Today

Medicare open enrollment nears as major changes and coverage worries loom

Good morning. Medicare is the big story this morning. Open enrollment begins in October, and free local classes are being offered to help people understand their choices (2, 5). Several reports point to changes ahead, including new rules that could arrive in 2027 and shifts that may affect hundreds of thousands of members (13, 21). Some doctors and speech therapists warn that proposed Medicare rules could delay or limit patient care (16, 19).

There is also news about the places where seniors live and get care. Two hospitals are at risk of losing their Medicare agreements, which could affect the people they serve (8, 10). In Minnesota, audits found the state often fails to inspect assisted living homes on time, and its rating system is under new scrutiny (12, 15).

Safety made headlines too. Gunfire near one senior community forced staff to shelter in place, and a fire at another led to rescues of people and pets (6, 9).