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).

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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)

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)

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.

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…

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…

Medicaid Enrollees Using Long-Term Care (LTC) as a Percent of Full-Benefit Medicaid Enrollees (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)

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)

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…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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…

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 .

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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.

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,…

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…

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)

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.

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

Medicaid Changes in House and Senate Reconciliation Bills Would Increase Costs for 1.3 Million Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

On May 22, the House passed a reconciliation bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would partially pay to extend expiring tax cuts by cutting Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the bill would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion over ten years and 10.3 m…

What to Know About the BALANCE Model for GLP-1s in Medicare and Medicaid and the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)

This brief describes current coverage of GLP-1s in Medicare and Medicaid, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) efforts to expand access and lower costs for GLP-1s through temporary demonstration programs including the BALANCE Model, and potential impacts on beneficiaries and progr…

A New Medicare Option for Weight Loss Drugs: What Older Americans Should Know (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

It may soon get easier for millions of people with Medicare to get discounted GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.