In 2026, workers will face higher health insurance premiums due to a projected 9-10% increase in employer health costs, driven by rising medical and drug expenses, with employers shifting more costs onto employees and exploring alternative health plan arrangements to manage expenses.
A federal judge in Texas ruled that medical debt can remain on Americans' credit reports, overturning a Biden-era policy aimed at removing such debts to improve financial fairness, citing jurisdictional issues and concerns about credit report accuracy.
Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap, is a type of private health insurance that works alongside Medicare to cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. The best time to purchase a Medigap policy is during your initial enrollment period (IEP) when you're 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health status or pre-existing conditions. Outside of the IEP, you can still purchase a Medigap policy if you have guaranteed issue rights, which are granted during specific circumstances. Additionally, you can apply for a Medigap plan during the annual enrollment period (AEP) or your state's open enrollment period (OEP). Ultimately, the decision to buy Medicare supplemental insurance depends on various factors, but it can provide peace of mind and financial security in retirement.