The Latest Breaking News from Medicare

Queensland medical bodies warn of escalating costs to visit GPs due to payroll tax clash

Queensland's peak medical bodies warn the cost of going to the doctor could skyrocket as general practice comes under more strain due to a clash over tax law.

ABC News · Jan 31, 2023

Medicare Advantage plans overcharged government hundreds of millions but get to hang onto the money

The federal Medicare agency will require next to nothing from insurers for excess payments they got from 2011 to 2017 and won’t impose big penalties until audits for 2018 and beyond are conducted, which could be years.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 31, 2023

MyGov app facing overhaul to centralise online identification

Audit review of government tool housing Medicare and Centrelink services recommends significant changes

The Guardian - AU · Jan 31, 2023

Feds expect to collect $4.7B in insurance fraud penalties

The Biden administration is estimating that it could collect as much as $4.7 billion from insurance companies with newer and tougher penalties for submitting improper charges on the taxpayers’ tab for Medicare Advantage care

The Independent UK · Jan 30, 2023

Wegovy works. But here's what happens if you can't afford to keep taking the drug

The new weight-loss drugs can be life-changing for people facing health conditions worsened by obesity, but price and spotty insurance coverage may keep them out of reach.

WEKU · Jan 30, 2023

Biden, McCarthy to meet Wednesday for debt limit talks

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden agreed to meet House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday to discuss raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a U.S. default as Republicans seek a deal that includes government spending cuts.

Tribune News Service · Jan 30, 2023

Did your health plan rip off Medicare?

Previously secret government audits reveal millions of dollars in overpayments to Medicare Advantage health plans

Salon · Jan 29, 2023

Three years after beating deportation, Indigenous Australians freed from visa limbo

Exclusive: Group were unable to work, access Medicare or travel internationally since historic high court ruling

The Guardian - AU · Jan 29, 2023

Doctors urge bulk billing incentive boost

Ahead of a planned overhaul of Medicare, doctor groups have urged for greater incentives for GPs to be able to bulk bill.

AAP · Jan 29, 2023

International students asked to pay up-front before emergency treatment in Queensland hospitals

Feroza Arshad took her two-week-old baby to hospital after he became unresponsive and was asked to pay $1,200 up-front before her baby would be taken through to emergency.

ABC News · Jan 28, 2023