Medicare Advantage Plans Frequently Reject Short-Term Nursing Home and Rehab Requests, Study Finds

A new analysis highlights problems with private Medicare Advantage plans. U.S. investigators released two separate reports on the issue. Both reports find that the plans are quick to reject requests. The denied services include short-term nursing-home stays. Inpatient rehabilitation services are also frequently refused. Beneficiaries seeking these forms of special care may face barriers. The findings raise concerns about access to needed medical services. Lawmakers and regulators may scrutinize the practices further.