Healthcare news for October 15, 2026
Medicare open enrollment opens today, and Advantage premiums are falling while drug costs climb From now through Dec. 7, anyone on Medicare can switch Advantage or Part D drug plans for 2027. CMS says the average Advantage premium drops to about $12 a month, but the yearly cap on covered drug costs rises to $2,400 and many plans are changing networks and benefits. Read your plan's Annual Notice of Change, then compare options on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
In 30 seconds
- Medicare open enrollment runs today through Dec. 7. If you do nothing, most people stay in their current plan, but that plan's costs, doctors and drug list may have changed for 2027.
- Before switching, plug every medicine you take into the Medicare Plan Finder. The $2,400 Part D cap only counts drugs your plan covers.
- Avoid black-market weight-loss drugs sold online as "reta." Retatrutide isn't approved, and the FDA has received reports of two deaths tied to bootleg versions.
- If you're at higher risk and get flu this winter, ask quickly about an antiviral like Tamiflu. A new study found fewer than half of high-risk patients took one.
Medicare & Seniors
Five mistakes to skip during Medicare open enrollment
Not reading your Annual Notice of Change and not comparing total costs top the list. Also check each drug's tier and any prior-authorization rules. Fifteen drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, get negotiated Medicare prices starting Jan. 1.
The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionStand-alone Part D premiums hold near $36 a month for 2027
CMS expects the average stand-alone drug plan premium to rise by less than $1, while drug coverage inside Advantage plans averages about $7 after rebates. People with limited income may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
CMSAging life care managers can lighten the load for families
These professionals, once called geriatric care managers, help with senior housing moves, Medicaid paperwork and doctor visits. They can be a big help when a parent has dementia or care is spread across many doctors.
KFF Health News
Insurance & ACA
What's changing for 2027 ACA plans
Proposed rate hikes have a median of about 15%, the out-of-pocket maximum rises to $12,000, and insurers are exiting in more than 20 states. Subsidies track benchmark prices, so many people who get help may be partly shielded. Enrollment opens Nov. 1 in most states.
healthinsurance.orgWalmart will cover 250-plus drugs at no cost for workers in 2027
The list includes insulin, inhalers and some GLP-1 drugs. GLP-1 coverage is limited to employees with type 2 diabetes and needs a new prior authorization.
Becker's Payer IssuesCentene launches a 'gold card' to ease prior authorization
More than 160,000 providers with strong track records will be able to simply notify the insurer about certain outpatient services instead of waiting for approval, starting next month. Fewer delays could mean faster care for members.
Modern Healthcare
Medicines & FDA
FDA starts building a new path for rare disease treatments
Only about 5% of rare conditions have an approved therapy. The agency wants clearer rules, earlier patient input and approaches suited to tiny trials, and it will hold a public meeting Oct. 28.
HHSTwo deaths reported to the FDA after use of bootleg 'reta' weight-loss shots
Retatrutide is still in trials and isn't approved. Eli Lilly says both people used black-market versions, which can contain the wrong dose or contaminants. The reports don't prove the drug caused the deaths.
CBS NewsFDA approves a pill for herpes sores that won't heal
Hovilpri (pritelivir) is for adults with weakened immune systems whose herpes lesions didn't respond to standard antivirals. In its trial, 63% healed fully within four weeks, compared with 34% on other treatments.
Drug Topics
Staying Well
Wisconsin measles count climbs to 267
Most cases are in a southwest outbreak covering Grant, Iowa, Lafayette and Vernon counties. Two MMR doses are about 97% effective. Symptoms can show up 10 to 21 days after exposure.
FOX 9Most high-risk flu patients skip the recommended antiviral
Only 42% of people over 64, young children and others at higher risk started oseltamivir (Tamiflu), and ER patients were least likely to get it. CDC advises starting it as soon as possible.
CIDRAPBird flu turns up in Washington dairy cows for the first time
Two Yakima County dairy farms are under quarantine after H5N1 was confirmed. Dairy herds in 19 states have now had infections since 2024. Farmworkers are urged to use extra precautions.
CIDRAP
Policy & Law
CVS will pay $315 million to settle federal opioid claims
The Justice Department alleged CVS pharmacies illegally filled opioid and other controlled-substance prescriptions. The pharmacy chain agreed to settle the lawsuits.
The HillFive governors ask HHS to delay Medicaid work rules
Leaders of Oregon, California, Maine, New Mexico and Virginia say they can't put the Jan. 1 requirement in place responsibly in under 100 days. Most affected adults must log 80 hours a month of work, volunteering or school.
Becker's Hospital ReviewCMS gets broader power to kick providers out of Medicare and Medicaid
HHS moved authority to remove providers, insurers and suppliers from the inspector general's office to CMS, citing fraud concerns.
Modern Healthcare
Hospitals & Business
BlackRock buys majority stake in Humana's senior clinics for $2.8 billion
CenterWell Senior Primary Care runs about 150 clinics focused on Medicare Advantage members. Humana plans to use the money to open new sites and run existing ones.
STATMultiCare and Samaritan Health Services merger set to close Nov. 1
After regulators signed off, MultiCare plans to invest $700 million over 10 years in Oregon-based Samaritan.
Modern HealthcareNurses at Edward Hospital in Naperville seek a union
Nurses at the Endeavor Health hospital have petitioned federal labor regulators for an election.
Chicago Tribune