News for families planning care

Explaining Health Care Reform: Questions About Health Insurance Subsidies (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This brief provides an overview of the financial assistance provided under the ACA for people purchasing coverage on their own through health insurance Marketplaces (also called exchanges).

More Than 4 Million Medicare Beneficiaries Will Have Their Medicare Advantage or Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan Terminated at the End of 2026 (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shows that 4.3 million Medicare beneficiaries, including 3.1 million Medicare Advantage drug plan enrollees and 1.2 million PDP enrollees, will have their plan terminated at the end of 2026. An additional 1.4 million Medicare Advantage…

From DC: Homelessness Funding Efforts, Medicaid Implementation Updates, and CMS Funding Cuts (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: Homelessness Funding Efforts, Medicaid Implementation Updates, and CMS Funding Cuts. The post From DC: Homelessness Funding Efforts, Medicaid Implementation Updates, and CMS Funding Cuts appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Assessing Ability to Work: How Historical SNAP Processes May Vary from Medicaid (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

In light of the uncertainty surrounding how states will verify the Medicaid medical frailty exclusion, this issue brief describes how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has handled similar administrative challenges.

Reporting and Transparency Requirements for State Medicaid Agency Contracts (SMACs) (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

This toolkit provides policymakers, including State Medicaid Agency staff, and advocates, with principles and corresponding template language to develop State Medicaid Agency Contracts (SMACs) that are responsive to the needs of the dually eligible populations they serve. Stakeholders are encouraged…

Midterm Election Update: Medicaid Changes (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Major federal changes to Medicaid eligibility and financing from the 2025 reconciliation law are coming, including new work requirements that will affect millions of Medicaid enrollees. KFF’s fact sheet provides an overview of what has changed, what is still ahead, and what the public thinks about M…

A Closer Look at State Directed Payments for Nursing Home Services (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Building on previous analysis of state directed payments (SDPs), this issue brief takes a closer look at SDPs for nursing home services.

Medicaid Estate Recovery: State Strategies to Mitigate Harm (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Transcript Hannah Diamond: Hello everyone, and welcome to today's webinar entitled Medicaid Estate Recovery: State Strategies to Mitigate Harm. My name is Hannah Diamond. I'm the director of state partnerships here at Justice in Aging. Today, I'm joined by my colleague, Gelila Selassie, Director of…

More Medications, More Risks. If You’re Worried, Start a Deprescribing Discussion. (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

As people take a greater number of medications across years or decades, experts say the risk for adverse drug interactions increases. One way to advocate for yourself? Keep a list of your meds handy.

Medicaid State Fact Sheets (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

What percentage of people are covered by Medicaid in your state? Our State Medicaid fact sheets provide a snapshot with key data for Medicaid in every state related to current coverage, access, and financing, as well as a politics section for each state.

From DC: Eviction Crisis Act, 2027 Social Security COLA, HCBS Updates, and More (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: Eviction Crisis Act, 2027 Social Security COLA, HCBS Updates, and More. The post From DC: Eviction Crisis Act, 2027 Social Security COLA, HCBS Updates, and More appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements and Older Adults: Frequently Asked Questions (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In 2025, Congress passed HR 1 which made many changes to Medicaid including new Medicaid community engagement requirements (CE), also known as “work requirements.” In June 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) on how states must implement these…

What Could Medicaid Work Requirements Mean for People with Disabilities Waiting for Medicare Coverage? (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This analysis finds that Medicaid covered over 1 in 4 SSDI applicants and beneficiaries waiting to become eligible for Medicare (120,300 people out of a total 415,300 in 2023). In future years, people applying for and new to SSDI may experience difficulties maintaining Medicaid prior to becoming eli…

Justice in Aging's Comments on HUD's Notice of Research Justifying Incentives to Reduce Homelessness (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

The post Justice in Aging's Comments on HUD's Notice of Research Justifying Incentives to Reduce Homelessness appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

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.

Nearly Three-Quarters of Medicare Advantage Enrollees Could be Denied a Medigap Policy Due to a Pre-Existing Condition (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This analysis examines the share of Medicare Advantage enrollees who have a pre-existing condition that could result in a Medigap denial if they seek to switch to traditional Medicare outside their one-time 12-month trial period, including national estimates and estimates by age and by state. KFF fi…

Medigap Guaranteed Issue Requirements: An Overview of Federal and State Rules (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This issue brief analyzes federal and state rules related to guaranteed issue requirements for Medigap policies and how they impact beneficiaries’ access to Medigap, including the implications for Medicare beneficiaries with pre-existing medical conditions and those under age 65 with long-term disab…

Key Facts About Medigap Enrollment and Premiums for Medicare Beneficiaries (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This brief presents facts about Medigap, including the characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries with a Medigap policy, variation in Medigap enrollment by state, and Medigap premiums.

When Is the Open Enrollment period for Medicare? What changes can I make to my Medicare coverage during this time? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, you can make many changes to your Medicare coverage, depending on the coverage you already have. You can change from traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (or vice versa).

How can I compare my Medicare coverage options? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

You can compare your Medicare coverage options using an online searchable tool on the Medicare.gov website that allows users to compare Medicare coverage options, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans, and Medigap supplemental policies.

My husband and I are retired. He just turned 65 and is now covered by Medicare, but I am 62 and I don’t have health insurance. As the spouse of a Medicare beneficiary, can I enroll in Medicare during the Medicare Open Enrollment period? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

No. Although your husband now qualifies for Medicare, you will not qualify for Medicare until you turn age 65. If you do not have health insurance now, you can consider signing up for health insurance coverage through a Marketplace plan.

Is the Medicare Open Enrollment period the same as the Marketplace Open Enrollment period? Can I buy Medicare and Medigap plans through the Marketplace? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

There is some overlap in the enrollment periods for Medicare and the Marketplaces, but they are not the same. The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.

I’m receiving extra help with my Part D plan premium and cost sharing through the Low-income Subsidy Program. I received a notice that my current plan will no longer be offered next year. Now what do I do? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

If you qualify for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug costs, are enrolled in traditional Medicare, and your current prescription drug plan will not be offered next year, you will be automatically reassigned by Medicare to a new prescription drug plan for coverage in the next year.

I have a Medigap policy now, but I want to buy a different one. Can I switch Medigap policies during the Medicare Open Enrollment period? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period is designed for enrolling in or switching Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans, not Medigap policies.

Can I get information about Medigap policies on the Medicare coverage comparison website, or use the website to sign up for a Medigap policy? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

You can find some information about Medigap policies on the Medicare coverage comparison website, by going to the link to “Find a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy” under the Health & Drug Plans: Find & Compare menu.

I have Medigap and I’m finding it difficult to afford. What are my other options for supplemental coverage? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

You may want to find out if you qualify for Medicaid, if your income and assets are low enough. Medicaid helps many low-income people on Medicare with their Medicare premiums and cost-sharing requirements, and may also cover some benefits that are not covered by Medicare, such as dental services and…

Can I be charged a higher premium for a Medigap policy if I have a pre-existing condition or if I smoke? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

It depends. If you are applying for a Medigap policy during your initial Medicare enrollment period, then regardless of your past or current health problems, you are guaranteed the right to purchase any Medigap policy at the same premium the offering company charges other people your age.

I am 66 years old, work for a large employer, and have health insurance coverage through my job. I am planning to keep working for a few more years and keep the coverage that my employer offers. What are my coverage options when I stop working? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

When you stop working and/or your group health insurance coverage ends, you should enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. If you’re eligible for premium-free Part A, you can sign up any time after you’re first eligible for Medicare.

If my employer offers retiree health benefits, do I need to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

For most people with retiree health benefits, it makes sense to sign up for Medicare when you are first eligible to do so. Retiree health plans are typically designed to supplement Medicare and might not pay your medical costs during any period that you were eligible for Medicare but not signed up f…

I am about to turn 65; my spouse is 60 and still working. We are both covered under her employer’s health plan. Do I have to do anything with regard to Medicare this year? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

A person (or a person’s spouse) with group health coverage through a current employer may be able to delay enrolling in Part A and Part B until that coverage ends, and won’t face penalties for enrolling later, but only if the employer has 20 or more employees.

I am covered by Medicare and my only income is $12,000 from Social Security. I have $1,000 in a savings account. Do I qualify for any financial assistance with my Medicare coverage? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Based on your current income and asset amounts, you may qualify for Medicaid. Under the current rules, Medicaid helps many low-income people on Medicare with their Medicare premiums and cost-sharing requirements and may also cover some benefits that are not covered by Medicare, such as dental servic…

I’m having a hard time affording my Medicare Part D drug coverage. Are there any options for me? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

You may want to find out if you qualify for extra assistance with your Part D plan premiums and cost sharing, if your income and assets are low enough.

I am 70 years old and covered by Medicare, but I’m wondering if I can purchase one of the health plans offered through the Marketplace and drop my Medicare coverage? Is that an option for me or should I keep my Medicare coverage? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

If you have Medicare, you should keep it. In fact, companies that sell Marketplace plans are prohibited from selling these plans to you if they know you are covered by Medicare.

I'm under 65 and have a long-term disability. I am no longer working and receiving Social Security disability benefits. Am I eligible for Medicare? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

It depends on how long you have been receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) payments. You are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B after you have been receiving SSDI payments for two years.

I have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). What are my coverage options under Medicare and how long does my Medicare coverage last? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

You are eligible for Medicare three months after beginning dialysis treatment or immediately after receiving a kidney transplant. You may want to find out if you qualify for Medicaid, if your income and assets are low enough.

I am age 60 and have been receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) payments for two years. My Medicare coverage just started and I would like to get a Medicare supplement insurance policy. What are my options? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

It depends on the state where you live. Some states require insurance companies to sell Medigap supplement policies to people under age 65, but not all states do.

What is a Medicare Accountable Care Organization? Can I enroll in one when I sign up for Medicare or during the Medicare Open Enrollment period? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACOs) are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers who voluntarily form partnerships to have collective responsibility for the quality and total cost of care delivered to their patients. ACOs are not health plans and you cannot “enroll” in…

How can I find out if my doctor accepts Medicare? (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Most doctors in the United States accept Medicare.

Open Enrollment for 2027 Coverage through Medicare & Covered California — Basics for Advocates (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Open Enrollment Periods (OEPs) are certain times of year when individuals can change their health care coverage. This resource provides basic information on the annual OEPs in Medicare (Medicare.gov) and Covered California (CoveredCA.com) for the 2026 plan year and highlights issues that are of part…

Open Enrollment for 2027 Coverage through Medicare & the Marketplace — Basics for Advocates (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Learn about the Medicare and Marketplace Open Enrollment Periods (OEPs) for the 2026 plan year and get tips for choosing affordable coverage options for older adults. The post Open Enrollment for 2027 Coverage through Medicare & the Marketplace — Basics for Advocates appeared first on Justice in Agi…

Congressional District Interactive Map: Medicaid Enrollment by Eligibility Group (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

KFF’s new interactive maps illustrate Medicaid enrollment by congressional district and eligibility group. In half of Republican congressional districts, at least 20% of residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and in half of Democratic districts, at least 25% are enrolled.

A Guide to the Role of Health in the Midterms (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

In a new column, President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman says health care costs are playing a significant role in the midterms as one dimension of voters’ concerns about cost of living, and explains why pollsters, analysts, and candidates should look at it that way, and not as a separate voting issue. He…

Which States Will Be Affected by Key Medicaid Provisions in the 2025 Reconciliation Law? (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

The 2025 reconciliation law makes sweeping changes to Medicaid that will affect every state through key eligibility and financing changes, including new work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and changes to provider taxes and state directed payments. This issue brief explains which s…

Medicare Beneficiaries by Rural Status (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Advocating for Consumer Access to HCBS in California (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Transcript Yasmin Peled: Hello everyone, and welcome to today's webinar presentation, Advocating for Consumer Access to HCBS in California. I'm Yasmin Peled, director of California Government Affairs here at Justice in Aging. And today I'm joined by two of my colleagues from Justice in Aging, Hagar…

Rural and Urban Health Center Patients and Financing (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This brief reports on rural and urban health center patients and financing in 2025 using national data from the Uniform Data System (UDS) and examines potential impacts of recent federal policy changes.

Community Health Center Patients, Financing, and Services (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Community health centers served more than 32.7 million patients in medically underserved urban and rural areas in 2025. This brief reports on health center patients, services, and financing in 2025, using national data from the Uniform Data System (UDS).

States’ Use of Program Integrity Tools in Medicaid Home Care (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This issue brief provides new information about Medicaid home care program's use of program integrity tools from KFF’s most recent survey of state Medicaid home care programs.

The Trump Administration’s $90 Payment to Medicare Beneficiaries, Reminiscent of a Similar Proposal Six Years Ago, May Not Offset Rising Costs (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

Medicare’s standard Part B premium is $2,435 this year and is projected to increase by $79 annually for 2027 – meaning this increase alone would consume most of the $90 payment, which less than half of all beneficiaries will receive.

A Look at Waiting Lists for Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services from 2016 to 2026 (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This data note provides new information about waiting lists from KFF’s most recent survey of state Medicaid home care programs, including a discussion of why waiting lists are an incomplete measure of unmet need and why they are not necessarily comparable across states or over time, despite KFF’s ef…

Number of People Waiting for Medicaid Home Care (HCBS), by Target Population and Whether States Screen for Eligibility (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Doctors Should Keep an Eye on Your Mix of Medication. If They Don’t, You Should. (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

There’s a term for reducing unnecessary or harmful drugs: “deprescribing.” Especially as patients age, experts say, it’s important to regularly review the medications they’re taking.

From DC: Medicaid Eligibility Changes, Public Charge Lawsuit, and New Caregiving Report (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition : Medicaid Eligibility Changes, Public Charge Lawsuit, and New Caregiving Report. The post From DC: Medicaid Eligibility Changes, Public Charge Lawsuit, and New Caregiving Report appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Many Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Drug Plan Enrollees Will See Modest Premium Increases for 2027, But Others Could Pay Much More If They Don’t Switch Plans (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This brief analyzes the Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) market for 2027. The analysis shows that there will be a modest reduction in the number of PDPs for 2027, along with modest premium increases less than $10 per month for many enrollees, but much larger monthly premium i…

Medicare 101 (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This Health Policy 101 chapter explores Medicare, a federal health insurance program covering more than 68 million people, established in 1965 for people age 65 or older and later expanded to cover people under age 65 with long-term disabilities. In addition to detailing Medicare eligibility, covera…

The Average Medicare Beneficiary has 28 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan Options for 2027 (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

The average Medicare beneficiary will have 28 Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MA_PD) plans available for general enrollment in 2027. The number of plans varies widely across states.

Medicaid Enrollees by Urban/Rural Status (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

These 100 Nursing Homes Face Perilous Flood Risk. Minnesota Shows What Can Happen. (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Staff raced against rising floodwater to evacuate 36 residents from a nursing home in New Richland, Minnesota. It’s one of 100 facilities KFF Health News identified as facing some of the nation’s worst flood risk.

Drugs Are Widely Used To Sedate Dementia Patients. Her Sons Wanted To Keep Her Off Them. (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Potent sedating medications are often used on agitated people with dementia in long-term care facilities despite federal efforts to discourage their use. A clash over whether to drug a Michigan woman illuminates the wrenching decisions families and guardians face.

Early Medicaid Work Requirement Insights From Nebraska (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This brief describes the verification process for Medicaid work requirements in Nebraska and examines early data on outcomes for individuals subject to work requirements.

Understanding the Role of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This brief describes the role of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) in program integrity efforts, examines caseload and case outcome data, and current issues facing MFCUs.

From DC: Section 504 Integration Mandate Vacated, HUD Funding Updates, and New Census Data, and more (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: Section 504 Integration Mandate Vacated, HUD Funding Updates, and New Census Data, and more The post From DC: Section 504 Integration Mandate Vacated, HUD Funding Updates, and New Census Data, and more appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Nursing Home Beds Are Becoming More Scarce (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

As the oldest baby boomers turn 80, researchers worry there won’t be enough room in nursing facilities for a rapidly graying nation.

Implementation of Medicaid Immigrant Eligibility Restrictions Under the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Issues to Consider (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

The 2025 reconciliation law includes new eligibility restrictions for many lawfully present immigrants for Medicaid and CHIP that become effective October 1, 2026. This brief provides an overview of implementation of the immigrant eligibility changes based on CMS guidance and issues to consider for…

Implementation of 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Managed Care Rate Setting Uncertainty & Potential Plan Exits (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This policy watch examines recent and anticipated managed care rate setting challenges and the potential implications of MCO exits.

From DC: Medicaid Work Requirements, New HUD Guidance, Public Charge Lawsuits, and More (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

In this week's edition: Medicaid Work Requirements, New HUD Guidance, Public Charge Lawsuits, and More The post From DC: Medicaid Work Requirements, New HUD Guidance, Public Charge Lawsuits, and More appeared first on Justice in Aging .

A Closer Look at the $50 Billion Rural Health Transformation Program (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

The 2025 budget reconciliation created the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will award $50 billion in state grants over a five-year period. This brief provides an overview of the program, describing its structure, how funds can be used, how funding compares to Medicaid spending reductions…

State Fiscal Conditions: Context on Medicaid Budgets for FY 2027 (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

This brief describes current fiscal conditions using the latest state revenue and spending data from the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) and analyzes how these conditions may impact states’ Medicaid budget decisions going forward.

Census Reports 10 Million Older Adults in Poverty. Congress Must Act to Strengthen Social Security. (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

The Census just released its annual report on poverty in the United States. The 2025 data shows the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) poverty rate at 15.4% among older adults. This rate isn’t a statistically significant change from last year, but the number of older adults in poverty is now over 10…

3 Common Drugs Older Adults Might Be Overusing (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Not all older people need benzodiazepines, antibiotics, or daily aspirin — and taking them can carry increased risks.

Medicaid Enrollees Using Long-Term Care (LTC) as a Percent of Full-Benefit Medicaid Enrollees (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Spending per Enrollee Using Long-Term Care (LTC) (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Enrollees Using Institutional Long-Term Care (LTC) (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Enrollees Using Home Care Services (HCBS) (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Spending per Full-Benefit Enrollee by Enrollment Group (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Spending per Enrollee (Full or Partial Benefit) by Enrollment Group (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Spending by Enrollment Group (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Enrollees by Enrollment Group (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Enrollees Ages 19-64 by Number of Diagnosed Chronic Conditions (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Full-Benefit Medicaid Enrollees by Enrollment Group (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Enrollees by Age (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program Enrollment (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

Justice in Aging Comments on Medicare Eligibility Changes on the CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

The post Justice in Aging Comments on Medicare Eligibility Changes on the CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Letter From 111 Organizations on Proposed Rules Implementing HR 1 Medicare Immigrant Eligibility Changes (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

The post Letter From 111 Organizations on Proposed Rules Implementing HR 1 Medicare Immigrant Eligibility Changes appeared first on Justice in Aging .

Justice in Aging Comments on the CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

The post Justice in Aging Comments on the CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule appeared first on Justice in Aging .

The Group that Struggles the Most in American Health Care (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)

In a new column, Dr. Drew Altman, KFF's Founding President and CEO, previews findings about the chronically ill uninsured from a large KFF survey of 25,000 Americans focusing on the cost and access challenges facing the chronically ill, which will be released tomorrow. He writes: “There are more tha…

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.

Make the Spousal Impoverishment Protection for HCBS Permanent (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)

Older adults and people with disabilities overwhelmingly want to live at home as they age. Policymakers have sought to make this choice a reality by enacting Medicaid policies that improve access to home and community-based services (HCBS). Congress has helped these efforts by expanding a Medicaid e…

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…