News
Latest news, analysis, and updates.
HHS Certifies 17th Arbiter as Surprise Bills Rise
HHS added a 17th certified IDR entity to resolve No Surprises Act billing disputes. Here's what it means for out-of-network bills and who it protects.
September 16, 2026
What Insurers' Overhead Cut Means for Your Medicare Costs
KFF's Larry Levitt breaks down how much of your Medicare premium covers insurer overhead and profit, and what seniors should know in 2026.
September 14, 2026
CMS Raises the Bar for 2027 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings
CMS's 2027 Medicare Advantage Star Rating cutpoints just got stricter, a shift that could shrink quality bonuses and benefits for seniors.
September 12, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Vows Competitive 2027 Medicare Advantage Push
UnitedHealthcare's CFO says the insurer plans to compete aggressively in Medicare Advantage for 2027, a plan year seniors should watch during open enrollment.
September 10, 2026
How Care Transitions Shape Medicare Advantage Star Ratings
Medicare Advantage insurers are focusing on post-hospital care transitions to boost Star Ratings. Here's what it means for choosing a 2026 plan.
September 8, 2026
UnitedHealthcare Cuts Preapproval on 1,700 Codes
UnitedHealthcare will drop prior authorization for 1,700 billing codes in October 2026. Here's what it means for Medicare Advantage members.
September 5, 2026
Medicare Audit Finds Millions Spent on Ineligible Drugs
An HHS OIG audit found Medicare spent hundreds of millions on ineligible OTC drugs due to CMS oversight gaps. Here's what enrollees should check now.
September 3, 2026
Florida Sues Drug Middlemen Over Alleged Price Fixing
Florida sued PBMs Express Scripts and Prime over alleged price fixing that cut pharmacy pay. Here's what Medicare drug plan users should know.
September 1, 2026
No Surprises Act Disputes Cost $22B, Study Finds
Georgetown researchers say No Surprises Act arbitration has added $22 billion in health costs. Here's what it means for Medicare shoppers and their families.
August 30, 2026
Villages Health Settlement Raises Medicare Questions
The Villages Health agreed to a $542 million Medicare settlement. Learn what the report may mean for Medicare Advantage members.
August 28, 2026
Medicare GLP-1 Discount Program Has a Coverage Catch
Medicare's new GLP-1 Bridge program offers weight-loss drugs for as little as $50/month, but some beneficiaries may not qualify for the discount.
August 26, 2026
Medicare Pay Cuts Push Cataract Surgery Laser Upgrades
Medicare's cataract surgery payments are falling, and more eye doctors are offering laser-assisted upgrades that patients pay for out of pocket.
August 24, 2026
Medicaid Expansion Map: What It Means for Medicare Families
KFF's Medicaid expansion tracker shows state-by-state coverage status. See what it means for dual-eligible Medicare beneficiaries and families.
August 22, 2026
Providence Health Plan Closure: What Medicare Members Should Know
Providence Health Plan is closing after a Medicare Advantage rescue deal fell through. Here's what enrollees need to know about switching plans.
August 20, 2026
Why Discharge Timing Now Shapes Medicare Star Ratings
Medicare Advantage plans are rethinking discharge follow-up to protect star ratings, and it affects your post-hospital care.
August 18, 2026
When Hospice Patients Improve, What Comes Next
Some hospice patients improve and lose eligibility. Learn how Medicare's hospice discharge and appeal rules work, and what families can do next.
August 16, 2026
New KFF Data: 1 in 8 Prior Authorizations Denied
KFF's 2026 analysis finds insurers denied at least 1 in 8 standard prior authorization requests in Medicare Advantage and other markets, with wide gaps by insurer.
August 14, 2026
Medicare Advantage Quality Bonuses Hit $13B in 2026
Medicare will spend over $13 billion on Medicare Advantage quality bonuses in 2026, with 68% of enrollees in bonus-qualifying plans, per KFF analysis.
August 12, 2026
Sentara-Anthem Split Could Disrupt Virginia Coverage
Sentara’s proposed end to Anthem contracts could affect Virginia Medicare, Medicaid and commercial members. Learn what to review now.
August 8, 2026
Complete Health Settlement: What Seniors Should Know
Complete Health will pay $14M to resolve DOJ allegations of inflated Medicare Advantage diagnosis codes. Here's what it means for enrollees comparing plans.
August 6, 2026
Medicaid Work Rules Could Complicate Coverage for SSI Recipients
New Medicaid work requirement rules could make it harder for SSI applicants to keep coverage, KFF analysis finds. Here's what families should know.
August 4, 2026
HHS Freezes $1B in Medicaid Funds to California, Minnesota
HHS paused about $1B in Medicaid funds to California and Minnesota over fraud concerns. Here's what it could mean for dual-eligible Medicare enrollees.
July 22, 2026
Washington's Long-Term Care Program: A New Model
Washington launched the nation's first state-run long-term care benefit. Here's what it means for seniors and whether your state may follow.
July 12, 2026
Elevance Health Pays $342M Amid Medicare Billing Probe
Elevance Health paid $342 million to CMS amid a Medicare Advantage billing probe. Learn what this means for seniors enrolled in Elevance plans.
June 29, 2026
PBM Lobby Sues to Block Illinois Drug Cost Law
The PBM industry's trade group has filed suit to block Illinois' drug affordability law. Here's what the legal fight means for Medicare drug costs.
June 21, 2026
House Panel Blocks Medicare AI Prior Authorization Pilot
House committee votes to block Medicare AI prior authorization pilot amid concerns about delayed care for seniors. What this means for beneficiaries.
June 11, 2026
Massachusetts Sues UnitedHealthcare Over Medicaid Fraud
Massachusetts alleges UnitedHealthcare inflated senior health conditions to collect $100M+ in improper payments. What seniors need to know.
June 3, 2026