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KFF’s policy research provides facts and analysis on a wide range of policy issues and public programs. KFF designs, conducts and analyzes original public opinion and survey research on Americans’ ...
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Early Medicaid Work Requirement Insights From Nebraska

States must first determine if an individual is excluded from the Medicaid work requirements before assessing if an individual meets the qualifying activities. Some individuals who meet exclusion ...
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What is a Medicare Advantage plan? How does it differ from traditional Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans are private health plans, such as HMOs or PPOs, that are offered by health insurers that have contracts with the Medicare program to offer benefits to people with Medicare.
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Can immigrants enroll in Medicare? I heard there is a recent law that changes Medicare coverage for immigrants, including those that are lawfully present. How will it affect me?

It depends on your status as a lawfully present immigrant and whether you meet Medicare’s other eligibility requirements. A federal law enacted in July 2025 limits Medicare eligibility to U.S.
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I didn’t sign up for Part B when I first became eligible, but want to sign up now. I know there is a penalty for late enrollment. Is there any way to avoid the penalty?

Generally, no. In most cases, if you missed your Part B enrollment window, which runs from the three months before the month of your 65 th birthday through the three months after the month of your ...
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How and when can I switch from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare? Is there a form I need to fill out? Can I make that change during the Medicare Open Enrollment period?

If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to switch to traditional Medicare, you should contact your current plan to cancel your enrollment and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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How can I find out if my doctor accepts Medicare?

Most doctors in the United States accept Medicare. To find a list of doctors in your area who accept Medicare and agree not to bill you for more than the approved Medicare amount for your visit or ...
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CMS Phasing Out Medicaid Workforce Initiatives

On July 11, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a letter to states notifying them that going forward CMS does not anticipate approving new 1115 demonstration workforce ...
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I am currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, but I received a notice that my plan is not being offered next year. What do I need to do?

If your current Medicare Advantage plan is not being offered next year and you do not choose another plan, you will be enrolled by default in traditional Medicare. In this case, if you do not receive ...
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I am turning 65 next year. When can I sign up for Medicare?

If you are eligible for Medicare, your initial enrollment period for Part A and Part B begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday and ends three months after it. For example, if your ...
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I’m turning 65 soon, but I like my current insurance. Do I have to enroll in Medicare? Will there be penalties if I don’t?

It depends on how you are receiving your current insurance. If you are receiving employer-sponsored health insurance through either your or your spouse’s job when you turn 65, you may be able to keep ...
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Immunizations for Adults Covered by the ACA

Federal law requires most private health insurance plans and Medicaid programs to cover the full cost of recommended immunizations for adults with no cost-sharing. Vaccine and booster recommendations ...