News and analysis on Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, star ratings, CMS rules, and enrollment.
A mix of federal regulations and voluntary industry pledges is reshaping how Medicare Advantage plans approve — or delay — your medical treatments. Here's what beneficiaries need to know right now.
May 16, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
CMS has recruited 29 major health care organizations to automate prior authorization through electronic systems — a change that could dramatically cut the weeks-long delays that block Medicare Advantage members from getting approved care.
May 16, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
Montana beneficiaries have more Medicare Advantage options than ever in 2026, but plan benefits, costs, and networks vary significantly by county. Here's how to compare what's actually available where you live.
May 15, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans look attractive on paper, but hidden rules around networks, prior authorization, and out-of-pocket limits can leave beneficiaries with unexpected bills. Here's what to watch before you enroll.
May 14, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
New York Medicare beneficiaries have dozens of Advantage plan options in 2026, but the right choice depends on your county, your doctors, and your prescription drug costs. Here's what to know before you enroll.
May 14, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
A wave of insurers dropping Medicare Advantage plans is leaving hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries scrambling to find new coverage — here's what you need to know to protect yourself.
May 13, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
A Johns Hopkins analysis finds roughly 10% of Medicare Advantage enrollees may lose their current plan in 2026 due to insurer withdrawals and service area reductions — here's what that means for you and exactly what to do next.
May 12, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
Indiana beneficiaries have dozens of Medicare Advantage options in 2026, but the best plan depends on your county, your doctors, and what you pay out of pocket when you actually need care.
May 12, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
Maine beneficiaries have more Medicare Advantage choices than ever in 2026, but the right plan depends heavily on your county, your doctors, and what you pay out of pocket when care gets serious.
May 11, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
Ohio Medicare beneficiaries have dozens of Medicare Advantage options in 2026, but plan quality, costs, and coverage vary sharply by county. Here's what to look for before you enroll.
May 11, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
Beneficiaries whose Medicare Advantage plans were discontinued in 2025 typically have multiple comparable replacement options available for 2026, though the quality and cost of those plans varies significantly by county.
May 10, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
Dental, vision, fitness, and over-the-counter allowances are shrinking or disappearing from many Medicare Advantage plans this year — here's what beneficiaries need to know to protect their coverage.
May 9, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
Millions of Medicare beneficiaries are quietly switched into Medicare Advantage plans without fully understanding the consequences. Here's what you need to know before it happens to you — or before you undo it.
May 8, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
Federal regulators are weighing a policy that could automatically place new Medicare beneficiaries into private Medicare Advantage plans — a shift that would fundamentally change how seniors enter the program and what protections they have from day one.
May 8, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
A new federal push to streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage plans could mean faster approvals for surgeries, home health, and specialty care — here's what beneficiaries need to know now.
May 7, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
A sweeping federal initiative to digitize prior authorization in skilled nursing facilities aims to cut delays, reduce paperwork, and put billions back into the Medicare system — here's what it means for you or a loved one needing post-hospital care.
May 7, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
A proposed federal rule could reduce the hoops Medicare Advantage enrollees must jump through to get prescription drugs approved — here's what it means for your coverage and your medicine cabinet.
May 6, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
Wellcare remains one of the most affordable Medicare Advantage options in 2026, but low premiums come with trade-offs in network size and extra benefits that beneficiaries should weigh carefully before enrolling or staying put.
May 6, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage insurers made nearly 53 million prior authorization determinations in 2024, raising urgent questions about whether coverage delays are keeping beneficiaries from getting care they've already paid for.
May 5, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage premiums are only part of the picture. Your age, your state, and your plan type can swing your true annual healthcare costs by thousands of dollars — here's what the numbers actually show.
May 5, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
Federal payment updates for Medicare Advantage plans in 2027 will reshape what insurers can offer — and what you'll pay. Here's how to protect your coverage before changes take effect.
May 4, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage
With dozens of standardized Medigap options on the market, choosing the right supplement plan comes down to your health needs, budget, and where you live. Here's how to cut through the confusion.
May 13, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
The $2,000 out-of-pocket cap is now in effect, reshaping which Part D plans offer the best value for beneficiaries with high drug costs. Here's how to evaluate your options.
May 9, 2026 · Policy Pulse
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans vary wildly in dental benefits — from basic cleanings to full implant coverage. Here's how to compare what's actually worth your money in 2025 and 2026.
May 1, 2026 · Medicare Maven
Medicare Advantage