MEDICARE NEWS: Medicare Growth Shrinks--But More Cuts On The Way

Why This Topic Matters

The piece brings together high-level policy and operational changes that may affect Medicare stakeholders, including lawmakers, payers, providers, and billing staff. It helps readers stay current on federal coverage debates and a CMS reporting change that impacts hospice claim submission.

Article Sections

1. Medicare spending growth analysis

   Discusses a Congressional Budget Office working paper examining trends in Medicare spending growth over different time periods. The section places the analysis in the context of ongoing policy debate about program spending.

2. Universal health coverage debate

   Summarizes a legislative proposal aimed at expanding coverage and describes the broader policy discussion around universal health care. It notes the general framing of the proposal and the groups cited in support.

3. CMS hospice billing changes

   Describes a CMS transmittal announcing reporting changes for hospice claims beginning in 2007. The section covers the general billing and claim-format updates affecting hospice services.