https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/US healthcare news and explainers: Medicare, Medicaid, ACA open enrollment, drug prices, dental coverage and cosmetic care, checked against official sources.en https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medicare-open-enrollment-2027/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medicare-open-enrollment-2027/Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTMedicare open enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7, 2026. The 2027 Part D cap, deductible, Medicare Advantage changes and what to check before you switch. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/aca-open-enrollment-2027/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/aca-open-enrollment-2027/Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTHealthCare.gov open enrollment for 2027 coverage starts November 1, 2026. Deadlines, state exchange dates, rising premiums and how to compare Marketplace plans. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/aca-subsidies-2027/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/aca-subsidies-2027/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTThe enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. What that means for 2027 Marketplace premiums, the 400% poverty-level cliff and your options. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/free-consultation-questions/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/free-consultation-questions/Sun, 11 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTMake the most of a free dental, orthodontic or cosmetic consultation: 15 questions about costs, insurance, risks, recovery and the provider’s experience. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medicaid-work-requirements-2027/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medicaid-work-requirements-2027/Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTMedicaid “community engagement” requirements start by Jan 1, 2027 in expansion states. Who must report 80 hours a month, who is exempt and how to keep cover. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/compounded-glp1-fda/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/compounded-glp1-fda/Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTThe semaglutide and tirzepatide shortages are over. What that means for compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, FDA warnings and safer options. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-2027/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-2027/Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTMedicare’s second round of negotiated drug prices, covering 15 drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy, takes effect January 1, 2027. What it means for your copays. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/how-to-choose-a-plastic-surgeon/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/how-to-choose-a-plastic-surgeon/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTHow to check a plastic surgeon’s board certification, license and hospital privileges, choose an accredited facility and spot red flags before cosmetic surgery. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/part-d-out-of-pocket-cap/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/part-d-out-of-pocket-cap/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTMedicare Part D caps what you pay for covered drugs each year: $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027. How the cap works and how to spread costs monthly. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/dental-tourism-risks/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/dental-tourism-risks/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTThinking of getting implants, veneers or cosmetic surgery abroad? The CDC’s advice on medical tourism, common risks, aftercare problems and questions to ask. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/med-spa-safety/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/med-spa-safety/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTMed spa safety guide: who can inject Botox and fillers, spotting counterfeit products, questions to ask and what to do if something goes wrong. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/hsa-changes-2026-2027/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/hsa-changes-2026-2027/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTNew HSA rules: bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans now qualify, direct primary care fees can be paid from an HSA, telehealth is permanent and 2027 limits. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medicare-telehealth-2027/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medicare-telehealth-2027/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTMedicare telehealth flexibilities, including visits from home, run through December 31, 2027. What is covered and what may change next. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/no-surprises-act-guide/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/no-surprises-act-guide/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMTHow the No Surprises Act stops surprise out-of-network bills for emergencies and hospital care, and how uninsured patients get a Good Faith Estimate. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medical-debt-and-credit-reports/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/medical-debt-and-credit-reports/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTThe CFPB rule banning medical debt from credit reports was vacated in 2025. What protections remain, how to dispute errors and how to negotiate medical bills. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/does-medicare-cover-dental/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/does-medicare-cover-dental/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTOriginal Medicare does not cover routine dental care. How Medicare Advantage, stand-alone dental plans and savings plans can fill the gap in 2027. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/urgent-care-vs-er/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/urgent-care-vs-er/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTWhen to choose urgent care, the emergency room, telehealth or your regular doctor, what each typically costs you, and how your insurance treats each one. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/how-dental-insurance-works/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/how-dental-insurance-works/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTDental insurance explained: annual maximums, deductibles, the 100-80-50 coverage pattern, waiting periods, missing tooth clauses and pre-treatment estimates. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/dental-savings-plans-vs-insurance/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/dental-savings-plans-vs-insurance/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTDental savings (discount) plans and dental insurance compared: how each works, waiting periods, annual maximums, in-house membership plans and who each suits. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/hospital-price-transparency/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/hospital-price-transparency/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTHospitals must publish their prices online. What the 2026 price transparency changes require, how to look up shoppable services and use prices to save money. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/free-and-low-cost-dental-care/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/free-and-low-cost-dental-care/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTNo dental insurance? Where to find free and low-cost dental care in the US: community health centers, dental schools, Medicaid, free clinic events and more. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/clear-aligners-vs-braces/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/clear-aligners-vs-braces/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTClear aligners vs metal and ceramic braces compared for teens and adults: effectiveness, comfort, appearance, treatment time, cost factors and insurance. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/kids-dental-care-chip/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/kids-dental-care-chip/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTWhen should your child first see a dentist? How Medicaid, CHIP and Marketplace plans cover children’s dental care, sealants, fluoride and orthodontics. https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/water-fluoridation-debate/https://carecompass.shmor.ai/blog/water-fluoridation-debate/Sun, 20 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMTUtah and Florida ended community water fluoridation in 2025 and other states are debating it. What changed, what dentists say and how to protect your teeth.