Daily Briefing — Saturday, September 19, 2026
Insurers reshape Medicare Advantage as drug costs and care concerns grow
Daily Briefing
Today
Insurers reshape Medicare Advantage as drug costs and care concerns grow
Good morning. 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.
Zoom out: Today shows a Medicare landscape in flux, with plans coming and going and costs rising, while several care stories underline the value of speaking up.
What we're following
- 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. Read it
- 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. Read it
- 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. Read it
- 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. Read it
- 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. Read it
Sources
Related Reading
- Nonna’s Place makes assisted living feel like home · ScripType Publishing · 1h ago
- Genesis sets information session for patients impacted by insurance changes · Zanesville Times Recorder · 4h ago
- Land Use Board rejects 122-unit assisted living proposal; height, size, location criticized · thepressgroup.net · 16h ago
