Starting January 1, 2007, the Medicare Part B monthly premium will be subject to means-testing for the first time, as required by the 2003 Medicare reform law. The higher a beneficiary’s annual income, the more he or she will pay in premiums for the standard healthcare benefit. An estimated four to five million beneficiaries will pay more than the base amount next year, says the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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November 20, 2006 - Table of Contents

NIR November 20, 2006 (full PDF issue)

Time Running Out for Medicare Physician Fee Fix

CMS Finalizes Rules for Pricing New Lab Tests

Date of Service Revised for Stored Specimens

Senate Bill Introduced to Replace CLIA Cytology PT

Outlook for Health Priorities in Congressional Power Shift

ICD-9 Changes to National Policies for Lab Tests

Wealthier Seniors to Pay More in ’07 Premiums

Medicare Opens Enrollment Period for 2007