Medicare Rights Center
@medicarerights.bsky.social
Since 1989, we’ve been helping people with Medicare understand their rights and benefits, navigate the Medicare system, and secure the quality health care they deserve.
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👋 Hey, Bluesky! We’re the Medicare Rights Center, here to help you navigate #Medicare.
✅ Medicare questions? Call our free helpline: 800-333-4114
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✅ Medicare questions? Call our free helpline: 800-333-4114
✅ Want to join our #advocacy to #ProtectMedicare? Visit MedicareRights.org
✅ Need trusted Medicare info? Check out MedicareInteractive.org
In April, Medicare Rights launched What’s at Stake for Older Adults and People With Disabilities, a series breaking down how proposed & ongoing changes to Medicare, Medicaid, & the Affordable Care Act affect health coverage and costs for the named groups. www.medicarerights.org/policy-serie...
What’s at Stake for Older Adults and People With Disabilities
This series from the Medicare Rights Center aims to delve into various policy ideas and their potential impacts on major health care programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)...
www.medicarerights.org
October 8, 2026 at 4:42 PM
In April, Medicare Rights launched What’s at Stake for Older Adults and People With Disabilities, a series breaking down how proposed & ongoing changes to Medicare, Medicaid, & the Affordable Care Act affect health coverage and costs for the named groups. www.medicarerights.org/policy-serie...
With Medicare Fall Open Enrollment just over a week away, we encourage you to read this article to learn more about our organization and the support you, your clients, or loved ones can access by giving us a call at our free, national helpline number: 800-333-4114.
Health care costs and affordability top the public’s list of economic anxieties in the U.S., according to recent polling by KFF, a leading U.S. health policy organization. @medicarerights.bsky.social Learn more: https://bit.ly/4hzdvVy
October 7, 2026 at 7:26 PM
With Medicare Fall Open Enrollment just over a week away, we encourage you to read this article to learn more about our organization and the support you, your clients, or loved ones can access by giving us a call at our free, national helpline number: 800-333-4114.
H.R. 1 in '25 put in motion cuts to Medicaid totaling ~$1 trillion over 10 years. Some have already gone into effect (as of Oct. 1, Medicaid eligibility ended for most lawfully present immigrants), and others will take effect in coming years. Medicaid cuts harm health care infrastructure in the US.
What's at Stake in 2026: Medicaid Cuts - Medicare Rights Center
In July 2025, the passage of H.R. 1 set into motion cuts to Medicaid totaling about $1 trillion over ten years. Some of them have already gone into effect (as of today, October 1, Medicaid eligibility...
www.medicarerights.org
October 2, 2026 at 8:23 PM
H.R. 1 in '25 put in motion cuts to Medicaid totaling ~$1 trillion over 10 years. Some have already gone into effect (as of Oct. 1, Medicaid eligibility ended for most lawfully present immigrants), and others will take effect in coming years. Medicaid cuts harm health care infrastructure in the US.
Since health plans, costs, and individual circumstances can change from year to year, the Medicare Rights Center urges people with Medicare to evaluate their options each fall. This is also a good time to check on eligibility for Medicare cost assistance programs.
New Insights on 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Offerings - Medicare Rights Center
Medicare’s annual Fall Open Enrollment (FOE) period runs October 15–December 7. During this time, people with Medicare can make certain changes to their coverage, like switching from Original Medicare...
www.medicarerights.org
October 2, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Since health plans, costs, and individual circumstances can change from year to year, the Medicare Rights Center urges people with Medicare to evaluate their options each fall. This is also a good time to check on eligibility for Medicare cost assistance programs.
To manage unaffordable medical bills, nearly 10% of older adults cut back on household spending. Previous research underscores that intense financial pressures can force beneficiaries to choose between basic needs, like paying for groceries or prescriptions.
Medicare Beneficiaries With Multiple and Complex Health Needs Face Challenges - Medicare Rights Center
New KFF polling focuses on the health care access and affordability challenges among adults with multiple or complex health conditions, including older Medicare beneficiaries. The results suggest impo...
www.medicarerights.org
September 25, 2026 at 8:15 PM
To manage unaffordable medical bills, nearly 10% of older adults cut back on household spending. Previous research underscores that intense financial pressures can force beneficiaries to choose between basic needs, like paying for groceries or prescriptions.
In Jan. '26, CMS launched a 6-year model creating an AI-forward prior auth system for a limited number of Original Medicare services in 6 states. According to new records—and previous reporting—this model has led to inappropriate delays, denials of care, provider burdens, and harm for those with OM.
New Records Show Medicare WISeR AI Prior Authorization Model Causing Inappropriate Denials of Care - Medicare Rights Center
Historically, Original Medicare (OM) uses very little prior authorization and has fewer barriers to accessing care than coverage through Medicare Advantage (MA). Starting in January of this year, the ...
www.medicarerights.org
September 24, 2026 at 9:24 PM
In Jan. '26, CMS launched a 6-year model creating an AI-forward prior auth system for a limited number of Original Medicare services in 6 states. According to new records—and previous reporting—this model has led to inappropriate delays, denials of care, provider burdens, and harm for those with OM.
Federal law requires states to recover payment for certain Medicaid services after a beneficiary dies. This means the government can seize a beneficiary’s assets upon their death. These recoveries harm families, contribute to inequities, and provide little financial gain for state Medicaid programs.
Model Policies Tackle Medicaid Estate Recovery - Medicare Rights Center
The Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab, a nonpartisan venture dedicated to making health care and home- and community-based services (HCBS) more accessible, recently released model federal and state...
www.medicarerights.org
September 18, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Federal law requires states to recover payment for certain Medicaid services after a beneficiary dies. This means the government can seize a beneficiary’s assets upon their death. These recoveries harm families, contribute to inequities, and provide little financial gain for state Medicaid programs.
H.R. 1 terminates Medicare coverage for many individuals with lawful immigration status who have worked and paid taxes in the US for decades. This is a significant departure from longstanding policy which recognized eligibility for everyone who had paid sufficient Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Thousands of Immigrants Scheduled to Lose Medicare Coverage in the New Year - Medicare Rights Center
This week, Medicare Rights commented on a proposed rule that implements Medicare eligibility changes for certain immigrants under H.R. 1, the reconciliation bill Congressional Republicans passed last ...
www.medicarerights.org
September 18, 2026 at 5:25 PM
H.R. 1 terminates Medicare coverage for many individuals with lawful immigration status who have worked and paid taxes in the US for decades. This is a significant departure from longstanding policy which recognized eligibility for everyone who had paid sufficient Social Security and Medicare taxes.
We are excited to share that we will be recognizing Eric Sollod as this year's featured volunteer at our Annual Benefit in October. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Eric has been counseling on our helpline for 17 years, bringing expertise and dedication to every call.
September 16, 2026 at 7:51 PM
We are excited to share that we will be recognizing Eric Sollod as this year's featured volunteer at our Annual Benefit in October. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Eric has been counseling on our helpline for 17 years, bringing expertise and dedication to every call.
H.R. 1’s cuts to public funding for SNAP are pushing millions of people out of the program and causing older adults to face increasing challenges affording food. Researchers have noted the link between food insecurity and general health, dementia, heart disease, and other conditions.
High Prices, Cuts in Programs Keep Food Insecurity Rates High for Older Adults - Medicare Rights Center
Food insecurity for adults 50 and older rose after the pandemic. Now, H.R. 1’s cuts to public funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are pushing millions of people out of the...
www.medicarerights.org
September 11, 2026 at 9:10 PM
H.R. 1’s cuts to public funding for SNAP are pushing millions of people out of the program and causing older adults to face increasing challenges affording food. Researchers have noted the link between food insecurity and general health, dementia, heart disease, and other conditions.
In low-income 50+ households, basic needs account for over 80% of all spending. Critical programs—Medicaid and SNAP—can help. But they are facing significant headwinds due to changes in H.R. 1 that threaten to strip health coverage from millions, worsen poverty, and deepen food insecurity.
Financial Pressures Erode Affordability for Low-Income Older Adults - Medicare Rights Center
A new report from the AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) examines spending patterns and affordability challenges in households with low-income older adults. Examining data from the U.S. Bureau of Labo...
www.medicarerights.org
September 11, 2026 at 4:10 PM
In low-income 50+ households, basic needs account for over 80% of all spending. Critical programs—Medicaid and SNAP—can help. But they are facing significant headwinds due to changes in H.R. 1 that threaten to strip health coverage from millions, worsen poverty, and deepen food insecurity.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included several key changes to Medicare prescription drug coverage that advanced consumer protections. The law’s provisions now help Medicare beneficiaries save money by limiting cost sharing and bringing prices down.
August 28, 2026 at 5:38 PM
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included several key changes to Medicare prescription drug coverage that advanced consumer protections. The law’s provisions now help Medicare beneficiaries save money by limiting cost sharing and bringing prices down.
A recent analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warns of $1 trillion in MA overpayments and $150 billion in higher Part B premiums for all Medicare beneficiaries over the next decade. To lower costs and center beneficiary needs, policymakers must improve MA payment accuracy.
Evidence of MA Overpayment Continues to Mount - Medicare Rights Center
A recent analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) examines the latest projections on Medicare spending to warn of $1 trillion in possible Medicare Advantage (MA) overpayment...
www.medicarerights.org
August 28, 2026 at 2:06 PM
A recent analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warns of $1 trillion in MA overpayments and $150 billion in higher Part B premiums for all Medicare beneficiaries over the next decade. To lower costs and center beneficiary needs, policymakers must improve MA payment accuracy.
Last week's Consumer Price Index release showed a 3.1% decrease in prices from a year ago, the steepest year-over-year drop since 1963. Medicare's drug price negotiation is likely among the factors that resulted in this decrease.
Some Good News on Drug Pricing, More to Be Done - Medicare Rights Center
Last week’s Consumer Price Index release from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics included some good news on prescription drug costs—showing a 3.1% decrease in prices from a year ago. This is the stee...
www.medicarerights.org
August 21, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Last week's Consumer Price Index release showed a 3.1% decrease in prices from a year ago, the steepest year-over-year drop since 1963. Medicare's drug price negotiation is likely among the factors that resulted in this decrease.
As of April 1, MA and other private plans must publicly report and display specific data around prior authorization rates. CMS has now released welcome new guidance to improve how and where this information must be reported.
More Clarity on the Horizon for Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization, Burden Will Remain - Medicare Rights Center
Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began requiring Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations to publicly report prior authorization data for use by people with Medicare,...
www.medicarerights.org
August 21, 2026 at 1:56 PM
As of April 1, MA and other private plans must publicly report and display specific data around prior authorization rates. CMS has now released welcome new guidance to improve how and where this information must be reported.
Premium support, a system where beneficiaries must purchase health insurance with a limited allowance from the government, would be a complete restructuring of Medicare and signal the end of the program as we know it.
What's at Stake in 2026: Medicare Premium Support - Medicare Rights Center
The mechanism by which people pay for Medicare has been the same since the program’s beginning over sixty years ago. Americans pay into the federal health care fund during their working years, and the...
www.medicarerights.org
August 14, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Premium support, a system where beneficiaries must purchase health insurance with a limited allowance from the government, would be a complete restructuring of Medicare and signal the end of the program as we know it.
In 2023, New York expanded MSP income eligibility, opening the door for nearly 300,000 more New Yorkers to get help affording Medicare. That win followed years of advocacy by a coalition that included the Medicare Rights Center. A new independent research brief looks at the impact.
Research Suggests New York’s Efforts to Expand Medicare Cost Assistance Eligibility Are Working - Medicare Rights Center
A new independent research brief from academic experts examines the impacts of New York’s recent efforts to improve access to Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and Medicaid for Medicare beneficiaries. ...
www.medicarerights.org
August 13, 2026 at 8:50 PM
In 2023, New York expanded MSP income eligibility, opening the door for nearly 300,000 more New Yorkers to get help affording Medicare. That win followed years of advocacy by a coalition that included the Medicare Rights Center. A new independent research brief looks at the impact.
For medical frailty to count, it must impair “an individual’s ability to engage in community engagement activities.” This creates an arbitrary process for determining frailty that runs counter to congressional intent, as it would keep medically frail people from the statutorily required exemption.
Medicaid Work and Reporting Requirements Rule Deeply Flawed - Medicare Rights Center
Last week, the Medicare Rights Center submitted comments on the Medicaid Community Engagement final rule which implements policies from HR 1 that create barriers and red tape for people with expansion...
www.medicarerights.org
August 7, 2026 at 5:51 PM
For medical frailty to count, it must impair “an individual’s ability to engage in community engagement activities.” This creates an arbitrary process for determining frailty that runs counter to congressional intent, as it would keep medically frail people from the statutorily required exemption.
Medicare enrollment will rise from 63 million to 91 million people by 2060, raising program spending. At Medicare Rights, we urge policymakers to enact commonsense efforts to lower enrollee out-of-pocket costs, fill gaps in coverage, and ease access to low-income assistance programs.
Medicare Spending Trends and Opportunities - Medicare Rights Center
A new KFF brief examines key trends shaping the Medicare spending landscape, including shifting demographics, enrollment patterns, and payment policies. Population Growth One driver in higher Medicare...
www.medicarerights.org
August 7, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Medicare enrollment will rise from 63 million to 91 million people by 2060, raising program spending. At Medicare Rights, we urge policymakers to enact commonsense efforts to lower enrollee out-of-pocket costs, fill gaps in coverage, and ease access to low-income assistance programs.
Since becoming law, Medicare and Medicaid have expanded to meet the health care needs of the population, reflect medical advancements, and further accessibility. Despite important progress, recent policy changes have limited the ability of the programs and the ACA to meet needs across the US.
Medicare at 61: A History of Expanding Care - Medicare Rights Center
Sixty-one years ago this month, Medicare and Medicaid became law. In the decades since, the programs have changed and expanded to meet the health care needs of the population, reflect advancements in ...
www.medicarerights.org
July 31, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Since becoming law, Medicare and Medicaid have expanded to meet the health care needs of the population, reflect medical advancements, and further accessibility. Despite important progress, recent policy changes have limited the ability of the programs and the ACA to meet needs across the US.
The Trump administration is ending a program a year early that helped to keep premiums for standalone Part D plans in check as Inflation Reduction Act Part D changes took effect. Medicare Rights is concerned this decision will unnecessarily erode beneficiary choice, health, and financial security.
Administration to Pull Back on Premium Help for Part D Beneficiaries - Medicare Rights Center
On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced that it would end the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration at the end of 2026, a year earlier than originally envisioned. This program helped to ke...
www.medicarerights.org
July 30, 2026 at 9:01 PM
The Trump administration is ending a program a year early that helped to keep premiums for standalone Part D plans in check as Inflation Reduction Act Part D changes took effect. Medicare Rights is concerned this decision will unnecessarily erode beneficiary choice, health, and financial security.
In an accompaniment to the "What's at Stake" series, a video from Medicare Rights introduces policy ideas related to changing Medicaid and the ACA that are under consideration or underway. It breaks down the ideas and how they threaten public health care. youtu.be/2DATx1Yw_Lk
Medicaid and the ACA: What's at Stake for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
YouTube video by Medicare Rights Center
youtu.be
July 29, 2026 at 7:35 PM
In an accompaniment to the "What's at Stake" series, a video from Medicare Rights introduces policy ideas related to changing Medicaid and the ACA that are under consideration or underway. It breaks down the ideas and how they threaten public health care. youtu.be/2DATx1Yw_Lk
We’re honored to have Tricia Neuman as the keynote speaker at our 2026 Annual Benefit. Formerly Senior Vice President at KFF and Executive Director of its Program on Medicare Policy, Dr. Neuman is widely known as one of the nation's foremost experts on Medicare & health policy.
July 28, 2026 at 6:06 PM
We’re honored to have Tricia Neuman as the keynote speaker at our 2026 Annual Benefit. Formerly Senior Vice President at KFF and Executive Director of its Program on Medicare Policy, Dr. Neuman is widely known as one of the nation's foremost experts on Medicare & health policy.
Intended to reduce federal spending on Medicaid, HR 1’s changes will result in sweeping cuts to the program, strain state budgets, and endanger older adults and people with disabilities. The ideas behind HR 1’s Medicaid cuts are not new.
July 27, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Intended to reduce federal spending on Medicaid, HR 1’s changes will result in sweeping cuts to the program, strain state budgets, and endanger older adults and people with disabilities. The ideas behind HR 1’s Medicaid cuts are not new.
Many Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will get a funding bump after the CMS recalculated payments under the MA Quality Bonus Program (QBP). CMS made changes if new calculations led to a higher score.
Medicare Advantage Organizations Reap Ever Larger Bonuses - Medicare Rights Center
Many Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will get a funding bump after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recalculated payments under the MA Quality Bonus Program (QBP). The move from CMS co...
www.medicarerights.org
July 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Many Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will get a funding bump after the CMS recalculated payments under the MA Quality Bonus Program (QBP). CMS made changes if new calculations led to a higher score.