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Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Issues a Final Rule on Medicare + Choice ("M+C")

Client Alert | 1 min read | 11.28.03

On November 28, 2003 the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a final rule enabling Medicare + Choice ("M+C") plans to offer reductions in the standard Medicare Part B premium, with the intent of making M+C plans more attractive to beneficiaries. The rule makes conforming changes to the current M+C regulations to implement section 606 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 ("BIPA"). M+C organizations can elect to receive a reduction in their monthly capitation payments under 42 CFR § 422.250(a)(1), 80% of which would be applied to either reduce or eliminate the standard Medicare Part B premiums otherwise paid by, or on behalf of, Medicare enrollees. The new regulations, added as 42 CFR § 408.21, limit the premium reduction to an amount that cannot be greater than the standard premium amount determined for the year under § 1839 of BIPA. The premium reduction must be a multiple of 10 cents, and the reduction will be applied to all beneficiaries enrolled in the M+C plan, regardless of who pays or collects the premium. Finally, the reduction can never be less than zero and will not result in a payment to a beneficiary in any given month. To be eligible for the Part B premium reduction, beneficiaries must be enrolled in an M+C plan that offers the reduction as an additional benefit. After determining applicable premium reductions, CMS will notify beneficiaries of their new benefit check amounts.

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Client Alert | 3 min read | 12.10.24

Fast Lane to the Future: FCC Greenlights Smarter, Safer Cars

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently issued a second report and order to modernize vehicle communication technology by transitioning to Cellular-Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) systems within the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. This initiative is part of a broader effort to advance Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the U.S., enhancing road safety and traffic efficiency. While we previously reported on the frustrations with the long time it took to finalize rules concerning C-V2X technology, this almost-final version of the rule has stirred excitement in the industry as companies can start to accelerate development, now that they know the rules they must comply with. ...