Last week, the final report for the 2015 White House Conference on Aging was released summarizing the work done by the conference and the feedback received by older adults, caregivers, and advocacy groups. Taking place during the 50th year of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, and the 80th year of Social Security, the conference and the report highlight the importance of these programs and initiatives to improve benefits for today’s seniors and future generations.
Leading up to the conference, Medicare Rights advocated for enhanced support for people with Medicare, including better information for people nearing Medicare eligibility and transitioning from existing coverage. The report highlights the Administration’s response to this advocacy through a combined effort by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration to improve education materials about Medicare enrollment and creating online information and frequently asked questions to prevent Medicare enrollment confusion.
Additionally, the report recognizes the concerns express by Medicare Rights and others surrounding the level of confusion about when to enroll in Part B and the adverse financial consequences of inappropriately delaying enrollment. The report takes note of recommendations to create a federal interagency process to further improve notification for people nearing Medicare eligibility and expresses a commitment to finding better ways to educate this population as well as employers about Medicare enrollment.