Medicare, ACA enrollment bring major price changes

In today's Health Watch, open enrollment is underway for Medicare and it's just around the corner for the ACA or Obamacare. And there are some big new changes that people should know about before they run out of time to pick a new plan. Fox News' Jonathan Serri has more from Atlanta. It's that time of year again open enrollment for Medicare is underway. Every year is called the annual election period. It's October 15th through December 7th. And there are big changes this year, including higher out-of-pocket caps and the end of some federal subsidies for prescription drugs. There are also fewer care options. Major insurers are dropping some health plans, mostly in rural areas, because of higher costs. People should shop around. If they anticipate a large premium increase, there may be opportunities for savings with other plans. It's not all bad news. There are new subsidies for GLP-1 drugs and extended telehealth benefits. But it's a different story with the ACA, also known as Obamacare. Congress allowed the COVID-era subsidies to lapse, meaning those making $62,000 a year or more are about to see their premiums skyrocket. I doubt if the majority of my patients who are currently on the Affordable Care Act will be able to afford any health insurance. The majority that depend on that plan, this is going to be a disaster. And it's become a hot topic on the campaign trail ahead of the midterms. Republicans pushing back on a new effort to make Medicare available for the whole country. We've got to guarantee health care to every man, woman, and child through a Medicare for All single-payer program. Medicare for All is a disaster. It would turn government over, the government in charge of health care. ACA open enrollment runs from November 1st to January 15. In Atlanta, Jonathan Serri, Fox News.