Medicare news and research

Priority Health announces the opening of Medicare Information Centers

Priority Health announced today the opening of Medicare Information Centers in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Royal Oak and Traverse City.

Priority Health to provide Medigap insurance plans in 2010

Priority Health announced today it will provide Medigap (Medicare Supplement insurance) plans in 2010. The new plans, which are available to all Michigan residents, are designed to fill the gaps in medical expenses that Original Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover.

Arizona clinic stops accepting Medicare, some Penn. Medicare Advantage plans cancelled

The Arizona Republic reports: "One of the Mayo Clinic's two family-medicine practices in Arizona soon will stop accepting Medicare, leaving thousands of patients to pay out of pocket for routine doctor's visits or find a new physician." The changes go in effect on Jan. 1 and apply to primary-care services at the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine-Arrowhead.

Better use of Medicare data could help cut costs

Economists say better use of Medicare data could help make health care less expensive while the federal program faces some cuts under current legislation.

Republicans accuse Democrats of trying to cut Medicare

Republicans, have switched sides, and now accuse Democrats of trying to cut Medicare. Meanwhile, Dems are vexed by the affordability issue.