Medicare & Insurance

Source: MedPage Today 10/20/2025 - Primary Care Docs Spend This Many Hours Per Week Caring for Patients Key TakeawaysPCPs clocked a median of 62 weekly hours caring for their patient panel.That figure translated to a median of 1.7 hours per patient per year.The findings come on the heels of other research showing PCP burnout also is high.All I can say, is you better find one, treat them well and then hold on to them as long as you possibly can - Try not to wear them out.    

IF you are not one of the millions that currently has their Part B premiums paid by your state’s Medicaid program, then you will see an increase in these premiums for 2026.  Estimates that I have seen, but yet have been announced, shows that we could top over $200 a month for this cost in 2026 for just regular Part B premiums.  Then, of course, those with higher income will be paying a whole lot more for their Part B premiums in the form of IRMAA payments (Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount). So do you have any suggestions on how to hold down these Part B cost?  In that regard, you have to know what Medicare Part B covers, how waste, fraud and abuse affects the program financially and the coverage determinations that affect it in usage.   Like this one:It has long been the process of moving procedures that were at once considered major operation (Medicare Part A) to being done on an outpatient (ambulatory) status (Medicare Part B).  To me, that is

One of the most popular (non-profit) Medicare Advantage plan insurers in  Minnesota and Wisconsin is exiting the MAPD marketplace in 2026. Modern Healthcare.com 09/04/2025 - Ucare to Exit Medicare Advantage in 2026I do not have full access to this publisher so this is just the highlights to give a heads up so that you can look up more info if it involves your plan Synopsis: UCare will exit the Medicare Advantage market in 2026, the company announced Thursday, citing financial challenges in the business. As of Aug. 1, the nonprofit carrier had 186,700 Medicare Advantage members across Minnesota and Wisconsin, up 31.3% from the same period last year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Overall, the company is one of Minnesota’s largest health insurers, with 600,000 total enrollees. It is the state’s second-largest Medicare Advantage carrier, trailing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, which has 242,500 members. (Tepper, 9/4)

 My wife and I signed up for AARP United Health Care Medicare Supplement plan G in 2020. During the first year our premiums were from January thru December. However, starting from 2021 our premiums increased twice a year from January thru May and again June thru December. I was informed when we signed up that my premiums will change on the month of my birth. My question is, do the premiums increase twice a year? We live in Michigan. Some of my friends with the same plan thru AARP UHC tell me that they are billed once a year. I will appreciate if someone can let me know if this is mistake that we are billed twice a year. I have tried to call their  customer service several times to no avail as I haven’t received a satisfactory explanation. I sent a certified letter to them four months ago and have't heard from them. TIA..

Do not waste your money on AARP Dental insurance plans!!!!  I signed up for a PPO plan that states routine dental procedures covered with no deductible.  I had a routine exam with xrays, oral evaluation and cleaning.  The AARP Deltal Dental PPO plan only covers 80% of this expense leaving you liable for the balance.  This is not the coverage I want At $48 per month.

  AARP should not be selling the Dental Dental Plans as Ins, They are NOT Ins. The doctor I saw did not tell me until I was in the chair that I was not covered for a deep cleaning. This is after he took full xrays and after he sent me to endodontist for a root canal, which was not covered nor were the xrays of $400 plus dollars. I must pay for it. The whole thing has left me with a very bad taste in my mouth. Oh, the dentist I saw would not do the cleanings I was intitled under the plan. I am canceling the Ins. Be warned, do not buy this insurance.

KFF Health News - 10/17/2025 - An Age-Old Fear Grows More Common: ‘I’m Going To Die Alone’  I have always been somewhat of a loner - even more so since I became a widow almost 20 years aga.  I prefer it - so this would make no difference to me.   In fact, in my case, seems some others too, would be to give us a way to predetermine when to end it all.  I am not talking about what some states have today in their laws.  I am talking about a specifically describe time when this compassionate option is open - mentally, physically or emotionally - or any other way.  Like Canada’s method - MAID - Medical Aid In Dying. Your life and your death are your own - do what you want but do not inflict what you want on the life or death of others who do not feel the same way. The ultimate right to choose, IMO.  

FROM THE ARTICLE. Providers for Medicare Advantage Plans Now Listed on Medicare Plan Finder.Part D prescription plans will have pharmacy cost comparisons. By Tony Pugh, AARP. Published October 08, 2025. Key takeaways! [*] More details on Medicare Advantage plans come to plan finder. [*] Participating provider lists should be ready for open enrollment. [*] If the info is wrong, you’ll have 3 months to change plans. [*] Other special enrollment periods could work for you. [*] Details on supplemental benefits, pharmacies also available. The federal government’s main tool that enables consumers to compare Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans is getting some notable improvements for the 2026 coverage year.And enrollees could get a do-over if the effort backfires. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/medicare/medicare-plan-finder-provider-listings/

CNBC 09/29/2025 - Medicare Advantage enrollment expected to fall in 2026 as insurers cut back on unprofitable plans  Yep,with all the changes that CMS is imposing on them now, some plans are just not profitable any longer. Many PPO plans are going away, I think because there is now a Network Adequacy imposed - Networks are also supposed to be posted online on Medicare.gov with the plan for beneficiary’s review before committing to a 2026 plan.  Now they can still change during the year since this is done by contract date with the provider but at least a beneficiary can see what it is during the AEP (Annual Enrollment Period). I have already covered the Value Based Design Insurance (VBDI)  Policies that are going away in 2026.  They were just too expensive to continue.  For those who are in the Special Needs category or can be, many of the extra benefits that were available in the VBDI will be offered in the Special Needs Plans. MAPD (Medicar

FROM THE ARTICLE. Premiums for Medicare Drug Plans Will Be Less Next Year, Feds Say.Open enrollment for Part D and Medicare Advantage plans begins Oct. 15. By Kimberly Lankford and Tony Pugh, AARP. ➡️[*** Updated September 29, 2025.Published September 27, 2024. Key takeaways![1] CMS: Average premiums for Part D, Medicare Advantage to fall.[2] The time to shop is during open enrollment season.[3] Medicare Plan Finder is debuting new features.[4] Check costs for your present Part D or Medicare Advantage plan.[4] Coverage also could change, so assess that, too.Average monthly premiums for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans will decrease in 2026, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).While benefits and plan choices are expected to be stable next year, Medicare Advantage plans from private insurers project that their enrollment will fall from 34.9 million in 2025 to 34 million in 2026. That’s an expected decline from 50 percent of

 I am 68 and have had Medicare since I was 65.  Today I got a notice that my AARP United Health Care Supplement premium went up by $58 per month which is a 32% increase.  The reason cited was "multiple adjustments to my account".  What does that mean and are others experiencing a 32% increase from United Health Care? Thanks, Cindy

AARP did not cover any expenses when I was in the hospital for a pseudo aneurysm as a result of a cardiac catherization the week before. Medicare covered most of it but I still have a $2,000 balance. Is AARP responsible for any of it?

I was told by The Exercise Coach this morning that AARP/UHC has removed them as a gym for Renew Active for 2025.I have looked online at Medicare.gov  as well as the AARP/UHC Plan G for 2025 but not seeing anything that specifies that there will be changes for 2025, other than premium.I called AARP/UHC customer service and was assured that The Exercise Coach  was still an available gym for me for 2025.I found a YouTube video that talks about 2025 changes to renew active. He read a letter that UHC sent to a renew active member over 2 weeks ago. What it stated was that gyms listed as premium locations will no longer be part of Renew Active. The YouTube video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gEIIHEES70 about the 3:39 time mark. He did do a follow up video that indicated that removal of premium gyms was location based.I have not received any communication from AARP/UHC about this. I emailed them to ask if it is true that premium gyms are being dropped and how do we know w

 Earlier this year, (2025), I signed up for the AARP Medicare Advantage (PPO) Plan from United Healthcare. I had some medical issues that would have made for a financial nightmare had I stuck with plain old Medicare. So far the UHC plan has been a lifesaver in both the quality of care and how much it costs. However, I just received the 2006 issue of the Medicare and You book and that plan is no longer being offered by United Healthcare. Well, it is but only if you live in Santa Barbara, which I don't, and at an increased rate. Since it was a PPO plan, many of my doctors are not in network in the available HMO plans that would fit my needs. Now I'm stuck with negotiating new insurance plans for doctors that are out of network with the HMO plans that will fulfill my needs. My team of doctors have been deeply involved with my case since about March, and it is really an almost impossible idea to start over with new doctors that are in network for any new plan that I select. In or

II am currently on Medicaid but I am also eligible to start taking Social Security (62). If I take SS my income will disqualify me for Medicaid and I don't qualify for Medicare either. Where can I go to see what my insurance options are? Thanks, Gary.P.S. In the last 5 years I have had a Heart Attack, Stroke and Kidney Failure (AKI) I'm also diabetic and take 20+ pills a day plus 2 shots a week. I live in Illinois.

Have just received the Annual Notice from UHC.  What is the justification except a UHC money grab?  I've been with AARP B and D for many years with minimal usage for D.  This is the largest %age increase I've seen and the well-known competition now is far lower.  Who at AARP is responsible for selecting UHC - is this what's called  "fighting for health care"?

I've just spent 5 hours over several days with United Healthcare trying to get a vacation override for medication that I would have received but for the fact that I will be out of the country when it is fillable.  My doctor prescribed 3 30-day refills, and last week they told me they would fill 30 days worth that week, telling me I should call again today and it would not be a problem t o get another 30-day vacation override. When I called they told me that I needed to get another prescription from my doctor, which is the opposite of what they told me last week.  When I complained, I got nowhere with the "advocate" because they apparently have NO authority to do anything.  When I told her I wanted to elevate my claim to her supervisor, she told me that the supervisor would tell me the same thing.  When I said I didn't care and wanted to talk to the supervisor, she disconnected me. Dealing with United Healthcare is always maddening.  They seem to exist

With Medicare enrollment coming up, it brought my attention to these questions.My wife and I are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP). I have begun to wonder if there are any benefits to switching to Original Medicare with Supplemental/Medigap insurance. But I have heard different things about moving from a MAP to Original Medicare. It is true that, if you are enrolled in a MAP, it is difficult (or impossible) to switch to Original Medicare with Supplemental insurance? If so, why?  

FROM THE ARTICLE. Lower prices on 10 drugs, new features in plan finder, no reenrollment in prescription payment plan? Check, check and check. By Tony Pugh, AARP. Published October 10, 2025. Key takeaways! [*] You’ll see lower prices on 10 popular high-cost prescriptions. [*] Misled by plan finder? You’ll have a chance to change MA plans. [*] Drug spending cap rises. Payment plan reenrollment is put on auto. [*] Original Medicare begins prior-authorization pilot program. Advantage plan pilot shut down; limits added to second program.new year will bring a new round of Medicare coverage, cost and policy changes that will affect each beneficiary differently, depending on their medical needs, income and other factors. To help you stay in the know, AARP lists some of the most significant changes that will shape your 2026 coverage. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/medicare/whats-new-in-medicare-2026/

Just checked the document for the 2025 changes for the AARP UHC Medicare Advantage plan.Got surprised!!Checked with UHC to confirm (Italics clip from the chat session with the UHC agent):2025 (next year)You pay a $0 copayment for covered preventive and diagnostic services.You no longer have coverage for comprehensive dental services.Platinum Dental RiderYou pay $54.00 a month for up to $1,500 per year for covered preventive and comprehensive dental services6:29 PMYou may check more plans with our sales team. Interesting that they are offering a $54 per month plan that only cover $1500!!!!

FROM THE ARTICLE. A second set of 15 medications are on the bargaining table now. Those lower prices will debut in 2027. By Tony Pugh, AARP. Published October 06, 2025. Key takeaways![*] The government bargained with drug makers to lower prices.[*] 10 drugs initially chosen. Most ended up at least 50% off.[*] Another 15 medicines will be added to the list for 2027.After years of preparation, the first 10 Medicare Part D–covered drugs selected for price negotiations will be available to beneficiaries at reduced cost in 2026.A prescription drug law passed in 2022, which AARP supported, required the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices on 10 popular brand-name, high-priced drugs with no generic equivalent or biosimilar competitors. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/medicare/first-medicare-negotiated-drug-prices-debut/

Good Morningi am looking for any information about AARP Sponsored FOREMOST MOBILE HOME INSURANCE. Hopping to hear from someone that is a policyholder and their experience with this company.thank youMark

When looking over a plan, make sure to note how your part of the coverage is described:  Big difference when it says “co-insurance” instead of  “co-pay” .That seems to be another place where some of the changes are taking place. Also, remember there is the installment payment option for those on really expensive meds - a way to soften the blow even with the $ 2100 deductible for 2026.  The installment payment option for Medicare Part D is called the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP). This voluntary program, available starting in 2025, allows eligible Medicare Part D enrollees to spread their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs across the calendar year instead of paying the full amount at the pharmacy. You must opt into the plan by contacting your Part D plan sponsor and setting it up with them.  Medicare.gov - What is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan? It does help in managing your [high] drug cost and there is no charge for this benefit.

September 2024 my premium was $223.60. In Oct 2025 it will be $271.87. Plus, as I live in the DC area, I will lose access to Johns Hopkins drs and hospitals. Although based in Baltimore, they run two major hospitals near DC and have the strongest network of doctors. Johns Hopkins dropped UHC due to poor coverage. 

FROM THE ARTICLE. Premium Tax Credits Keep Marketplace Health Coverage Affordable for Adults Ages 50–64. By Olivia Dean, AARP Public Policy Institute & Jane Sung, AARP Public Policy Institute. Published September 09, 2025. Millions of Americans, including many ages adults 50–64, depend on private health insurance from the nongroup (individual) market, often through state and federal health insurance Marketplaces. These individuals lack affordable employer-sponsored coverage and do not qualify for public programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. Federal premium tax credits, including enhanced tax credits, have been critical to making Marketplace health insurance affordable for older adults, who face premiums up to three times higher than those for younger adults. Read the full report. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/health/coverage-access/premium-tax-credits-marketplace-health-coverage-affordability/