medicare
The US national debt now stands at $40 trillion
WASHINGTON | The national debt surpassed a record $40 trillion on Wednesday, a staggering milestone as defense costs, social programs like Social Security and Medicare and interest on the burgeoning deficit make up an enormous share of federal spending. The milestone figure was recorded just five months after the U.S. hit a record $39 trillion […]
The Trump administration is ending a Medicare drug subsidy program. Here’s how it could affect costs
NEW YORK | Millions of older adults on Medicare prescription drug coverage could face steeper monthly costs in 2027, after the Trump administration concludes a temporary subsidy program that has helped offset premiums for the past two years. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this week announced it would wrap up the program, which […]
Medicare is now covering some GLP-1 weight loss drugs for $50. Here’s what to know
NEW YORK | Popular — and expensive — GLP-1 weight loss drugs just got a lot cheaper for many older Americans. Starting Wednesday, the federal government is offering a selection of the brand name medications to certain Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries for $50 a month through a new trial called Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. The […]
Social Security’s retirement trust fund faces a funding shortfall a year earlier than expected
The looming challenge for the programs is a partial funding gap, not a collapse. Even after trust fund depletion, the system will continue issuing benefits, albeit at reduced amounts. Last year, Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund go-broke date was pushed to 2033 from 2036 the year before that, according to the report from the programs’ […]