The Health Almanac
Senior Health & Medicare
Week of September 21, 2026
Medicare · Daily
Understanding Your Medicare Summary Notice: More Than Just a Bill
The Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) is a powerful tool for managing your healthcare costs and protecting yourself from errors. Learn how to read and use this quarterly statement to your advantage.
Read the full storyAlso in this issue
Your doctor's visit: Beyond the symptoms
Many of us wait until we feel unwell to see a doctor. But regular preventive check-ups, even when you feel perfectly fine, are a cornerstone of healthy aging and can catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
Concerns rise over Medicare AI prior authorization denials
New records and reports indicate that a Medicare pilot program using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for prior authorizations is leading to inappropriate delays and denials of care for beneficiaries in several states. This program, known as the WISeR Model, began in January of this year.
Making Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Work For You
Many people overlook a valuable Medicare benefit: the Annual Wellness Visit. It's not a physical, but a key opportunity to partner with your doctor for long-term health planning.
Your Annual Check-up: More Than Just a Formality
Regular check-ups are cornerstones of a healthy life, offering a unique opportunity to partner with your doctor for long-term well-being. Understand why this yearly visit is one of your most important appointments.