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However, it remains uncertain whether lawmakers will be capable of negotiating the details of a long-term spending plan in just two weeks. Should they fail to do so, they will either need to pass a short-term continuing resolution to keep the government operating or allow the federal government to shut down..More than two-thirds of medical practices report that 2019 Medicare payments will not cover the cost of delivering care to beneficiaries according to one poll..These three-decade-old policies have been proven to be harmful not helpful, which is why I introduced H.R. 141, the Social Security Fairness Act of 201This bill will completely eliminate these counterproductive policies and, while other members of Congress have their own ideas on how to improve our Social Security system, this legislation is the only one that completely repeals both harmful provisions..problems with her new blood pressure medication. It was one of the most common.Aside from Wednesday's hearing, there has been very little discussion on Capitol Hill about fixing the DI program. Reallocation is likely, but TSCL supports methods that would prioritize a reduction in fraud, waste, and abuse, since the program struggles with improper payments. Action will be needed within the next two years, and TSCL will keep a close eye on developments since they are expected to impact the OASI program. For updates, visit the Legislative News section of our website..Medicare Reform Protecting seniors from sudden and harsh changes to the program..There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans, and not all are available in all areas. Many are health maintenance organizations, but there are also preferred provider organizations and special needs plans, among others. Under traditional Medicare with a Medigap plan, you may go to any doctor who accepts Medicare. But in a Medicare Advantage HMO plan you need to use network healthcare providers in order to get coverage. If you are treated by non-network providers, you would be responsible for 100% of the out-of-pocket costs, and Medicare would not cover the cost of the claim. If the plan is a PPO, however, you would have greater flexibility to go out of network, but you would pay higher co-pays or co-insurance. Before selecting any Medicare Advantage plan, check the lists of network doctors, hospitals and other providers! It is not unheard of for Medicare Advantage plans to market to people who live a good distance from the nearest in network health care provider..According to the CBO report, the fiscal shortfall is largely due to the growth of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and interest payments as a share of the country's gross domestic product, while tax revenue stays relatively steady and spending for other programs drops..This week, TSCL announced its support for the Improving Care for Vulnerable Older Citizens through Workforce Advancement Act, which was introduced by Sen. Bob Casey in the Senate, and by Rep. Matt Cartwright in the House. If signed into law, the bill would create six different demonstration projects that would focus on the coordination of care for elderly patients with multiple chronic illnesses. It would put Direct Care Workers such as nursing assistants, home health aides, or personal care aides in advanced roles, and it would test and evaluate different models of care coordination.