Pioneers in 5 Star Service • Ronstadt Insurance • Tucson, AZ • 520-721-4848
January 20, 2026

5 Biggest Changes to Medicare in 2026

Significant updates are coming to Medicare in 2026, primarily affecting prescription drug costs and plan regulations. The Part D out-of-pocket maximum will rise to $2,100, while a federal negotiation program will slash prices for ten specific high-cost medications. Residents in six states will encounter a new prior authorization pilot program for certain medical services to combat potential fraud. Additionally, the government is introducing a special election period for those who selected a Medicare Advantage plan based on inaccurate online directory data. Overall, beneficiaries should prepare for higher standard premiums and deductibles despite these targeted savings and new consumer protections.

 
January 13, 2026

IRS Provides Guidance on the OBBBA’s Expansion of HSAs

A primary update includes the permanent extension of a policy allowing patients to use Telehealth services before meeting their insurance deductibles without losing HSA eligibility. The new regulations also permit individuals to use tax-free HSA funds to pay for Direct Primary Care (DPC) subscription fees, provided the monthly costs remain under specific price caps. Furthermore, the legislation reclassifies all bronze and catastrophic plans sold on the ACA Exchange as HSA-compatible, regardless of their specific structure. These legal shifts, summarized in IRS Notice 2026-5, grant employers greater flexibility in designing health benefits and offer consumers more ways to save for medical expenses.

 
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