Saturday, September 19, 2026: Insurers reshape Medicare Advantage as drug costs and care concerns gr

SeniorLiving.News · 2026-09-19

Insurers reshape Medicare Advantage as drug costs and care concerns grow — your morning briefing.
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SeniorLiving.News · Saturday, September 19, 2026

Good morning.

Daily Briefing

Insurers reshape Medicare Advantage as drug costs and care concerns grow

Big changes are underway in Medicare Advantage, the private version of Medicare. HCSC is cutting back its plans after a deal with Cigna (17), and Molina is leaving the program entirely in three states (25). At the same time, Curana Health is starting a brand-new senior plan in Iowa (13). If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it is worth checking whether yours will still be offered next year.

Money worries are in the news too. One report describes a sudden jump in what some people pay for Medicare drugs (19), and there is fresh talk about the cost of a national "Medicare for All" plan (24).

There were also hard stories about care. A nursing aide in New Jersey admitted to spraying bleach in the face of a paralyzed patient (23), and a family in Illinois finally got a refund from an assisted living home after a five-month wait (6). These are reminders to stay watchful and ask questions.

Read the full briefing →

Top Stories

HCSC scales back Medicare Advantage after Cigna deal

A major insurer is trimming its Medicare Advantage plans, which could change or end coverage for some older adults come next enrollment.

Molina to leave Medicare in three states

Molina is exiting Medicare in three states, so affected members may need to find a new plan before the next coverage year begins.

A sudden surge in Medicare drug costs

A report points to a sharp rise in what some people pay for prescriptions under Medicare, a real concern for those on fixed incomes.

Aide admits spraying bleach at paralyzed nursing home patient

A New Jersey nursing aide admitted to harming a helpless resident, a painful reminder to watch closely over loved ones in care.

Family gets assisted living refund after five-month delay

A news investigation helped an Illinois family recover money owed by an assisted living home, showing that persistence and outside help can pay off.

Your Topics

Senior Living & Housing

Local retirement homes are marking National Assisted Living Week, while south Stockton looks to factory-built apartments to expand affordable senior housing. Advocates are also urging the senior living industry to remember LGBTQ+ residents and workers as demand grows.

Affordable senior housing with health care will replace former Lynn hospital · WBUR

Aspenwood, Kendal Corp., Viva Senior Living Redefine Staffing for Industry’s Next Chapter · seniorhousingnews.com

Family receives refund from assisted living facility in Lindenhurst, Illinois after 5-month delay when ABC7 I-Team investigates · ABC7 Chicago

Medicare, Social Security & Benefits

Lawmakers are sparring over Social Security's future, with warnings that a projected 2032 shortfall could cut up to $1,140 a month from the largest checks. A new Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act was also introduced to help ease costs.

President Trump Extends Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing to Every Medicaid Program in America · The White House (.gov)

Senior poverty hits highest level in years as Social Security faces deadline · WGN-TV

Letter to the Editor: Presbyterian’s abandonment of Medicare Advantage is an opportunity for seniors, but Universal Healthcare is a better solution · Sandoval Signpost

Technology & Online Safety

Today's technology coverage looks at staying safe and connected, with a rundown of the top online scams aimed at older adults, a guide to the best laptops, and a look at how technology helps people remain connected and independent.

Fresno offers free digital literacy classes to help seniors navigate technology · ABC30 Fresno

What Are the Top Online Scams Targeting Older Adults? · The National Council on Aging (NCOA)

How technology can help older adults stay connected and independent · Mayo Clinic Press

Health & Wellness

Older adults are learning what to know about measles protection, while a decades-long men's health study continues to reveal more about healthy aging. New funding also strengthens a data archive that tracks the environments supporting healthy aging.

3 Common Drugs Older Adults Might Be Overusing · KFF Health News

Healthy Aging Starts With Everyday Choices, Says Omni Family Health · kget.com

Four decades into men’s health study, there’s still more to learn about healthy aging · Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Money & Retirement

Pension policy is in the spotlight today, with reports on lawmakers weighing changes to retirement benefits and Pennsylvania's governor joining AFSCME retirees to mark a pension win. Coverage also looks at rising insurance costs and common retirement savings pitfalls.

Total Retirement Savings Assets Topped $50T in Q2 up 7.9%, per ICI · plansponsor

The student debt drag on physician retirement savings · Medical Economics

In Connecticut, Betraying the Public Doesn’t Always Cost You Your Pension · Yankee Institute

Travel & Leisure

Two new travel guides highlight the best countries for older travelers and retirees, including a small European nation praised for its walkable cities, low crime, and beautiful scenery. An Active Adult Program is also featured.

These Are the 20 Best Countries for Senior Travelers and Retirees to Visit · travelandleisure.com

Travel + Leisure Co. Announces Pricing of $900 Million of Senior Secured Notes Due 2031 · Business Wire

14 Senior-Friendly Travel Groups for Global Adventures · travelandleisure.com

Caregiving & Family

Today's coverage looks at caregiving and family, including warning signs that caregiving may be harming a caregiver's own health and ways to guard against it. A legal challenge to Pennsylvania's Medicaid caregiver rules is underway, and a healthcare leader known for caregiver support has stepped into a new role.

The Signs Caregiving Is Harming Your Health—and How To Protect Yourself · time.com

‘Don’t feel like you’re alone in this" - National Alliance for Caregiving addresses caregiving crisis · WDBJ7

Caregiving Collaborative of New York Launches at Hofstra · Hofstra University News

Food & Nutrition

Today's headlines focus on food insecurity among older adults, alongside two looks at how senior nutrition programs are working to bring healthy meals within reach. One county's IT team is helping a nutrition program run more smoothly, while PCA highlights its efforts to expand access to nourishing food.

How Older Adults Can Detect and Prevent Malnutrition · The National Council on Aging (NCOA)

County IT Team Helps Senior Nutrition Program Improve Efficiency · Santa Clara County (.gov)

Malnutrition in Older Adults: The Hidden Threat to Healthy Longevity | U.S. News Health · U.S. News & World Report

On This Day

2023. Azerbaijan launches a military offensive against the Republic of Artsakh in the Nagorno-Karabakh region; this leads to the flight of the Armenian population.

2022. The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is held at Westminster Abbey, London.

2022. A strong earthquake kills 2 and injures over 30 in Mexico's state of Michoacán.

See more →

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