Alaska's open enrollment for health insurance kicks off on November 1. This is the time when people can sign up, renew, or switch their health plans. But there's a catch this year. The United Way of Anchorage, which has been a big help to many Alaskans in finding the right health plan, is facing a huge cut in funding. This means they won't be able to offer as much as...
CalOptima Health, a program that helps low-income people in Orange County get health insurance, is putting $19. 8 million into a plan to help people keep their Medi-Cal coverage. Starting in 2026, there are going to be big changes to Medi-Cal, like more frequent renewals, new work rules, and cuts for people who aren't permanent residents. CalOptima wants to make sure...
Health insurance costs in the U. S. are climbing fast. For families, the average yearly cost is now close to $27, 000. This is a big jump, especially since costs have been going up for three years straight. Economists are worried. When health care costs rise faster than the economy, there's less money for wages. This can slow down job growth and make life harder for...
More and more people are using weight loss drugs through their jobs. But these drugs are expensive. This is causing big problems for employers. Big companies are more likely to cover these drugs. 43% of large firms now offer this benefit. That's up from 28% last year. But smaller companies are not following suit. Only 16% of firms with 200 to 999 workers cover weigh...
In 2025, families in the U. S. are feeling the pinch as health insurance premiums hit nearly $27, 000 a year. This is a 6% jump from the previous year, mainly due to the rising costs of prescription drugs, especially those for weight loss. Workers are now paying an average of $6, 850 towards these premiums, while employers cover the rest. The main culprits behind th...
The government shutdown might make things tricky for Medicare open enrollment, which runs from October 15 to December 7. Even though the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says updates will keep going, getting quick answers might be harder. Experts suggest taking your time with big decisions. Philip Moeller, who wrote a book on Medicare, thinks it's smart to...
Idaho is facing a serious issue with health insurance costs. Many people will soon see their premiums go up a lot. Some say this is because the government is giving too much help to people who don't need it. But that's not the whole story. The truth is, the changes will hit lower-income families the hardest. For example, someone making $28, 000 a year could see thei...
Massachusetts has made a bold move by ordering insurance companies to cover vaccines approved by its health department, even if the CDC doesn't fully support them. This decision puts Massachusetts at the forefront of U. S. states, ensuring that residents have access to vaccines that the state deems necessary. Insurers typically follow the CDC's expert panel recommen...
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, one thing remains constant: the power of research. UnitedHealth Group, a major player in the industry, has been under scrutiny for its approach to research and its impact on Medicare Advantage. This isn't just about numbers and data; it's about how this research shapes the care we receive and the costs we pay. At a recent co...
Cancer is a serious illness that requires strong weapons to fight. One powerful weapon is immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These treatments help the body's defense system attack cancer cells. They have been successful in helping people live longer, even when cancer has spread. However, these treatments are costly. This is where health insurance steps in. Without ...