Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services

Hospitals in the region say most of their staff have received COVID-19 vaccines. Those that haven't could face penalties.

Private and public employers are increasingly using the government’s Medicare Advantage program as an alternative to their existing retiree health plan and traditional Medicare coverage. As a result, the federal government is paying the “overwhelming majority” of medical costs, according to an industry analyst.

Almost a year after the American Rescue Plan Act allocated what could amount to $25 billion to home and community-based services run by Medicaid, many states have yet to access much of the money due to delays and red tape.

The administration is ending several Trump-era policies that restricted enrollment. Federal officials say states can no longer charge premiums to low-income residents enrolled in Medicaid and have ruled out work requirements.

Among the 764 hospitals hit with a 1% reduction in payments for having high numbers of infections and avoidable complications are more than three dozen Medicare ranks among the nation's best.

Hospitals are grappling with what to do, since federal and state law are at odds, and both carry financial penalties for non-compliance.

Medicare billing codes for audio-only follow-up check-ins are leadng to new reimbursement battles.

Officials have threatened to penalize the private companies selling Medicare Advantage and drug plans if they or agents working on their behalf mislead consumers.

An alternative to original Medicare, the private plans are run mostly by major insurers. A recent analysis estimates Medicare overpaid these insurers by $106 billion from 2010 through 2019.

Florida leads the nation in enrollment and plan selection. Texas, with more than 471,000 , was second in November, Enrollment will end Dec. 15.