Study reveals Medicare Advantage beneficiaries face longer hospital stays post-pandemic, driven by skilled nursing facility shortages and administrative barriers, impacting healthcare operations and costs.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Relation Insurance Services acquires two independent insurance firms to expand commercial, employee benefits, and Medicare-related offerings amid industry consolidation.
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.
Key September 2025 updates on U.S. healthcare funding, CDC leadership changes, AI in healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid policies, and COVID-19 vaccine authorization shifts impacting insurers and providers.
Congress returns to negotiate FY 2026 government funding with a deadline on Sept 30, facing bipartisan challenges and potential shutdown.
