Category: Healthcare
Social Security benefits to get 2.8 percent COLA increase for 2019
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 67 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2019, announced the Social Security Administration (SSA). The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more [...]
How Medicare responds to hurricane-related disasters
When a natural disaster, extreme weather or other emergency occurs that affects providers and the Medicare beneficiaries that they serve, special emergency-related policies and procedures may be implemented. The process begins when a governor of an affected state requests ass [...]Former rail worker gets prison for scamming disability program
The Seattle Times reports that a Seattle man who took advantage of the Railroad Retirement disability program for decades will receive prison time and have to pay back double the more than $177,000 he took. Paul LaMarche, 67, claimed disability in 1988 and began receiving RRB [...]New sequestration rate cuts into railroad unemployment and sickness benefits
Starting October 1, 2018, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 6.2 percent, down from the current 6.6 percent reduction, as required by law. The adjusted reduction amount is based on revised projections [...]
Health resources available to members affected by Florence
Hurricane Florence has struck North and South Carolina and is causing destruction in the region. SMART TD and Your Track to Health want to remind members affected by Florence that resources are available to help recover from the storm. The following health and wellness resour [...]Rail carrier groups recommend nominee for RRB
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), recommended Thomas Jayne, a senior general attorney with BNSF Railway, to President Donald Trump for nomination to serve as the industry representative on the R [...]
“Patients Over Paperwork:” Medicare is reviewing regulations to reduce provider burden
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reviewing regulations that mandate how doctors and other practitioners document the services they provide. The focus is on the following: Reducing unnecessary burden Increasing process efficiencies Improving the patien [...]
Water. Rest. Shade.: Staying safe while working in the heat
OSHA’s campaign to keep workers safe in the heat OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention campaign, launched in 2011, educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. Through training sessions, outreach events, informational sessions, publications, soci [...]