Happy Wednesday! In this week's Big I Buzz: Wisconsin lawmakers will consider expanding PTSD law. Plus, US health insurers jump as 2026 Medicare payment rates exceed expectations.

Wisconsin Lawmakers to Consider Expanding PTSD Law

Wisconsin lawmakers are considering a new bill that would extend workers’ compensation eligibility for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to a broader group of first responders.

Currently, only firefighters and law enforcement officers are covered under a standard that does not require their PTSD to stem from unusually high stress. Senate Bill 168 would add emergency medical responders, EMS practitioners, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers, dispatchers, coroners, and medical examiners to the list. Read more here.

US Health Insurers Jump as 2026 Medicare Payment Rates Exceed Expectations

The U.S. government has finalized a 5.06% average increase in 2026 Medicare Advantage payment rates, more than doubling the initially proposed 2.2% from January. This substantial hike is expected to benefit major insurers like UnitedHealth Group, Humana, and CVS Health, allowing for enhanced plan benefits and improved profitability. Following the announcement, Humana's stock surged 11.5%, while CVS Health saw a 6.7% increase. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) attributed the updated rate to more comprehensive cost data through Q4 2024, reflecting the Trump administration's strong support for the Medicare Advantage program. Read more here.

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