Today's Report
A new analysis by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) suggests that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans could be overpaid by more than $1 trillion over the next decade. This projection, based on data from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), indicates rising costs that may impact all Medicare beneficiaries.
Read the full report →Primer
Part C plans replace Original Medicare with a private, network-based bundle. Often $0 premium; trade-off is prior authorization and narrower networks.
Enrollment share: 54%
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Supplemental policies that pay Original Medicare's cost-sharing. Plan G and Plan N dominate new enrollment; underwriting rules vary by state.
Plan G avg. premium: $155/mo
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Prescription drug coverage sold through standalone PDPs or bundled into MA plans. 2025 introduced a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap.
OOP cap 2025: $2,000
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Initial Enrollment Period, Annual Election Period, MA Open Enrollment, Special Election Periods — miss a window and penalties follow you for life.
Part B late fee: 10% / yr
The Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) is a powerful tool to track your health care costs, detect potential errors, and understand your benefits. Learn how to read and use this important document to advocate for yourself.
The health of your digestive system plays a surprisingly central role in your overall well-being, influencing everything from immunity to mood. Understanding and nurturing your gut microbiome can be a powerful step toward a vibrant future.
Regular check-ups are often seen as routine, but they're a cornerstone of good health, offering a vital opportunity to partner with your doctor in preventing future health concerns. This annual appointment is about understanding your unique health journey.
In Depth · Carrier Reviews
Scored on CMS Star Rating, prior-authorization denial rate, in-network provider breadth, drug formulary generosity, and appeal-overturn rates reported to CMS.
| Rank | Carrier | Star Rating | PA Denial | Overturn on Appeal | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaiser Permanente | 4.5 | 4.8% | 82% | A |
| 2 | Humana | 4.0 | 6.9% | 78% | A− |
| 3 | UnitedHealthcare | 4.0 | 9.1% | 76% | B+ |
| 4 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 3.5 | 8.6% | 72% | B |
| 5 | Cigna Healthcare | 3.5 | 7.4% | 74% | B |
| 6 | Blue Cross Blue Shield | 3.5 | 8.2% | 70% | B |
| 7 | Elevance (Anthem) | 3.5 | 10.4% | 68% | B− |
| 8 | Centene (WellCare) | 3.0 | 12.6% | 64% | C+ |
| 9 | Molina Healthcare | 3.0 | 13.1% | 61% | C |
| 10 | Devoted Health | 3.5 | 9.8% | 69% | B− |