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Minnesota seniors navigating ‘incredibly complex’ system for Medicare Advantage
More than 300,000 in Minnesota are being forced to shop as insurers change the lineup of health plan options. Here are some tips.
Why Minnesota seniors face the nation’s biggest health insurance shake-up
An era of low costs and more generous benefits may be ending for hundreds of thousands enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota.
Senior Health Insurance Program navigators available to help during Medicare open enrollment
Chrissy Childers is the lead navigator for SHIP at Rural Health, Inc. This year, she said she’s reminding people to check their Part D plan, since many plans have changed.
Blessing Health to host free Medicare presentation
Medicare open enrollment is happening now. On Tuesday, Oct. 27 Blessing Health System is hosting a free informational presentation for those who have questions about enrollment.
2 major health insurance companies cancel Medicare Advantage plans covering 1 million people
The two companies are the largest private health insurance companies for older adults in the U.S.
UP Health System to leave Humana’s Medicare Advantage network in 2027
The coverage will end effective Jan. 1, 2027, and may impact some patients’ in-network access to UP Health System offerings.
Navvis Introduces New Solution to Help Health Systems Build the Operating Capabilities Required to Achieve High Performance in CJR-X
ST. LOUIS, October 22, 2026--Navvis, the leading value-based care enablement company, today announced a new CJR-X solution built to help health systems achieve high performance in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandatory and newly finalized Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded (CJR-X) model. Joint replacement is one of the most profitable service lines for health systems across the U.S. today, and CJR-X gives health systems a mandatory new way to protect and grow
Batesville’s White River Health dropping UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
White River Health will end its relationship with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage on Jan. 1, 2027, due to frequent claim denials and administrative hurdles.
White River Health leaving UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage network in 2027
White River Health announced Wednesday that its hospitals and facility-based services will leave the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage network effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Baba nabs $40M series A, backed by FirstMark Capital and CVS Health Ventures, for AI-powered Medicare patient navigation
Applied artificial intelligence company Baba
America's largest health insurance companies cancel nearly 1M Medicare Advantage plans — here's what that means for recipients
Medicare for All, Medicaid cuts and rising costs: Where Flanagan and Tafoya stand on health care
The U.S. Senate candidates differ over Medicare for All, Medicaid funding and the federal government’s role in making health care more affordable.
Jefferson Health-Independence contract dispute worries Jefferson patients with IBX Medicare Advantage plans
IBX Medicare Advantage customers who are Jefferson Health patients have a choice: switch plans or risk losing access to their Jefferson doctors next year.
2026 Health Care Congressional Voter Guide
At NC Health News, we care about you and your family’s health and we think our elected officials should too. We started in September to reach out to all of North Carolina’s Congressional candidates asking them to answer a series of questions about health care issues that you care about: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, […]
Older breast cancer survivors fall through Medicare home health gap
Among the increasing number of women who survive breast cancer, many older, long-term survivors remain frail. A new study out today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that in a given ...
Seniors Left Waiting as Treatment Bill Faces Uphill Climb
This is an exclusive BHB+ story. Many adult seniors have been locked out of accessing residential addiction treatment for the sector's entire
Seniors Left Waiting as Treatment Bill Faces Uphill Climb
This is an exclusive BHB+ story. Many adult seniors have been locked out of accessing residential addiction treatment for the sector's entire
Oregon to increase 2027 payments to care organizations for Health Plan members
Oregon health officials say that they expect the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid to approve the rise by the end of 2026.
Medicare paying billions in Utah health care, new study shows
Medicare is spending $6 billion on Utahns yearly as enrollment in the health insurance program inches closer to 500,000. That’s the most any federal health care program is spending on the Bee…
Tips for covering Medicare open enrollment
It's that time of year again when traditional Medicare enrollees can change their Part D prescription drug plan, move from a Medicare Advantage plan back to original Medicare, and in a handful of states, switch Medigap plans.
Judi Health launching employer Medicare Part D plan with a focus on transparency
Judi Health is launching a new Part D plan that aims to lean on its tech stack to drive transparency and outcomes. | Judi Health is launching a new Part D plan that aims to lean on its tech stack to drive transparency and outcomes.
Medicare Advantage's next golden goose: Special Needs Plans
Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans enrollment has more than doubled since 2024.
AI Breach of Australian Healthcare Website Sparks Regulation Debate
Nearly three months after a June attack involving OpenAI on the Australian Medicare website, the Australian government received a five-paragraph email from the company informing officials of the breach. Although the Australian government has promised to take further action, such as establishing task
Revenue And Earnings Growth Could Be A Game Changer For agilon health (AGL)
agilon health has reported strong annual revenue and earnings growth from its model of partnering with primary care physicians to deliver value-based care for Medicare patients through long-term, globally capitated contracts. The combination of accelerating financial performance and the scaling of its value-based primary care network indicates that agilon health is gaining share where payers and physicians seek partners willing to take on population-level risk. We will now look at how agilon...
Opinion
The candidate calls his proposal ‘Medicare for All,’ but it would function differently.
Medicare enrollment underway, more Health Headlines
Medicare open enrollment started Thursday, Oct. 15, with less than two months to compare and potentially change plans before the Dec. 7 deadline.
SMH and United Healthcare at odds on Medicare Advantage pact
About 33,000 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage subscribers who receive healthcare services at both Sarasota Memorial Hospital and First Physicians Group will be out of network starting Jan. 1, 2027, unless the two sides sign a new contract before the end of the year.
SMH and United Healthcare at odds on Medicare Advantage pact
Dispute does not affect traditional Medicare coverage or commercial contract negotiations
SMH talks with United Healthcare on Medicare Advantage pact stall
Talks could affect 33,000 SMH and First Physicians Group patients in 2027 if a deal is not reached by Dec. 31
Twenty Hours a Week at an Amazon Warehouse for Health Insurance at 60? Here Is the Math a Retired Paralegal Will Run
A 60-year-old paralegal with $350,000 saved and five years until Medicare faces a decision that could quietly reshape her entire retirement, and the answer turns on a warehouse job that pays less than half what she used to earn.
Democrats say Trump increased investments in drugmakers that were given Medicare exemptions
The report from congressional Democrats found that Trump’s pharmaceutical stock holdings grew from a maximum reported value of $1.7 million in 2024 to as much as $56.2 million at the end of 2025.
Local health insurance broker highlights changes coming to Medicare, healthcare policies in 2027
As over a million Coloradans review their healthcare plans for Medicare’s open enrollment period — running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 — a local health insurance broker is preparing
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
Trump increased investments in drugmakers that benefited from Medicare exemptions, Democrats say
WASHINGTON (AP) — Investments in pharmaceutical companies made on behalf of President Donald Trump increased significantly after he returned to the White House last year, with his portfolio adding mil...
Medicare for All vs. moderate Democrats
Most Democrats in competitive races are moderates who aren't big fans of a single-payer system.
Medical Advantage plans to leave NH including CVS Health, BMC Health System
There are major upcoming changes to Medicare Advantage plans that will impact thousands of Granite Staters.
MetroPlusHealth Earns 4-Star Medicare Rating for Second Consecutive Year
New York, NY – MetroPlusHealth, New York City’s high-quality, affordable health plan, announced today that its Medicare Advantage plans have earned an
Americans are warming to a healthcare idea that once seemed politically impossible
A new national survey reveals an unexpected divide over Medicare for All, but Americans appear to agree on one thing: Healthcare is getting too expensive.
Medicare open enrollment starts now. These changes will arrive in 2027
Open enrollment comes as inflation adds pressure on seniors whose healthcare costs have risen and as midterm elections are weeks away. Voters have consistently said cost-of-living is a major concern.
HHS declares public health emergency in Alabama after Hurricane Isaias
The designation allows federal waivers giving Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP providers flexibility to ensure uninterrupted service as storm recovery continues.
Your guide to 2027 Medicare health plans in Broward and Palm Beach counties
Compare 2027 Medicare health plans available in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Search our South Florida guide to find the best costs and coverage.
More than 3 million Medicare Advantage enrollees need to find new plans for 2027 in third year of turmoil
Millions of senior citizens and other enrollees will have to find new Medicare Advantage plans because their policies are being terminated, while others could have to pay more for their coverage and care.
Medicare home health bill introduced that would restore rates, help stop fraud
Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) on Tuesday introduced the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act of 2026, a companion bill to the Senate version.
Governor, health advocates push bill to lower drug prices for 23 medications
Under the proposed legislation, the state's Prescription Drug Affordability Board would have the authority to match the maximum fair price for prescriptions negotiated by the federal Medicare program.
RFK Jr pushes back on reports of federal health coverage cuts
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disputes reports that the administration is cutting people from Medicare, Medicaid or Obamacare, saying it is targeting duplicate enrollments and records for deceased individuals.
How consumer tech company Whoop is building for Medicare patients
Whoop's chief medical officer, said the company's work with Medicare is an opportunity to prove its ability to improve health at the population level.
Blessing Health System to host free Medicare 101 event in Quincy
QUINCY, Ill. — As Medicare open enrollment begins Thursday, Blessing Health System is offering a free presentation to help community members better understand their coverage options.
Meijer Now Accepts evermore Cards, Expanding Access to Healthy Food and OTC Products for Medicare Customers
Midwest retailer adds another convenient payment option for eligible shoppers GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer announced today it now accepts evermore over-the-counter...
Hospice, Home Health Moratoria: What Might Come Next
Many hospice providers are struggling to grow amid the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) temporary moratoria on hospice and home
Is healthcare on Florida's ballot? Many voters say it's a top priority
An Orlando woman survived after a brain tumor that grew unchecked for seven years because she couldn't get the insurance necessary to see a doctor. She now supports candidates who favor Medicare for all.
Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families
These service providers, formerly known as geriatric care managers, can arrange a move to a senior living facility, deal with Medicare and Medicaid, recommend doctors, drive a client to the dentist, and much more.
Poll: 43 percent support ‘Medicare for all’
While respondents said they support federal involvement, they are losing trust in the government.
Medicare open enrollment starts soon. Here’s what to know
When Medicare open enrollment begins Oct. 15, beneficiaries will need to know the key changes coming in 2027. During fall…
Medicare for All Is the Big Policy Fight Splitting Democrats | WSJ Politics Newsletter for Oct. 13
Plus, Ken Paxton partied in Dubai with two fugitives from U.S. justice, and federal agents searched Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home
How to access home healthcare for older Mainers
Experts explain how to help find in-home care through Medicare, Medicaid or out-of-pocket.
Small group health insurance market rates announced
Media Release, Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) has approved 2027 health insurance premium rates for the small group health insurance market. As of March 2026, over 31,000 New Mexicans were enrolled in a small group plan. The average increase across small group plans is 19.8%. These rates take effect on January 1, 2027. The carriers offering small group coverage in New Mexico in 2027 are: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (HealthCare Service Corporation) Presbyterian Health Plan Presbyterian Insurance Company UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company Key Factors Driving the Rate Increases The primary factors that contributed to the 2027 increases are: Claims Experience - Higher than expected 2025 New Mexico claims experience, which is the foundation for the 2027 rate development. Cost Trend - Higher utilization and inflation impacted healthcare costs services, which impacts medical services and pharmaceutical costs nationwide. Risk Pool Changes - Nationwide, businesses with healthier employees are opting for alternative health coverage not under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This results ina smaller and less healthy small group ACA risk pool. Final approved rates will be posted on the OSI website. To view the carrier rate sheets and rate increase specifics, visit the Office of Superintendent of Insurance website here. The Rate Review Process Conducted by OSI The OSI rate review process focuses on approving rates for health insurance plans that are actuarially sound, not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory and ensuring health insurance rates comply with all state and federal laws. For more information, visit the Office of Superintendent of Insurance website at https://osi.state.nm.us/en/. *** About the Office of Superintendent of Insurance The Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is New Mexico’s regulatory agency responsible for overseeing a wide range of insurance products, including private health and life insurance, auto, home, business, and title insurance. OSI regulates private health plans in the individual, small group, and large group markets, ensuring that premium rates are fair, companies are financially sound, and health care insurance coverage is reliable. While OSI does not have authority over self-funded health plans, where an employer assumes the financial responsibility for paying employee health care claims, Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE, OSI plays a vital role in protecting consumers by reviewing premium rates, monitoring insurance company conduct, and licensing producers (formerly known as insurance brokers and agents).
Dems push Medicare for All as Republicans, including Sen. Cruz, slam single-payer plan
From New York to Michigan, Medicare-for-all has become a major campaign issue this election cycle, drawing sharp opposition from many Republicans.
Dems push Medicare for All as Republicans, including Sen. Cruz, slam single-payer plan
From New York to Michigan, Medicare-for-all has become a major campaign issue this election cycle, drawing sharp opposition from many Republicans.
Why Lee Health's insurance standoff stands out from others across the US
More than 30 health systems across the country are currently in disputes with insurance companies, and many of those battles center around Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage star ratings 2027: Winners and losers
Medica and Humana saw the greatest increases in the share of enrollees with plans that earned high star ratings.
What agilon health (AGL)'s Jackson Clinic ACO Expansion Means For Shareholders
In late September 2026, The Jackson Clinic expanded its relationship with agilon health by joining agilon’s Senior Health Connect ACO. This extended value-based care support from roughly 8,000 Medicare Advantage seniors to an expected 9,000 additional Traditional Medicare beneficiaries. This move deepens agilon health’s role in coordinating prevention-focused primary care across Medicare programs, which could influence medical cost trends, operating efficiency, and long-term contract...
In Pittsburgh, Medicare Advantage shopping can be a trial. AI to the rescue?
If there was ever a job tailor-made for artificial intelligence, choosing a Medicare Advantage plan is it. Seniors in Western Pennsylvania have a blizzard...
Clover Health (CLOV) Stock Looks Reasonable Despite New 5 Star Ratings
Clover Health Investments has seen sharp swings in its share price in recent years, and the stock closed at US$4.79 most recently. With the business in the spotlight after new Medicare plan ratings, the question for investors is whether that price can be explained by its sales. The stock has delivered a very large 3 year return of about 365.0%, which puts a lot of weight on whether current revenue levels and future top line potential can support today’s valuation. Clover Health’s Medicare...
CVS Health (CVS) Opens New Pharmacy Sites As Undervalued Narrative Holds
CVS Health (CVS) is expanding its pharmacy-focused format by opening nearly 20 smaller neighborhood locations across the US in 2026, including a new Roxbury site in the Boston area. Recent headlines around CVS Health have mixed signals for investors, with Medicare Advantage star rating setbacks and a legal probe weighing on sentiment, while the extended Cardinal Health distribution deal and a reaffirmed dividend provide a steadier backdrop. Even after a one-day share price decline of 1.87%...
Elevance Health (ELV) Stock May Be Undervalued Despite 2027 Medicare Advantage Plans
Elevance Health has delivered a solid share price run recently, and that move puts a spotlight on a simple question for investors who care about fundamentals. Is the current valuation of the stock properly anchored to the earnings the business is generating today? Over the past year, Elevance Health has returned 19.2%, which puts fresh pressure on the question of whether the earnings profile can carry the current share price. The planned 2027 Medicare Advantage offerings aim to simplify...
Has Elevance Health (ELV) Earned Its Discount After Medicare Updates?
Elevance Health has delivered solid gains over the past year, and fresh product updates in its Medicare business keep the story moving. The open question for anyone looking at the stock now is whether that share price is adequately backed by the company’s earnings power. With a 19.2% return over the past year, Elevance Health has rewarded holders, which puts more focus on whether that move lines up with its earnings profile. The planned 2027 Medicare Advantage offerings aim to provide more...
‘Medicare for all’ is back. Now comes the hard part.
Turning an inspirational slogan into law gets gnarly.
Local healthcare officials, Rep. Jimmy Panetta sound alarm about Medicare, healthcare access
Medicare open enrollment begins next week and on Thursday afternoon, outside of Santa Cruz Community Health’s Live Oak Health Center, Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Santa Cruz healthcare officials discussed the future of Medicare and healthcare a…
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Dr. Oz defends rural health care spending amid Medicaid cut questions
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sat down with reporter Molly Martinez, and the conversation grew heated over spending cuts.
Guest column: Bringing health care concerns directly to policymakers
Mountain Family Health Centers hosted a roundtable discussion Sept. 27 with attendees holding tremendous influence over our health care system. Those who joined the discussion were Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet...
UnitedHealth, Aetna, HCSC star ratings slip
Only fifteen Medicare Advantage contracts earned the highest score under the Star Ratings program for 2027.
Trump bucks and the politics of mailing checks
The checks started going out last week, nearly one million of them, and mostly to battleground states. With a return address for the U.S. Treasury and a letter enclosed signed by President Donald Trump, these one-time checks for $500 were ostensibly government rebates for Obamacare enrollees who overpaid. In the accompanying letter, however, Trump attacks his predecessor and talks about his record in office on an important issue he’s not polling well on, which makes it seem more like the most expensive political mailer in U.S. history. The average piece of direct mail costs between 30 cents and $3, according to Mail Processing Associates, a print, mail, and fulfillment company. At $500 a pop plus roughly 50 cents each to issue the paper check, the cost of Trump’s healthcare mailer sent to more than 950,000 enrollees comes in at more than $475 million. Trump’s midterm healthcare message “For years, the Biden Administration overcharged you to fund the operation of HealthCare dot gov,” Trump wrote in the letter. “That money belongs to hard-working Americans, not the Government, and now, I am returning it to you!” In the letter, Trump makes false and misleading claims about his administration’s record on healthcare costs, an issue Democrats have a 20 point advantage on over Republicans, according to a recent poll from KFF, a nonpartisan health policy think tank. Trump touts his administration’s TrumpRX program, which he claims is “delivering massive discounts.” However, new research from KFF found that of a selection of drugs available on the TrumpRX platform, just five were the lowest price, while 13 were the highest price. Trump also falsely claims in the letter that he’s fighting to lower healthcare costs. In reality, average monthly premium payment costs for enrollees rose 58% under Trump while marketplace sign-ups declined 5%, per KFF. Under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it’s estimated 10 million more Americans will be uninsured by 2034. You get a check and you get a check and you get a check Trump’s long promised cash outs to his fans, from his days as a casino operator and gameshow host to his presidency. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the first Trump administration made the unprecedented move to put Trump’s name on checks that went out under the CARES Act (notably the $500 refund checks this time around don’t feature Trump’s name). Ever since, Trump’s been chasing that high. In his second term, Trump’s promised more stimulus that never arrived, like refund checks from DOGE cuts and tariffs, while he said at his party’s convention last month that he’d give out $5,000 checks to everyone if Republicans win in November. In reality, DOGE overstated its cost cutting and Trump’s government actually now spends more than former President Joe Biden’s, while Trump’s tariffs actually grew the trade deficit. His proposal for $5,000 checks would add about $1.2 trillion to the national debt. The problem is there’s no money to give. These $500 checks — plus $90 Medicare rebate checks also going out as well as $250 deposited this week in some Trump Accounts for kids courtesy Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell and his wife Susan — represent the closest Trump’s going to get to making good on his promise to deliver cash fast. And the checks seem especially targeted. Though the $500 checks went out to enrollees in one of 30 states that use the federal HealthCare dot gov marketplace, a Reuters review found 71% of the payments, or $339 million, went to enrollees in 13 states that have the most competitive elections for governor and U.S. Senate. Most Americans don’t buy it Could Trump bucks sway the election? An Economist-YouGov poll found 57% of U.S. adults doubt Trump will deliver on his promise for $5,000 checks, compared to 21% who do. “I’m waiting on my DOGE check and I’m still waiting on my tariff check,” one 2024 Trump voter who’s since turned on him told a recent focus group. “It felt like kind of trying to buy people’s votes, which honestly felt like in elementary when the class president was like, hey we’re going to take you to the water park if you vote for me. It’s like, I don’t think it works like that.” But for voters in swing states who got a check, it could still matter. One survey published in 2022 found receiving a physically personalized check in the mail during the pandemic was associated with a much greater self-reported likelihood of voting for Trump in 2020, and those gains mainly came from out partisans. The issue for Trump comes if these checks are mostly going to Obamacare enrollees whose premiums have gone up by more than just $500 since he took office and who view the money as something like a bribe before the election rather than an actual long-term solution to lowering household costs. Spending $500.50 per mailer would be absurd as a normal campaign expenditure, but since Trump’s checks and letter are a government rebate, his campaign and super PAC didn’t have to spend a dime and he got out his message regardless. If enough voters in key states are swayed by the one-time payment, it could prove to be the best $0 the Trump campaign spent. Subscribe [ ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/why-independent-candidates-are-making) [ Why independent candidates are making independence central to their brand ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/why-independent-candidates-are-making) Hunter Schwarz · Oct 6 [ Read full story ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/why-independent-candidates-are-making) [ ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/these-designers-and-grocery-nerds) [ These designers and grocery nerds will brand Mamdani’s NYC grocery stores ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/these-designers-and-grocery-nerds) Hunter Schwarz · Oct 2 [ Read full story ](https://www.yellopolitics.com/p/these-designers-and-grocery-nerds) Trump wants to turn his first-ever golf course into a government course for presidents
Business Bulletin: BBB warns of healthcare fraud during open enrollment
If you or a family member are considering changes to your Medicare or Healthcare.gov coverage during open enrollment, your Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges you to be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, and texts offering to help you find the best plan or deal. Scammers often take advantage of open enrollment to trick people into sharing personal information, Medicare or insurance details, and financial information.
Trump emails Medicare enrollees about $90 payment, touts his policies
The unusual move, which comes weeks before the midterm elections, has been derided by Democrats and advocates as a stunt.
‘Medicare for All’ message attracts voters buckling under medical bills
Rising private insurance costs are pushing voters toward midterm candidates who support universal, government-funded healthcare.
‘Medicare for All’ message attracts voters buckling under medical bills
Support for Medicare for All is at its highest in at least a decade, according to a new KFF poll. The survey found two-thirds of Americans now favor expanding the government health program that largely covers seniors (about half of whom are enrolled in private plans through Medicare Advantage).
‘Medicare for All’ Is Back. Now Comes the Hard Part.
At a time when more than 100 million Americans carry medical debt, it’s easy to get behind a promise of free, or free-ish, no-hassle health care. But turning an inspirational slogan into law gets gnarly.
Trump's $90 Medicare rebate rolls out, but millions aren't eligible. Critics see a political stunt
President Donald Trump says his administration will make one-time payments of $90 per person to help more than 20 million Medicare enrollees pay for their Part B premiums. It will cost about $2 billion.
President Trump’s $90 Medicare rebate rolls out, but millions aren’t eligible. Critics see a political stunt.
President Donald Trump says his administration will make one-time payments of $90 per person to help more than 20 million Medicare enrollees pay for their Part B premiums. It will cost about $2 billion.
KFF Midterms Data Presentation: What Do Voters Think About Health Care Now?
Join KFF for a virtual event at Noon ET on Wednesday, October 14, featuring KFF public opinion and survey experts who will provide analysis and insights on the latest findings from recent public opinion surveys about health care issues in advance of the midterms, including current public sentiment about Medicare-for-All and how it compares historically. After the presentation, experts will take questions from attendees.
Trump’s $90 Medicare rebate rolls out, but millions are left out. Critics say it’s a political stunt
Less than one-third of all Medicare recipients are eligible for the payouts.
Trump's $90 Medicare rebate rolls out, but millions are left out. Critics say it's a political stunt
President Donald Trump's Trump’s promised $90 Medicare rebate rolls out this week, but millions of people will be left out.
Trump's $90 Medicare rebate rolls out, but millions are left out. Critics say it's a political stunt
President Donald Trump's Trump’s promised $90 Medicare rebate rolls out this week, but millions of people will be left out.
Covering the Cost: The cost of health insurance plans and Medicare
Annalisa Burgos talks with health insurance and Medicare expert Martha Khlopin, about what you need to know when enrolling in a health plan and shifting from employer-paid insurance to Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans cut as CVS Health and WellSense leave N.H.
Options for Medicare Advantage plans are shrinking again in New Hampshire, with two major providers — CVS Health and BMC, which offers WellSense — leaving the state as of January 1. A fairly new firm, Devoted Health, will start providing plans in portions of the state. These do not include Coos County, which won’t have […]
'Medicare for All' message attracts midterm voters buckling under medical bills
Midterm candidates are talking up Medicare for All, and in a poll 2 out of 3 Americans said they support it. The phrase speaks to a desire for radical change, though many don't really know what it is.
‘Medicare for All’ Message Attracts Voters Buckling Under Medical Bills
The idea of scrapping the U.S. health insurance system for a massive expansion of government-funded healthcare isn’t new. But voters hit by ballooning private health insurance costs are rallying behind midterm candidates calling for universal coverage.
Older voters prioritize Social Security, Medicare and afford...
A new AARP poll finds New Hampshire voters over 50 are highly motivated, focused on affordability and Social Security, and key to the outcome of the state’s top...
Kettering Health will no longer be in-network with Anthem's Medicare plans in 2027
Ohio has a free independent hotline at 800-686-1578 to help people compare Medicare plans during open enrollment.
Most Americans support switch to Medicare for all health insurance
NEW YORK >> Most Americans now favor government-paid health insurance for all, according to a new poll, as voters across party lines see major healthcare reforms as a priority less than a month before midterm elections to decide control of Congress.
Kettering Health will not renew contract with Medicare Advantage insurer Anthem
Kettering Health, one of the largest health systems in the Dayton region, will not renew its contract with private Medicare Advantage insurer Anthem, including Anthem MyCare, according to an announcement from Kettering Health.
Kettering Health will not renew contract with Medicare Advantage insurer Anthem
Kettering Health, one of the largest health systems in the Dayton region, will not renew its contract with private Medicare Advantage insurer Anthem, including Anthem MyCare, according to an announcement from Kettering Health.
Most Americans support switch to Medicare for all health insurance
Medicare is the US government program that provides health coverage to about 70 million people aged 65 and older or with disabilities.
Medicare-for-all support is rising, KFF poll finds
The survey also found that the public’s views of a national health plan are highly malleable.
Most Americans support switch to Medicare for all health insurance
Most Americans now favor government-paid health insurance for all, according to a new poll, as voters across party lines see major healthcare reforms as a priority less than a month before midterm elections to decide control of the US Congress.
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Issues in the Lead-Up to the 2026 Midterm Election
With the 2026 midterms about a month away, health care costs remain tied with gas as voters’ top midterm concerns and the Democrats hold a clear edge over the Republicans Party on who voters trust to handle many top electoral issues, including the cost of health care and the cost of living. Two-thirds of U.S. adults now favor Medicare-for-all, a new high in KFF Polling, but support shifts when competing claims from critics and proponents are heard.
Current and Historical Public Opinion on Medicare-for-All and Other National Health Plan Proposals
This chart pack summarizes KFF polling data on public opinion on Medicare-for-all and other national health plan proposals. The latest update finds that two-thirds of the public supports Medicare-for-all, while support changes drastically as respondents hear arguments from proponents and critics.