Social Security benefits in 2026 will increase by 2.7%, but rising Medicare Part B and D premiums will significantly reduce the net gain for retirees, highlighting challenges in healthcare cost inflation and COLA calculations.

AdvaMed raises patient safety and legal concerns over CMS's proposed Medicare competitive bidding programme restart for durable medical equipment and devices.

Medicare covers essential dental and sensory treatments for seniors but excludes routine check-ups and preventive care, impacting senior health insurance planning.

Explore mental health challenges among seniors and how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans support treatment, therapy, and prevention for older adults.

Milliman's 2025 Retiree Health Cost Index estimates a $388,000 healthcare savings need for a typical 65-year-old couple, highlighting cost trends influenced by coverage type and regulation.

The Trump administration launches an AI-driven pilot program in six states to manage Medicare prior authorization, raising industry concerns over claim denials and AI incentives.

Medicare initiates an AI-based pilot program to aid in approving or denying certain medical procedures, raising considerations about healthcare administrative processes and payer-provider dynamics.

CMS initiates a six-state pilot requiring prior authorization in traditional Medicare to target overuse and cut costs, testing expanded regulatory controls familiar in Medicare Advantage.

The Medicare program will start an AI-driven prior authorization pilot for certain procedures in traditional Medicare, aiming to improve cost efficiency and coverage decisions. This initiative launches in six states with plans for potential expansion.

Overview of the 2025 federal healthcare regulatory agenda under the Trump administration, including Medicare rules, ACA integrity measures, and ongoing regulatory reviews impacting healthcare compliance and payer/provider operations.