Resource Library

Without Medicaid, many Medicare enrollees—especially those with limited income—would struggle to afford care, risking their health or having to choose between medical care and housing, food and other essentials. Cutting Medicaid would directly harm millions of Medicare enrollees and increase costs for the Medicare program and state budgets.

Medicare guarantees access to health care for older adults and people with disabilities. Together with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid, Medicare builds health security and well-being for New Yorkers of all ages. Any changes to these programs, whether at the state or federal level, must aim for healthier people, better care, and smarter spending—not paying more for less.

A comprehensive commentary by the Medicare Rights Center on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule for Contract Year 2026 (CMS–4208–P). The document outlines feedback and recommendations on changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and related policies. Topics include consumer protections, health equity, benefit transparency, drug affordability, and the integration of AI in healthcare services. This submission emphasizes safeguarding beneficiary access to affordable, equitable, and transparent healthcare.

This report features the top helpline trends and highlights the most commonly sought helpline and Medicare Interactive answers, providing a glimpse into the various questions and needs of Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, and the professionals assisting them in the community in 2023. 

This case study focuses on how automatic enrollment in Medicare Savings Programs can remove many individuals’ barriers when enrolling. Simplifying the enrollment process is essential to increasing participation and ensuring that more people can benefit from these vital programs. 

Medicare Savings Program recertification varies widely nationwide. This case study compares two experiences—one with automatic recertification and one with a more complex process—to illustrate the need for nationwide Medicare Savings Program recertification improvements.