Today's Report
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced an early end to the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration. This decision could lead to larger premium increases for individuals enrolled in stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans.
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%
Primer
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
Primer
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
Primer
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 more than just a piece of mail; it's a vital tool for understanding your healthcare costs and protecting yourself from errors or fraud. Learning to read and utilize it effectively can save you money and ensure your care is properly documented.
Small, consistent actions can lead to significant improvements in health and well-being over time. Learn how to integrate tiny changes into your daily routine for lasting benefits.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are not just about a bright smile. They play a vital role in your overall health, offering early clues to serious conditions throughout your body.
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− |