Medicare Rights Center
medicarerights.bsky.social
Medicare Rights Center
@medicarerights.bsky.social
Since 1989, we’ve been helping people with Medicare understand their rights and benefits, navigate the Medicare system, and secure the quality health care they deserve.

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👋 Hey, Bluesky! We’re the Medicare Rights Center, here to help you navigate #Medicare.

✅ Medicare questions? Call our free helpline: 800-333-4114
✅ Want to join our #advocacy to #ProtectMedicare? Visit MedicareRights.org
✅ Need trusted Medicare info? Check out MedicareInteractive.org
MedicareRights.org
We at Medicare Rights are thinking of those who make our work possible: you. You stay engaged, share our resources, and care about people who need Medicare, so more older adults & people w/ disabilities can understand their coverage, get help, and protect their health & finances.
November 27, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Expert counselors on our free, national Medicare helpline (800-333-4114) helped 15% more clients enroll in health care cost-assistance programs in 2024 compared to 2023. We're eager to help even more people access the health care they need at prices they can afford this year.
November 26, 2025 at 4:33 PM
For many, now is the time for family vacations or reunions and taking a break from everyday work and routine. But for the 63 million Americans whose everyday work and routine is their family, this month carries an extra meaning. November is National Family Caregivers Month.
Honoring America’s Family Caregivers, the Unseen Workforce Behind Our Health System - Medicare Rights Center
The end of the year is in sight, and the holiday season is in full swing. For many, now is the time for family vacations or reunions and taking a break from everyday work and routine. But for the 63 m...
www.medicarerights.org
November 25, 2025 at 8:56 PM
CMS released the 2026 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Part A and Part B, and the 2026 income-related monthly adjustment amounts for Part D. These amounts are set according to formulas in the Medicare law and depend on historical and projected health care costs.
2026 Medicare Premiums Announced, Last Weeks of Open Enrollment - Medicare Rights Center
Last week, CMS released the 2026 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Part A and Part B, and the 2026 income-related monthly adjustment amounts for Part D. These amounts are set...
www.medicarerights.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:44 PM
A proposed rule on “public charge” could expose legal immigrants to arbitrary and unfair decisions as they attempt to become lawful permanent residents. The public charge inadmissibility test was designed to identify people who may depend on the government as their main source of support.
“Public Charge” Proposed Rule Threatens Chaos for Immigrants - Medicare Rights Center
This week, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule on “public charge” that could expose legal immigrants to arbitrary and unfair decisions as they attempt to become lawful perman...
www.medicarerights.org
November 24, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Networks are one aspect that can be overlooked when choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. With OM, enrollees can see any provider and use any facility that accepts Medicare. Enrollees in most MA plans are limited to seeing in-network providers if they want to avoid extra costs.
Most Medicare Advantage Enrollees Sacrifice Access to Wide Network of Medicare Providers - Medicare Rights Center
Medicare Open Enrollment is currently underway and runs until December 7. During this period, people with Medicare can make changes to their Medicare coverage like going from Original Medicare to Medi...
www.medicarerights.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
While the agreement funds important programs like SNAP and ensures federal workers get paid, it does not include an extension of ACA premium tax credits that were, together with previous congressional action cutting Medicaid funding, the issues at the heart of the shutdown.
Shutdown to End, but Access to Affordable ACA Marketplace Plans Still at Risk - Medicare Rights Center
Yesterday, the House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing a stopgap measure to end the longest-ever federal government shutdown. While this agreement funds important programs like the Suppl...
www.medicarerights.org
November 13, 2025 at 9:45 PM
It’s Medicare Fall Open Enrollment! If you need kind, expert help reviewing your coverage options, call the Medicare Rights Center Helpline at 800-333-4114. Our counselors offer free, unbiased guidance to help you navigate Medicare and find local resources.
November 12, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Medicare Rights is deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for our 2025 Annual Benefit. Dr. Dhruv Khullar’s speech was an inspiring reminder of why the Medicare Rights Center’s work matters—that people's access to care, dignity, and stability make a healthy democracy possible.
November 7, 2025 at 4:59 PM
People shopping for ACA coverage have seen a drastic spike in coverage costs nationwide. This is from a combination of the largest rate increases since 2018 and Congress’s failure to extend premium tax credits that helped people afford coverage.
ACA Open Enrollment Causing Sticker Shock for Millions, Congress Must Act - Medicare Rights Center
Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans began on November 1, and people shopping for coverage have seen a drastic spike in coverage costs nationwide. This is from a combination...
www.medicarerights.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Amid health care system changes, it's vital that those with Medicare can access care. Dr. Khullar—physician, writer, and health policy leader—and Medicare Rights' president will draw the link between healthy people and healthy democracy. Join on Wednesday Nov. 12 4PM
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 5, 2025 at 6:58 PM
When food becomes unaffordable, older adults and people with disabilities are forced to make impossible choices between necessities. Enrolling in the Part D Low-Income Subsidy or Medicare Savings Programs could help Medicare beneficiaries make ends meet.
SNAP at Risk: Impacts for Medicare Beneficiaries - Medicare Rights Center
On November 1, as the federal government shutdown entered its second month, the nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) did not receive their benef...
www.medicarerights.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM
The SSA announced that the Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026 will be a 2.8% increase. The Social Security COLA has drawn criticism for failing to match up with the experience of inflation or true expenses for older adults and people with disabilities.
Social Security Announces Cost of Living Increase - Medicare Rights Center
Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will be a 2.8 percent increase. This increase is in line with previous projections for ...
www.medicarerights.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Mental health is a complex issue, and everyone’s experiences and circumstances affect them differently. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms of depression or alcohol misuse to qualify for a screening with Medicare, and experts encourage being proactive about seeking mental health care.
Mental Health Screenings and Preventive Care for People With Medicare - Medicare Rights Center
Mental health care begins with screenings and preventive care. This National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, we are highlighting the importance of receiving regular mental health screeni...
www.medicarerights.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:09 PM
From funding cuts to policy reforms, the Republican-passed reconciliation bill (HR 1) directly harms older adults, including by making health care and coverage less available and more expensive.
Older Adults at Risk if ACA Subsidies Expire - Medicare Rights Center
From funding cuts to policy reforms, the Republican-passed reconciliation bill (HR 1) directly harms older adults, including by making health care and coverage less available and more expensive. As th...
www.medicarerights.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Our free, national Medicare helpline (800-333-4114) is operated by expert counselors who keep up with the latest program changes to help you & your loved ones make informed plan decisions. Last year's $2k cap on Part D Drug out-of-pocket spending let us give exciting new guidance.
October 29, 2025 at 3:43 PM
We are so looking forward to our annual benefit event taking place tomorrow. It will be a celebratory and inspiring evening, and an opportunity for our supporters--in person and afar--to make meaningful contributions to our mission.
October 27, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Medicare aims to promote health equity by ensuring coverage for older adults and people with disabilities. To fully realize that goal, beneficiaries must have the knowledge, support, and confidence to navigate the system and use their benefits effectively.
Health Literacy Month: Making Care Understandable, Equitable, and Accessible - Medicare Rights Center
Health literacy is the ability of people to understand and use health information and services, and it is the foundation of an effective health care system and a healthy population. When health care i...
www.medicarerights.org
October 24, 2025 at 8:28 PM
One potentially helpful recent addition to Medicare Plan Finder was the inclusion of integrated provider directories for some plans. But provider directories are filled with errors that may hide inadequate networks and inferior access to care.
Harm to Medicare Advantage Enrollees From Directory Errors and Inadequate Networks - Medicare Rights Center
Two important developments reveal continuing issues with provider directories and Medicare Advantage (MA) networks. Some Directory Information Now on Plan Finder Last month, we noted important changes...
www.medicarerights.org
October 24, 2025 at 1:31 PM
This week, the CBO said a provision in the reconciliation bill that widens exemptions from Medicare’s drug negotiation program will cost 80% more than previously thought. The price tag is now $8.8 billion. The upward revision was made to more accurately reflect the scope of the policy change.
Reconciliation Bill More Harmful and Costly Than Previously Thought - Medicare Rights Center
This week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said a provision in the reconciliation bill that widens exemptions from Medicare’s drug negotiation program will cost significantly more th...
www.medicarerights.org
October 23, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Medicare Open Enrollment has begun--read our recent blog post for resources, tips, and a lookback on how we've helped people in previous Open Enrollment Periods. If you or someone you know needs support this Enrollment Period, call us: 800-333-4114
Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Today - Medicare Rights Center
Medicare Open Enrollment (also known as the Annual Election Period) begins today! From October 15 to December 7, you can make unrestricted changes to your Medicare coverage options. During this period...
www.medicarerights.org
October 17, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Fall is the time when many people choose what health care coverage they will have in the coming year, and Medicare is no exception. From October 15 to December 7, people with Medicare can choose to retain their current coverage or make a switch.
Guide to Medicare Open Enrollment - Medicare Rights Center
Fall is the time when many people choose what health care coverage they will have in the coming year, and Medicare is no exception. From October 15 to December 7, people with Medicare can choose to re...
www.medicarerights.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:59 PM
The Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period is here! Also known as the Annual Election Period, this is the time to make Medicare changes such as switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA), between MA plans, or changing your standalone Part D plan.
October 15, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Medicare Rights President Fred Riccardi spoke on Decoding Retirement about changes to look for in an Annual Notice of Change as the Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period begins. Read yours to make informed coverage decisions in the 10/15-12/07 window!
The one Medicare letter you can’t afford to ignore
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October 14, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Our free, national helpline's services are made possible through the valuable contributions of time, effort, and expertise of volunteers like Scott, who we are honoring at this year's annual benefit event.
October 14, 2025 at 2:50 PM