CMS Increases Medicare Advantage Payments by Over $25 Billion

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), led by Mehmet Oz, has announced a significant increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans by over 5% for the year 2026, amounting to more than $25 billion. This decision has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that privatized Medicare plans often deny patients necessary care and defraud the government. Health insurance stock prices surged in response, particularly UnitedHealth Group, the largest provider of these plans, which saw a 6% increase in share value. Critics express concerns about potential health care quality issues for seniors due to this funding boost and question the intentions of the current administration regarding Medicare privatization.