Healthcare news for October 16, 2026
IRS proposes stricter checks before you can get ACA premium help Treasury and the IRS have proposed new rules for the tax credits that lower Marketplace premiums. Starting with 2027 coverage, the Marketplace would have to verify more of your details, such as income, household size, residence, immigration status and whether you have other coverage, and the credit would be limited to citizens, U.S. nationals and certain lawfully present immigrants. The plan also reflects the end of caps on paying back extra subsidy at tax time. This is a proposal, not final, and the public can comment.
In 30 seconds
- Buy your own coverage? When you sign up for 2027 starting Nov. 1, have pay stubs, tax returns and proof of household size handy. The IRS is proposing stricter checks, and a good income estimate helps you avoid owing money back at tax time.
- If your Medicare Advantage plan is ending, you are one of about 3.2 million people who need a new plan. Compare options at Medicare.gov or with your free state SHIP counselor before Dec. 7.
- Got a big hospital bill? Ask about financial aid before you pay. Many nonprofit hospitals will cut or erase bills for people who qualify, but some won't refund money you already paid.
- Flu is showing up early this year. A flu shot by the end of October is still the best protection, and two MMR doses guard against measles and its rare but deadly late complications.
Medicare & Seniors
More than 3 million Advantage members must find a new plan for 2027
About 3.2 million people, nearly 11% of Advantage enrollees, are losing their plans, up from 2.9 million last year. Average out-of-pocket caps rise 9% to about $6,600, and more than 1 million people in standalone drug plans also need to switch as Aetna exits.
CNNWhat's changing in Medicare on Jan. 1
The Part D out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,400 and the standard drug deductible goes from $615 to $700. Negotiated prices kick in for more drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, and a temporary federal Part D premium subsidy ends.
PBS NewsHour
Insurance & ACA
Many hospitals bill first and check for financial aid later
A review of 166 Texas nonprofit hospitals found nearly half send bills before screening patients for charity care, and about 2 in 3 won't fully refund money paid before aid is approved. Six states, including California and North Carolina, will require automatic screening for some patients by July 2027.
KFF Health NewsAnother year of double-digit ACA premium hikes is coming
Insurers have proposed a median 15% increase for 2027 after rates jumped more than 20% this year. At least seven insurers are leaving the Marketplace, so people in 20 states will have to pick a new plan.
Commonwealth Fund
Medicines & FDA
FDA approves first at-home shot for thyroid eye disease
Roche's Enspryng, already used for a rare nerve disorder, can now be self-injected every four weeks by adults with thyroid eye disease. In one of two main trials, about 53% of patients had less eye bulging versus 23% on placebo; the other trial missed its main goal.
RocheFDA warns Amazon and Walmart over unapproved herpes remedies
Creams, sprays and washes claiming to relieve genital herpes are easy to buy online, but regulators say no over-the-counter product can treat it. See a clinician for proven prescription treatment instead.
HealthDayRaw cheddar sold in New York and New Jersey recalled for E. coli
Family Farmstead Dairy recalled 8-ounce packages of Raw Mild Cheddar with best-by date 7/22/27 after a lab found E. coli O157:H7. No illnesses are reported; throw it out or return it for a refund.
FDA
Staying Well
CDC report details a deadly measles complication that strikes years later
SSPE is a rare brain disease that can appear years after a child seems to recover from measles, and it is almost always fatal. About half of the children studied caught measles before they were old enough for their first shot, which is why community vaccination matters.
CIDRAPFlu season is starting earlier than usual
About 3.6% of flu tests nationwide were positive in early October, up from 0.6% a year ago. Doctors urge a flu shot, frequent hand-washing and staying home when sick.
Axios ColumbusTwo West Nile deaths in North Carolina as mosquitoes linger
Warm weather is keeping mosquitoes active, and 2026 is on pace to be the state's second-worst year for cases. About 1 in 150 infected people becomes seriously ill, so keep using repellent and empty standing water.
ABC News
Policy & Law
Texas sues Gerber and Nestle over metals in baby food
The state says internal tests found high arsenic, lead and cadmium in some ingredients while the company marketed the food as safe. Nestle calls the claims without merit and says it screens for more than 500 contaminants.
Just FoodHouse Democrats put health costs at the top of their 100-day plan
If they win the House in November, Democrats say they would move fast to restore expired ACA tax credits and undo Medicaid cuts, including work requirements. Any bill would still face the Senate and a possible veto.
PBS NewsHour
Hospitals & Business
Duke and CaroMont team up to build two Charlotte-area hospitals
The partners want state approval for a 120-bed hospital in University City and an 80-bed one near the airport, challenging Atrium and Novant. A state decision is expected in March.
North Carolina Health NewsMultiCare and Oregon's Samaritan Health will combine Nov. 1
After final Oregon approval, Tacoma-based MultiCare will add Samaritan's five hospitals and invest $700 million over 10 years. Samaritan keeps its name.
Healthcare Dive