Healthcare news for October 11, 2026
Medicare's new 2027 star ratings are out, and fewer plans earned top marks CMS posted its 2027 quality ratings for Medicare Advantage and drug plans on Oct. 8. Only 15 plans got five stars, down from 22 last year. Check your plan's rating on Medicare Plan Finder when open enrollment starts Wednesday.
In 30 seconds
- Shopping for Medicare? Look up your plan's 2027 star rating on Plan Finder.
- Your Social Security raise is announced Wednesday.
- Flu arrived early this year. Get your shot now if you haven't.
- Measles cases have topped 4,000 in 2026. Check your vaccine records.
Medicare & Seniors
CMS releases 2027 star ratings for Medicare plans
The average rating for Medicare Advantage drug plans is 3.99 out of 5. Fifteen contracts earned five stars and get a special icon on Plan Finder.
CMSFewer plan choices in 2027, advocates warn
The typical enrollee will see about 28 Advantage plans, down from 32, and 9 standalone drug plans, down from 11. The group urges everyone to compare plans this fall.
Center for Medicare AdvocacyOne-time $90 payment for Part B enrollees
More than 20 million people are getting the payment this month. Those whose premiums are paid by Medicaid, or who pay IRMAA, don't qualify.
The White House
Insurance & ACA
ACA insurers proposed a 15% median price hike for 2027
KFF's review of 276 insurers finds a second straight year of double-digit increases. These are proposed rates; final prices may differ.
KFFInsurers are leaving the ACA Marketplace in more than 20 states
Window-shopping starts Oct. 15 and enrollment opens Nov. 1. If your plan is ending, you'll need to pick a new one.
HealthInsurance.org
Medicines & FDA
FDA approves Tecentriq after surgery for a type of stage III colon cancer
Adding the immunotherapy to chemo cut the risk of the cancer returning or death by half in a 712-patient trial. It is for tumors with a specific genetic marker.
RocheSome Gatorade bottles recalled over unlisted food dyes
Four 28-ounce flavors may contain Yellow 5 or 6 not named on the label. The FDA rates the risk as low.
The Healthy
Staying Well
Flu season is running weeks ahead of schedule
Health-record data show mid-September flu activity was the highest in years. Experts say get your shot early this season.
Medical DailyUS measles cases pass 4,080 for 2026
That's 78% more than all of 2025. Nearly all cases are tied to outbreaks.
Contagion LiveFDA investigating a new Listeria outbreak
Eleven people are sick. The food source hasn't been found yet.
Food Safety News
Policy & Law
Drug industry sues over Medicare price pilot
PhRMA says the plan to tie some Medicare drug prices to other countries' prices goes beyond the law. The suit was filed in federal court in Washington.
STAT'Medicare for All' returns to the campaign trail
The idea polls well, but paying for it remains the big hurdle, with cost estimates far apart.
North Carolina Health NewsFederal hemp-THC ban pushed to Dec. 11
Congress gave the industry one more month. The White House reportedly said there will be no further delays.
Foley Hoag
Hospitals & Business
Humana jumps, Alignment drops in new star ratings
Most Humana members will now be in plans rated 4 stars or higher. UnitedHealth and Aetna will have fewer members in top-rated plans.
Healthcare DiveNorthwell plans a third round of layoffs in under a year
New York's largest health system didn't say how many jobs are affected and will try to place workers in open roles.
Becker's Hospital Review