A federal judge in California ruled to allow sharing basic biographical, location and contact information as the Trump administration pursues its immigration crackdown.

Some of 2026 changes have prompted significant concern, and experts have warned millions will lose access to health care coverage.

The first 10 drugs subject to Medicare price negotiations go into effect on Jan. 1. Part D enrollees may see those drug costs drop by about half, AARP finds.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dec. 23 introduced a new drug pricing model, BALANCE, for Medicare Part D and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Strengthen your financial backup. Even with Medicare coverage, unexpected out-of-pocket expenses can pop up. Earn as much as possible on your emergency savings. SoFi Checking is offering up to 4.50% APY and a bonus of up to $300 with direct deposit. (May change without notice.)

From a 2.8% Social Security COLA to higher Medicare premiums and new drug-price caps, here’s what’s changing in 2026 — and why the future of these programs is under pressure.

Traditional Medicare has worked because it is public, predictable and not driven by profit. Turning coverage decisions over to private gatekeepers risks undermining what still works. Maine’s members of Congress should be asking hard questions now, before this becomes permanent.