Health policy is moving fast in 2025. Congress passed a major budget law (nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), and federal agencies have issued guidance that affects Medicare, Medicaid, telehealth, and the safety net. This All Seniors Foundation guide translates what changed, what’s next, and how older adults and caregivers in Los Angeles can stay covered and save money.
Quick wins & watch-outs (at a glance)
- Lower drug costs in Medicare (2025): Annual out-of-pocket costs in Part D are capped at $2,000, and there’s a new “pay monthly” option so big pharmacy bills don’t hit all at once. Insulin remains capped at $35/month, and ACIP-recommended adult vaccines are $0.
- Telehealth: Medicare’s pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities continue through September 30, 2025 for most non-behavioral services; behavioral health telehealth in the home (including audio-only) is permanent. Separately, if you have an HSA with a high-deductible plan, Congress made pre-deductible telehealth coverage permanent.
- Medicare physician payments: A 2.83% cut to the Physician Fee Schedule took effect in 2025; the new law adds a temporary 2.5% bump in 2026 only.
- Medicaid (nationwide): The 2025 law adds work requirements for expansion adults and six-month redeterminations (eligibility checks) starting in late 2026, tightens state financing tools, narrows some immigrant eligibility, and pauses parts of recent enrollment-streamlining rules. Expect more churn and paperwork.
- Community Health Centers: Federal funding is extended through Sept. 30, 2025, but multi-year stability is still pending.
Medicare drug costs in 2025: Caps, smoothing, and what to do
$2,000 annual cap: In 2025, everyone with Part D has a hard ceiling on out-of-pocket prescription costs. Plans also must offer the new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, letting you spread pharmacy costs into predictable monthly payments. Ask your plan or pharmacist to enroll you.
- Insulin: No more than $35/month for each covered insulin (Part D and Part B pump insulin).
- Vaccines: All ACIP-recommended adult vaccines (e.g., shingles, RSV if eligible, Tdap) are $0 in Part D. Stay in-network to avoid bills.
Action for LA seniors: Review your Annual Notice of Change in September and compare plans during Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) to maximize these savings. All Seniors Foundation can help you compare options and enroll in the monthly payment plan.
Medicare physician payments: short-term patch, long-term pressure
Medicare’s 2025 Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor decreased by 2.83% compared with 2024. Congress added a one-year 2.5% increase for 2026, but it expires in 2027. Clinics—especially primary care and behavioral health—may feel pressure if commercial and Medicaid rates don’t offset this trend.
Telehealth in 2025: what’s covered now
- Medicare: Most non-behavioral telehealth flexibilities continue through Sept. 30, 2025 (no rural/facility restrictions during this period). Behavioral health telehealth in the home (including audio-only) is permanent. FQHCs/RHCs can permanently serve as distant site providers for behavioral health.
- HSAs/HDHPs: HSA-qualified high-deductible plans can cover telehealth before you meet the deductible on an ongoing basis (for plan years starting after Dec. 31, 2024).
Tip: Ask your plan if virtual check-ins, remote monitoring, or behavioral telehealth are covered with your usual copays—rules can differ by plan.
Medicaid changes from the 2025 budget law (and what this could mean)
The 2025 reconciliation law (informally the “OBBBA”) makes broad Medicaid changes that phase in over the next few years:
- Work requirements for expansion adults (80 hrs/month): Applies to ages 19–64 in expansion coverage, with specified exemptions; states must verify status. Effective by Dec. 31, 2026 (or earlier at state option). Substantial coverage losses are expected.
- Six-month redeterminations: For Medicaid expansion adults (not all groups), renewals move to every 6 months starting with renewals on/after Dec. 31, 2026. Expect more paperwork and potential churn.
- Eligibility/verification tightenings: Address checks, cross-state duplication prevention, and quarterly deceased-file checks are required. Portions of recent streamlining rules are paused to 2034.
- Immigration-related changes: Narrowed definition of “qualified” immigrants for Medicaid/CHIP eligibility starting Oct. 1, 2026.
- Cost-sharing for some expansion adults: States must impose up to $35 per service on certain services for 100–138% FPL (with important exemptions, including primary care, mental health/SUD, and services at FQHCs, RHCs, and CCBHCs).
- State financing limits: New restrictions on provider taxes and state-directed payments (SDPs), including caps tying some SDP rates to Medicare levels (100% in expansion states, 110% in non-expansion) and phased reductions for payments above the cap.
- Reproductive health providers: A one-year federal funding ban for certain nonprofit family-planning providers meeting specific criteria; portions are subject to litigation and implementation timing.
Medi-Cal (California) in 2025–2026: what LA families should know
- Asset test eliminated: California removed the asset limit for seniors and people with disabilities applying for Medi-Cal (effective Jan. 1, 2024). That continues in 2025.
- Coverage regardless of immigration status (2024 expansion): Adults ages 26–49 became eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status in 2024.
- But potential new limits in 2026: State guidance indicates that starting Jan. 1, 2026, adults without Satisfactory Immigration Status may face new restrictions for new enrollments in full-scope Medi-Cal; current enrollees should renew on time to keep coverage. Details may evolve—check for updates.
- Renewals: Medi-Cal reviews eligibility each year (and sometimes asks for forms). Keep your address current and watch your mail; renew online at BenefitsCal if you get a packet.
Community Health Centers, safety-net stability, and access
Congress extended Community Health Center funding through Sept. 30, 2025. Centers remain the backbone for low-income, uninsured, and immigrant communities, but short-term funding cycles make long-range planning difficult. All Seniors Foundation partners with CHCs and FQHCs across Los Angeles to connect seniors with primary care, dental, and behavioral services.
What this means for you (checklist)
For Medicare beneficiaries & caregivers
- Open Enrollment is Oct. 15–Dec. 7: Compare your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan—premiums, formularies, and pharmacies may change.
- Enroll in the Prescription Payment Plan: Ask your plan/pharmacist to activate monthly billing for high-cost meds.
- Use your $35 insulin and $0 vaccines: Confirm covered insulin brands and make sure vaccines are given at in-network sites.
- Telehealth savvy: If you prefer virtual visits, ask which services are covered in 2025 and how that changes after September 30.
For Medi-Cal members (or those who may qualify)
- Keep your coverage: Update your address, open your mail, and renew on time (you can renew online). If you lose coverage for paperwork reasons, contact All Seniors Foundation—we can help you appeal or transition to Covered California plans.
- Immigration status: If you presently have full-scope Medi-Cal without SIS, it’s critical to renew on time in 2026 and beyond to keep coverage. We can connect you with legal resources if you have questions.
For clinics & partners
- Expect more churn: Six-month renewals for expansion adults and work-verification requirements (in 2026) will increase administrative load and coverage gaps. Build navigator capacity and presumptive eligibility workflows.
- Watch rate dynamics: 2025 PFS cut and one-year 2026 boost, plus new SDP caps, could tighten margins—especially for hospitals, nursing facilities, and rural providers.
How All Seniors Foundation can help in Los Angeles
- One-on-one coverage help: We’ll review your Medicare or Medi-Cal status, explain plan changes, and assist with enrollments, renewals, or appeals.
- Prescription savings: We’ll help you use the $2,000 Part D cap, enroll in the monthly Prescription Payment Plan, and find patient-assistance programs.
- Telehealth access: We’ll check your plan’s virtual-care benefits and help you set up devices and portals.
- Community referrals: Fast connections to FQHCs/CHCs, home-based services, and caregiver supports across LA.
Key dates to mark
- Now–Dec. 7, 2025: Medicare Open Enrollment—review and switch plans.
- Through Sept. 30, 2025: Most Medicare telehealth flexibilities continue.
- Late 2026: Medicaid work requirements and six-month renewals begin for expansion adults (state timing may vary).
- Jan. 1, 2026 (California): Potential restrictions for new full-scope Medi-Cal enrollments for some adults without SIS; current enrollees should renew on time to keep coverage.
Bottom line
In 2025, seniors get real relief on drug costs and continued access to telehealth, but providers face ongoing payment pressures, and Medicaid eligibility will get stricter in 2026. If you’re unsure how these changes affect your family, All Seniors Foundation can guide you—free, local, and in your language.
