California Health Tax Moves Forward
State lawmakers approved a redesigned managed care tax to preserve federal Medicaid funding while adapting to new federal limits on health plan taxes. The plan would lower taxes on Medicaid plans and raise private-plan taxes, shifting more costs toward privately insured Californians if finalized by the governor. Private plans would pay $8.85 monthly per enrollee, […]
What You Will Pay for Medicare in 2026
Medicare premiums and costs increased in 2026. Part B monthly premium rose to $202.90, a 9.7% increase, with a $257 annual deductible. Part A deductible is $1,676, with no premium for most eligible beneficiaries. Part D average premium is about $46.50/month, with a $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap. High-income beneficiaries pay additional surcharges. Medicare Advantage premiums […]
Dental Insurance Do’s and Don’ts
~90% of US dental practices participate in one or more plans, and even nonparticipating practices may be missing a chance to increase production. Practices can reach out to patients who will lose benefits at year-end, especially those with incomplete treatment and remaining coverage still available. The outreach goal is simple: remind patients they still have […]
US Health Coverage Gaps Remain Significant
Current estimates show ~27M Americans lack health insurance, representing ~8% of the population and keeping coverage access central to policy discussions nationwide. Uninsured rates run higher among Hispanic, Black, American Indian, Alaska Native, low-income residents, and people in states without expanded public insurance eligibility today. Primary care capacity remains tight, with 0.3 primary care doctors […]
Should You Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth After 60?
Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth after 60 can be beneficial if future tax brackets are expected to rise, for leaving tax-free assets to heirs, or funding large expenses without increasing taxable income. The conversion triggers immediate taxes and may increase Medicare surcharges later. For those 73 or older, conversions don't reduce current RMDs […]
US Cancer Denials Can Be Appealed
Past cancer-care research found prior authorization was common from 2022 to 2024, often adding patient involvement, delays, financial strain, and stress during treatment. Patients can ask treating oncologists for peer-to-peer review; one radiation oncology department saw ~70% of denials reversed without changing the treatment plan. Formal internal appeals also worked: a specialty survey found 73% […]
California Health Program Faces Budget Choices
California’s state health coverage program covers ~14.5M residents, >one-third of the population, and represents $222B in annual spending for 2026-2027 in the governor’s budget. Federal funding shapes California’s incentives: expanded-coverage enrollees receive ~90% federal support, while traditional populations receive ~50%, shifting major costs onto federal taxpayers overall. Provider tax arrangements also boost matching funds: California […]
When Will Social Security Run Out of Money?
The 2025 Social Security Trustees Report projects the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund will be depleted by early 2033, leading to a 23% benefit cut unless addressed. The Medicare Hospital Insurance trust is also expected to be depleted by 2033 due to rising hospital costs. Declining worker-to-beneficiary ratios and a wage base not keeping […]
US Dental Insurance Needs More Clarity
Unexpected costs lead household decision-maker frustrations, with ~40% naming surprise bills as their top issue when choosing or using dental coverage today. Cost clarity also matters: ~20% cite limited price transparency, while similar shares point to unclear coverage details and scheduling challenges during care planning. Plan design can add confusion, especially annual maximums, frequency limits, […]
Medicare Won’t Pay for Your Nursing Home – Here Is What Will
Most Americans mistakenly believe Medicare covers nursing home care, but it primarily covers short-term skilled nursing after hospitalization, with strict limits and copayments. Long-term care, including assistance with daily activities, is generally not covered by Medicare or standard insurance. Long-term care insurance or hybrid life insurance policies are options, but premiums vary by age and […]