Wakely Wire
October 23, 2025
New Insights
Whitepapers, briefs, press releases and more
Week in Washington 10/23/25
Shutdown There was no progress this week on ending the shutdown. While there have been some conversations on a compromise, high level leadership discussions have not happened. Nor is there any specific event that could trigger discussions. Two potential sources are that food stamp (SNAP) funding is likely to run out next month as well ... Continue reading
Events & More
2026 Star Ratings: Trends, Takeaways, and What’s Next
Join Wakely, an HMA Company, for a deep dive into the 2026 Medicare Advantage Star Ratings. We’ll unpack what this year’s results mean for plans, including the projected impact on 2027 Medicare Advantage payments.
Our experts will walk through key program and performance trends, highlight the effects of another annual cut point increase, and share insights on what plans can expect over the next few years. We’ll also explore upcoming Star Ratings changes and their potential implications for Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs).
Whether you’re looking to understand the numbers or plan your next steps, this session will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Newsworthy Findings
Optum Launches AI System to Speed Medical Claims
Optum Real allows providers to receive information about patients’ health benefits in real time, potentially avoiding claim denials and giving patients more transparency about coverage.
Elevance Outperforms In Third Quarter But Warns Of Medicaid Challenges
The Indianapolis-based company is the first major insurer to release earnings this cycle. Elevance did well in the quarter but hinted that profits could be constrained in 2026.
Private Medicare, Medicaid Plans Exaggerate In-Network Mental Health Options, Watchdogs Say
Companies running private Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans inaccurately list many mental health professionals as being available to treat the plans’ members.
States Jostle Over $50B Rural Health Fund as Trump’s Medicaid Cuts Trigger Scramble
Rural hospitals and clinics nationwide face a looming financial catastrophe, with the massive tax-and-spending laws expected to slash federal Medicaid spending on health care in rural areas by $137 billion over 10 years.
A New Car vs. Health Insurance? Average Family Job-Based Coverage Hits $27K
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) annual survey, employer-sponsored family health insurance premiums rose 6% in 2025 to an average of $26,993, marking the third straight year of 6% or greater increases and placing the cost roughly on par with the price of a new vehicle.
Bonus Article
Graphene Dream Becomes a Reality as Miracle Material Enters Production for Better Chips, Batteries
Just for Fun
Math Joke:
What did zero say to eight?
Prior Week
Q: What do you call friends who love math?
A: Algebros!
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