As we have highlighted in past articles, many people with Medicare—and many callers to our national consumer helpline—struggle to afford their care, especially medications. New research from Wakely emphasizes the importance of increasing affordability and access to medications, showing that when Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for people with low incomes […]
On Tuesday, President Trump issued an executive order on prescription drug pricing that supports key drug industry efforts to weaken the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Medicare negotiation program, putting Medicare and beneficiary savings at risk. Since the IRA’s passage, drugmakers have been seeking ways to dilute or sidestep the negotiations, […]
Tuesday, April 15, was the tax filing deadline for most individuals. For those with Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) that help them pay for health insurance through an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plan, it’s also a reminder that their access to coverage is at risk. Unless Congress acts in the […]
Last week, the Senate passed a budget blueprint laying the groundwork for cuts to health care and other critical programs. Earlier today, the House voted to move forward with those deep cuts. The budget measure passed 216-214, with Republicans Thomas Massie (KY) and Victoria Spartz (IN) joining Democrats in voting […]
Several troubling indicators point to the Trump administration’s unwillingness to rein in Medicare Advantage (MA) payments and to establish appropriate limits on and oversight of plans. Administrative Acts First came the nomination and confirmation of Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency […]
Yesterday, Senate Republicans released a budget resolution that sets the stage for significant program cuts. The House and Senate are still negotiating policy specifics, but Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, and SNAP remain under threat. New Budget Plan Sticks to Fast-Track Timeline but Lacks Specifics Under pressure from the […]
As we highlighted last week, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.—the newly installed head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—have fired thousands of people across many agencies and announced plans for sweeping organizational changes. This week, the terminations continue, targeting […]
