Complete Story
01/03/2012
Check Out the New LSA Advocacy E-bulletin and Find Out What Lutheran Services in America is Doing on Your Behalf in Washington DC
Payroll Tax Cut Bill Includes Medicare Provisions
The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 was signed into law by President Obama on December 23. In addition to temporarily extending the payroll tax cut, the measure includes provisions of interest to those that work with the Medicare program.Medicare Physician Payment Update (aka “Doc Fix”) – Under current law, Medicare rates for physicians were scheduled to drop 27.4 percent on January 1, 2012. The provision will avoid this cut, and doctors’ fees will remain at the 2011 levels until the continuation expires on February 29, 2012. Read more »
New Affordable Care Act Demonstration to Provide Care at Home for Medicare Patients
On December 20, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new demonstration in which up to 10,000 Medicare patients with chronic conditions will be able to get most of the care they need at home. Created by the Affordable Care Act, the new Independence at Home Demonstration greatly expands the scope of in-home services Medicare beneficiaries can receive. The Independence at Home Demonstration will provide chronically ill patients with a complete range of primary care services. Participation in the Demonstration is voluntary for Medicare beneficiaries. Read more »
LSA Members Can Register As Receiving Agencies with the National Hunger Hotline
The National Hunger Hotline is a USDA-funded program operated by WHYHunger. The hotline staff members provide callers with referrals to local food help organizations and other financial and social service programs in their neighborhood. They take calls in English and Spanish and are available from 9-6, EST Monday through Friday. At other times callers can leave a message for a return call or visit the WHYHunger website to search for resources in their area. Read more »
© 2011 Lutheran Services in America | 122 C St., NW #125 Washington, DC 20001
