Category: Medicare Benefits & Services

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Summer Heat and Medicare: Staying Safe with Preventive Services

With record-breaking heat across the U.S., Medicare beneficiaries should take advantage of free preventive services to stay healthy this summer.

Medicare covers annual wellness visits, cardiovascular screenings, and immunizations at no cost—all crucial for preventing heat-related illnesses. Dehydration and heat stroke can exacerbate chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, which are common among seniors.

Seniors should also check their Part D plan’s coverage for electrolyte solutions and certain medications that may need heat-protective storage. And don’t forget: telehealth is covered, so you can consult a doctor without leaving your air-conditioned home.

See the full list of free preventive services at Medicare.gov

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Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Extended Through End of 2026

Seniors can continue seeing their doctors virtually from home—Medicare telehealth flexibilities have been extended through December 31, 2026.

The extension covers a broad range of services: routine office visits, behavioral health therapy, diabetes self-management training, and even audio-only calls for those without reliable internet. Geographic restrictions and originating-site requirements remain waived for all beneficiaries.

While telehealth has proven popular and effective, long-term policy is still under debate. For now, the status quo remains safe for the rest of the year.

Learn about telehealth coverage at Medicare.gov

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Medicare Benefits & Services Medicare Policy & Trends Prescription Drugs

Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program Launches: $50 Weight-Loss Drugs Now Available

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The new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program went live on July 1, 2026, giving eligible Part D enrollees access to certain weight-loss medications for a flat $50 monthly copay.

Covered drugs include Wegovy (injections and tablets), Zepbound (KwikPen only), and all formulations of Foundayo. Beneficiaries must have a BMI of 35+ or a BMI over 30 with weight-related comorbidities, and their doctor must submit a prior authorization form to CMS.

The copay does not count toward the Part D deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, but it offers significant savings for those who qualify. The demonstration runs through December 31, 2027.

Learn more at CMS.gov

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Free Preventive Services Medicare Covers in 2026: The Complete List

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services at no cost to beneficiaries, including cancer screenings, cardiovascular tests, immunizations, and annual wellness visits.

The Welcome to Medicare preventive visit is available within the first 12 months of Part B enrollment, followed by annual wellness visits that include personalized prevention plans.

Cancer screenings covered at no cost include mammograms, colonoscopies, lung cancer screenings for eligible beneficiaries, and prostate cancer screenings. Cardiovascular disease screenings and diabetes screenings are also free.

Vaccines covered under Part D now include shingles, tetanus-diphtheria-whooping cough, and RSV, while flu and COVID-19 vaccines remain covered under Part B with no out-of-pocket costs.

See the full list of preventive services at Medicare.gov.

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CMS Proposes Nearly Flat Medicare Advantage Payment Increase for 2027

Federal health officials have proposed only a small increase in payments to Medicare Advantage insurers for 2027. The modest proposed adjustment, far lower than in previous years, could impact plan benefits, premiums, and insurer participation as the government seeks to control federal healthcare spending.

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CMS Halts Enrollment in Some Elevance Medicare Advantage Plans

Federal regulators have ordered a temporary halt on new enrollments in certain Elevance Health Medicare Advantage plans after identifying compliance issues. The action reflects growing federal scrutiny of private insurers to ensure they meet program requirements and protect beneficiaries.

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CMS Proposal to Change Medicare Advantage Payments Sparks Industry Debate

A proposed update to Medicare Advantage payment rules has generated a record number of public comments from insurers, providers, and advocacy groups. The proposal aims to refine insurer reimbursements and address concerns about the risk-score calculations used to determine payments.

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Medicare Benefits & Services

US Spending Package Extends Telehealth, Regulates Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Rheumatologists welcomed provisions in a recently enacted US federal spending package that extended some telehealth coverage and may eventually lower drug prices, but they found mixed results in terms of direct federal support for arthritis programs. (Source: Medscape, Michigan State Medical Society)