Skip to content

The Healthcare News Network

Your daily guide to Medicare, insurance, medicines and staying well

Tuesday, October 27, 2026● Updated 6:00 AM ET
Daily edition

Healthcare news for October 27, 2026

ACA sign-up starts Saturday: expect higher prices, new ID checks and a bigger out-of-pocket cap If you buy your own health insurance, open enrollment for 2027 opens Nov. 1 in most states, and this is not a year to let your plan roll over. Insurers proposed premium increases of about 15% on average, according to KFF, and the extra-generous subsidies of recent years are gone, so most people still get help but less of it. Households earning above 400% of the poverty level, about $63,840 for a single person, no longer qualify for any subsidy. The most you can be asked to pay out of pocket in a year rises to $12,000 for one person and $24,000 for a family. There are new hoops too: if you use an agent on HealthCare.gov you must approve them with a one-time code, and some applicants, including first-timers, people who moved states and those paying $30 a month or less, will have to verify their identity through an outside service. Several insurers, including Cigna in 11 states, are leaving the market, so check that your plan still exists. Gather your ID and income estimate now, compare total costs, and pick a plan by Dec. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1.

In 30 seconds

Medicare & Seniors

  • Nearly 1 million people will lose their Medicare Advantage plan in 2027

    Humana says about 600,000 members are in plans that are ending next year, and UnitedHealthcare puts its number at about 390,000. If you got a letter saying your plan won't continue, you'll need to choose a new Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare, and you may want a separate drug plan and Medigap policy. Choosing by Dec. 7 gives you the widest options and avoids any gap on Jan. 1.

    Fortune

  • What's changing in Medicare for 2027, and where to get free help

    The yearly cap on Part D drug costs rises to $2,400 and the maximum drug deductible goes to $700. CMS projects the average Medicare Advantage premium will dip to about $12 a month. Counselors suggest checking your doctors and drugs against any plan you're considering, comparing total yearly costs, and bringing your cards and medication list to a free SHIP session or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

    WKMG News 6 Orlando

Insurance & ACA

  • 12 insurers are pulling back from ACA marketplaces for 2027

    Cigna is leaving the exchanges in 11 states including Florida, Texas, Georgia and Virginia, affecting about 369,000 people. Molina is shrinking from 14 states to six, and Baylor Scott & White, CareSource, Medica, PacificSource and others are also exiting some markets. If your insurer is leaving, don't count on being placed in a plan that suits you; pick your own replacement.

    Becker's Payer Issues

  • 10 things to know before you shop for 2027 coverage

    Open enrollment is generally the only time you can buy or switch individual coverage unless you have a life change like a move or job loss. If your job offers affordable coverage, you're usually better off keeping it. Subsidies are based on the income you estimate, so a raise or big change during the year could mean paying some back at tax time. About a dozen states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California, run their own windows.

    Stacker / ABC17 News

Medicines & FDA

  • FDA approves a two-pill combination for some men with advanced prostate cancer

    On Oct. 26 the FDA cleared Pfizer's Talzenna taken with Xtandi for men whose metastatic prostate cancer carries certain DNA-repair gene changes found by an approved test, even before hormone treatment stops working. In a trial of about 600 men, the pair cut the risk of the cancer worsening or death by about half compared with Xtandi alone. Ask your oncologist whether genetic testing of your tumor makes sense.

    Pharmacy Times

  • People with Crohn's disease can now start Skyrizi at home

    The FDA approved a way to begin Skyrizi treatment with a wearable on-body injector at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8, instead of only through IV infusions at a clinic. The IV option is still available, and maintenance doses continue every eight weeks. Talk with your gastroenterologist and insurer about which starting route is covered for you.

    AbbVie

  • Miyoko's plant-based butter recalled in 10 states

    The FDA has classified a recall of 8-ounce Miyoko's Creamery European Style Salted Plant Milk Butter over yeast, mold and possible E. coli. Look for UPC 857554005773, lot 07871 and a best-by date of Nov. 5, 2026. It was sold in states including Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey. Throw it out or return it.

    The Healthy

Staying Well

  • This flu season is running about four weeks early

    CDC data show 4,811 lab-confirmed flu hospital admissions in the week ending Oct. 17, the highest rate for this point since 2010-11. Nearly every sample is H1N1, a descendant of the 2009 pandemic strain rather than a new virus. Experts urge everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot now, since it mainly protects against serious illness.

    Newsweek

  • Raw oysters from a Virginia harvester linked to Salmonella in 12 states

    The CDC counts 27 illnesses and five hospitalizations tied to raw oysters from the Little Wicomico Oyster Company, and says the true number is likely higher. No deaths have been reported. Don't eat recalled oysters, and remember that cooking oysters thoroughly kills the germs that raw ones can carry.

    CDC

  • U.S. could lose its measles-free status next month

    With cases nearly double last year's total, the Pan American Health Organization is expected to decide in November whether the U.S. still counts as having eliminated measles. About 95% of cases are in people who were unvaccinated or whose status is unknown, and kindergarten MMR coverage has slipped to 92.4%. Two MMR doses give strong, lasting protection.

    American Council on Science and Health

Policy & Law

  • Missouri gears up for Medicaid work rules affecting about 360,000 adults

    Adults who joined Medicaid through Missouri's expansion will need to report 80 hours a month of work, school or approved volunteering, and eligibility checks will move to every six months. People with disabilities and families with children are exempt, and kids keep coverage even if a parent doesn't comply. The state suggests using its online screener, saving pay stubs and keeping your address current.

    KBIA

  • Health providers already see patient stress over coming Medicaid work rules

    In New Hampshire, about 46,900 people on the state's expanded Medicaid program will have to document 80 hours a month starting in 2027 and renew every six months. Mental health centers say patients are confused by the paperwork, and one doubled its benefits staff to help people keep coverage. If you're affected, start gathering records early.

    Vermont Public

  • Hospitals ask a court to stop a new drug-discount rebate program

    The American Hospital Association and safety-net hospitals sued Oct. 9 to block a revised federal 340B rebate pilot set to launch Jan. 1, after a court halted an earlier version. Under a rebate model, hospitals would pay full price for certain drugs first and wait to get the discount back afterward. A bipartisan House bill would also delay it.

    Pharmaceutical Commerce

Hospitals & Business