Healthcare news for October 21, 2026
Nearly 1 million seniors are losing their Medicare Advantage plan next year. Here's what to do UnitedHealthcare and Humana are shutting down Medicare Advantage plans that together cover close to 1 million people for 2027, about 600,000 at Humana and about 390,000 at UnitedHealthcare. Counting every insurer, roughly 3.2 million people in Medicare Advantage need a new plan for next year, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is leaving the market entirely. If your plan is ending, you should have received a letter. Choose a new plan by Dec. 7 so your drug coverage doesn't lapse; if you do nothing, you'll be moved to Original Medicare without a drug plan. Even if your plan is staying, read your Annual Notice of Change: many plans are trimming dental benefits and raising copays and out-of-pocket limits. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased help.
In 30 seconds
- Got a letter saying your Medicare Advantage plan is ending? Choose a new plan by Dec. 7 so you don't lose drug coverage. Your local SHIP counselor can help for free.
- Using a compounded tirzepatide shot from Apothecary Pharma? Check your vial against the 22 recalled lots and call your prescriber before your next dose. Brand-name Mounjaro and Zepbound aren't affected.
- Trying to find a therapist through your insurance? Expect directory errors. Call several listed providers, and if none can see you, ask your plan to help you find an in-network option.
- Pregnant or planning a pregnancy? Make sure you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine before you conceive. It can't be given during pregnancy, and Pennsylvania is seeing babies born with measles.
Medicare & Seniors
UnitedHealthcare and Humana are ending plans for nearly 1 million members
Humana is closing plans for about 600,000 people, and UnitedHealthcare for about 390,000. Insurers say they're trimming to protect profits. Plans that stay open may still have smaller networks, leaner dental benefits or higher copays, so compare before Dec. 7.
FortuneAbout 3.2 million Medicare Advantage members must find a new plan
KFF figures show about 638,000 people in nearly 200 counties will have no Medicare Advantage plan at all in 2027. The average in-network out-of-pocket limit rises 9% to $6,603, and drug deductibles in these plans climb about 23%. Open enrollment ends Dec. 7.
Straight Arrow NewsBlue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is leaving Medicare Advantage and Part D
Starting in 2027, BCBS of Texas will stop offering its Medicare Advantage plans, its Dual Care Plus plans for people with Medicare and Medicaid, and its stand-alone drug plans. Members were mailed letters about their options and will get a special window to choose a new plan.
KERA
Insurance & ACA
Most calls to in-network mental health providers don't lead to an appointment
Ohio State researchers placed about 5,800 calls to psychiatrists and psychologists listed by big insurers in five states. Roughly 60% went unanswered, and fewer than a quarter ended with a booked visit. About 1 in 9 calls reached a dead or out-of-service number.
Healthcare DiveCareSource and Molina are leaving Ohio's ACA marketplace
About 54,000 Ohioans, roughly 10% of marketplace enrollees, will need a new plan. Insurers have asked for average increases near 15% for 2027. Sign up between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1; free local helpers are listed on HealthCare.gov.
WYSUSome ACA insurers are expanding to new counties for 2027 as others leave
Centene's Ambetter is adding 55 counties in seven states while leaving Delaware and New Hampshire. Oscar is adding 140 counties, including its first plans in South Carolina. UnitedHealthcare is leaving Georgia's marketplace. If your insurer is leaving, pick a new plan when enrollment opens Nov. 1.
Healthcare Dive
Medicines & FDA
Compounded tirzepatide shots recalled over sterility concerns
Apothecary Pharma recalled 22 lots (AP-202622 through AP-202644, except AP-202626) of its compounded tirzepatide vials after FDA found sterility problems. FDA rates the risk as remote. Brand-name Mounjaro and Zepbound aren't part of the recall.
The Boston GlobeImmunotherapy approved that lets many rectal cancer patients skip surgery
FDA gave accelerated approval to GSK's Jemperli (dostarlimab) for adults with stage II or III rectal cancer that has a specific genetic feature called dMMR or MSI-H. In the main study, about 7 in 10 patients needed no surgery, chemo or radiation after treatment. A tumor test shows whether you qualify.
The ASCO PostFirst hepatitis B 'functional cure' treatment approved
FDA approved GSK's Hibsago, a weekly injection taken for up to 24 weeks along with standard antiviral pills. In trials, about 20% of patients kept the virus undetectable after stopping all treatment. It's for adults without cirrhosis whose infection is already controlled.
HCPLive
Staying Well
Pennsylvania warns doctors as babies are born with measles
The state says 66 women caught measles while pregnant this year and at least six babies were born infected. Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,286 cases. The MMR shot should be given before pregnancy; an unvaccinated pregnant woman who's exposed has six days to get a protective antibody treatment.
CIDRAPFlu is picking up early, especially in the West
Flu test positivity rose to 5% in the week ending Oct. 10, with the most activity on the West Coast. CDC's outlook expects a moderate flu season and a combined COVID, flu and RSV hospital peak close to last winter's. Now is a good time for your shot.
Medical DailyRaw-milk cheddar recalled over possible E. coli
Family Farmstead Dairy of New York recalled one lot of raw mild cheddar (lot and best-by date 7/22/27) sold in CT, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA and VA. No illnesses have been reported. Throw it out or return it for a full refund.
WPXI
Policy & Law
CDC cancels this week's vaccine advisers meeting
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was scheduled to meet Oct. 21 to 23, but the agency says the meeting is off because of ongoing litigation. An appeals court heard arguments Oct. 6 over a ruling that paused the panel's appointments and hasn't decided yet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which shots you need.
CDCTrump orders a new women's health division at NIH
The Oct. 19 executive order calls for the division to be running within 90 days and creates a White House task force co-led by HHS Secretary Kennedy. Goals include faster research on conditions like endometriosis. The order sets no new funding amount.
Al JazeeraSenators say Medicaid tech contractors dodged questions about wrongful cutoffs
A Senate Finance Committee report from Sens. Wyden, Warren and Warnock says five companies that run state Medicaid eligibility systems wouldn't share error data or contracts. They urge CMS to penalize wrongful disenrollments and require audits before work requirements begin.
Senate Finance Committee
Hospitals & Business
Kaiser Permanente cuts imaging jobs in California
State notices show 161 permanent Kaiser layoffs in California, including mammography, ultrasound, CT and MRI technologists whose jobs end Dec. 12. The workers' union warns of longer waits for scans in Northern California. Kaiser hadn't commented.
Healthcare Finance NewsNew drugs now launch at a median price of $257,000 a year
An ICER and West Health report finds the median net launch price rose 35% from 2022 to 2025. Only about a third of prescriptions for new drugs were filled within 30 days, and Medicare patients saw more coverage denials than others.
Pharmaceutical ExecutiveHealthPartners and Essentia plan to merge into a 22-hospital system
The Minnesota-based systems would combine into one organization with more than 100 clinics across Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota, aiming to close by Jan. 1. Minnesota's attorney general is reviewing the deal and taking public comments.
Chief Healthcare Executive