, the ratio between patients and staff, and other self reported measures of quality. It can be argued that these measures do not show the full quality of care that a nursing home can offer.</p>
<p>There are a number of people who believe that there are flaws within the current Medicare Five Star Rating Program. While they do a good job at measuring the hard evidence as seen in health inspections, they fail to look past the numbers and at the overall happiness of the patients and their families. Some administrators believe that there should be additional factors taken into consideration when grading nursing homes including family and patient satisfaction. Currently there is no way to grade how well the staff interacts or cares about their patients, something that many find to be an important factor when choosing a nursing home.</p>
<p>Another flaw that many believe to be found within the rating system is that it is restricted by state lines. With a bell curve in effect for the fixed quotas that need to be reached, each state has to have at least 10% of its nursing homes in the lowest rating, and 20% in the highest. However, because it is restricted by state lines it means that a nursing home in one state with a 1 star rating could be providing higher quality care than the nursing home with 2 star rating in another state. The government is working on updating the five star rating program and the changes should be announced sometime in the spring of 2012.</p>
<p>Altrega Health&#8217;s Quality Performance Solutions help maximize ratings and reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid as the (CMS) uses a star rating program to determine the level of reimbursement that <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/about-us/history/">Medicare Advantage</a> Plans receive.</p>
<p>To learn more about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com">star ratings</a> go to AltegraHealth.com</p>
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		<title>RADV</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/radv/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/radv/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:03:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Angela Reese</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[medicare and supplemental insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medicaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/radv/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon publish the payment model for 2011, and it is expected that the risk adjustment data validation (RADV), will increase a great deal. It is the RADV that acts as the method of payment error calculation for the center's beneficiaries. It has been reported that CMS will be increasing the amount of overpayment recoveries to be made for the year 2011. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/radv/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon publish the payment model for 2011, and it is expected that the risk adjustment data validation (RADV), will increase a great deal. It is the RADV that acts as the method of payment error calculation for the center&#8217;s beneficiaries. It has been reported that CMS will be increasing the amount of overpayment recoveries to be made for the year 2011.</p>
<p>Hierarchical Condition or (HCC) is how each member enrolled in a plan is categorized by a number of diagnosis codes and categories. Each member has different codes that are linked to their plan, and the insurance company is paid a set amount for each category. RADV is the method by which members are audited to see if they are actually in need of or have received care dealing with the conditions that have been assigned. Through the <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicaid/health-plans/risk-adjustment-encounter-reporting-solutions/">medical records</a> if it is found that the HCC category does not apply to the member, the overpayment made for the invalid risk assessment will be recovered.</p>
<p>The CMS believes this new auditing system will assist in recovering more overpayments and help improve the quality of the <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com/markets/medicare/health-plans/"> risk adjustment </a> data that is given by Medicare Advantage plans. The CMS expects to recover an estimated $370 million in overpayments.</p>
<p>New sampling methods have been created to randomly select a variety of the Medicare Advantage plans and members of these plans to be audited. Each plan is estimated to have around 200 members audited. By dividing the plan population into three groups determined by high, middle and low risk scores the random sample to be audited will include an even number from each category of risk assessment with a plan. With the high cost of health care overpayment recovery is a solution to help reign in the cost of Medicare and Medicaid.</p>
<p>Submitting proper claims and preparing for an audit is what Altegra Health&#8217;s Risk Adjustment &amp; Encounter Reporting Solutions do best. Their Risk Continuity Solutions ensure members are appropriately risk adjusted by monitoring continuously risk scores, and in turn qualify for calibrated premiums.</p>
<p>Want to find out more about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://www.altegrahealth.com">medicare</a>, then visit Altegra Health.</p>
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		<title>Life Insurance Protection for People over 65 is Less Difficult</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/life-insurance-protection-for-people-over-65-is-less-difficult/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/life-insurance-protection-for-people-over-65-is-less-difficult/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:51:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>George Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[senior life insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life insurance for seniors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life insurance over 65]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[over 65 life insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/life-insurance-protection-for-people-over-65-is-less-difficult/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Usually, people associate the life insurance policy with growing kids, younger parents and big mortgage loans, but retired persons too may require coverage. One could imagine that men and women above age 65 years will currently have insurance protection. However, it is definitely not reality as most of the seniors will have outlived the policy maturation. In certain cases they may not adequately covered regardless of whether there are insured. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/life-insurance-protection-for-people-over-65-is-less-difficult/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Usually, people associate the life insurance policy with growing kids, younger parents and big mortgage loans, but retired persons too may require coverage. One could imagine that men and women above age 65 years will currently have insurance protection. However, it is definitely not reality as most of the seniors will have outlived the policy maturation. In certain cases they may not adequately covered regardless of whether there are insured.</p>
<p>For a few people life really starts after retirements, where they&#8217;ll have become free from the vast majority of their life responsibilities. Expiration with their policies will not provide them with the amount of freedom they desire. It could be difficult for visitors to find that they don&#8217;t have coverage!</p>
<p>Moreover, no person over 65 could have retired. As a matter of fact, a lot of people work even though they cross the normal working ages. They could possibly continue working, simply because they usually do not possess enough money for retiring. In some cases, they may have their own business, or they may be enjoying their professions. Some people simply do in contrast to thinking about retirements.</p>
<p>People, who may have crossed age of 65 years, might not have fully outgrown for their loved ones responsibilities. Many grown up kids currently are returning home, and sometimes in addition they revisit along with their kids too!</p>
<p>In case of companies, over 65 life insurance might have lots of uses. They could want it to be sure financing if their business requires it. It assists to the crooks to bridge over unforeseen financial situations. It offers them the liberty to guarantee business continuity even after they expire.</p>
<p>The families with low methods of income may worry regarding investing in the funeral from the seniors in their household. Very commonly, life insurance over 65 years comes to deliver advice about this concern.</p>
<p>Which can be the suitable policy for people over 65?</p>
<p>In simple words, insurance is an exceptionally comforting aspect to the people through their lives. As an individual, you have got to consider your financial budget as well as, in order to generate the correct decision. As an example, in order to leave behind a property on your spouse or one child, you could utilize the death reap the benefits of life insurance over 65 years policy.</p>
<p>People could be just worried in connection with cash for paying their final expenses. It is usually readily accessible the life insurance for those over 65 burial policies for assisting with this particular.</p>
<p>A specialized broker may help you.</p>
<p>Few brokers specialize in providing policies of life insurance over 65 years. A straightforward way of picking out the insurance provider and also the right agent is looking up for information on websites. All you need to do should be to enter your basic information, just like the amount and kind of coverage that you will be looking for. The machine works by using these details and pops up while using correct local agent or even a national insurance company available for you.</p>
<p>Simply key in your basic details and you may get online quotes and local telephone numbers owned by qualified insurance agents. This makes the shopping of life insurance for folks over 65 easier!</p>
<p>Learn more about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href='http://lifeinsuranceover65.com'>over 65 life insurance</a>.  Stop by George Frank&#8217;s site where you can find out all about <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href='http://lifeinsuranceover65.com/other-insurance'>life insurance over 65</a>  and what it can do for you.</p>
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		<title>Life Insurance Plan if You are Above 65 is Less Complicated</title>
		<link>http://seniorsupplemental.com/life-insurance-plan-if-you-are-above-65-is-less-complicated/04/2012/</link>
		<comments>http://seniorsupplemental.com/life-insurance-plan-if-you-are-above-65-is-less-complicated/04/2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:30:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>George Frank</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[senior life insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life insurance for seniors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life insurance over 65]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[over 65 life insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://seniorsupplemental.com/life-insurance-plan-if-you-are-above-65-is-less-complicated/04/2012/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Usually, people associate the life insurance policy with growing kids, younger parents and big home loans, but retired people too may need coverage. One might think that people above the age of 65 years will already have insurance protection. However, it is far from reality as most of the seniors will have outlived the policy maturations. In some cases they might not be adequately covered even if they are insured. <a href="http://seniorsupplemental.com/life-insurance-plan-if-you-are-above-65-is-less-complicated/04/2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Usually, people associate the life insurance policy with growing kids, younger parents and big home loans, but retired people too may need coverage. One might think that people above the age of 65 years will already have insurance protection. However, it is far from reality as most of the seniors will have outlived the policy maturations. In some cases they might not be adequately covered even if they are insured.</p>
<p>For a lot of life really starts after retirements, where they&#8217;re going to have become free of the majority of their life responsibilities. Expiration of the policies doesn&#8217;t provide them with the type of freedom they really want. It may be a hardship on individuals to realize that they don&#8217;t have coverage!</p>
<p>Moreover, not everybody over 65 will have retired. As a matter of fact, many people work even after they cross the conventional working ages. They may possibly continue working, since they do not possess enough money for retiring. In some cases, they might have their own business, or they may really be enjoying their professions. Some people just do not like the idea of retirements.</p>
<p>People, who have crossed age 65 years, might possibly not have fully outgrown their loved ones responsibilities. Many developed kids nowadays are returning home, and sometimes additionally they return with their kids too!</p>
<p>In case of business people, over 65 life insurance might have lots of uses. They might want it to make sure financing if their business requires it. It may also help these phones bridge over unforeseen financial situations. It provides them the liberty to make sure business continuity despite they perish.</p>
<p>The families with low way of income may worry regarding spending money on the funeral from the seniors in their household. Very commonly, life insurance over 65 years comes to supply help with this concern.</p>
<p>That is the best policy for individuals over 65?</p>
<p>In simple words, insurance is a very comforting aspect to people all through their lives. As an individual, you will need to think about your budget and needs, in order to make the right decision. For instance, if you wish to leave behind a home to your spouse or one child, you could use the death benefit from life insurance over 65 years policy.</p>
<p>People could be just worried about the cash for paying their final expenses. It really is readily available the life insurance for folks over 65 burial policies for assisting using this.</p>
<p>A specialized broker can help you.</p>
<p>Few brokers specialize in providing policies of life insurance over 65 years. A straightforward means of choosing the insurance carrier as well as the right representative is finding out about for info on the internet. All you need to accomplish is always to enter your basic information, just like the amount and form of coverage that you will be looking for. The device employs these records and arises with all the correct local agent, or even a national insurer to suit your needs.</p>
<p>Simply key in your basic details, and you could get online quotes and local phone numbers belonging to qualified insurance agents. This makes the shopping of <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://lifeinsuranceover65.com">life insurance over 65</a> a lot easier!</p>
<p>Looking to find the best deal on <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://lifeinsuranceover65.com">over 65 life insurance</a>, then visit http://lifeinsuranceover65.com to find the best advice on <a target="_blank" target='_blank' href="http://lifeinsuranceover65.com/other-insurance">life insurance over 65</a> for you.</p>
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