Medicare Explained 2012 Edition Author:CCH Editorial Staff Medicare Explained has been prepared for Medicare beneficiaries and others who need a relatively thorough explanation of the Medicare program with particular emphasis on services covered in institutional settings and services provided by physicians and suppliers. Published annually, Medicare Explained includes changes made during 2011 by law an... more »d regulation amendments and updates to program manuals issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare Explained includes: Analysis of legislative, regulatory and agency guidance issuance on the available benefits Exclusions from Medicare The administration of the Medicare program Medicare payment rules under Parts A, B, C, and D Details on the process for submitting beneficiary claims as well as the appeals process The 2012 Edition has been updated to include: Expanded discussion of accountable care organizations Explanations of new annual election period and "blended benchmark" for Medicare Advantage plan payments Updated discussions of health care reform impact on reimbursement systems for 2012 Explanations of new requirements for quality improvement organizations« less