The federal government is making major moves to reshape how Medicare works — and many of these changes could affect how seniors and disabled Americans access care. From cheaper prescriptions to expanded telehealth and a new focus on preventative care, there’s a lot happening right now. But as always, the details matter… and there are a few important deadlines you should know about.
What’s Changing in Medicare?
In recent weeks, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued more press releases than usual — and they’re not just routine updates. CMS leaders say they’re at a “defining crossroads” and are working to fundamentally shift how Medicare approaches health and wellness.
Key Changes Include:
- Cheaper prescriptions through Medicare drug price negotiations and new executive orders.
- A possible expansion of telehealth and other digital tools, as CMS explores how technology can improve care and reduce administrative burdens.
- A focus on preventative care such as nutrition counseling, chronic disease coaching, and lifestyle support.
These efforts aim to prevent disease before it starts, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the quality of care.
Why Now?
Medicare is facing serious financial challenges. Healthcare costs are rising much faster than the economy, and chronic diseases are more common than ever. Without big changes, Medicare is projected to become insolvent by 2036.
Officials say we spend too much money treating diseases that could have been prevented. But while prevention is important, it’s just as important to protect people who live with chronic and severe illnesses that are not preventable.
How Tech Is Playing a Role
Telehealth was nearly rolled back earlier this year, but now CMS is signaling it could be here to stay — and even expand. The agency is asking for public input on how digital tools can help improve care, reduce paperwork, and make healthcare more patient-centered.
They want your thoughts on:
- Making health apps more accessible.
- Strengthening digital medical records.
- Reducing the red tape that patients and doctors deal with every day.
You can submit your comments by June 16, 2025, on the Federal Register website.
Drug Prices Could Drop — But Don’t Get Too Excited Yet
The White House has also revived a policy idea called “most favored nation pricing,” which could reduce the cost of some specialty medications. That means cancer drugs, infusions, and other high-cost treatments may get cheaper — but everyday prescriptions might not be affected right away.
The more promising news is that Medicare is already negotiating prices for some of the most expensive drugs under Part D and will soon include medications under Part B. This is happening now and public input is again being requested.
You can submit feedback on these policies by June 26, 2025, through the official CMS press release on Medicare drug price negotiations.
What You Can Do
These proposed changes could have a big impact — but they’re not final yet. Public comments can influence what happens next. Here’s how you can help:
- Tell CMS how telehealth, apps, or digital tools have helped you (or what hasn’t worked). Submit your feedback by June 16.
- Share your thoughts on drug pricing and Medicare’s negotiation process. Submit your comments by June 26.
These comment periods are open to the public — and your voice matters. You don’t need to be an expert. Just explain what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to stay healthy.
Relief Recap
If all of this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Medicare is changing in big ways, but the key things to remember are simple: the government wants to make care more affordable, more digital, and more focused on prevention. Whether these ideas actually help depends a lot on what happens next — and your input could make all the difference.
Take a moment to speak up if you can. If you use telehealth, rely on Medicare for expensive medications, or simply want your healthcare to be easier to navigate, now’s your chance to be heard. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just honest. And if you’re looking for more ways to stretch your budget, Low Income Relief is always here to help you find free stuff, money-saving tips, and support programs near you.
