Medicare beneficiaries could face higher Part D prescription drug premiums in 2027 after the Trump administration announced in late July that it will end a federal subsidy program that has helped hold premiums down for the past two years. The…
As the U.S. population ages, more people will need nursing home care, while the cost of that care continues to rise. With the exorbitant cost of nursing home care, many families worry about depleting their loved ones’ life savings to…
Millions of Americans qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. For these “dual eligibles,” managing two separate health care programs can be confusing. A Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for people who have both…
If you’re receiving care through a skilled nursing facility, home health agency, or outpatient rehabilitation center, there may come a day when your provider hands you a form titled “Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage,” or NOMNC. Don’t panic, but don’t ignore…
A sweeping federal budget law is quietly threatening the health coverage of some of America’s most vulnerable older adults. Here’s what’s changing, whom it will affect, and what you can do: If you rely on both Medicare and Medicaid to cover health care costs,…
Imagine opening your mailbox and finding a letter that says your Medicare Advantage plan won’t be available next year. No negotiation, no appeal — just a notice that your insurer is leaving, and you need to figure something out before…
For many older adults, taking prescription medications is part of everyday life. Drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and other conditions help people stay healthy and independent. But sometimes patients discover that their prescription cannot be refilled,…
It has been a challenging few years — from political uncertainty to global conflicts — but as we look ahead to the new year, there are meaningful reasons for older adults and their families to feel hopeful. Here are five…
Medicare is rolling out several important changes in 2026 that are intended to lower prescription drug costs, strengthen consumer protections, and test new ways of managing care. If you’re enrolled in Medicare, or will be soon, here’s what you need…
MEDICARE 2026 FIGURES MEDICARE PART A: HOSPITAL SERVICES Inpatient hospital deductible $1,736/illness Daily co-insurance $0/day 1-60, $434/day 61-90, $868/day 91-150 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Daily co-insurance amount $0/day 1 - 20, $217/day 21 - 100 Part A Premiums for…