Healthcare Writer
Michael LaPick is a Health Insurance/Medicare writer/researcher for HealthCare.com and its web properties.
Previously, he has written investigative stories for the Poughkeepsie Journal and WAMC NPR Albany, keeping an eye on how Americans spend their money.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized key changes to Medicare for 2026, impacting prescription drug costs, chronic illness benefits, and access to preventive care. Whether you’re a Medicare beneficiary or a broker guiding clients through plan options, these updates will significantly shape how coverage is delivered and utilized.
This week’s series covers: 2026 Medicare Final Rule Supports LTC Providers, Relaxes AI Oversight, Excludes Obesity Drug Coverage
2026 Medicare Rate Adjustment Benefits Insurers, Pressures Physicians, Raises Access Concerns
Evolving Medicare Advantage Trends: Implications for Access, Choice, and Equity.
This week’s series covers: Medicare Advantage in 2025 sees Part B savings rise as benefits shrink, ACA Marketplace rule public comments close soon, HIPAA security updates under review by OCR.
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Medicare Advantage costing 20% more than Traditional Medicare in 2025, according to MedPAC, Congress extending Medicare Telehealth waivers until September 2025, and CMS ending the Medicare generic drug discount program.
CMS proposes new Marketplace integrity and affordability rules, plans to end the Medicare Advantage VBID model by 2025 due to costs, and the House approves a six-month Telehealth extension while advancing the funding bill to the Senate.
ATA calls on Congress to act by March 31st on permanent Medicare Telehealth rules and fair payment rates. The Supreme Court will review the ACA preventive services case, examining religious freedom and insurance coverage. HHS removes the Richardson waiver, easing public input requirements for rule changes.
Arizona Passes Bill Banning AI in Medical Decisions, Mandating Doctor Review, CBO Warns Expiring ACA Subsidies Could Leave 3.8M Uninsured, Raise Premiums and
Rural Hospital Closures Accelerate as Medicare Tightens Telehealth Access
CMS Partners with Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to Improve Operations, Announces Next Round of Drug Price Talks
2025 D-SNP Changes: CMS replaces quarterly SEP with monthly SEPs for full-benefit dual-eligible individuals.
2026 Marketplace Rule Updates: CMS enhances oversight, transparency, health equity, and cost-sharing rules, and requires standardized plans.
