Daily Briefing — Monday, August 17, 2026
New bill would push Medicare to cover long-term care in the home
Daily Briefing
Today
New bill would push Medicare to cover long-term care in the home
Good morning. The biggest news today is a proposed bill that would require Medicare to help pay for long-term care at home (1). Right now, many families cover most caregiving hours themselves, as one report about a man sent home "with services" makes clear (15). If it passes, this bill could ease a heavy burden on older adults and their loved ones.
There is also worry about coverage. Some health insurers are dropping Medicare Advantage plans, which could affect many seniors (21, 22). A new analysis says Medicaid managed care turns down prior authorization requests more often than Medicare Advantage does (4).
Finally, several assisted living homes faced fires, including large evacuations in St. Johns County, Florida, and lightning-sparked blazes elsewhere (7, 5, 8). Most reports note no serious injuries, but many residents were displaced.
What we're following
- Bill would require Medicare to cover long-term care at home This could help families pay for in-home care, easing costs and stress that now fall mostly on seniors and their loved ones. Read it
- Insurers are dropping some Medicare Advantage plans Many seniors may need to find new coverage, so it is worth checking whether your plan is affected before open enrollment. Read it
- Fire displaces 100-plus residents at St. Johns County assisted living facility Dozens of older residents were forced from their homes by fire, a reminder of why safety plans in senior facilities matter. Read it
- Medicaid managed care denies prior authorizations more than Medicare Advantage An analysis suggests some seniors on Medicaid plans may face more hurdles getting approved care, which can delay needed treatment. Read it
- Medicare sent him home 'with services'; his wife covered 166 hours This story shows the real gap in home care coverage, where families often provide most hours themselves without pay or support. Read it
Sources
- Bill would require Medicare to cover long-term care at home
- Insurers are dropping some Medicare Advantage plans
- Fire displaces 100-plus residents at St. Johns County assisted living facility
- Medicaid managed care denies prior authorizations more than Medicare Advantage
- Medicare sent him home 'with services'; his wife covered 166 hours
Related Reading
- Nonna’s Place makes assisted living feel like home · ScripType Publishing · 3h ago
- What to Do If You’re Laid Off and Too Young for Medicare · The New York Times · 3h ago
- Guthrie County Hospital Provides Free Medicare Assistance Through SHIIP · Raccoon Valley Radio · 3h ago
