It is clear that older adults have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with far too many experiencing significant complications, hospitalization, and even death. But the harm of the pandemic goes beyond devastating health consequences to also include negative changes to employment, income, and financial security. This week, the Commonwealth Fund released an issue brief discussing the widespread economic damage the pandemic has caused older adults, and what these impacts may mean going forward for people with Medicare and the program.

This week, the Trump administration withdrew a proposed rule that would have interfered with some Medicaid funding, forcing states to cut Medicaid coverage and services.

The 2020 flu season is just around the corner. Like every year, the flu will be best contained when as many people as possible get a flu vaccine, and this is especially important this year as the health system continues to grapple with the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Recent changes at the USPS have begun to slow delivery of many types of mail, and these delays threaten prescription drug access. Across the nation, there are reports of people going without their medications, which could have dire consequences for those with chronic or severe illnesses.

This week, Medicare Rights submitted comments in response to a proposed rule from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that would set a dangerous precedent by treating health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) as medical insurance for tax purposes.

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that oversees the Medicare program, released more data showing the impact of COVID-19 on people with Medicare. As with previous data, this information confirms that communities of color and people who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid or who have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are disproportionately affected by the virus.

Fall is quickly approaching, meaning more and more schools and parents must decide whether to resume in-person classes amid the continued COVID-19 public health emergency. Importantly, because these choices will have implications for students, school employees, families, and communities, they will require a careful balancing of factors.

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees the Medicare program, released information on the use of Medicare telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

On June 1 and again this week, the Medicare Rights Center submitted comments in response to two rules from the Trump administration that made changes to Medicare policy and coverage during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Today, opponents of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—which include 18 states and the Trump Administration—must file opening briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in the next stage of their attempt to dismantle the health care law.