Medicare and Social Security go-broke dates are pushed back in a 'measure of good news'
The go-broke dates for benefit programs Medicare and Social Security have been pushed back as an improving economy has contributed to changed projected depletion dates, according to the annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report.
Make the most out of your Medicare plan with these tips
Last fall, you may have been amongst the millions of Americans who made choices about their Medicare coverage, but being proactive about your coverage in care doesnโt end after enrollment. Learn more some of the many ways that you can and should get more from your Medicare benefits.
โToo good to be trueโ: Surprise packages could be a sign youโre a fraud victim
When packages you didnโt order arrive with your name on them, that is a red flag, especially if whatโs inside is something medical-related. Amy Davis has the warning about fraud that is happening in the Houston area.
United Memorial Medical Center to pay $2M for alleged false claims violations, double-billing for COVID tests
United Memorial Medical Center has agreed to pay $2 million and to make additional contingent payments to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations, the United States Department of Justice announced Wednesday.
Company in Harris County to pay $5.7M after submitting false claims to Medicare to receive travel reimbursements
BestCare Laboratory Services LLC, will pay $5.7 million to settle an outstanding False Claims Act judgment after the company lied to Medicare to receive travel reimbursements, the United States Department of Justice said in a news release.
3 arrested in $142M genetic testing fraud scheme using Houston company; $7.1M in assets seized
The Office of the Attorney Generalโs Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has arrested three people associated with the genetic testing company ApolloMDx for their alleged involvement in a major healthcare fraud scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare approximately $142 million.
Looking to save money? You might qualify for free weatherization updates for your home
We are always looking for ways to save you money. The Texas summer heat means you are probably using more electricity to cool off your home. Viewer Don Conger emailed Investigator Amy Davis and said his utility bills are sky-high. Heโs looking for a company that will do a home energy audit to show him things he can do in his home to conserve electricity.
Richmond man sentenced to nearly 5 years in Medicare home health fraud scheme, agrees to pay back $1.4M in restitution
A 47-year-old home health company owner has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for a $1.4 million Medicare home health fraud scheme, the United States Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
Ask Amy show notes: New tricky ways thieves are targeting senior citizens
Thieves work overtime to target everyone, but especially our aging parents. From free health screenings to calls about medical devices or easy part time jobs - Jennifer Salazar, Executive Director of The Better Business Bureau Education Foundation, explains what you need to know to avoid falling victim.
Medicare enrollees warned about deceptive marketing schemes
With Medicareโs open enrollment underway, health experts are warning older adults about an uptick in misleading marketing tactics that might lead some to sign up for Medicare Advantage plans that donโt cover their doctors or prescriptions and drive up their out-of-pocket costs.
Ask Amy show notes: Medicare 101
Whether you are helping a parent or you need it yourself - healthcare, as you get older, is a topic we get a lot of questions about. In this weekโs episode, Amy Davis and Guest Alex Rischan from the Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging break down what we need to know about Medicare.
Ask Amy: How to get help figuring out the best healthcare coverage options as we age
Topic: healthcare coverage as we get older. You may need it or you might be helping a parent. Investigator Amy Davis gets answers to common questions about Medicare. Are those TV ads legit? Plus, learn how to apply for free help.
Houston woman sentenced to federal prison after creating bills for fake patients in $10M Medicare fraud scheme, DOJ says
A 59-year-old Houston woman has been sent to federal prison following her conviction of committing and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, the U.S. Attorneyโs Office announced.
Go-broke dates pushed back for Social Security, Medicare
A stronger-than-expected economic recovery from the pandemic has pushed back the go-broke dates for Social Security and Medicare, but officials warn that the current economic turbulence is putting additional pressures on the bedrock retirement programs.
Missouri City couple, who owned Houston group home, convicted in $1 million Medicare fraud scheme: DOJ
A Missouri City couple, who owned a group home in Houston, was convicted by a federal jury for a $1 million Medicare fraud scheme, including violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Houston pharmacy owner and accountant indicted in $134M health care fraud scheme
HOUSTON โ Two Houston area men are now in custody on charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud relating to a pharmacy fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery announced Tuesday. According to the eight-count indictment, Mokbel is the owner of several Houston area pharmacies, while Elsafty is his accountant. Mokbel also transferred and controlled over $6 million in health care fraud proceeds in certificate of deposit accounts at banks, according to the allegations. AdMokbel and ElSafty have been charged with one count of a conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud and four counts of money laundering. The use of telemarketing to target people over 55 as a means to commit health care fraud has an additional penalty of 10 years.
4 Houston medical workers charged in $32M health care fraud scheme
HOUSTON โ Four Hillcroft Physician medical workers, including a medical director and operator, are in custody in connection with a $32 million health care fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorneyโs Office announced. Farrah Forough Farizani, 57; Hamid Reza Razavi, 60; Elie Hanna Hajjar, 48; and Juan Acuรฑa, 64, have been charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Farizani, Razavi and Hajjar are also charged with five counts of making false statements relating to health care matters. Farizani and Razavi are also accused of directing Hajjar and Acuรฑa to pose as licensed medical professionals, according to the indictment. According to the indictment, the group submitted $31 million in claims to Medicaid, in which Medicaid paid $12.2 million.
Bidenโs Medicare pick would be 1st Black woman to hold post
The agency oversees government health insurance programs covering more than 1 out of 3 Americans and is a linchpin of the health care system. CMS also plays a central role in the nationโs $4 trillion health care economy, setting Medicare payment rates for hospitals, doctors, labs and other service providers. The agency also sets standards that govern how health care providers operate. โShe is well-respected and liked by the department veterans who have worked with her in the past.โYears ago, Brooks-LaSure worked with Biden's nominee to run HHS, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. AdUnder Biden, Brooks-LaSure will be expected to grow Obamacare enrollment by promoting HealthCare.gov and trying to persuade holdout states to adopt Medicaid expansion.
Trump plan to curb drug costs dealt setback in court
The Trump regulation would tie what Medicare pays for certain drugs administered in a doctor's office to the lowest price paid among a group of economically advanced countries. Some opponents have likened the Trump policy to a form of socialist price controls. Trump came into office accusing drug companies of โgetting away with murderโ and promising to slash costs for American patients. Even if the Trump rule is ultimately blocked, the idea of using international prices to lower costs for Americans is very much alive. It's at the heart of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's legislation to empower Medicare to negotiate drug prices.