SUMMARY: Unauthorized switching of Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans has decreased, with complaints dropping by a third, according to federal regulators. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented measures to combat fraud, such as requiring three-way calls for certain policy changes and suspending 850 agents involved in improper switching. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about increased complexity in the enrollment process, with potential delays for consumers. Some rogue agents are finding workarounds, and agent groups advocate for two-factor authentication to further prevent fraud. The CMS reports success in reducing unauthorized switches, but challenges remain.

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The post Anti-Fraud Efforts Meet Real-World Test During ACA Enrollment Period appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Letters to the Editor discuss various healthcare concerns. Gail Daniels shares her struggles caring for a mother with dementia, while Shava Nerad reflects on the challenges faced by those without family support. Gloria Rankin suggests using pen pals to combat social isolation. Zoe Joyner Danielson recalls racial bias in pulse oximeter development, while Suzann Lebda questions fluoride’s impact on dental health. Readers also address issues like Medicare Advantage, high drug costs for seniors, and the financial burden of prepaying for baby deliveries. Liviu Steier advocates for fluorescence in dental care, emphasizing its diagnostic benefits.

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The post Readers Embrace ‘Going It Alone’ Series on Aging and Chastise Makers of Pulse Oximeters appeared first on kffhealthnews.org

SUMMARY: Lloyd Mills, a 32-year-old with autism, cerebral palsy, and kidney disease, has faced prolonged hospitalization due to inadequate community support in Georgia. After being admitted to Grady Memorial Hospital for mental health issues, Mills waited over eight months for appropriate housing, highlighting the systemic failures of a state still grappling with the consequences of a 2010 Department of Justice lawsuit regarding care for people with developmental disabilities. Despite significant investments and improvements in services, challenges like workforce shortages and inadequate funding persist, often leaving individuals like Mills in hospitals, impacting their mental and physical well-being.

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The post Georgians With Disabilities Are Still Being Institutionalized, Despite Federal Oversight appeared first on kffhealthnews.org