Medicare News

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March 24, 2026

Medicare and AI: How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Coverage Decisions

How AI is reshaping Medicare coverage decisions in 2026, from the WISeR prior authorization pilot to insurer controversies, and what beneficiaries should know.

Understanding Your Medicare Summary Notice

Learn how to read your Medicare Summary Notice, spot billing errors, track your spending, and use the MSN to protect your rights as a beneficiary.

Prior Authorization in Medicare: What You Need to Know

Understand how prior authorization works in Medicare, when it applies, how it differs from pre-certification, and recent CMS streamlining rules.

How to Appeal a Medicare Decision

Learn the five levels of Medicare appeals, key deadlines, how to write an effective appeal letter, and where to get free help from SHIP counselors.

Medicare for Early Retirees: Bridging the Gap Before 65

Retiring before 65? Learn your health coverage options — COBRA, ACA Marketplace, spouse plans, HSAs — and how to avoid costly Medicare enrollment mistakes.

Medicare Fraud: How to Protect Yourself

Learn how to spot common Medicare scams, review your statements for suspicious charges, and report fraud to protect your benefits and personal information.

Medicare for Caregivers: What You Need to Know When Helping a Loved One

A guide for family caregivers navigating Medicare enrollment, plan choices, and support resources on behalf of a loved one.

Medicare for Immigrants and Non-Citizens

Learn how Medicare eligibility works for immigrants and non-citizens, including rules for permanent residents, the five-year waiting period, and your options.

Medicare and Divorce: What Happens to Your Coverage

Learn how divorce affects your Medicare eligibility, enrollment timing, and coverage options, including how to qualify through an ex-spouse's work record.

Railroad Retirement and Medicare: A Full Guide for Railroad Employees

Discover how railroad employees become eligible for Medicare through the Railroad Retirement Board and the benefits they can access.

Medicare and TRICARE for Life: Coverage for Military Retirees

Discover how TRICARE for Life works alongside Medicare for military retirees, including Part B requirements, claims processing, pharmacy, and overseas coverage.

Medicare for the Self-Employed

Discover how Medicare works when you are self-employed, including premium costs, IRMAA considerations, tax deductions, and switching from individual coverage.

Medicare for Veterans: How VA Benefits and Medicare Work Together

Learn how VA healthcare benefits and Medicare interact, why many veterans enroll in Part B, and how VA drug coverage compares to Part D.

Can You Combine Private Health Insurance and Medicare?

Discover how private health insurance coordinates with Medicare, including employer plans, Medigap policies, and Medicare Advantage.

Medicare and COBRA: How They Work Together

Understand how COBRA and Medicare interact, when COBRA is primary or secondary, and why choosing COBRA over Medicare at 65 can lead to costly penalties.

Medicare and Employer Coverage: Coordination of Benefits

Understand how Medicare coordinates with employer health insurance, including primary vs secondary payer rules, claims processing, and retiree coverage.

Medicare Savings Programs: Help Paying Medicare Premiums

Learn about the four Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI), who qualifies, what costs each covers, and how to apply through your state Medicaid office.

Extra Help with Medicare Part D: Low-Income Subsidy Explained

Learn how the Extra Help program (Low-Income Subsidy) can significantly reduce your Medicare Part D prescription drug costs, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Medicare Drug Price Negotiation: Which Drugs Are Affected

Learn how Medicare's new drug price negotiation program works, which medications have negotiated prices, and how these changes affect your prescription costs.

The Out-of-Pocket Cap on Medicare Part D

Understand how the annual out-of-pocket cap on Medicare Part D works ($2,100 in 2026), who benefits most, and the Prescription Payment Plan option.

Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: How Monthly Installments Work

Learn how the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread Part D drug costs into monthly payments instead of paying all at once.

Flexible Spending Accounts and Medicare: A Practical Guide

Learn how Flexible Spending Accounts work alongside Medicare enrollment and explore your options for covering healthcare costs.

Medicare Costs in Retirement: What to Budget For in 2026

A complete guide to budgeting for Medicare costs in retirement, covering premiums, deductibles, and strategies to manage spending.

HSA Rules When You Enroll in Medicare

Understand how enrolling in Medicare changes your HSA contributions, how to spend existing HSA funds, and how to plan around turning 65.

Medicare and Taxes: What You Need to Know

Understand how Medicare premiums, IRMAA surcharges, HSAs, and medical expense deductions interact with your federal tax return.

How to Appeal Your IRMAA Surcharge After a Life-Changing Event

Learn how to request an IRMAA reduction from Social Security after retirement, divorce, or other qualifying life events using Form SSA-44.

IRMAA: A Guide to Medicare Income-Based Surcharges

Find out what IRMAA is, how income-based surcharges impact your Medicare premiums, and what steps you can take to lower them.

Medicare and Long-Term Care: What Is and Isn't Covered

Understand what Medicare does and does not cover for long-term care, and explore alternatives for extended care needs.

Medicare Hospice Benefits: What End-of-Life Care Is Covered

Understand how Medicare Part A covers hospice care, including eligibility, the four levels of care, covered services, costs, and electing or revoking the benefit.

Hospital at Home: How Medicare's Home Recovery Program Works

Learn how the CMS Acute Hospital Care at Home program delivers hospital-level care in your home, who qualifies, and what Medicare covers.

Medicare and Clinical Trials: Coverage for Experimental Treatments

Learn how Medicare covers routine costs in qualifying clinical trials, what isn't covered, eligibility rules, and how to find trials near you.

Will Medicare Pay for Stair Chair Lifts? A Complete Overview

Learn whether Medicare covers stair chair lifts, explore alternatives that may qualify for coverage, and find resources for mobility assistance.

Medicare Coverage for Mental Health: Therapy, Psychiatry, and Crisis Services

Learn how Medicare covers mental health services including therapy, psychiatry, inpatient care, crisis services, telehealth, and substance abuse treatment.

Medicare Wheelchair and Scooter Benefits Explained

Understand how Medicare pays for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, including eligibility criteria, types of devices covered, and your expected costs.

Medicare Part B Immunization Coverage: Which Vaccines Are Included?

Learn which vaccines Medicare Part B pays for, what Part D covers, and how to keep your immunization costs as low as possible.

Understanding Medicare's Mental Health and Counseling Benefits

Learn about Medicare's mental health coverage including therapy, psychiatric care, inpatient treatment, substance abuse services, and telehealth options.

The Annual Wellness Visit: What Medicare Covers Every Year

Learn what happens during Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit, how it differs from a regular checkup, what your prevention plan includes, and how to avoid surprise bills.

Medicare Outpatient Surgery and Observation Stays

Understand how Medicare covers outpatient surgery, ambulatory surgical centers, and observation stays, and why your hospital status affects costs.

Medicare Preventive Services: Free Screenings and Tests

Discover free preventive services covered by Medicare Part B, including cancer screenings, vaccines, cardiovascular tests, and how they differ from diagnostic care.

Medicare Lab Tests and Diagnostic Services: What's Covered

Learn which lab tests and diagnostic services Medicare covers, including clinical vs diagnostic tests, cost-sharing rules, and how to verify coverage.

Medicare and Chronic Pain Management: What's Covered

Learn what Medicare covers for chronic pain, including therapy, acupuncture, injections, prescriptions, and how to access the care you need.

Medicare Cardiac Rehab and Heart Disease Coverage

Explore how Medicare covers cardiac rehabilitation and heart disease treatment, including rehab programs, qualifying conditions, and session limits.

Medicare Coverage for Inpatient Physical Rehab: What You Should Know

Find out how Medicare covers inpatient physical rehabilitation, including who qualifies, how long stays are covered, and what you will pay.

Medicare Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Coverage

Learn how Medicare covers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology, including outpatient benefits and cost thresholds.

Does Medicare Cover Skilled Nursing Facility Care?

Learn how Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility stays, including the 3-day hospital rule, coinsurance costs, and how Medicare Advantage plans may differ.

Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?

Find out how Medicare covers home health care services, including skilled nursing, therapy, and home health aides, with no cost-sharing under Original Medicare.

Does Medicare Cover Telehealth and Virtual Visits?

Find out what telehealth and virtual visit services Medicare covers in 2026, including post-pandemic rule changes, audio-only visits, and Advantage plan options.

Does Medicare Cover Genetic Testing?

Learn which genetic tests Medicare covers, including BRCA, Lynch syndrome, and pharmacogenomic testing, plus costs, lab requirements, and scams to avoid.

Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Services?

Understand when Medicare pays for ambulance transportation, including emergency and non-emergency rules, air ambulance coverage, and cost-sharing.

Does Medicare Cover Knee and Hip Replacement?

Learn how Medicare covers knee and hip replacement surgery, including inpatient and outpatient options, rehab benefits, and expected out-of-pocket costs.

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic and Weight-Loss Drugs?

Find out which GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound Medicare covers, what conditions qualify, and what you may pay in 2026.

Does Medicare Cover Weight Loss Surgery?

Find out whether Medicare covers bariatric surgery, including eligibility criteria, covered procedures, pre-surgery requirements, and cost-sharing.

Does Medicare Cover CPAP and Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Find out how Medicare covers CPAP machines, sleep studies, and sleep apnea supplies, including the rental-to-own process and compliance rules.

Does Medicare Cover Cancer Treatment?

Understand how Medicare covers cancer treatment, including hospital stays, chemotherapy, radiation, oral cancer drugs, clinical trials, and financial assistance.

How Medicare Covers Diabetes Supplies and Equipment

Learn how Medicare pays for diabetes supplies including glucose monitors, test strips, insulin pumps, medications, and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.

Medicare Acupuncture Coverage: What You Need to Know

Understand Medicare's acupuncture benefit, including coverage for chronic low back pain, session limits, provider qualifications, and your cost-sharing responsibilities.

Medicare and Hearing Aids: What You Should Know

Discover why Original Medicare excludes hearing aids, which hearing-related services are covered, and what alternatives exist for affordable hearing care.

Medicare Chiropractic Coverage: A Full Guide

Find out which chiropractic services Medicare covers, including spinal adjustments for subluxation, your cost-sharing responsibilities, and finding a provider.

A Full Guide to Medicare Dental Benefits

Discover what dental care Medicare provides, where coverage falls short, and how to secure the dental services you need.

A Full Guide to Medicare Vision Coverage

Learn what eye care services Medicare pays for, from glaucoma screenings to cataract surgery, and discover your options for routine vision care coverage.

Medicare and Telehealth: What's Changing in 2026

Find out which pandemic-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities remain in 2026, which waivers expired, and what Congress and CMS are doing about virtual care.

Medicare Prior Authorization: New Rules for 2026

New 2026 Medicare prior authorization rules bring faster decisions, electronic requirements, and an AI-assisted pilot in six states. Learn what changed.

Medicare Coverage for Non-Working Spouses

Find out how non-working spouses can become eligible for Medicare using their partner's work history, expected premiums, and options for divorced couples.

A Guide to Canceling Medicare: Dropping Parts A and B

Understand how to disenroll from Medicare Parts A and B, what happens when you cancel, and when dropping coverage could be the right choice.

Medicare and Social Security: How They Work Together

Understand how Medicare and Social Security interact, from premium deductions to the hold harmless provision and strategies for coordinating benefits at 65.

Welcome to Medicare: Your Initial Preventive Physical Exam

Learn about the Welcome to Medicare visit, a one-time preventive physical exam available in your first 12 months of Part B coverage, and why you should not skip it.

Qualifying for Medicare Through a Disability

Discover how individuals under 65 can qualify for Medicare through disability, including SSDI, ALS, and ESRD pathways, waiting periods, and what to expect.

Medicare When You're Still Working at 65

Find out how to handle Medicare enrollment if you're still employed at 65, including employer coverage coordination, HSA rules, and avoiding late penalties.

Turning 65: A Month-by-Month Medicare Enrollment Timeline

Follow this month-by-month timeline to prepare for Medicare enrollment before your 65th birthday, covering employer coverage, plan choices, and deadlines.

Postponing Medicare Enrollment: Pitfalls to Watch For

Discover when it is safe to postpone Medicare enrollment and when waiting could lead to penalties, coverage gaps, or surprise expenses.

Medicare Penalties for Late Enrollment

Learn about the late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D, and find out how to prevent them.

What to Do If You Missed Medicare Open Enrollment

Missed the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? Learn about the OEP, Special Enrollment Periods, and other options available to you.

Why Medicare Part B Premiums Crossed $200 in 2026

Medicare Part B premiums hit $203.90/month in 2026, the first time over $200. Learn what's driving the increase and how to manage costs.

Medicare Costs for 2026: Premiums, Deductibles, and Coinsurance

Get a detailed breakdown of Medicare costs for 2026, including Part A, Part B, and Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and IRMAA surcharges.

2026 Medicare Changes: What's New This Year

A comprehensive overview of all Medicare changes taking effect in 2026, including premium updates, new benefits, drug pricing reforms, and what you need to do.

Medicare When You Move to a New State

Find out how moving to a new state affects your Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap coverage, plus steps to take before and after moving.

Mid-Year Medicare Checkup: Is Your Plan Still Right for You?

A guide to reviewing your Medicare coverage mid-year, checking for formulary changes, network updates, and plan switch options.

Medicare Out-of-Pocket Limits Explained

Discover how out-of-pocket limits function in Medicare, why Original Medicare does not include one, and how to shield yourself from steep costs.

Copay vs. Coinsurance: How They Compare

Learn the important distinctions between copays and coinsurance so you can better predict your Medicare expenses.

Medicare Advantage Over-the-Counter Benefits

Understand how Medicare Advantage over-the-counter benefits work, what items you can buy, how OTC allowance cards function, and how they compare to Original Medicare.

A Guide to $0 Premium Medicare Plans

Learn how $0 premium Medicare Advantage and Part D plans function, what benefits they offer, and what trade-offs to keep in mind.

Understanding Medicare Star Ratings: How Plan Quality Is Measured

Learn how Medicare's star rating system works and how you can use it to compare the quality of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.

Understanding Medicare Networks: HMO, PPO, and Provider Directories

Learn how provider networks work in Medicare Advantage plans, including HMO vs PPO differences, in-network vs out-of-network costs, and verification tips.

How to Switch from Medicare Advantage Back to Original Medicare

A step-by-step guide to switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, including enrollment periods and Medigap underwriting risks.

Is Medigap Insurance Worth the Cost?

Evaluate whether a Medigap plan makes sense for you by comparing monthly premiums to potential out-of-pocket savings, and learn the best time to enroll.

Medicare Advantage: How HMO and PPO Plans Compare

See how Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans stack up, including network rules, referral requirements, costs, and which type best fits your needs.

Medicare Enrollment Preparation Checklist

A comprehensive checklist to get you ready for Medicare enrollment, covering document preparation, plan comparisons, and cost planning.

Medicare Special Enrollment Periods: How to Change Coverage Outside Standard Windows

Find out what Medicare Special Enrollment Periods are, which qualifying events make you eligible, and how to use them to adjust your coverage.

How to Compare Medicare Plans: A Step-by-Step Guide

A practical step-by-step guide to comparing Medicare plans, covering premiums, deductibles, drug costs, provider networks, and star ratings.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: A Full AEP Guide

All the essential information about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, including key dates, the changes you can make, and advice for selecting the right plan.

AEP Checklist: What to Review Before December 7

A practical checklist for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period to help you evaluate your plan and make informed decisions.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of any specific Medicare plan. Benefits, costs, and availability vary by plan and location. For complete information about your Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.