Core Insights - Medicare coverage is not free and costs are expected to rise in 2026, impacting enrollees financially Group 1: Rising Costs - The standard monthly Medicare Part B premium increased from $185 in 2025 to $202.90 in 2026, which significantly affects the 2.8% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment [3] - The Medicare Part A inpatient deductible rose from $1,676 in 2025 to $1,736 in 2026, adding to the financial burden of hospital admissions [4] - The coinsurance rate for Medicare Part A for days 61 through 90 of a hospital stay increased from $419 per day in 2025 to $434 in 2026 [5] - The daily cost for using lifetime reserve days beyond the 90th day in the hospital rose from $838 in 2025 to $868 in 2026 [6] Group 2: Cost Management Strategies - It is crucial for enrollees to understand their coverage and explore ways to minimize out-of-pocket expenses [8] - Recommendations include checking eligibility for affordable Medigap plans, reviewing Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan options annually, using in-network providers, and utilizing low- or no-cost preventive care [9]

CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) is one of the most undervalued large cap stocks to invest in now. On January 28, Argus reduced its price target for CVS Health to $90 from $91 while maintaining a Buy rating. Despite a nearly 15% stock decline following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ proposal for a flat 2027 Medicare Advantage reimbursement rate, the firm anticipates an upward revision before the final rate is set in April 2026. Argus suggested that even if the final increase falls short o ...

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) has shown a significant bullish technical signal with the formation of its first golden cross since July 2024, indicating potential recovery after a substantial earnings-driven decline [1][3]. Stock Performance - UNH stock has experienced a peak-to-trough decline of approximately 48%, trading around $287, down from highs above $550 in 2024 [2]. - The stock saw a sharp drop of about 20% in January 2026 following disappointing Q4 2025 earnings and a weaker outlook for 2026 [3]. Technical Indicators - The 50-day moving average recently crossed above the 200-day moving average, suggesting improving short-term momentum after a prolonged bearish trend [1][3]. - The $330–$350 price zone remains a critical resistance level that needs to be reclaimed for a sustainable trend reversal [4]. Financial Performance - UnitedHealth reported Q4 2025 revenue of $113.2 billion, which fell short of expectations by approximately $530 million [4]. - Although adjusted EPS of $2.11 met forecasts, the focus was on underlying weaknesses, particularly the 2026 revenue guidance projected at over $439 billion, significantly below the consensus of around $454 billion [5]. - This guidance indicates a rare year-over-year revenue decline from 2025's revenue of about $447.6 billion, challenging previous growth assumptions [6].

Core Insights - The expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies in 2026 is leading to significant increases in health insurance premiums for retirees, exemplified by a Georgia couple facing a jump from $1,600 to $3,200 monthly, totaling nearly $39,000 more annually [1][2] - Many households, particularly those with middle incomes, may no longer qualify for financial assistance, as eligibility is limited to those earning no more than 400% of the federal poverty level [3] - Early enrollment data indicates a decline in Marketplace coverage, with approximately 22.8 million enrollees in January 2026, down from 24.16 million in January 2025, reflecting a loss of about 1.4 million enrollees year over year [4] Industry Impact - A KFF survey reveals that around 50% of Americans struggle with healthcare costs, leading one in three to defer coverage, while 40% of insured individuals express concerns about affording premiums [5] - The Urban Institute reports that 21 states have fewer insurers participating in the Marketplace, with major insurers like Aetna opting out, likely due to uncertainties surrounding the loss of subsidies and the potential for covering higher-risk customers [6]

Core Insights - Understanding the distinction between wellness visits and routine physical exams under Medicare can lead to significant cost savings for patients [1][5] Group 1: Medicare Coverage - Medicare Part B provides yearly wellness visits at no cost to patients, covering preventative and medically necessary services [1] - Routine physical exams are not covered by Medicare Part B, requiring patients to pay 100% of the cost [1][5] Group 2: Appointment Types - Wellness visits involve reviewing medical history, lifestyle information, and providing guidance on screenings, while routine physical exams are more comprehensive, including blood tests and physical examinations [2] - To ensure coverage, patients should focus on typical wellness visit components and avoid discussing unrelated medical issues that could incur additional charges [3] Group 3: Scheduling and Frequency - Wellness visits are covered only once every 12 months, and patients must wait at least 12 months after enrolling in Medicare Part B or after their initial preventive visit before scheduling a wellness visit [4]

Group 1 - Eli Lilly's stock performance is influenced more by new reports on GOP-1 clinical trials than by its earnings [1] - Alphabet is highlighted as a strong performer, with significant contributions from its products like Gemini, YouTube, and self-driving cars [2] - The healthcare sector is facing scrutiny from the president, particularly targeting companies in the healthcare chain [3] Group 2 - The drug distribution sector is criticized for high profits with minimal contributions to healthcare, with McKesson being implied as a key player [4] - Amazon's stock has become volatile, with earnings reports leading to significant fluctuations in its stock price [5] - The travel sector is mentioned as a focus for investment, despite recent underperformance [6]

Core Insights - Enrollment in Obamacare plans is projected to decline by over 1 million Americans in 2026 due to rising monthly premiums and the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies that were in place during the COVID-19 pandemic [1] Enrollment Data - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that 23 million consumers signed up for individual health insurance coverage through the Marketplaces during the 2026 open enrollment period, with 15.8 million using HealthCare.gov and 7.2 million using state-based exchanges [2] - Enrollment as of mid-January 2026 was down approximately 1.2 million compared to the 24.2 million enrolled at the same time last year [4] Premium Costs - Average premium costs for subsidized Obamacare enrollees are expected to rise to $1,904 in 2026 from $888, according to KFF data [3] - KFF's analysis indicated that premium payments are anticipated to more than double on average in 2026, with about 25% of enrollees stating they would forgo health insurance if premiums doubled as expected [10] Effectuation and Disenrollment - The enrollment data includes automatic renewals and plan selections, which may not reflect actual enrollments as some consumers may choose not to pay for their plans [6] - Analysts predict that total enrollment in Obamacare plans will decrease as consumers react to higher premiums, potentially leading to significant disenrollment activity during the 90-day grace period [13]

However, with health insurers obviously in President Donald Trump's administration's crosshairs and UnitedHealth's Medicare and Retirement unit generating 25% of its revenue in fiscal 2025, the risk-reward ratio of UNH stock seems quite negative at this point. Therefore, investors may want to sell UNH stock. Piper Sandler analyst Jessica Tassan remains bullish on UnitedHealth (UNH) stock, although she lowered her price target on shares. This comes after news that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Servic ...

If you’ve received any text messages from California-based healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente, you could be eligible for cash under the terms of a new settlement. Most Read from Fast Company The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan agreed to pay $10.5 million to settle a class action suit filed in August 2025. That suit alleged that the healthcare company sent marketing texts to people who had already replied “stop” to opt out of receiving them. That practice could run afoul of the Telephone Consumer Protecti ...

CMS’s proposal for near-flat Medicare Advantage reimbursements paired with a rising medical care ratio has turned what was once a dependable profit engine for U.S. health insurers into a source of real uncertainty. At the same time, new independent studies strongly suggest that Medicare Advantage still delivers greater value than traditional Medicare, with lower average costs to the federal government plus meaningfully reduced out-of-pocket expenses and richer benefits for enrollees. That split between ti ...