A recent report by the Office of Inspector General has highlighted issues within the Medicare Advantage program. It details the high rate of insurance denials for long-term hospital care by several major insurers. On June 11, 2026, it was revealed that a significant number of requests for long-term hospital care were denied. Specifically, CVS Health...
On hot afternoons, DeAnna Brandon relishes time with her grandchildren and her three dogs in her backyard in Rockwell, North Carolina. These moments are cherished as a blood cancer survivor. But her future moments are uncertain due to new Medicaid work requirements starting next year. Brandon expected to qualify for a medical frailty exemption, but...
The morning chill of February 2023 brought more than just cold air. It brought an excruciating pain that roused me from sleep. This wasn’t the typical ache I’d endured for weeks, reminiscent of a stubborn cramp from too much exertion. Now, standing required leaning against the wall for support. Several hours into my hospital visit,...
Research from the University of Florida raises concerns over glucosamine, a supplement taken by many older adults for joint pain, and its potential role in accelerating Alzheimer’s disease progression. The study, published on June 9 in Nature Metabolism, indicates that individuals with mild cognitive impairment who used glucosamine were 25 percent more likely to develop...
Federal investigators have highlighted concerns over private Medicare Advantage plans denying short-term nursing home or inpatient rehabilitation services. Their reports indicate significant issues with patient care denial. Two reports reveal that prominent insurers selling Medicare Advantage plans have denied around 13% of patient requests for skilled nursing facilities. These refusals occur when patients need recovery...
Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber has raised concerns about substantial Medicaid fraud in Ohio during a Capitol Hill hearing. Faber revealed that the state’s Medicaid system lost billions due to lax program controls. These shortcomings allowed ineligible recipients, including deceased individuals and enrollees from multiple states, to exploit the benefits system. In 2020, over $455...
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new sunscreen ingredient for the United States market. Although this should be a common occurrence, the approval is notable because it is the first of its kind since 1999. This delay stems from legislation that is now 88 years old. This 1938 law has inadvertently hindered...
A prominent group of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYN) has released vaccine guidelines that differ from those advised by the U.S. government. This immunization schedule targets pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women. It reflects earlier recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before recent changes implemented under health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and...
A significant medical diagnosis doesn’t automatically guarantee Social Security disability benefits. Experiencing a health setback can lead to financial stress well before medical expenses start accumulating. Losing income due to illness, injury, or a chronic condition can be overwhelmingly burdensome, especially when households already face high costs for essentials like housing, food, and healthcare. Social...
Over recent years, federal student loan policies and repayment programs have undergone many changes, making borrowers more vigilant about their educational debts. While student loans often seem like a concern for the younger workforce, they increasingly impact older Americans. Many individuals aged 50 and above carry federal student loan balances, facing the challenge of managing...