Center for Medicare Advocacy

@donnasfineart @RepJohnLarson @cpujudy This is heartbreaking and I'm so sorry you and your husband are struggling. We may not be able to fight for Social Security, but we will fight to the bitter end to defend Medicare rights, access, and affordability for ALL Americans.

@RepJohnLarson @cpujudy I’m 65, I’m still working, part time and it’s not sitting down. Struggling every month is an understatement. My husband’s disabled but his SS was all of a sudden cut by $300 due to his disability, long story. I can’t get by with just SS that’s why I work! GOP…UNCONSCIONABLE

Republicans put a constitutional amendment on the floor that would force drastic cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Tonight, we defeated their scheme. I will never let them cut your EARNED BENEFITS. We need to expand Social Security by making the wealthy pay their fair share!

Heart disease causes 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S. — and 2/3 of Medicare beneficiaries are at risk. A new Medicare ACCESS program aims to shift care from reactive to preventive, using AI + continuous monitoring. Will it improve care, or add complexity? Join our newsletter for updates: medicareadvocacy.org/join/?utm_sour… Read more: prweb.com/releases/beaco…

40 years of fighting for Medicare beneficiaries. Join CMA Founder Judith Stein, David Lipschutz, Scott Perkins, Mary Ashkar, and Josh Norris as they reflect on lessons learned, and what’s next for protecting access to care. 📅 Mar 25 | 2PM ET Register: medicareadvocacy.org/free-webinar-4…

🍀Tech Tips Tuesday🍀 ⠀ Is AI *really* as scary as it seems? Probably not. ⠀ When we refer to AI, we're referring to LLMs, or Large Language Models. They don't "know" things and aren't sentient like Skynet, so no need to "get to the choppa!" ⠀ LLMs recognize patterns in language. They are trained on massive amounts of text from all over the internet. They try to match your request with language that matches other patterns it recognizes. This is why they can "hallucinate", or provide information that is made up. ⠀ This is why it is crucial to ask clear, detailed questions, examine sources, and double-check information. Be as specific with your questions, and ask it to act as though it were a certain role. E.g. "Imagine you are a leading Medicare expert - what advice would you give me when picking a plan and why? Please provide sources for your information." ⠀ AI is best used as a tool or assistant that can help save time, not as a magical robot that always knows the right answer. ⠀ Some research also suggests that relying on AI for everything can reduce certain kinds of mental effort. But when you use it to explain why something is correct, it can actually help you learn and strengthen your understanding. ⠀ Look at it like GPS. You can blindly follow directions, or learn why that route was a good route, remember landmarks, and learn how to get there yourself. ⠀ For more tips and Medicare updates: medicareadvocacy.org/join/?utm_sour…

Clinical trials are important. They are the only way we move the science forward toward ALS treatments. They also provide purpose to many people dealing w a disease that doesn't provide them with good options. Time to qualify for them is short. Thanks to those who participate.

AI to fight Medicare fraud? CMS is proposing new “CRUSH” rules using analytics and AI to flag suspicious claims. But David Lipschutz of the Center for Medicare Advocacy warns medically necessary care could be caught in the crossfire. More audits. More scrutiny. What does that mean for patients? Full article: medscape.com/viewarticle/ne… More Medicare updates: medicareadvocacy.org/join/?utm_sour…

You can buy tickets to attend the STAT Breakthrough Summit East at this link: statnews.com/stat-summit-ea…

Some retirees are being automatically enrolled into Medicare Advantage plans by former employers or unions — even if they didn’t actively choose the plan. Our new issue brief examines how this happens and why it raises concerns about beneficiary choice. Stay informed on Medicare policy updates: medicareadvocacy.org/join/?utm_sour… Read more: medicareadvocacy.org/new-issue-brie…

How do we get access to the "leading ALS scientific conference?" prnewswire.com/il/news-releas…

@JAMA_current What a great step toward reducing opioid abuse and preventing countless deaths. Thank you for sharing!

💬 Editorial: Randomized clinical trials by Ali et al found no incremental benefit of hydromorphone over ibuprofen for acute musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents and highlighted higher rates of adverse events with opioid use. ja.ma/46PaJFY

For 40 years, the Center for Medicare Advocacy has fought to protect Medicare access. Join our FREE webinar reflecting on lessons learned, and the work ahead to create a brighter future for all Medicare beneficiaries. 📅March 25 | ⏰2–3 PM ET Register: medicareadvocacy.org/free-webinar-4…

What are your thoughts on the WISeR model and AI being used to approve/deny Medicare prior-auths and services? Do you think it'll have positive or negative effects on the Medicare experience? #AI #medicare

🧠Mythbusting Monday: AI & Health Information ⠀ AI tools are popping up everywhere - from search engines to chatbots helping people look up health and Medicare information. But not everything you hear about AI is true. ⠀ Here are a few common myths worth clearing up: ⠀ ❌ Myth #1: If AI says it, it must be accurate. ✅Fact: AI can make mistakes or provide outdated information. While it can be helpful for learning general concepts, it should never replace trusted sources when it comes to Medicare rules, coverage, or health care decisions. Always ask it for its sources, and verify the information elsewhere. It's a compass, not a map. ⠀ ❌ Myth #2: AI tools always use reliable medical or government sources. ✅Fact: Many AI systems are trained on large amounts of internet data, which can include incorrect or misleading information. That’s why it’s important to verify Medicare information with trusted organizations and official resources. ⠀ ❌ Myth #3: AI can replace human experts. ✅Fact: AI can help summarize information or answer basic questions, but it can’t understand individual situations the way trained counselors, advocates, and health professionals can. ⠀ Bottom line: AI can be a helpful tool for learning and it makes a great assistant to get tasks done efficiently, but when it comes to Medicare and health care decisions, it’s always best to double-check information with trusted experts.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy turns 40 this year, and we’re reflecting on the lessons learned and the work ahead. Join us as we reflect on the past four decades and discuss the work still ahead to strengthen Medicare. 📅 March 25 | 2–3 PM ET 🎥 Free live webinar Register here: medicareadvocacy.org/free-webinar-4…

56.1 million people are now enrolled in Medicare Part D, but where they get their drug coverage is shifting. Stand-alone drug plans (PDPs) grew by 1.7M in 2026, largely driven by employer retiree plans. What’s behind the change? New @KFFHealthNews analysis explains: kff.org/medicare/analy…

@alsadvocacy So does that mean I get to be extra dramatic today? Connecticut weather changed 12 degrees in 20 minutes and I’m not emotionally ready.

Tomorrow is No Drama Thursday. Please observe.

💪Struggling with limited mobility? Small, consistent movements can improve circulation, reduce stiffness, build strength, and even boost mood. You don’t need a gym — just a chair and a few minutes. Explore 5 simple at-home exercises designed for limited mobility: tmh.org/blogs/5-limite… Our newsletter: medicareadvocacy.org/join

Well said. Understanding prior authorization rules, utilization criteria, and appeal processes is critical. Many beneficiaries are surprised to learn that approval requirements can vary by plan. Our goal is to help people ask the right questions about how care is managed, not just what is technically covered.

While MA plans mirror traditional Medicare benefits, their prior auth protocols can indeed add layers to access, especially for post-acute or specialty care. Reviewing plan-specific utilization criteria and appeal success rates provides clearer insight into potential barriers. Emphasizing proactive eligibility verification helps align expectations with actual care pathways.

🩺Medicare MythBusting Monday ❌Myth: Paying more for Medicare Advantage (MA) means easier access to care. 🧠MA plans must cover the same services, but often require prior authorization. Traditional Medicare rarely requires prior auths. Higher premiums don’t eliminate approvals or guarantee broader access. Always ask how care is managed, not just the price💙