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LAW-2303 Medicare and Medicaid Law and Policy
Mr. Thomas R. Barker,
2 credits day; 2 credits evening.
Together, the federal Medicare and Medicaid program are the largest health insurance providers
in America. Any attorney who intends to practice health care law must understand the operation
of Medicare and Medicaid, and this course is designed to teach students the significant legal
issues that arise in the operation of these programs.
The first half of the course is devoted to legal issues that arise in the operation of the Medicare
program, with special emphasis on the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. It will also cover
Medicare reimbursement issues; the structure of the Medicare program; procedural issues
involved in challenging Medicare agency action; and, perhaps the most significant legal issue in
Medicare today, the Medicare coverage process. The Medicare coverage process is of crucial
importance to attorneys who practice in Massachusetts, given the prevalence of medical device
and pharmaceutical/biological manufacturers in the state.
The second half of the course is devoted to legal issues that arise in the operation of the Medicaid
program. It, like the Medicare component of the course, will consider eligibility for Medicaid
and the benefits available under the program. Students will also learn the legal and constitutional
issues that arise in enforcing rights under the Medicaid program. The course will also discuss
special topics in Medicaid, such as the requirements for coverage of prescription drugs under the
Medicaid program, as well as Medicaid long-term care issues. Finally, the Medicaid section will
also consider the financing issues that arise in this joint federal-state program. The course is
taught by the most recent General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services in Washington, D.C.
Elective Course
Meets Health/Biomedical Concentration Requirements
Final Exam Required
<<Course Updated: March 14, 2016>>