Major Changes in Medicare Eligibility Proposed; Biggest in 50 Years
The Improving Medicare Coverage Act of 2021, introduced in the
Medicare, notes Rich, has a long and complicated history. The first president to call for a national health insurance program for Americans was
Along with lowering the eligibility age, the Biden administration's current proposed budget for Medicare would expand its coverage to include dental care, vision, and hearing.(3) Sponsors of the legislation note that:
- Nearly two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries have no dental coverage, and half of all beneficiaries report that they have not seen a dentist in the past year;
- About one-third of all those between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss, as do nearly half of those older than 75. On average, hearing aids cost between
$1,000 and$5,000 .(4)
Desirable as they might be, these coverage expansions, says Rich, are unlikely to take place. In order to avoid the need for a supermajority vote in the
Regardless of the outcome of these negotiations, says Rich, it seems likely that there will be changes in Medicare coverage for 2022, as there is virtually every year. To one degree or another, these changes will be reflected in the available array of Medicare Advantage plans, now used by over 40% of all Medicare beneficiaries.
Making the best choice among these possibilities, Rich notes, is already quite complex, and--given the growing number of plans offered each year--likely to become more so. "Whether or not proposed legislative and budgetary changes to Medicare are enacted," says Rich, "it will be more necessary than ever for beneficiaries to seek advice before enrolling in or changing plans."
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1. Grayer, Annie. "Democrats Push to Lower Medicare Eligibility Age to 60."
2. Anderson, Steve, et al. "A Brief History of Medicare in America." Medicareresources.org,
3. O'Brien, Sarah. "Medicare Expansion and a LOWER Eligibility Age Are Included in
4. Gleckman, Howard. "Adding Dental, Vision, and Hearing to Traditional Medicare Would Be Expensive, but Important." Forbes,
5. McDaniel, Eric, and Snell, Kelsey. "A
Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/major_changes_in_medicare_eligibility_proposed_biggest_in_50_years/prweb18241399.htm
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