Today

Medicare costs squeeze seniors as senior living industry sees major deals

Good morning. Today's headlines highlight a familiar squeeze for older Americans: Medicare premiums and surcharges are quietly trimming Social Security checks, and home sellers may face a Medicare-related tax surprise they didn't see coming. Families are also asking hard questions about how to pay for assisted living when Social Security alone isn't enough and Medicaid is the only path.

On the business side, it was a busy day in senior housing. LTC Properties announced a $54 million deal and welcomed MorningStar Senior Living to its platform, Hidden River backed a merger between Northstar and Alta Senior Living, and Ensign added two more care homes to its network of nearly 400 sites. A Broward County assisted living facility sold for $18 million.

In Washington, the administration signaled it will stand with Congress on Medicaid work requirement exemptions, a decision that could affect millions. And officials in several states are warning seniors to stay alert for Medicare scams, after a $2.2 million fraud case in South Florida ended in prison sentences.