Author: Elizabeth Blessing
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A mandatory Medicare drug-price model takes effect Nov. 30 and covers about a quarter of Original Medicare Part B beneficiaries, picked by random ZIP code areas
Nobody in Medicare signs up for the new drug-price model, and nobody can opt out of it by ZIP code. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized the Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing Model, called GLOBE, and the final rule states: “These regulations are effective on November 30, 2026.” GLOBE applies to “approximately…
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Social Security added 14 conditions to its Compassionate Allowances fast-track list on Oct. 1, bringing the total to 314 for gravely ill disability applicants
Aicardi syndrome, Lafora disease and primary cardiac sarcoma are among 14 conditions the Social Security Administration put on its Compassionate Allowances list as of October 1. The additions bring the list to 314 conditions, according to the agency’s announcement, “Social Security Accelerates Access For Individuals With Severe Disabilities.” The announcement says “over 1.2 million people…
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HealthCare.gov open enrollment for 2027 runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, and Dec. 15 is the last day to pick a plan that starts Jan. 1
People who buy their own health insurance on HealthCare.gov have until Dec. 15 to pick a 2027 plan that starts on Jan. 1. The federal marketplace’s dates and deadlines page sets open enrollment for 2027 coverage to run from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. The gap between those two deadlines is what trips people up.…
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People on Supplemental Security Income get Medicare’s Extra Help with drug costs automatically, Medicare says, as do full-benefit Medicaid enrollees
Medicare says people who get Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI, do not have to apply for Extra Help with their prescription costs. On its drug cost help page, Medicare puts it this way: “You’ll get Extra Help automatically if you get” full-benefit Medicaid coverage, help from a state Medicare Savings Program with Part B…
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The FTC is sending 6,205 refund payments to GOAT customers, and checks must be cashed within 90 days while PayPal payments must be accepted within 30
Two clocks started this week for people who bought from the online sneaker marketplace GOAT. The Federal Trade Commission says it is sending 6,205 refund payments, and checks must be cashed within 90 days while PayPal payments must be accepted within 30. The agency lists the details on its GOAT refunds page. The shorter clock…
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Public comments on Idaho’s food stamp soda and candy ban close Oct. 15 under a USDA notice on the state’s demonstration project
Anyone can tell USDA what they think of Idaho’s ban on buying soda and candy with food stamps until Oct. 15, 2026. A Federal Register notice published Sept. 15 invites public comment on the State of Idaho’s demonstration project, which removes soda and candy from what SNAP benefits can buy. Written comments must be received…
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Social Security’s October notice tells SSI recipients to report wages by the 6th of the month after payday and other changes by the 10th
A paycheck that lands on October 15 has to be reported to Social Security by November 6. A change that happens anywhere in October, such as a move or a new roommate, has until November 10. Those two dates come from the Social Security Administration’s October notice to people on Supplemental Security Income, and they…
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Generic drug buyers from May 2009 to December 2019 can claim without receipts until March 8, 2027 from settlements won by 48 attorneys general
Anyone who bought a generic prescription drug at any point from May 2009 through December 2019 may have a claim in a price-fixing settlement, and a receipt is not needed to file one. The deadline is March 8, 2027, according to the Maine Attorney General’s office, which announced the claims period on September 24 together…
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Iowa Medicaid starts work requirements Dec. 1, 2026 for certain members of its Iowa Health and Wellness Plan, a month before the federal start date
Iowa will start requiring certain adults in its Medicaid expansion plan to meet monthly work or activity rules on Dec. 1, 2026. That is a month ahead of the federal deadline of Jan. 1, 2027. Iowa Medicaid says certain members enrolled in the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan must meet monthly Community Engagement Requirements to…
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CHRISTUS Health Plan ends its Medicare Advantage coverage Dec. 31, 2026, leaving nearly 9,000 members in Texas and New Mexico to choose new coverage from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7
Nearly 9,000 people in Texas and New Mexico have to find new Medicare coverage for 2027. CHRISTUS Health Plan is ending its Medicare Advantage coverage on Dec. 31, 2026, and the company’s own Medicare page says it plainly: “CHRISTUS Health Medicare Advantage coverage ends December 31, 2026.” The member count comes from trade-press reporting, not…