Healthcare Giants Avoid $34 Billion in Taxes Post-2017 Tax Law, Patient Care Impacted

Healthcare Giants Avoid $34 Billion in Taxes Post-2017 Tax Law, Patient Care Impacted

Seven major U.S. healthcare corporations avoided $34 billion in taxes after the 2017 tax law while increasing profits and insurance claim denials, with implications for patient care quality and regulatory scrutiny.

UnitedHealth Expects Majority Medicare Advantage Members in High-Rated Plans for 2024

UnitedHealth Group anticipates 78% of Medicare Advantage members will be enrolled in plans rated four stars or above in 2024, enhancing eligibility for Medicare bonus payments and supporting its health insurance segment.

UnitedHealth Projects 78% of Medicare Advantage Members in 4-Star+ Plans for 2027

UnitedHealth expects about 78% of its Medicare Advantage members to be enrolled in plans rated four stars or above in 2027, signaling strong quality performance under CMS metrics.

Medicare Enrollment Choices Fuel Social Tensions Among Seniors

Medicare enrollment decisions between Advantage plans and traditional coverage are increasingly causing social tensions among seniors, fueled by misinformation and financial concerns. This dynamic affects personal relationships and highlights the complexities in senior healthcare insurance choices.

Medicare and Social Security Trust Funds Face Insolvency by 2033; Nebraska Offers Medicare Education

Medicare and Social Security trust funds are expected to run dry by 2033 due to rising hospital costs and weak wage growth, potentially reducing benefits by 23%. Nebraska offers Medicare education programs to assist beneficiaries in understanding their options.

CMS Pilot Uses AI for Medicare Prior Authorization, Faces Oversight Calls

CMS launches AI-driven pilot to streamline Medicare prior authorization for select services, prompting legislative calls for independent oversight to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.

CMS GUIDE Program Enhances Palliative Care for Dementia Patients

CMS GUIDE program integrates palliative care to improve support and care coordination for dementia patients and caregivers under Medicare Part B, addressing challenges in symptom management and caregiver respite.

Elevance and Major Insurers Adjust Medicare Advantage Strategies Amid Cost Pressures

Elevance Health and leading insurers recalibrate Medicare Advantage plans and Part D coverage amid rising costs and regulatory shifts, focusing on risk management and compliance.

Relation Insurance Services Expands Footprint with Strategic Acquisitions

Relation Insurance Services acquires two independent insurance firms to expand commercial, employee benefits, and Medicare-related offerings amid industry consolidation.

CMS Proposes 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Changes for Telehealth

The CMS 2026 proposed physician fee schedule includes updates to Medicare telehealth reimbursement, frequency limits, and supervision rules, aiming to codify pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities.