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Medicare Telehealth Coverage Expires for Millions as Congress Stalls on Extension

Medicare telehealth coverage expiration illustration showing disconnected video call and January 31 deadline with elderly patient and expired calendar

Millions of Medicare beneficiaries lost access to telehealth services on January 31, 2026, after pandemic-era flexibilities expired without Congressional action. The so-called “Telehealth Cliff” marks the end of remote care coverage that helped seniors and disabled Americans receive doctor visits,…

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 31, 2026
  • Benefits Update

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines Released: New Income Limits Could Affect Medicaid, SNAP, and Health Coverage for Millions

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines announcement showing new income limits affecting Medicaid, SNAP, and ACA eligibility for millions of American families

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officially released the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines on January 13, 2026. These new income limits will decide who qualifies for Medicaid, SNAP, and affordable health insurance under the ACA. The guidelines increased…

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 29, 2026
  • Benefits Update

HUD Shutdown Looms: What Happens to Your Rent Assistance After January 30?

HUD government shutdown January 30 deadline affecting Section 8 housing assistance and rental vouchers with families at risk vector illustration

Congress is running out of time. The Department of Housing and Urban Development could shut down at midnight on Friday, January 30, 2026. Six major funding bills remain stalled in the Senate, and experts now say there’s an 80% chance…

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 29, 2026
  • SNAP Update

SNAP Work Rules Change February 1 — Millions Could Lose Food Benefits

Vector graphic showing SNAP work requirement changes starting February 1 affecting food stamp recipients

Major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will begin February 1, 2026, affecting millions of households across the United States. The new rules come from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025. Federal officials…

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 29, 2026
  • Social Security Update

February SSI Payments Moved to January 30 for 7.4 Million Beneficiaries

Vector graphic showing early SSI payment in January 2026 and missing March SSI check for Social Security recipients

Millions of Americans who rely on Supplemental Security Income will receive their February checks three days early. The Social Security Administration has moved the February SSI payment date to Friday, January 30, 2026. The shift affects roughly 7.4 million beneficiaries…

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 29, 2026
  • SNAP Update

Medicare Wages and Tips 2026: Complete Guide

Medicare wages and tips 2026 tax rates illustration showing W-2 Box 5 with 2.9% rate and unlimited wage cap

Medicare wages and tips are the earnings you pay Medicare tax on through FICA. In 2026, there is no wage cap—every dollar you earn gets taxed to support Medicare Hospital Insurance. Quick Summary: What Are Medicare Wages and Tips? Medicare…

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 24, 2026
  • SNAP Update

Is The Food Stamp Office Open Today? What SNAP Recipients Need To Know This Weekend

Closed SNAP office on weekend with person using smartphone to access food stamp benefits online

Most SNAP offices are closed today. But you can still check your balance or apply online—here's how to get help right now.

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 24, 2026
  • Social Security Update

DOJ Reveals DOGE Accessed Millions of Social Security Records Without Authorization

DOGE Social Security data breach illustration showing broken digital security lock with exposed personal records and worried beneficiaries

DOJ confirms DOGE staff accessed private SSA data without authorization. Bank accounts and health records may be exposed.

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 24, 2026
  • Social Security Update

Social Security Offices Closed Today – Here’s When They Reopen and How to Get Help

Social Security office closed sign with calendar showing Saturday January 24 2026 and online access available 24/7

Social Security Administration (SSA) offices are closed today, Saturday, January 24, 2026. If you planned to visit a local office or call for live help, you’ll need to wait until Monday. SSA field offices and live phone support only operate…

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 24, 2026
  • Medicaid Update

Trump Unveils “Great Healthcare Plan” to Cut Costs and Pay Americans Directly

Trump healthcare plan direct payment illustration showing money going to Americans instead of insurance companies

Trump unveils plan to slash drug prices up to 90%, end insurance kickbacks, and pay Americans directly. Will Congress pass it?

  • Akash Biswas
  • January 19, 2026
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About BenefiTimes

BenefiTimes is America's trusted source for government benefits news, guides, and updates. Founded by Akash Biswas, MSW, a former USDA program manager with 12+ years of experience, we help millions of Americans understand SNAP, Medicaid, SSDI, and other critical programs. Our expert team provides accurate, up-to-date information in plain language—completely free and accessible to all.

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