CMS Proposes Cutting Hospital and Nursing Home Rules to Save $320 Million a Year: What Would Change for Patients

CMS's CARE proposed rule would drop staff training, COVID-19 vaccine, reporting and room standards for hospitals and nursing homes, saving an estimated $320 million a year. Comments open after Nov. 10.

Assistive Technology for Older Adults: How to Try Devices Free, Borrow Before You Buy and Get Medicare to Help Pay

As the Eldercare Locator's Home for the Holidays campaign turns to assistive technology, here is how families can try, borrow, reuse and pay for devices that help older adults stay independent.

193 Counties Will Have No Medicare Advantage Drug Plans in 2027 as Insurers Pull Back, KFF Finds: What Seniors Can Do

KFF's updated analysis finds 638,000 people with Medicare live in counties with no Medicare Advantage drug plan for 2027, as major insurers exit more counties than they enter.

Medicare Makes Drug Price Negotiation Rules Permanent as Up to 20 More Drugs Face Selection by Feb. 1

CMS finalized permanent rules for Medicare's drug price negotiation program on Nov. 5, closing a fixed-combination drug loophole and setting up selection of up to 20 more drugs by Feb. 1, 2027.

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Medicare Makes Drug Price Negotiation Rules Permanent as Up to 20 More Drugs Face Selection by Feb. 1

CMS finalized permanent rules for Medicare's drug price negotiation program on Nov. 5, closing a fixed-combination drug loophole and setting up selection of up to 20 more drugs by Feb. 1, 2027.

Medicare Finalizes 2027 Doctor Pay Rule: Rates Fall About 2% as ACOs Gain Power to Waive Patient Cost-Sharing

CMS finalized the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, lowering the conversion factor about 2% as a one-year boost expires, trimming same-day visit payments and letting approved ACOs waive Part B cost-sharing starting April 2027.

Final Labor Department Rule Makes PBMs Disclose Rebates, Spread Pricing and Fees to Large Employer Health Plans

A final Labor Department rule published Nov. 2 requires pharmacy benefit managers to disclose rebates, spread pricing and other pay to large self-insured employer health plans, starting with plan years from July 1, 2027.

FDA Removes Breast Cancer, Heart and Dementia Boxed Warnings From 3 More Estrogen Patches Amid Supply Strain

The FDA approved new labels for three more estradiol patches, removing breast cancer, heart disease and dementia statements from boxed warnings, and says it sees no imminent nationwide patch shortage.

HHS Will Let Pharmacies Compound 6 Unapproved Peptides, Including BPC-157 and TB-500, Under Interim Policy

HHS says it won't take enforcement action against licensed pharmacies that compound six unapproved peptides, including BPC-157 and TB-500, while the FDA writes a formal rule.

HHS Finalizes HTI-5 Rule Cutting 14 Health Record Software Requirements, Projecting $1.5 Billion in Savings

HHS's health IT office finalized HTI-5, removing 14 of 60 certification criteria for electronic health record software. It scaled back the 34 removals it proposed in December.

CMS Proposes Making ACA Enrollees Prove Eligibility Before They Get Subsidies, Starting With 2028 Coverage

A CMS proposed rule would make ACA marketplace enrollees verify income, immigration status and more before getting subsidies, starting with 2028 coverage.

Blogs

Hormone Therapy’s Boxed Warning Is Being Rewritten: What Changed for Women in Menopause, and What Didn’t

Nine menopause hormone therapy products now carry labels without heart, breast cancer and dementia boxed warnings. Why FDA changed course, what stays, and what to ask.

Uninsured Rate for Working-Age Adults Jumps to 11.2% Before 2027 Medicaid Cuts, Commonwealth Fund Survey Finds

The uninsured rate for working-age adults rose to 11.2% in 2026 before Medicaid cuts begin, and half skipped care due to cost, Commonwealth Fund finds.

Workers Now Pay $7,471 a Year for Family Health Coverage as Premiums Top $28,000, KFF Survey Finds

Family premiums for employer health coverage hit $28,303 in 2026 and workers' share jumped 9% to $7,471, KFF's annual survey finds. Small-firm workers pay most.

Fewer Than 1 in 4 Mental Health Calls Get an Appointment, New Study of Insurer ‘Ghost Networks’ Finds

Secret shoppers called 5,822 in-network psychiatrists and psychologists. Only 23.6% of calls that reached a person ended in an appointment.

Health

Seniors

Disability

10 States Win $12.7 Million in Federal Respite Care Grants for Families Caring for Loved Ones With Disabilities

ACL awarded $12.66 million over three years to 10 states to expand respite care for family caregivers of people with disabilities and chronic conditions. Here are the states and how to find respite help.

SSI Recipients Will Get Two Payments in December as a 3.6% Raise Kicks In: 2027 SSI and SSDI Amounts to Know

SSI recipients will get two deposits in December 2026 because Jan. 1 is a holiday. The 3.6% COLA lifts the maximum federal SSI payment to $1,029 and raises 2027 earnings limits for disability beneficiaries.

Social Security Rolls Out Shorter Approval Notices for Disability Appeals as Initial Claims Backlog Falls 23%

Social Security began sending a shorter Decision Notice for some approved disability appeals. What it says, SSA's backlog numbers and the 2027 SSI and SSDI amounts.

LIHEAP Heating Help Opens for Winter: How Seniors and People With Disabilities Can Apply, and Key State Dates

The federal government released $3.6 billion in LIHEAP energy aid for fiscal 2027. Here's who qualifies, when key states open applications and how seniors and people with disabilities can apply.

HHS Awards $35.8 Million for 68 Disability Research Grants, From Spinal Cord Injury Care to ADA Help Centers

HHS announced $35.8 million in fiscal 2026 funding for 68 new disability research, technology and training grants, including the ADA National Network and spinal cord injury centers.

Major Win for Patient and Senior Care as Advanced Patient Transfer Solutions Redefine Safety and Mobility

Discover how advanced patient transfer solutions are transforming senior care and healthcare facilities—reducing injuries, improving safety, and setting a new standard in mobility and dignity for patients and caregivers alike.

Resources

Assistive Technology for Older Adults: How to Try Devices Free, Borrow Before You Buy and Get Medicare to Help Pay

As the Eldercare Locator's Home for the Holidays campaign turns to assistive technology, here is how families can try, borrow, reuse and pay for devices that help older adults stay independent.

Clocks Fell Back and Evenings Are Darker: A Home Safety, Mood and Driving Guide for Seniors and Caregivers

Daylight saving time ended Nov. 1, bringing darker evenings. Here is what the CDC, NIMH and NHTSA recommend on lighting and falls, eye exams, winter blues, medicines and night driving, plus free help lines.

ACA Open Enrollment for 2027 Starts Nov. 1: Key Deadlines, Subsidy Income Limits and Where to Get Free Help

ACA open enrollment for 2027 runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 on HealthCare.gov. Key deadlines, the 400% poverty cutoff for tax credits, and where to get free enrollment help.

Florida Programs and Grants for Seniors and People With Disabilities (2026 Guide)

A plain-English 2026 guide to Florida programs for seniors and people with disabilities: in-home care, Medicaid waivers, Medicare savings, SNAP, LIHEAP, property tax exemptions and how to apply.
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Opportunities

Seniors 62 and Older in Rural Areas Can Get Up to $10,000 in USDA Home Repair Grants: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

USDA's Section 504 program offers grants of up to $10,000 to very-low-income rural homeowners 62 and older to fix health and safety hazards, plus 1% repair loans. Applications are open year-round.

Bon Secours Mercy Health Affiliate to Buy Surgery Partners in $5.7 Billion Bet on Outpatient Surgery

HealthSpan Partners, an affiliate of nonprofit Bon Secours Mercy Health, agreed to take Surgery Partners private in a deal valued at about $5.7 billion including debt.

Kaiser Permanente’s Risant Health Signs Deal to Bring In INTEGRIS, Oklahoma’s Largest Nonprofit Health System

INTEGRIS Health, Oklahoma's largest nonprofit system, signed a deal to join Kaiser Permanente's Risant Health. What it means for patients and business.

Cencora Strikes $2.4 Billion Deal for Florida’s American Oncology Network and Its 350 Cancer Providers

Cencora agreed to buy Fort Myers-based American Oncology Network, with 350+ cancer providers in 21 states, at a $2.4 billion value. What the deal means.

Tips & Advice
Tips

Thyroid and Blood Pressure Pill Recalls: 7 Ways Seniors and Caregivers Can Check Medicines and Stay Safe

FDA's latest weekly enforcement reports list recalls of a levothyroxine brand and two combination blood pressure pills. Here is how seniors and caregivers can check their medicines without putting their health at risk.

Medicaid Work Requirements Begin by Jan. 1: 7 Ways People With Disabilities and Caregivers Can Protect Coverage

States must start Medicaid work requirements by Jan. 1, 2027. People with disabilities and family caregivers are exempt, but only if the state knows. Seven steps to take now.

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7: 8 Things Seniors and Caregivers Should Check Before Keeping a 2027 Plan

Medicare open enrollment ends Dec. 7. A sourced checklist for 2027: the $2,400 Part D cap, 15 newly negotiated drug prices, Extra Help, networks and free counseling.

Quest Diagnostics Says Hackers Accessed Patient Records in Its Lab Ordering System: What Patients Should Know

Quest Diagnostics says hackers accessed its Quanum lab ordering system and that patient records and personal information were affected. Here's what patients should know.

Aging in Place: The Ultimate Home Safety & Independence Guide for Seniors Living at Home

Every senior deserves the comfort and dignity of living safely at home. This complete aging-in-place guide breaks down home safety upgrades, mobility support, and caregiver resources — helping families plan confidently for independence.

How War Affects Civilians: The Silent Mental Health Crisis and Emergency Preparedness for Seniors, Veterans PTSD, and the Impact of News on Mental Health

In an age of escalating global conflict, understanding how war affects civilians is more critical than ever. This article explores the silent mental health crisis impacting seniors, veterans, and families—highlighting rising anxiety, veterans PTSD, and the profound impact of news on mental health. Discover practical strategies for emergency preparedness for seniors and how communities can build resilience amid uncertainty.

Summer Activities for Seniors Are Being Redefined: How Mobility Solutions Are Fueling a Season of Freedom and Outdoor Living

As summer arrives, a new chapter of freedom is unfolding for America’s seniors. From revitalized outdoor activities to groundbreaking mobility solutions, older adults are stepping back into the sunshine—on their own terms. Discover how this season is transforming the way we think about aging, independence, and the future of senior living.

More stories

Humana and UnitedHealthcare End Medicare Advantage Plans for About 1 Million Seniors: What to Do Before Dec. 7

Humana and UnitedHealthcare are ending Medicare Advantage plans for about 1 million seniors in 2027. Here is what affected members should do before Dec. 7.

Flu Hospitalizations Hit Highest Mid-October Rate Since 2010 as CDC Flags Early Season and a New H5N1 Case

Flu hospitalizations are at the highest mid-October rate since 2010-11, CDC data show, with seniors hit hardest, H1N1 dominant and a new H5N1 case in Washington.

CMS Launches $275M Program Paying Nurses Up to $50,000 to Work 3 Years in Nursing Homes

CMS and the states launched a $275 million program offering nurses up to $40,000 in loan repayment and a $10,000 stipend to work 3 years in rural or short-staffed nursing homes.

Feds Charge 15 in $1.8 Billion Los Angeles Health Care Fraud Takedown, Including Largest Sober Home Scheme

DOJ charged 15 people, including 6 medical professionals, in Los Angeles health care fraud cases topping $1.8 billion, led by a $1.6 billion sober home scheme.

Kennedy Unveils Prevention-First Alzheimer’s Plan in Fort Lauderdale as FDA Launches a Dementia Accelerator

HHS's 2026 Alzheimer's plan puts prevention first, and the FDA launched an Alzheimer's Prevention Accelerator. What it means for families and caregivers.