On July 15, 2008, Congress enacted into law the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), Pub. Law 110-275. MIPPA is a multi-faceted piece of legislation that contains several important provisions that directly change the Medicare program. These changes include suspended payment cuts to health care providers, changes in the asset and income limits for Low Income Subsidy Plans and Medicare Savings Plans, new accountability measures for Medicare Advantage programs, and increased access to preventive and mental health services. In addition, through MIPPA, the federal government allocated funding for increased outreach to Medicare beneficiaries, the bulk of which is targeted at coordinating, educating and enrolling low-income Medicare beneficiaries.
KDADS receives a grant through the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to promote outreach and assistance for Medicare beneficiaries eligible for Medicare Part D Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. This act also provided funding to promote Medicare Part D counseling and assistance in rural areas, as well as funding to promote preventive services covered by Medicare Part B.
KDADS contracts with 11 organizations across the state to implement the MIPPA grant, including Area Agencies on Aging, SHICK Subgrantees, and Adult Disability Resource Centers. These organizations have gone across the state to promote Medicare Part D to rural areas, preventive services, Extra Help, and the Medicare Savings Program through many venues including health fairs, enrollment events, social media, and media outlets including television and newspapers, as well as providing information to Medicare beneficiaries who come into their office. SHICK trained counselors within these organizations also provide assistance with applications for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
Frequently asked questions about Medicare can be found at Medicare Frequently Asked Questions.
More information on Medicare Preventive and Screening Services is available at http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-and-screening-services.html.