News for families planning care

Readers Wrestle With Healthcare Inequalities and Want a Word With Congress (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.

When a Friend Becomes a Caregiver (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

People outside the family frequently step into helping roles when older adults need assistance.

Residents' Decision-Making Rights in Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Transcript Gelila Selassie: Hi, everyone. Thank you for coming to our webinar today on Residents' Decision-Making Rights in Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living. My name is Gelila Selassie. I'm an attorney at Justice in Aging, and I'm joined here by my colleague, Eric Carlson. So just a few logist…

Statement on Department of Justice’s Proposed Resolution of Texas v. Kennedy (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

On August 31, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ), on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with Texas, Florida and Alaska filed a proposed resolution of Texas v. Kennedy. These states challenged the HHS 2024 regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation A…

Template Comments & Instructions: Changes to Medicare Eligibility for Immigrants in the Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Instructions Jump to the template letter. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a proposed rule within the CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to implement changes to Medicare eligibility for lawfully present immigrants. These eligibility changes were enacted as par…

Why Older Pedestrians Fare Worse in Car Crashes (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

People age 65 and up are more likely than other age groups to die after being hit by a vehicle.

Medicaid Coverage for Women (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This data note presents key data points describing the current state of the Medicaid program as it affects women.

Public Charge Final Rule: What Advocates Need to Know (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Transcript Denny Chan: Hi, everyone. Welcome to today's webinar brought to you by Justice in Aging. The webinar is about the Public Charge Final Rule: What Advocates Need to Know. So thank you so much for tuning in today, whether you're tuning in live or watching the recording and reviewing the mate…

The Medicare GLP-1 Discount Has One Big Catch: Some Sick Patients Don't Qualify (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

The new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program promises eligible beneficiaries access to popular weight loss drugs for as little as $50 a month. But for some, having the very medical conditions these drugs are approved to treat means they don't qualify for the discount.

From DC: New Public Charge Guidance, Immigration Enforcement Protections, and More (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: New Public Charge Guidance, Immigration Enforcement Protections, and More. The post From DC: New Public Charge Guidance, Immigration Enforcement Protections, and More appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Status of State Medicaid Expansion Decisions (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This page displays an interactive map of the current status of state decisions on the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion. Additional Medicaid expansion resources are listed (with links) below the map.

5 Questions and Answers About Medicaid and Provider Taxes (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This issue brief uses data from KFF’s 2025-2026 survey of Medicaid directors and from a proposed rule on provider taxes to describe states’ current provider taxes, explore how rules governing provider taxes are changing because of the 2025 reconciliation law and the regulations implementing that law…

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for Older Adults: A Primer (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Introduction When asked about where they want to live as they age, almost all older adults say they want to live in their homes and get the services they need in the community as opposed to moving into a nursing facility.[1] Unfortunately, the reality is that many older adults cannot make the choice…

New Guidance on Public Charge Determinations Does Not Specify Key Concepts, Likely Resulting in Immigrant Families Facing Ongoing Confusion and Fear (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

While the DHS guidance provides more details on public charge determinations under the new rule, it leaves key concepts unspecified and grants substantial discretion to individual immigration officers. This will likely result in ongoing confusion and fear among immigrant families that may deter them…

Justice in Aging’s Comment on Senate Finance Committee’s RFI on Lowering Drug Prices (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

The post Justice in Aging’s Comment on Senate Finance Committee’s RFI on Lowering Drug Prices appeared first on Justice in Aging .

What Geriatric Emergency Departments Do Differently (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

These specialized units can help keep older patients out of the hospital, lower their healthcare costs, and more.

From DC: Medicaid Budget Hearing, Medicaid Work Requirements, HUD Funding, and more (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: Medicaid Budget Hearing, Medicaid Work Requirements, HUD Funding, and more. The post From DC: Medicaid Budget Hearing, Medicaid Work Requirements, HUD Funding, and more appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Analysis: At Least 37 States Have Medicaid State Directed Payments for Hospital Services That Could Be Reduced by the 2025 Reconciliation Law Limits (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

An estimated $60 billion in federal Medicaid spending in 37 states (including the District of Columbia) would likely exceed new federal limits on state directed payments for hospital services once fully implemented, a new KFF analysis finds. States with the biggest potential reductions in Medicaid p…

At Least 37 States Have Medicaid State Directed Payments for Hospital Services That Could Be Reduced by the 2025 Reconciliation Law Limits (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This analysis estimates the number of states impacted by and the amount of current federal spending on Medicaid state directed payments for hospital services that exceeds the new limits established by the 2025 reconciliation law when fully implemented.

Optional Medicaid and CHIP Coverage for Lawfully Present Immigrant Children Could Mitigate Coverage Losses Due to 2025 Reconciliation Law (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This brief provides an overview of health coverage of noncitizen children to provide greater insight into the potential role of Immigrant Children’s Health Improvement Act (ICHIA) coverage in limiting the 2025 reconciliation law's impact on coverage for lawfully present immigrant children.

My Husband Was Kicked Out of Hospice for Dying Too Slowly (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here’s how to get appropriate care after receiving a terminal diagnosis.

Roadmap to Home Care for All Californians (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

This new resource from Justice in Aging outlines specific policies and investments that can make in-home care for all Californians a reality. The post Roadmap to Home Care for All Californians appeared first on Justice in Aging .

New Regulation Prohibits Federal Medicaid Funds From Covering Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Young People (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

If states do not provide coverage with state-only dollars and [gender-affirming] care cannot be financed in other ways, thousands of young people could be without a way to access what remains a recommended medical intervention.

Prior Authorization Metrics Provide New Insights into Insurer Practices, but Gaps Remain (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This analysis of available 2025 prior authorization data finds insurers denied at least 1 in 8 standard requests for prior authorization across three insurance markets: Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care, and the federally facilitated ACA Marketplaces. Denial rates varied wide segments by ins…

Years After He Quit Smoking, a Lung Cancer Scan Saved His Life (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and older adults are at higher risk. But only about a quarter of patients eligible for screening are up to date.

Medicaid 101: Basics and Recent Changes (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Transcript Tiffany Huyenh-Cho: Welcome to today's webinar, Medicaid 101: Basics and Recent Changes. My name is Tiffany Huyenh-Cho, and I'm the director of California Medicare and Medicaid Advocacy at Justice in Aging. And I'm joined by Gelila Selassie. Gelila is the Director of Health Advocacy at Ju…

The Facts About Medicare Spending (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This interactive provides the facts on Medicare spending. Medicare, which serves 70 million people and accounts for 14 percent of the federal budget and 21 percent of national health spending, is at the heart of discussions about health expenditures and affordability. Explore data on enrollment grow…

From DC: The Fight to Protect Medicaid & Medicare, HUD LGBTQ+ Housing Protections, and More (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: The Fight to Protect Medicaid & Medicare, HUD LGBTQ+ Housing Protections, and More. The post From DC: The Fight to Protect Medicaid & Medicare, HUD LGBTQ+ Housing Protections, and More appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Justice in Aging Comments on New Medicaid Work Requirement Rule (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

The post Justice in Aging Comments on New Medicaid Work Requirement Rule appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Five Key Facts About People Experiencing Homelessness (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This data note reviews trends in homelessness and characteristics of people who are homeless using data from HUD’s Point-in-Time (PIT) count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness.

Health Care Bills and Dually Eligible Individuals (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Many individuals enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare (“dually eligible individuals”) are eligible for assistance with Medicare out-of-pockets costs. Thus, any health care bills they receive should raise a red flag that they are being improperly billed or have lost their financial assistance. This…

State Medical Billing Protections for Dually Eligible Individuals (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Federal law protects most dually eligible individuals from getting billed for health care services and items. See Justice in Aging’s Health Care Bills and Dually Eligible Individuals. In addition to federal protections, states have protections against billing Medicaid enrollees. Advocates can use th…

Medicare Premium Bills and Dually Eligible Individuals (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Medicare offers essential health care coverage for people with disabilities and older adults. Medicare can also be expensive, with premium bills reaching hundreds of dollars each month. Most individuals enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare (“dually eligible individuals”) should have premiums cover…

How ABLE Accounts Work with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Transcript Trinh Phan: Hello, and welcome to today's webinar on how ABLE accounts work with Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. Next slide. We're going to start with some logistics on the next slide. Everyone is on mute. We welcome your participation through the Q&A function in the Zoom contro…

Medicare’s Proposed Cut to 340B Drug Payments Would Hit Safety-Net Hospitals While Benefiting For-Profit Hospitals (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This analysis finds that CMS’s proposed cut to Medicare reimbursement for 340B drugs, and accompanying increase for other outpatient services, would reduce revenues among safety-net hospitals while increasing revenues among for-profit hospitals.

CMS’s Decision to End Temporary Subsidies to Medicare’s Stand-Alone Drug Plans Could Mean Larger Premium Increases for Some Beneficiaries Next Year (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Without these extra subsidies in place for 2027, some Part D stand-alone drug plan (PDP) enrollees could see a larger premium increase for drug coverage next year than they’ve faced in recent years, though plan-specific premium amounts are not yet known. While some policymakers questioned the ration…

What Could Medicaid Work Requirements Mean for SSI Applicants? (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid work requirements may make it more difficult for some SSI applicants to maintain coverage due to the added complexity of navigating the verification process for the medical frailty exclusion. KFF's policy analysis explains why SSI applicants are particularly at risk of going uninsured under…

Hospice’s Bad Reputation Amid Fraud Crisis Will Hurt Patients, Industry Experts Warn (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

While acknowledging that changes must be made to the hospice industry, health policy researchers and providers worry that negative attention and the potential for overly punitive regulations could put patients at risk.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Resource Limit and Common Solutions (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides critical cash assistance for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities to pay for housing, food, health care, transportation, and other essentials. Under the current rules, which were last updated in 1989, SSI has a resource limit of $2,000…

How Many Uninsured Are in the Coverage Gap and How Many Could be Eligible if All States Adopted the Medicaid Expansion? (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This analysis estimates that 1.4 million uninsured individuals in the ten states without Medicaid expansion, including many working adults, people of color, and those with disabilities, remain in the "coverage gap," ineligible for Medicaid or for tax credits that would make coverage affordable throu…

From DC: DOJ and Olmstead, Nursing Facility Voting Rights, and More (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: DOJ and Olmstead, Nursing Facility Voting Rights, and More. The post From DC: DOJ and Olmstead, Nursing Facility Voting Rights, and More appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Medicaid Work Requirements: Federal Outreach Requirements and State Plans (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

State Medicaid programs must inform people affected by new work requirements with federally required notices, and most states are planning other types of outreach, including phone calls, public ads, and social media posts. This brief describes the federal outreach requirements and state plans, as we…

To Afford Aging in Place, Older Adults Turn to ‘Golden Girls’ Housing (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

A growing network of home-sharing programs is helping people find compatible housemates. And demand is rising, driven by housing shortages, rising rents, and sales prices that affect both the old and the young.

Aging in California: The Data (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Currently, older adults age 60+ account for 22% of California’s population[1]. By 2030, one-quarter of Californian’s population will be older adults 60+, intensifying the need to invest in the critical programs that support them. Now is the time to take action. Medi-Cal & Medicare[2] Supplementa…

Understanding New Medicaid Work Requirements Rules (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Transcript Gelila Selassie: Hello everyone. My name is Gelila Selassie. I'm an attorney here at Justice in Aging. I'm here with my colleague Natalie Kean, and the webinar for today is regarding understanding the new Medicaid work requirement rules. So thank you all for being here today. Next slide.…

New Public Charge Policies Will Likely Lead to Decreased Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Between 1.4 to 4.1 million Medicaid and CHIP enrollees living in a household with a noncitizen could disenroll due to public charge and other immigration-related fears.

Violence Repeatedly Erupts at Dementia Care Facilities Despite Warnings, Inspections Show (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be fertile ground for violence between residents with dementia, including fatal assaults. A KFF Health News examination of health reports and court records shows how warning signs are missed and safeguards fall short.

Home- and Community-Based Services for American Indians and Alaska Natives: Recommendations for Increasing Access and Recognizing Resiliency (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Acknowledgements and Process Justice in Aging and the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network conducted policy research to increase knowledge about home- and community-based services (HCBS) in Indian Country. Our methods sought to highlight culturally responsive, Tribally-driven services and recommendations…

Justice in Aging Condemns DHS’s Final Public Charge Rule (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a sweeping final rule on the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The rule is scheduled to be published on July 20, 2026 and will be effective 60 after publication. Justice in Aging condemns the final rule as yet another policy in the adm…

A Closer Look at Deficiencies in Nursing Homes (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Amid changes to federal oversight of nursing homes during the Trump administration -- including rescinding the nursing home staffing rule issued by the Biden administration, prioritizing inspections that are triggered by complaints over routine inspections, and suspending the deadline to report deta…

Poll: Costs Are the Top Health Care Issue for Voters in the Midterms, But Fraud Tops Republicans' List As Trump Administration Pushes Crackdown (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Health care costs top the list of voters’ health care priorities for the midterm elections, though more than half of Republican voters say it is extremely important for candidates to discuss the issue of fraud in government health programs, according to a new KFF Health Tracking Poll. Most voters sa…

KFF Health Tracking Poll: Public Views on Fraud in Government Health Programs (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

As the 2026 midterms approach, health care costs remain voters' top health priority, but fraud in government health programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, is resonating with Republican voters, 55% of whom say it's extremely important for candidates to address. Most voters say there is at least “…

Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Extension Tracker (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This page tracks recent state actions to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage, including approved and pending 1115 waivers, legislation that will require the state to seek federal approval through a SPA or 1115 waiver, submitted and approved SPAs, and coverage financed solely with state funds.

A Profile of Dual-Eligible Individuals (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Approximately 12 million people are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, referred to as dual-eligible individuals. This brief examines the demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics of dual-eligible individuals compared with Medicare beneficiaries without Medicaid.

Five Key Facts About Spending and Enrollment for People with Medicare and Medicaid (Dual-Eligible Individuals) (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This issue brief analyzes provides a profile of enrollment and spending on dual-eligible individuals, drawing on new analysis of data on chronic conditions to show how higher rates of chronic conditions contribute to higher average spending among this population.

Medicaid Waiver Tracker: Approved and Pending Section 1115 Waivers by State (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Section 1115 Medicaid waivers can allow states to test new approaches in Medicaid that differ from what is required by federal law. This page tracks approved and pending waiver provisions (including expansions and restrictions) related to eligibility, benefits, and social determinants of health and…

Social Security Benefits for Older Adults (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Transcript Kate Lang: Hello, everyone, and welcome to today's webinar presentation entitled Social Security Benefits for Older Adults Basics. I'm Kate Lang, Director of Federal Income Security on the Economic Security and Housing Team at Justice in Aging. And today I'm delighted to be joined by…

988 Enters Its Fourth Year as Demand Grows and the Mental Health and Substance Use Landscape Shifts (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Data as of March 2026 show that demand for 988 continues to rise, with the volume of calls, texts, and chats 15% higher than a year earlier and nearly 50% higher than two years ago. States are also answering more calls in-state, where counselors are more likely to be familiar with local resources.

Knee Pain? Ragged Cartilage? Research Suggests Surgery’s Not the Best Answer (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

A Finnish study followed patients for 10 years after they had a popular knee surgery. For many, the pain continued or even worsened.

Title II Auxiliary and Survivor Benefits and Eligibility (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

What are Social Security Benefits? Social Security is a social insurance program under Title II of the Social Security Act, with benefits based on an individual’s work history. This program can provide auxiliary benefits for the worker’s spouse, children, and other dependents.[1]&#160…

A New Option for Long-Term Care Costs (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Washington state has launched the first program to help cover home care and other supports. Several other states are paying attention.

A Look at 1115 Waiver Evaluations for Medicaid Payments to Institutions of Mental Disease (IMD) for Substance Use Disorder (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

As SUD IMD waiver evaluations and renewals are becoming available, states face a shifting Medicaid and policy and waiver landscape. This brief examines findings from the first available summative evaluations for SUD IMD waivers and what they show about progress toward meeting goals and milestones.

Medicaid and the Road Ahead: Spending Cuts, Work Requirements and What's Next for States, Providers and Families (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

On Thursday, July 23 at 12 p.m. ET/ 9 am PT, join KFF and States Newsroom for an event focused on the impacts of work requirements and other federal policy changes on states, health care systems, and the people who rely on Medicaid.

Mitigating the Harms of Medicaid Work Requirements for Older Adults: Tools for State Advocates (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

States can help people keep their Medicaid coverage by reducing paperwork and allowing them to self-report health conditions and caregiving responsibilities as exemptions from work requirements. The post Mitigating the Harms of Medicaid Work Requirements for Older Adults: Tools for State Advocates a…

Who Are Direct Care Workers and How Might Federal Policy Changes Impact the Workforce? (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This analysis uses the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) to provide an overview of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the direct care workforce, including home health aides, personal care aides, and nursing assistants who work in nursing facilities, residential care facilities, home…

Digital Health Tools and Technologies: An Overview of CMS’ Recent Efforts to Expand Their Use in Medicare (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

As an increasing share of older adults have adopted digital health technologies over the past several years, and with most expressing interest in using them to manage their health care, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced several initiatives to expand the use of dig…

Thousands of Medicare Beneficiaries Thought Their Drug Plan Was Free. Then They Lost It. (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Thousands of people who had a Medicare drug plan with zero-dollar premiums last year got small premium increases this year — and didn’t know it. They were dropped from their coverage for failing to pay amounts as little as $8, and most can’t get it again until 2027.

The Trump Administration Continues to Advance Incremental Site-Neutral Payment Reforms (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

The Administration’s proposed changes for certain imaging services would further advance site-neutral payment reform but, like prior changes, are modest relative to more expansive options raised by MedPAC and others.

Medicare Advantage Insurers Deny Prior Authorization Requests for Post Acute Care at Substantially Higher Rates Than the Overall Denial Rate (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Two recent reports find that Medicare Advantage organizations deny prior authorization requests for long-term care hospital, inpatient rehabilitation hospital, and skilled nursing facility stays at higher rates than requests overall. When these decisions are appealed, they are frequently overturned,…

HealthQ Special: Caregiving in the Sandwich Generation (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Join the conversation as the HealthQ team explores the messiness, humor, and satisfaction that comes with caregiving when you’re sandwiched between aging parents and growing kids.

Medical Frailty and Medicaid Work Requirements: Challenges for People with HIV (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This analysis examines Medicaid work requirements and the implementation of medical frailty exclusions for people with HIV in light of CMS's implementing regulation.

How Has Projected Medicaid Spending and Enrollment Changed Since Passage of the 2025 Reconciliation Law? (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

CBO’s latest projections of Medicaid spending and enrollment from February 2026 show how enrollment and spending are expected to change over the next decade, accounting for the historic policy changes and their expected reductions in future federal Medicaid spending, as well as other economic and te…

Medicaid/CHIP Monthly Enrollment Tracker (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This tracker presents the most recent Medicaid monthly enrollment data.

Medicare Will Spend More Than $13 Billion on the Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Program in 2026 (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

The Medicare program will spend at least $13 billion on the Medicare Advantage quality bonus program in 2026, as 68% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in a plan that qualifies for higher payments under the program.

Decoding Medicare Advantage Coding Intensity (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Federal payments to Medicare Advantage plans, and adjustments for health status, have come under increased scrutiny. This brief answers key questions about coding intensity, recent steps taken by CMS, the effects on beneficiaries, and other proposals to improve payment accuracy.

States Sue CMS Over Medicaid Work Requirements Rule, Citing Departure from Earlier Guidance on Medical Frailty (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Less than a month after CMS released its interim final rule on Medicaid work requirements, 24 states, including DC, sued the Trump administration over its interpretation of the 2025 reconciliation law’s requirements — including most notably the medical frailty exemption.

Nearly Four Million Medicare Beneficiaries Could Be Eligible for the Temporary Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program Covering These Drugs for Weight Loss (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This news release highlights that a KFF analysis finds that 3.8 million Medicare beneficiaries met the criteria to be eligible for the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, based on claims data from 2023. The temporary program will provide coverage of three GLP-1 drugs used for weight reduction and weight mana…

Nearly Four Million Medicare Beneficiaries Met the Eligibility Criteria in 2023 for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Medicare has launched a temporary program covering GLP-1s for obesity for people with Medicare, known as the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. This analysis estimates the number of Medicare Part D enrollees who could potentially qualify for the Bridge program by meeting all of the eligibility criteria, based o…

Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law Medicaid Work Requirements: Related Resources (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

KFF resources on the Medicaid work requirements in the 2025 Reconcilation law.

Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law Medicaid Work Requirements: 1115-waivers (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

State-by-state information on Medicaid 1115 work requirement waivers.

Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements Implementation Questions (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

A list of the implementation questions relating to the Medicaid work requirements in the 2025 Reconciliation law.

Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

KFF's interactive tracks key data and policies that will affect how states implement Medicaid work requirements, which are required under the 2025 budget reconciliation law starting in January 2027. The tracker includes state-level data on Medicaid enrollment and renewal outcomes as well as current…

Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements Data and Policies (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Detailed state and national data related to the 2025 Reconciliation Law Medicaid Work Requirements

From DC: Take Action on HUD's LGBTQ+ Proposal, New Medicare Savings Bill, and more (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: Take Action on HUD's LGBTQ+ Proposal, New Medicare Savings Bill, and more. The post From DC: Take Action on HUD's LGBTQ+ Proposal, New Medicare Savings Bill, and more appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Medicaid and CHIP Monthly Enrollment (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Program Integrity: Tracking State-Specific and Nationwide Federal Action (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This page tracks emerging developments in the federal government’s approach to Medicaid program integrity, along with the implications of those actions for different states.

Justice in Aging Comment for House Committee on Ways & Means Joint Subcommittee June 10, 2026 Hearing (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

The post Justice in Aging Comment for House Committee on Ways & Means Joint Subcommittee June 10, 2026 Hearing appeared first on Justice in Aging .

New DOJ Guidance Threatens Community Integration (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Long-standing disability rights protections are under threat. Learn how new DOJ guidance could impact community living, disability rights, and access to essential services and supports. The post New DOJ Guidance Threatens Community Integration appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Key Facts About Medicare Spending Trends and Projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This brief provides an overview of key trends in Medicare spending and spending growth, as well as the impact of these trends on out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare program solvency, as projected by the Medicare Trustees in the 2026 Trustees Report.

The Medical Frailty Exemption from Medicaid Work Requirements: Key Takeaways from the CMS Interim Final Rule (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This brief describes new guidance and potential challenges states will face in operationalizing the medical frailty exemption.

Worried About Your Aging Parents? Welcome to the Caregiving Club (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Being a caregiver can start long before you go to a doctor appointment with a loved one or move your parents into your house. The HealthQ team explores how embracing the role matters — and how the recognition and support that come next can ease a difficult season of life.

In 30 of the States Implementing Medicaid Work Requirements, Governors Are on the Ballot in November (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

A majority of states subject to new Medicaid work requirements — 30 of 44 — will hold gubernatorial elections this November, and leadership transitions, particularly those involving a change in party, could complicate state implementation of work requirements.

Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2026 (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

The Medicare Part D program provides an outpatient prescription drug benefit to 56 million older adults and people with long-term disabilities in Medicare who enroll in private plans. This brief analyzes Medicare Part D enrollment, premiums, and cost sharing in 2026 and trends over time, based on da…

How Medicare Advantage Rebates Disadvantage Medicare’s Stand-Alone Drug Plan Market (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

The private plans that offer the Medicare Part D benefit - stand-alone drug plans and Medicare Advantage drug plans - are increasingly are competing on uneven terms, in part because the payment system for Medicare Advantage plans enables them to lower Part D premiums or reduce Part D cost sharing, m…

By September, Nearly a Third of Americans Will Live in States With Legal Aid in Dying (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Despite widespread support in polls for legalizing aid in dying, the number of people who go through with the practice remains very small.

Medicare Advantage in 2026: Enrollment Update and Key Trends (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

More than half (55%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2026. To better understand trends in the growth of the Medicare Advantage program, this brief provides current information about enrollment, including by plan type and firm

Medicare Advantage in 2026: Premiums, Out-of-Pocket Limits, Supplemental Benefits, and Prior Authorization (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This brief provides information about Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, including premiums, out-of-pocket limits, supplemental benefits, and prior authorization, as well as trends over time.

Medicare Advantage Out-of-Pocket Limits: Variation and Trends (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This brief analyzes out-of-pocket limits in Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, variation by plan type, the distribution of enrollees facing different out-of-pocket limits, and trends over time.

Key Facts About Health Care Affordability for People With Medicare (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This brief presents key facts and analysis about affordability of health care costs among people with Medicare, including younger adults with long-term disabilities, drawing on data from various sources.

3 Medical Routines That Older People May Not Need (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Some screenings and treatments no longer make sense for patients as they age. Researchers have just added a few more to the list.