Daily Briefing — Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Costco enters Medicare, teaming with SCAN Health Plan on a new pilot
Daily Briefing
Today
Costco enters Medicare, teaming with SCAN Health Plan on a new pilot
Good morning. The big news today is Costco. The warehouse club is stepping into senior health care by offering Medicare plans for the first time. Reports say Costco is partnering with the nonprofit SCAN Health Plan on a limited pilot program, marking its first move into Medicare Advantage coverage for older members.
Medicare talk was everywhere else, too. Two U.S. senators pushed "Medicare for All" at public hearings, while experts debated whether Medicare should add catastrophic coverage to stop families from going bankrupt. Health officials also warned of a new phishing scam aimed at Medicare patients, so please guard your Medicare number carefully.
In nursing homes and senior living, a shortage of legal guardians is keeping some patients stuck in hospitals, costing tens of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, staffing troubles and low pay continue to drive turnover, and one Oregon insurer is dropping its Medicare Advantage plans after a deal fell through.
What we're following
- Costco launches its first Medicare plan with SCAN Health Plan Costco is entering senior health care with a Medicare pilot, which could give older members a new, familiar place to shop for coverage. Read it
- New phishing scam targets Medicare patients Health officials warn scammers are chasing Medicare numbers, so seniors should be cautious about sharing personal details by phone or email. Read it
- Providence to end Medicare Advantage plans after insurer deal fails Some Oregon seniors may lose their Medicare Advantage coverage, a reminder to check plan changes carefully before open enrollment. Read it
- Guardian shortage traps patients in hospitals, costing millions A lack of legal guardians is delaying moves from hospitals to nursing homes, hurting patients and adding tens of millions in costs. Read it
- Should Medicare cover catastrophic health costs? Experts debate adding catastrophic coverage to Medicare, an idea meant to protect older families from bankruptcy after major medical bills. Read it
Sources
Related Reading
- 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
- NAACP Lunch and Learn to focus on Medicare enrollment · El Dorado News-Times · 5h ago
- Abdul El-Sayed says Medicare for All shouldn’t raise taxes for most families · NewsNation · 10h ago
