09/04/2026
📬 Our September Newsletter is out — and it is full of important updates and information affecting older adults, Medicare beneficiaries, immigrants, and the people who care for them. Here's your preview 👇
💰 Medicare Advantage: $1 Trillion in Overpayments — While Sicker People Get Left Behind
A new CBO analysis projects MA costs the government 15% more per enrollee than Traditional Medicare — adding up to roughly $1 trillion in overpayments over the next decade. And a landmark JAMA Health Forum study of 1 million+ MA beneficiaries found that people who develop serious health conditions are significantly more likely to leave their MA plan — regardless of whether it's a 4 or 5-star plan. The government is paying more. Sicker people are getting less.
🌎 Public Charge Rule Takes Effect September 18 — What Older Immigrants Need to Know
A sweeping new federal public charge rule goes into effect on 9/18 — but it does NOT apply to most immigrants. We break down exactly who is affected and who isn't, which benefits can be counted, what earned benefits like Medicare are NOT counted, and where to get trusted help. This is essential reading for advocates, caregivers, and immigrant communities.
🏠 Health Net Is Cutting Assisted Living Coverage for 3,500 Vulnerable Californians
Health Net is terminating its Assisted Living Facility Transitions benefit at the end of 2026 — and most affected members don't even know it yet. We share the real human stories, what you can do if you or a loved one is affected, and why this crisis highlights the urgent need for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act.
🏥 Two New Bills Would Transform Home Care in America
The Medicare at Home Act would add personal care to Medicare Part B. The HCBS Access Act would make home and community-based services a mandatory Medicaid benefit. Together, they could fundamentally change how older adults access care in their own homes. California Health Advocates supports both.
🏆 Celebrating Catherina Isidro — National SMP Leadership Award Winner!
We are still celebrating! Our Executive Director Catherina Isidro received the prestigious Barbara McGinity National SMP Leadership Award — nominated by SMP colleagues from across the country. Her colleagues say it best: "An inspiring leader who leads and serves with her heart — thanks to her, we are now an SMP 2.0." 🎉
🚨 Scam Alert: Delete Any "MyChart Medicare Kit" Email Immediately
A widespread phishing scam is impersonating MyChart to steal Medicare numbers. More than 30 health systems have already warned patients. Delete it. Don't click. Report to California SMP at 1-855-613-7080.
📅 Upcoming Events:
⏰ Call for Presenters closes September 4 for our January 2027 CHA & SMP Conference!
📋 Free webinar September 24 — Medicare Policy Updates: 2027 rules, H.R. 1 implementation, and fraud updates with Center for Medicare Advocacy and California Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
🏨 CHA & SMP Annual Conference Week — January 11–15, 2027 in Sacramento — registration is open!
This newsletter is packed with information that can make a real difference for older Californians and their families. Please read it, share it, and help us spread the word. 💛
👉 Read the full September newsletter here → https://mailchi.mp/cahealthadvocates/when-illness-strikes-many-leave-medicare-advantage-so-why-is-the-government-still-overpaying-ma-plans?e=982cd0f7c6
