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Key Questions for Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

Key Questions for Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

Key Questions for Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

FTC warns Medicare scammers are buying their way into search results

FTC warns Medicare scammers are buying their way into search results

It is open enrollment season for Medicare and coverage under the Affordable Care Act and scammers hope you'll find them online.

Medicare Program Provides Comprehensive Health Coverage for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Medicare Program Provides Comprehensive Health Coverage for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the U.S. primarily designed for individuals aged 65 or older, and certain younger people with disabilities, including those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The program is structured into four main parts. Part A, known as Hospital Insurance, covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. Part B, or Medical Insurance, addresses outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical supplies. Together, Parts A and B constitute Original Medicare. Part C, Medicare Advantage Plans, are offered by private insurance companies and combine the benefits of Parts A and B, often including Part D and additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private health plans. Eligibility for Medicare generally requires individuals to be 65 years old and have paid into the system through payroll tax...

Bipartisan Bill Introduced in Congress to Integrate Produce into Chronic Disease Management

Bipartisan Bill Introduced in Congress to Integrate Produce into Chronic Disease Management

A new bipartisan bill, H.R. 8355, named the Accountable Produce is Medicine Act of 2026, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KA). A companion bill, S. 5267, was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA). This legislation proposes a five-year pilot program to bundle payments to healthcare providers who incorporate fresh produce into health management plans for patients with chronic diseases. The program aims to provide these services at no cost to patients while collecting data on how improved diets can combat diet-related chronic illnesses. The initiative would operate under Section 1115A of the Social Security Act, allowing the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to assess its effectiveness in reducing Medicare and Medicaid costs and enhancing patient care. The Department of Health and Human Services would select five programs to participate, enrolling existing Medicare or Medic...

UnitedHealth raises profit forecast again as turnaround efforts gather pace

UnitedHealth raises profit forecast again as turnaround efforts gather pace

By Amina Niasse NEW YORK, Oct 13 (Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group on Tuesday raised its 2026 profit forecast for the third time this year on tightened medical cost spending in its health insurance business and improved margins in its Optum clinical care and health technology units.

Tour Managers Implement Extensive Preparations for Senior Group Travel to Ensure Safety and Comfort

Tour Managers Implement Extensive Preparations for Senior Group Travel to Ensure Safety and Comfort

Tour Managers Implement Extensive Preparations for Senior Group Travel to Ensure Safety and Comfort

Walk to End Alzheimer's Event Gathers Support in Grand Island for Research and Medicare Coverage

Walk to End Alzheimer's Event Gathers Support in Grand Island for Research and Medicare Coverage

The Grand Island Walk to End Alzheimer's took place at Amur Plaza, drawing hundreds of participants to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research. The event, organized by the Alzheimer's Association, is part of a nationwide initiative held in over 600 communities, including seven in Nebraska. Registration for the half-mile walk was free, and fundraising efforts will continue through December. The money collected supports local programs such as support groups and a helpline, as well as advocacy for Alzheimer's research at state and federal levels. A key advocacy point is pushing for Medicare coverage of biomarker blood testing, which uses a blood sample to detect amyloid and tau proteins linked to Alzheimer's, facilitating earlier diagnosis. Carla Thielbar, development director for the Alzheimer's Association, highlighted that over 35,100 Nebraskans are living with Alzheimer's, with more than 42,000 family members and friends serving as caregivers. The event included a Promise Gar...

UnitedHealth Group raises profit forecast on third-quarter earnings beat

UnitedHealth Group raises profit forecast on third-quarter earnings beat

By Amina Niasse NEW YORK, Oct 13 (Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group on Tuesday raised its 2026 profit forecast as the company tightened spending on medical costs in its health insurance business and improved margins in its Optum clinical care and health technology units.

Did you get an extra $90 from Social Security? Here's why

Did you get an extra $90 from Social Security? Here's why

Millions enrolled in Medicare are beginning to receive a $90 payment as part of a new initiative announced by President Donald Trump.

Experts Warn of Medicare Scams During Open Enrollment Period

Experts Warn of Medicare Scams During Open Enrollment Period

As Medicare open enrollment begins on October 15, experts are issuing warnings about an increase in scam calls targeting beneficiaries. Karen Reeves of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports that many individuals receive suspicious calls during this period. Scammers often claim beneficiaries need a new Medicare card, or they promise improved coverage, lower costs, or free medical equipment. Reeves advises individuals to contact Medicare directly to verify the legitimacy of any offers. She also emphasizes that beneficiaries are not obligated to change their plans simply because open enrollment has started. Medicare already possesses beneficiaries' information and will not request it during unsolicited calls. Jamie Harding, communications director for AARP Alabama, adds that scammers also use text messages to solicit personal details such as Medicare, Social Security, or bank account information. Harding clarifies that Medicare does not initiate calls or texts to ask for personal details.

Medicare Advantage Plan Availability Declines in North Dakota and Other States for 2027

Medicare Advantage Plan Availability Declines in North Dakota and Other States for 2027

For 2027, Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan availability is set to decrease in several U.S. counties, with North Dakota being one of the states newly affected. According to a KFF analysis of CMS Landscape files, 193 counties nationwide will have no MA-PD options for general enrollment, an increase from 123 counties in 2026. This change impacts approximately 638,000 Medicare beneficiaries, up from 399,000 in the previous year. The states newly added to the list of those with counties lacking MA-PD options are New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. Major insurers like UnitedHealth Group and Humana are exiting more counties than they are entering. Health Care Service Corporation is making the largest reduction, exiting 498 counties, while Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mutual Ins. Co., which previously offered MA-PDs in North Dakota, will only offer them in Michigan and Wyoming for 2027. Conversely, Devoted Health is expanding its footprint, entering 342 counties.

Powell: How to Navigate Massive 2027 Medicare Part D and Medigap Rate Increases

Powell: How to Navigate Massive 2027 Medicare Part D and Medigap Rate Increases

Medicare expert Jae Oh warns that expiring federal premium stabilization and a new $2,400 out-of-pocket cap are driving steep rate hikes and formulary cuts.