Auto logout in seconds.
Continue Logout
According to CMS, weighted Medicare Advantage (MA) premiums are expected to decline by 16% in 2027 compared to 2026, a shift that is occurring as more insurers leave the MA market, in today's bite-sized hospital and health industry news from New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.
- New Jersey: Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, will retire next summer. The health system's board of directors will soon begin a national search for a new CEO, with plans to name Garrett's successor by the end of the first quarter of 2027. After his retirement on June 30, Garrett will stay with the organization as CEO emeritus for up to one year to assist with the transition. According to Healthcare Dive, Garrett began his career at Hackensack University Medical Center in 1981 and later served as president and CEO of the Hackensack University Health Network from 2009 to 2016. In 2016, Hackensack University Health Network merged with Meridian Health to form Hackensack Merdian Health. After the merger, Garrett served as co-CEO of the new organization until 2019, after which he became the sole CEO. "Leading Hackensack Meridian has been the privilege of a lifetime," Garrett said in a statement. (Hughes, Healthcare Dive, 9/22)
- New York: According to a new study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 11.3% of healthcare workers reported persistent symptoms of long COVID. For the study, researchers surveyed 1,496 healthcare workers about their symptoms at three and six months post infection. Individuals who reported having moderate or severe symptoms at those times were classified as having long COVID. The researchers found that older age, prior COVID-19 infection, and more than two underlying health conditions were associated with a higher risk of long COVID. Female healthcare workers also had a greater risk of persistent long COVID symptoms compared to male workers. The healthcare professions with lower risks of long COVID were physicians, licensed practical and registered nurses, and therapists or therapy assistants. In comparison, nonclinical healthcare workers had a higher risk of long COVID. An unexpected finding was that recent COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a 44% higher rate of persistent symptoms compared to no vaccination in the last six months. Overall, the researchers concluded that "[t]hese results underscore the ongoing and substantial burden of long COVID among HCP [healthcare personnel] and suggest there may be an impact on healthcare workforce sustainability, through possible needs for accommodations, reduced hours, modified schedules, or role changes." (Taylor, Becker's Hospital Review, 9/24; Bergeson, CIDRAP News, 9/23)
- Maryland: According to CMS, weighted MA premiums are expected to decline by 16% in 2027 compared to 2026. MA prescription drug premiums are also expected to decrease by 38% year-over-year. Across all MA plans, the weighted average monthly premium is expected to decrease from $14.37 in 2026 to $12 in 2027. Although CMS said it expects 99% of Medicare beneficiaries to have access to at least one MA plan during open enrollment, there has been an exodus of insurers from the MA market. Many leading MA insurers, including Humana and Aetna, are planning to exit hundreds of counties and reduce their marketing. Overall, at least 3.8 million MA enrollees will need to find new coverage in 2027, and roughly 500,000 people in 14 states will find new carriers since their insurers are leaving their geographic regions. "While the exact magnitude [of insurers leaving the MA market] remains somewhat unclear, we think this does point to most [MA companies] trimming their footprints and creating disruption in 2027 [enrollment period]," said Lisa Gill, an analyst at J.P. Morgan. (Minemyer, Fierce Healthcare, 9/28; Tepper/Broderick, Modern Healthcare, 9/30; Parduhn, Healthcare Dive, 9/29)
Don't miss out on the latest Advisory Board insights
Create your free account to access 1 resource, including the latest research and webinars.
Want access without creating an account?
You have 1 free members-only resource remaining this month.
1 free members-only resources remaining
1 free members-only resources remaining
You've reached your limit of free insights
Become a member to access all of Advisory Board's resources, events, and experts
Never miss out on the latest innovative health care content tailored to you.
Benefits include:
Unlimited access to research and resources
Member-only access to events and trainings
Expert-led consultation and facilitation
The latest content delivered to your inbox
You've reached your limit of free insights
Become a member to access all of Advisory Board's resources, events, and experts
Never miss out on the latest innovative health care content tailored to you.
Benefits include:
Unlimited access to research and resources
Member-only access to events and trainings
Expert-led consultation and facilitation
The latest content delivered to your inbox
This content is available through your Curated Research partnership with Advisory Board. Click on ‘view this resource’ to read the full piece
Email ask@advisory.com to learn more
Click on ‘Become a Member’ to learn about the benefits of a Full-Access partnership with Advisory Board
Never miss out on the latest innovative health care content tailored to you.
Benefits Include:
Unlimited access to research and resources
Member-only access to events and trainings
Expert-led consultation and facilitation
The latest content delivered to your inbox
This is for members only. Learn more.
Click on ‘Become a Member’ to learn about the benefits of a Full-Access partnership with Advisory Board
Never miss out on the latest innovative health care content tailored to you.
Benefits Include:
Unlimited access to research and resources
Member-only access to events and trainings
Expert-led consultation and facilitation
The latest content delivered to your inbox
