Health Claims & Costs: PhilHealth reported that hemodialysis drove the biggest share of claims payments in the first half of the year (P48.76B), followed by cesarean sections (P4.88B) and chemotherapy (P3.5B), underscoring how chronic and high-cost care strains public coverage. Affordability Shift to Charity Care: Michigan’s free clinics are seeing rising demand as premiums climb, with leaders warning the pressure could intensify when Medicaid rules change in January. Medicare Help Ahead of Open Enrollment: Frederick County, Maryland’s SHIP program is opening early intake for Medicare Part D counseling appointments starting Oct. 1, offering free, confidential guidance. Rate Decisions: New York approved 2027 ACA marketplace premium increases averaging 6% for individuals and 8% for small groups, while Saskatchewan’s SGI approved a 3.75% auto rate hike for 2027 tied to sharply higher repair costs. Provider & Network Disputes: Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is moving into a strategic affiliation with Cambia, but CHI St. Vincent is also going out of network for Blue Cross members, raising potential out-of-pocket costs. Fraud & Consumer Protection: Iowa regulators warned of a scam that steals identities by pushing job seekers to obtain producer licenses, then using their credentials to sell unauthorized policies. Insurance Market Moves: Moody’s assigned first-time insurance financial strength ratings to Freedom Holding’s Freedom Insurance (Ba1) and Freedom Life (Baa3). Regulatory/Policy: A federal appeals court ruled denying EI to women laid off around maternity leave violates Canada’s Charter.