To provide effective service in helping clients understand how they are going to be affected by health care reform and how to obtain coverage, pursue an appeal, or plan for long-term care or retirement, you need the latest Medicare guidelines from a source you can trust - the 2012 Edition of Medicare Handbook. Prepared by experts from the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc., Medicare Handbook covers the issues you need to provide effective planning advice or advocacy services, including: Medicare eligibility and enrollment Medicare-covered services, deductibles, and co-payments Co-insurance, premiums, and penalties Federal coordinated care issues Grievance and appeals procedures Face-to-face encounter requirements for home health and hospice care Medicare Handbook also provides you with coverage rules for: Obtaining Medicare-covered services Prescription drug benefit and the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) The Medicare Advantage Program Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Preventive services Appealing coverage denials and an understanding of: The Medicare Secondary Payer Program (MSP) The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Acquisition Program Income-related premiums for Parts B and D The 2012 Medicare Handbook provides important information about the relationship of private insurance to the Medicare program. Other changes discussed include: Hospital notices Current physical, speech, and occupational therapy payment caps Payments to, and reliance upon, managed care plans (Medicare Advantage) Protections for individual.