Medicare
All the latest Newsweek coverage of Medicare and other health insurance stories. Medicare is a federal health insurance program established in 1965, primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, though it also covers some younger people with disabilities or specific diseases. Medicare has four parts: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage, allowing private health plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Funded through payroll taxes, premiums, and general revenue, Medicare helps cover hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive services, and prescription drugs.
Fired Medicaid worker sends scathing message to Elon Musk
The Department of Health and Human Services reportedly began dismissing 3,600 probationary employees on Friday.
Americans want cuts, but not to Social Security, education, Medicare: Poll
For years, lawmakers have struggled to balance reducing government spending while maintaining funding for essential services.
What is "mandatory spending"? Social programs at risk in $2 trillion cut
House Republicans are seeking to cut $2 trillion in mandatory spending, which covers social programs, over a 10-year period.
Why is Elon Musk investigating Medicare? What he's looking to find
Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk are looking to make widespread cuts to federal agencies in the first month of Trump's presidency.
Medicare plan's new deductible sparks confusion: What to know
The Cigna True Choice Plus PPO Medicare Advantage plan is one of many available plans to millions of seniors.
US Treasury sued Over DOGE's access to sensitive information
The federal lawsuit argues that Musk's DOGE team is using the system in violation of multiple privacy laws and other regulations
Lawmaker demands answers to reports Musk seeking Treasury payment access
Democrat Ranking Senate Finance Committee member Ron Wyden raised the alarm after a career staffer resigned from the Treasury Department.
Health care premiums will go up in 2025, experts say
According to the investment news site investors.com, it was expected that private health insurance plans would go up by 7 percent on average.
Sen. Markey: RFK Jr. Is Too Dangerous, Unqualified To Lead HHS | Opinion
President Trump's choice to nominate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services places every American in the hands of a conspiracy theorist.
Map shows states with highest Medicare costs for 2025
More than 65 million Americans rely on the program for their health insurance, with a significant proportion of those being seniors facing retirement.
"Nothing is off the table" for DOGE cuts—even Medicaid, TD Bank predicts
The new Department of Government Efficiency can't go after Medicare or Social Security. That leaves Medicaid in a vulnerable position.
Medicare change backed by 20,000 people in new letters
New letters urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to expand Medicare and Medicaid to include FDA-approved anti-obesity medications.
Medicare and Medicaid to change under Republican proposals: What to know
Texas Republican Representative Chip Roy said: "You need wholesale reform on the health care front."
Fact Check: Did Trump raise prescription drug prices?
Trump reversed former President Joe Biden's order on "Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Americans" on Monday.
Donald Trump's Medicare executive order explained
Donald Trump has rescinded an executive order from President Joe Biden that sought to lower the price of drugs.
CBO projects U.S. debt to surge $23.9T, excluding tax cuts by Trump
The U.S. national debt is projected to surge by $23.9 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Biden adds Ozempic to Medicare price renegotiation talks
Biden's administration announced weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy will be included on Medicare's list of medications subject to direct price negotiations.
Texas counties have least health insurance coverage
Texas dominated the list of counties with the highest share of their under-65 population lacking health insurance.
Medicare bills are increasing: Here's who's impacted
For seniors relying on Medicare Part B, premiums will be higher on average compared to 2024.
Prescription costs: $2,000 cap comes into effect on January 1
The change is expected to benefit millions of Americans.
850,000 Americans will have cheaper drug prescriptions in 2025
Starting in 2025, over 850,000 Americans with Medicare will benefit from lower prescription drug costs as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Medicare to change if spending bill passes: Here's how
The Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act would make changes to Medicare for 2025.
Marjorie Taylor Greene throws Trump's Social Security pledge on floor
The House Republican accused campaigner Alex Lawson of asking "b******* questions."
When It Comes to Health Care, the U.S. Is Doing It Wrong | Opinion
The unseemly snark over the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson needs discussing.
Government Needs To Do More To Ensure Obesity Drug Safety | Opinion
The Biden administration has proposed expanding Medicare coverage for anti-obesity medications.
Biden Administration Right To Expand Access to Weight Loss Drugs | Opinion
Today, 42 percent of U.S. adults have obesity. This figure has been climbing every year.
Medicare coverage to change under new bipartisan bill
The new bill was introduced as a way to ensure prescription birth control would be covered for women under Medicare.
The U.S. Health Care System Is Broken. It's Time for Real Reform | Opinion
Americans pride themselves on leading the world in innovation, freedom, and opportunity. Yet, when it comes to health, the numbers tell a damning story.
Progressive lawmakers voice their agreement with Elon Musk
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Washington Representative Pramila Jayapal found common ground with Musk in the healthcare debate.
A year before CEO shooting, lawsuit alleged UHC used AI to deny coverage
The lawsuit accuses UnitedHealthcare of using artificial intelligence to deny coverage to elderly patients.
