Insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, benefits, billing, and access-related changes.
The March 2026 MACPAC Report to Congress reviews Medicaid and CHIP enrollment after the COVID-19 unwinding, access to care challenges, managed care oversight, and federal–state financing pressures. Here’s what families should know.
Federal rules now require hospitals and health plans to publish pricing data and cost-sharing tools. Here’s what that means for patients—and how physician practices can communicate costs clearly without overpromising.
CMS has finalized its 2026 payment rule for hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers. Here’s what the changes mean for Medicare patients, hospital finances, and where you receive care.
A large randomized trial found that semaglutide reduced heart attacks and strokes in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease who did not have diabetes. Here’s what the evidence shows, what the FDA approval means, and what U.S. patients should know about safety, cost, and coverage.
OTC hearing aids are now widely available for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Here’s what the FDA requires, how they differ from prescription devices, what traditional Medicare does and does not cover, and when a medical exam is still essential.
Hospitals and insurers now publish more pricing data than ever, including negotiated rates and cash prices. Here’s what those files actually show, how CMS is enforcing compliance in 2026, and what they mean for your out-of-pocket costs.
CMS has finalized its 2026 Medicare Advantage payment update, outlining how plan payments, risk adjustment, and quality bonuses will change next year. Here’s what that could mean for premiums, extra benefits, and provider networks.
In 2026, the first negotiated drug prices under Medicare’s new program take effect. Here’s what that means for seniors, how the Maximum Fair Price works, and how the $2,000 Part D cap fits in.
Federal price transparency rules require hospitals and insurers to post negotiated rates and consumer tools—but the data can be hard to use. Here’s what patients should know in 2026.
Colorectal cancer screening now starts at age 45 for most adults. Here’s what current U.S. guidelines say, how stool tests compare with colonoscopy, what happens after a positive result, and what insurance and Medicare typically cover.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its guidance on screening for iron deficiency anemia. Here’s what the new grades mean for infants, pregnant people, and adults—and how they affect preventive care coverage under federal law.
A surge of FDA-approved biosimilars for adalimumab and a redesigned Medicare Part D benefit with a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap are reshaping how Americans with arthritis pay for biologic drugs in 2026. Here’s what that means for your costs, coverage, and care decisions.
Enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits ended December 31, 2025. Here’s how 2026 Marketplace coverage works under the standard subsidy formula, who is most affected, what protections remain, and what families can do now.
The finalized 2026 ACA Marketplace rules shape how premium tax credits are calculated, who qualifies for financial help, and what households should review before enrolling. Here’s what to check now to avoid surprise costs and coverage gaps.
Federal data show continued high enrollment in ACA Marketplace plans heading into 2026. Here’s what current premium tax credit rules, subsidy uncertainty, and new federal guidance could mean for your monthly costs and coverage stability.
Medicare’s 2026 physician payment rule changes how doctors are paid for office visits, preventive services, telehealth, and chronic care. Here’s what that could mean for appointment access, screenings, and small or rural practices.
Starting in 2026, many Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace plans must publicly report how often they approve or deny prior authorization requests and how long decisions take. Here’s what that new transparency could mean for patients and clinicians.
A temporary Medicaid funding deferral in Minnesota has raised questions about coverage, provider payments, and federal oversight. Here’s what enrollees and healthcare providers should understand about how Medicaid financing works and what could happen next.
Minnesota’s reported Medicaid funding deferral has raised questions about coverage stability, provider payments, and oversight. Here’s what enrollees and healthcare providers should understand now.
As the FDA updates its policies around compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, patients may see changes in availability, pricing, and oversight. Here’s what the shift means for access, safety, and insurance coverage.
Recent federal data and policy updates show that insurance coverage has improved for many Americans since the pandemic—but gaps remain, especially for low-income families, people of color, and those living in states with limited Medicaid access. Here’s what that means for everyday health and how to protect your coverage.
Medicare drug coverage has changed in recent years, including a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket Part D costs. Here’s what people with Medicare should understand in 2026 about prescription costs, payment options, and coverage rules.
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