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Latest news, analysis, and updates.
Medicare's 2027 Rule Cuts 340B Drug Pay, Shifts Costs
CMS finalized a 2027 rule cutting Medicare's 340B drug payments by 32%, raising other outpatient costs. Here's what it means for Medicare beneficiaries.
November 12, 2026
Humana Projects More Medicare Advantage Growth For 2027
Humana says it expects Medicare Advantage membership to grow again in 2027, after 2026 enrollment came in higher than investors expected.
November 9, 2026
CMS Ousts Two Arbiters in No Surprises Act Disputes
CMS denied recertification to two No Surprises Act dispute arbiters in November 2026. Here's what the shakeup means for billing disputes and consumers.
November 7, 2026
Private Equity Hospices Cost Medicare Nearly $1,000 More
A new study reports Medicare pays nearly $1,000 more per stay at hospices owned by private equity firms, raising questions for families choosing hospice care.
November 5, 2026
Section 1115 Medicaid Waivers: What Seniors Need to Know
KFF's updated Section 1115 Medicaid waiver tracker shows how state-by-state changes to eligibility and benefits can affect seniors on Medicaid in 2026.
November 3, 2026
Medicaid Enrollment Trends Matter for Medicare Choices
KFF's updated Medicaid enrollment tracker offers context for seniors and families weighing Medicare coverage, costs and enrollment changes.
October 31, 2026
Millions Face Medicare Plan Changes After 2026
CMS data cited by KFF shows 4.3 million people may lose their Medicare plan at the end of 2026. Learn what to review before enrollment.
October 29, 2026
CMS Proposal Could Limit Remote Monitoring for Seniors
A proposed CMS rule could reduce Medicare coverage for remote patient monitoring devices. Here's what's at stake and what beneficiaries should do now.
October 27, 2026
KFF Tracks How Fast U.S. Health Spending Will Rise
KFF's 2026 chart collection tracks U.S. health spending growth, drug costs, and out-of-pocket trends. Here's what rising costs mean for Medicare enrollees.
October 25, 2026
Medicaid Work Rules Could Affect Coverage in 2026
KFF says Medicaid changes from the 2025 reconciliation law, including work requirements, could affect millions of enrollees.
October 23, 2026
Medicaid State Fact Sheets Offer Coverage Context
KFF’s 2026 Medicaid State Fact Sheets can help seniors and families compare local coverage, access, financing, and policy context.
October 21, 2026
Most Medicare Advantage Enrollees Risk Medigap Denial
KFF: 74% of Medicare Advantage enrollees, about 20.9 million people, could face a Medigap denial over pre-existing conditions, per 2023 data.
October 19, 2026
Centene Waives Prior Authorization for Top Providers
Centene is waiving prior authorization for top-performing providers in 2026, joining insurers responding to state and federal reform pressure.
October 17, 2026
Medicaid Work Rules Could Affect SSDI Medicare Wait
KFF says Medicaid covered more than one in four people awaiting Medicare after SSDI. New work rules may complicate coverage continuity.
October 15, 2026
KFF Breaks Down What Medicare Really Costs in 2026
A new KFF brief details 2026 Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost sharing across traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans.
October 13, 2026
Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: What KFF's Guide Explains
KFF's 2026 brief explains Medicare Open Enrollment rules, deadlines, and plan-switching options running Oct 15 to Dec 7. See what seniors should know.
October 11, 2026
Texas AG Investigates UnitedHealth Over Denied Care
Texas AG Ken Paxton is investigating UnitedHealth over care denial allegations. Here's what Medicare Advantage members should know and do now.
October 9, 2026
Seniors to Get $90 Medicare Part B Rebate Checks in October
The White House is sending $90 Medicare Part B rebate payments to 20.8 million beneficiaries this month. Here's who qualifies and what to watch for.
October 7, 2026
2 Million Seniors Losing Medicare Advantage Plans in 2026
At least 2 million seniors face Medicare Advantage plan terminations this fall, per KFF Health News. Here's what to do during open enrollment.
October 5, 2026
2027 Part D Premiums: Some Rise Modestly, Others Spike
KFF's 2027 analysis finds modest Part D premium hikes for many, but switching plans could save enrollees facing increases of $50 or more per month.
October 3, 2026
Insurers Trim Medicare Advantage Options for 2027
CMS data shows insurers continuing to reduce Medicare Advantage plan offerings for 2027. Here's what the cuts mean for enrollees comparing coverage this fall.
October 1, 2026
TrumpRx Drug Prices: Not Always Cheaper, KFF Finds
KFF analysis finds TrumpRx brand-name drug prices are about as often higher as lower than prices in 11 other wealthy nations. What it means for Medicare shoppers.
September 29, 2026
TrumpRx Drug Prices: Mixed News for Seniors, KFF Says
A September 2026 KFF analysis finds TrumpRx brand-name drug prices are as likely to cost more as less than prices abroad. What Medicare enrollees should check first.
September 27, 2026
CMS's Oz Signals Medicare Advantage Still Needs Watching
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz compared Medicare Advantage to an overgrown garden needing oversight. Here's what it could mean for 2026 enrollees.
September 25, 2026
Trump's Drug Pricing Deals May Complicate Medicare Savings
The White House struck pricing deals with 26 drugmakers under a Most Favored Nation model. Here's what it could mean for Medicare drug costs in 2026.
September 23, 2026
NCQA Ratings Show More Health Plans at 5 Stars
NCQA's 2026 ratings include 18 five-star health plans. Learn what the result may mean when comparing Medicare coverage.
September 20, 2026
OIG Audit Flags $180M Medicare Advantage Overpayments
HHS OIG audits found Humana and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans overpaid nearly $180M. What the 2026 findings mean for MA enrollees.
September 18, 2026
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