Almost every older person wants to live out their final years at home — not in a hospital or a nursing home. And it just so happens that 'home care' is far cheaper than a hospital bed, so a big payer like Medicare is pushing patients back home. This is the story of moving the 'place of care' out of expensive buildings and into the house — from a nurse visiting after surgery, all the way to hospice, the care for the last stage of life. Hospice in particular has become a high-margin business with steady cash flow, which is why the big health insurers are fighting to buy it.
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BrightSpring Sees $200M IRA Revenue Hit to Home and Community Pharmacy
BrightSpring Health Services' Home and Community Pharmacy segment expects the Inflation Reduction Act to cut its full-year 2026 revenues by approximately $200 million, even as the company holds its estimated EBITDA impact to roughly $15 million. In the second quarter, segment revenues fell 8% year over year to $540 million, with management attributing part of the decline to an approximately $50 million IRA impact during the quarter alongside the exit from certain uneconomic customers. Home and Community Pharmacy EBITDA still increased year over year in the second quarter, which management credited to operational process enhancements and the deployment of new technologies, with technology, automation and AI, Lean initiatives and procurement improvements central to that efficiency strategy. BrightSpring estimates the 2027 IRA impact on the segment will be roughly 50% of the 2026 impact, while it pursues regulatory, payer-contracting and operational measures to mitigate the pressure. Among peers, Cardinal Health has entered fiscal 2027 facing an estimated 500-basis-point Pharma revenue headwind from IRA pricing changes but expects little to no profit impact, while CVS Health reported Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness revenue pressure from regulatory price reductions even as adjusted operating income rose more than 10% year over year.
MindMaze Therapeutics to Launch MindMotion Lite for Home Neurorehabilitation by End of 2026
MindMaze Therapeutics announced the launch of MindMotion Lite by the end of 2026, a tablet-based solution that brings the full range of MindMotion neurotherapeutic activities into the home. The new product delivers all neurotherapeutic activities available on MindMotion GO through a tablet, significantly reducing the hardware requirements for home deployment while retaining full-body rehabilitation capabilities and supporting teleconsultation and remote management. CEO Zach Henderson said the AHA/ASA guidelines updated in August 2026 emphasize sufficient rehabilitation intensity and continuity of care after stroke, yet access to continued neurotherapy after patients return home remains a critical gap, and MindMotion Lite is designed to help close it. The company said the tablet-based format is designed to enhance patient experience, streamline distribution, and reduce home deployment costs compared with MindMotion GO, supporting a more scalable and capital-efficient expansion of its home-based offering. MindMaze Therapeutics will preview MindMotion Lite at upcoming clinical, healthcare and investor conferences, with further details on commercial availability and launch markets to be shared closer to launch.
Survey Finds 70% of Gen Z US Healthcare Workers Plan to Job Hunt Within a Year
About 70% of Generation Z healthcare workers in the United States expect to explore new roles over the next year, according to a survey released on Wednesday by Harris Poll, commissioned by education services company Strategic Education and Workforce Edge. The findings point to a retention challenge for U.S. healthcare employers already facing a projected shortage of nearly 500,000 workers by 2038. Yet 65% of Gen Z respondents said they ultimately hope to remain with one employer for five years or more, and nearly all said job stability was important to them. Across all age groups, 59% of healthcare workers said they expect to seek a new role over the next year. The survey, conducted online from June 12 to July 1, covered 1,514 healthcare employees and 304 employers, and found that nearly half of employers cited a lack of career growth or training as the top reason workers leave, while only about one in four employees trusted their employer to invest in their future. Employers also appear to be reassessing artificial intelligence in workforce planning, with about 79% saying AI skills would be critical for employees to remain competitive, down from 89% a year earlier.
BrightSpring Health Services Sees 2026 Earnings Estimate Rise to $1.82 Per Share
Zacks Investment Research has raised its 2026 consensus earnings estimate for BrightSpring Health Services by 16 cents to $1.82 per share, implying 82% growth over the prior-year reported level, while the 2026 revenue consensus stands at $15.26 billion, an 18.2% improvement. The Louisville, Kentucky-based home and community-based healthcare platform, which carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and an $11.62 billion market capitalization, is banking on expanding specialty pharmacy beyond oncology, infusion growth into another 12 to 15 states over the next five years, and deeper payer and hospital system relationships in Provider Services. BrightSpring shares have rallied 61% year to date, against a 3.2% gain for the industry and an 11.1% rise for the S&P 500, leaving its forward P/E of 32.35 well above the industry average of 16.92. Management expects the 2027 Inflation Reduction Act impact on Home and Community Pharmacy to be roughly half of the 2026 impact, though Specialty Pharmacy will continue to face revenue pressure, and integration of Amedisys and LHC plus automation and AI investments carry execution risk through 2026.
Japan's centenarian population tops 100,000 for the first time, reaching a record 107,677
Japan's population aged 100 and over has surpassed 100,000 for the first time. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare said that as of September 15, 2026, the number of centenarians rose to a record 107,677, up from just 153 when records began in 1963 and about 10,000 in 1998. Women make up roughly 88% of all centenarians. United Nations estimates indicate that in 2026 there were about 672,000 centenarians worldwide, with Japan clearly having the largest number of any country. The increase is putting pressure on Japan's fiscal position, since about one in three people, or roughly 40 million, receive state pensions. The ministry has proposed a budget of about 33.7 trillion yen, or 218 billion dollars, for pensions and medical services in the next fiscal year, accounting for nearly a quarter of the roughly 143 trillion yen in total budget requests from all ministries. At the same time, Japan continues to face a declining number of births, with the fertility rate falling for a tenth consecutive year in 2025 and hitting its lowest level since data began in 1947. The number of births was about 671,000, compared with about 1.59 million deaths in the same year. The government estimates that in 2026 the country will need about 2.4 million elderly care workers, up from about 2.1 million in 2024, and is increasingly relying on foreign labour. The number of foreign care workers under the skilled worker visa programme was about 66,000 last year, and the government plans to admit up to 160,700 workers under that framework and a new foreign labour programme.
BH Expands Preventive Medicine Base, Invests 4.3 Billion Baht in Phuket
Bumrungrad Hospital, or BH, announced the expansion of its business into preventive medicine, while continuing to expand into Asian markets to complement the Middle East, and increasing capacity to accommodate patients in Sukhumvit. The company is positioning its Phuket project as a growth engine, with an investment of over 4.3 billion baht to develop Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket on approximately 16.5 rai of land near Phuket International Airport. The hospital is scheduled to begin services in the third quarter of 2026 with an initial capacity of 120 beds, expandable to 212 beds in the future, to cater to medical and wellness tourism. A senior source from BH stated that the hospital is shifting its model from sick care to health and wellness by creating an ecosystem that reaches consumers in daily life, such as collaborating with hotels and sports communities, as well as offering health and nutrition classes with partners. For the domestic market, BH aims to expand its base to the healthy and wealthy elderly and health-conscious younger generations. In international markets, the company continues to prioritize Asia, especially China, Laos, and Vietnam, to diversify its patient portfolio and achieve long-term balance. Meanwhile, BH has increased its patient capacity by expanding its facility on Sukhumvit Soi 1, which currently has 580 inpatient beds and can accommodate more than 5,500 outpatients per day.
MINT and BDMS Highlight Wellness & Longevity Trends to Attract Health Tourists
MINT and BDMS are highlighting Wellness & Longevity trends to cater to modern tourists. William Ellwood Heinecke, founder and chairman of MINT, said that MINT currently operates about 600 hotels in 60 countries and has observed growing interest in health across all age groups, not just the elderly. Tourists want Wellness, Longevity, and Biohacking services during their stays. Thailand has a strong ecosystem, including world-class services, food, and affordable medical care. Although Vietnam and Bali are catching up, they still lack such a comprehensive ecosystem. Dr. Pramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, CEO of BDMS, noted that Wellness has shifted from treating illness to preventive medicine. International tourists stay in Thailand for an average of 10 days, presenting an opportunity for lifestyle transformation. However, the major challenge is connecting various elements to create experiences that encourage repeat visits for continued health care. Sophie Hacher, a neuroscience expert, said that younger generations want health data and are reducing alcohol consumption. Wellness tourism is growing, and Thailand's strength lies in blending modern science with traditional practices such as Thai herbs, Buddhism, and traditional Chinese medicine, which attracts tourists to return repeatedly over decades.
Smith Micro and Consumer Cellular Launch Senior Phone Experience
Smith Micro Software and Consumer Cellular have launched a new connected-care solution for seniors, built on Smith Micro's SafePath OS for Senior Phone platform and delivered through Consumer Cellular's SpeakEasy brand. The solution, available on SpeakEasy Smart and Flip devices via the SpeakEasy Connect Care+ plan, includes a caregiver app for family members and features such as real-time location, safety areas, check-in, and SOS alerts. Consumer Cellular is the first provider to bring this platform to market, targeting adults aged 50 and older. Smith Micro CEO Tim Huffmyer highlighted the growing demand for senior-focused technology, while Consumer Cellular CEO Ed Evans emphasized the design philosophy of making products that work for people over 75. The launch represents a milestone for Smith Micro and an opportunity for operators to serve the senior market.
PRAPAT Targets Senior Care and Machinery Markets to Expand Customer Base
PRAPAT, or Peerapat Technology Public Company Limited, has unveiled its strategy for the second half of the year to enter new markets beyond hotels and hospitals, focusing on the healthcare and senior care market with adult diapers. It is also promoting machinery products under the PEERAPAT and STEWARD brands, such as floor scrubbers and automatic dishwashers, to address labor shortages and rising wages. Mr. Sukan Intarasut, Chief Marketing Officer, revealed at a Dinner Talk seminar in Chiang Mai on August 28, 2026, that the company is also introducing energy-saving innovations through energy-efficient pump systems and offering installment payment plans to assist customers amid the economic slowdown. The company is preparing to expand its factory to support future growth and maintain a consistent dividend payment policy for shareholders.
The Current State of the 20 Million Yen Retirement Problem: Calculating the Required Amount with Latest Data
According to the latest long-term care insurance business report released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on August 27, 2026, the number of people certified as requiring long-term care or support has reached 7.21 million, with approximately one in three people aged 75 or older receiving such certification. Based on calculations using the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 2025 average results, a household of a married couple aged 65 or older with no employment faces a monthly deficit of about 42,434 yen, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 15.28 million yen over 30 years. For single-person households, the monthly deficit is about 29,980 yen, totaling approximately 10.79 million yen over 30 years. Adding the average long-term care cost of about 5.42 million yen and a reserve fund of 3 million yen, the total exceeds 20 million yen, making the 20 million yen retirement figure a realistic defense line. Additionally, the number of insured persons aged 65 or older (Category 1 insured) was 35.84 million, a decrease of 50,000 from the previous year, but the number of certified persons increased by 120,000, indicating that while the overall elderly population is declining, the demand for long-term care continues to rise.
Taiwan Faces Demographic Crisis, Population Expected to Drop 48% to 12.15 Million by 2075
Bloomberg reports that Taiwan's population may decline to about 12.15 million by 2075, a drop of roughly 48% from 2026 levels, amid a continued decrease in births and young population, while the number of elderly rises significantly, posing long-term challenges to the labor market, economy, and defense capabilities. Estimates from Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC), based on household registration data, indicate that the working-age population will shrink by nearly two-thirds over the next 50 years. By 2075, the population aged 0-14 will be only 585,000, the working-age population (15-64) will be about 5.13 million, and those aged 65 and above will reach 6.43 million, meaning the elderly will outnumber the working-age population and account for more than half of the total population. These figures reflect risks after the population peaked at 23.6 million in 2019, and could also affect Taiwan's security, as the military still relies partly on conscription amid threats from China.
Nanjing Xinjiekou Department Store posts first-half revenue of 2.89 billion yuan as dual-engine strategy gains traction
Nanjing Xinjiekou Department Store disclosed its 2026 semi-annual report on the evening of August 26, reporting first-half operating revenue of 2.89 billion yuan and total profit of 163 million yuan. The company adhered to its dual-engine strategy of "big health plus new consumption," with progress across its modern commerce, health and elderly care, and biomedical segments. In modern commerce, the company advanced store renovations, introduced first stores and benchmark brands, and created younger-oriented consumption scenarios. In health and elderly care, Ankangtong won 82 projects, while overseas subsidiary Natali completed the acquisition and integration of several UK elderly care companies. In biomedicine, Qilu Stem Cell completed filings for two new technologies, and Dendreon China's Provenge is in Phase III clinical follow-up. The company said it will continue to seize opportunities in the silver economy and the cell and gene therapy industry to promote high-quality development.
TM first-half profit jumps 33.3%, The Parents nears break-even
Techno Medical Public Company Limited, or TM, reported first-half net profit of 14.10 million baht, up 33.3% from the same period last year, with total revenue of 354.45 million baht, up 3.4%, as sales of medical equipment and consumables rose to 336.62 million baht after shifting strategy to focus on low-cost imports from China and raising prices in the second quarter of 2026, lifting gross profit margin from sales to 40.5%. Service revenue under The Parents project reached 14.21 million baht, up 34.6% year-on-year, with an average of 45 to 50 nursing home users per month and an occupancy rate of about 80%, or an average of 50 beds. The company is confident The Parents will reach break-even by the end of this year, targeting service revenue of about 4 million baht per month, while also expanding into wellness with hormone therapy services that use AI to calculate individual hormone levels, plus home care services sending nurses and medical assistants to care for the elderly. The TPTC training center has just produced its latest class of 25 assistants, ready to work immediately.
Aveanna Healthcare Ends Four-Year California Rate Fight
Aveanna Healthcare announced that California's 2027 budget will include a meaningful pediatric private duty nursing rate increase effective January 1, 2027, ending a four-year advocacy push. The company reported second-quarter revenue of roughly $670 million, up 13.7% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA up 8% to $95.4 million. Aveanna also raised full-year guidance to more than $2.68 billion in revenue and more than $365 million in adjusted EBITDA. Private duty services revenue per hour rose just 1.7% to $44.62, while cost of revenue per hour jumped 7.8% to $31.74. The company closed the Family First Homecare acquisition in early June and expects integration to finish by late in the fourth quarter.
Humana Partners With HealthStream to Boost Indiana Home-Care Workforce
Humana's Medicaid managed care plan, Humana Healthy Horizons, is teaming up with HealthStream in Indiana to strengthen the state's home-care workforce. Under the initiative, Humana is sponsoring 1,000 Home Health Aide scholarships to help remove financial barriers for people entering the caregiving field. The program uses HealthStream's Career Network to reach rural and underserved communities, and Humana is also deploying HealthStream's CoachUp Care platform, predictive analytics and training tools to help providers recruit and retain caregivers. The collaboration targets high caregiver turnover, as home-care providers have an average annual turnover rate of 77%, while Humana says trained home-care aides are more than twice as likely to remain employed after three months and 64% more likely to stay after six months than workers without comparable training. Early results show 81% of participating providers achieving above-average caregiver retention, with providers that improved retention reporting an average 43% increase.
SECOM Launches SECOM Smart Security Care to Tap the Silver Economy
SECOM has launched the SECOM Smart Security Care solution to fully enter the Silver Economy market, combining AgeTech with IoT smart sensors and an emergency button connected to a 24-hour control center to enhance safety and quality of life for the elderly in Thailand. Mr. Ekarat Wipanurat, Director of Thai Secom Security Company Limited, said the solution serves both the Silver Market and modern families who need to care for the elderly remotely, modeled on success in Japan where installations of home security systems for the elderly have more than doubled since 2017. The system includes motion detection sensors, a smart pillbox that alerts when medication is missed, and an emergency button directly linked to SECOM's control center, where staff monitor and coordinate with emergency medical services around the clock.
Extendicare Q2 revenue jumps 59% on acquisitions, CBI integration in focus
Extendicare reported second-quarter revenue rose 59.4% to C$611 million and adjusted EBITDA climbed 71% to C$68.3 million, driven by full-quarter contributions from CBI Home Health, Revera homes, and Closing the Gap. Management said all three acquisitions are outperforming their original EBITDA expectations, with CBI alone contributing C$145.7 million of revenue and C$18.5 million of adjusted EBITDA. The company is prioritizing CBI integration over the next 18 to 24 months, targeting C$7.4 million in annual cost synergies, and does not expect significant additional acquisitions before late 2027. Extendicare also refinanced debt, reducing its weighted-average interest rate to 4.4% and bringing pro forma leverage to approximately 2.5 times adjusted EBITDA, while advancing six long-term-care redevelopment projects that will add 832 beds through four openings in 2027.
Decent Holding First-Half Revenue Jumps 238% on Wastewater and Suncare Launch
Decent Holding reported unaudited first-half fiscal 2026 revenue of approximately $18.6 million, a 238% increase from the prior-year period, driven by wastewater treatment projects and the launch of its AI-powered Suncare senior healthcare platform. Wastewater treatment revenue surged 1,762.8% to approximately $9.2 million, while the newly launched Suncare digital health business contributed approximately $3.5 million in training revenue with a 75.1% gross margin. Total gross profit increased 310.3% to approximately $6.2 million, and gross margin expanded to 33.4% from 27.5%, though net loss widened to approximately $1.1 million from $0.5 million a year earlier due to higher expenses tied to expanding the digital health business. Management noted that by June 30, the Suncare platform had reached approximately 480 community service locations and 150,000 paid members, and the company ended the period with approximately $1.7 million in cash, supported by approximately $7.0 million in financing cash inflows.
Elevance Health strengthens connected cancer care model to simplify patient journeys
Elevance Health is strengthening its connected cancer care model to provide earlier support, personalized navigation, and more coordinated care for patients. The company’s Cancer Care Engagement program uses predictive analytics to identify high-risk patients and connect them with certified oncology navigators, achieving an 84% engagement rate and a 7% reduction in avoidable inpatient admissions for Medicare Advantage members and 15% for commercially insured. Digital care management support has contributed to a 66% reduction in hospital admissions for chemotherapy-related side effects and a 25% reduction in 30-day readmissions among recently discharged members. Elevance Health also partners with oncology providers through Oncology Provider Enablement Clinicians who use data-driven dashboards to improve treatment consistency and reduce emergency room visits. The initiatives are part of a broader effort to simplify cancer care for the 1.8 million people diagnosed annually in the U.S.
Decent Holding Expands to Over 550 Centers and 180,000 Members, Advances AI Health Platform
Decent Holding Inc. announced it now operates over 550 community service centers across China, serving more than 180,000 paid members, as it advances an AI-powered health data infrastructure strategy. The company is developing a platform that, with user authorization and in compliance with data privacy laws, will integrate data from wearables, home health equipment, and smart sensors to build digital health profiles for personalized preventive care. Management expects the growing, privacy-protected data ecosystem to enhance AI model development and open collaboration opportunities with healthcare providers, research institutions, and technology partners. The platform is not intended to provide medical diagnosis or treatment.
Experts Say Retiring at 65 May Be Too Late as Healthy Life Expectancy Is Shorter Than Thought
Experts warn that planning to retire at age 65 may not be the best choice for many Americans, because the average healthy life expectancy for Americans is only 64 to 66 years, while average life expectancy is 79 years. Data from The Lancet journal puts healthy life expectancy at 66.2 years, while the World Health Organization estimates it lower at 63.9 years. This means that if people retire at 65, many may have only one to two years of good health remaining before the risk of chronic diseases and physical limitations increases. In addition, long-term care costs are a significant financial burden. The Milliman Long-Term Care Index 2025 estimates that a 65-year-old American should set aside about 135,000 US dollars to cover such expenses. Experts recommend planning for retirement with quality of life and healthcare costs in mind, along with purchasing long-term care insurance or consulting a financial advisor.
Asia Plus Securities says medical stocks will propel Thailand to become regional ATMP hub within four years
Asia Plus Securities says the Ministry of Public Health aims to push Thailand to become the regional hub for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, or ATMP Hub, within four years by upgrading ATMP industry standards covering cell production, storage, and transport, while requiring operators to meet GMP standards and obtain Cell Bank certification. The research team views this as directly positive for MEDEZE as the leader in Thailand's cell banking business, with over 50% market share and the country's first legally registered cell bank, reflecting readiness to expand into the ATMP business with leading medical institutions. If the ATMP Sandbox project makes concrete progress, it will be a key driver for the development of the anti-aging and regenerative medicine business, which has high growth potential. Currently, the company is awaiting registration of products for knee osteoarthritis and facial skin degeneration, and expects to start recognizing commercial revenue from 2027 onwards. Meanwhile, the growth of the ATMP industry provides structural support for the longevity business in the long term. BDMS stands out for expanding preventive health and anti-aging medicine services through WellEra and BDMS Wellness Clinic, covering anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Although the current revenue share is not high, it is a high-margin business that attracts high-purchasing-power customers. BH has a strength in VitalLife, which has been in the longevity business for over 20 years and is recognized by the premium medical tourism segment, thus also likely to benefit from the megatrend of anti-aging and health restoration medicine in the long term. The research team picks MEDEZE as the top stock for this theme due to the clearest growth potential in the ATMP business within the group, with a preliminary fair value of 8.00 baht based on historical P/E plus two standard deviations at 40.29 times, implying 22% upside, and recommends buying. BDMS and BH have opportunities to benefit from the long-term growth of the longevity and regenerative medicine business, with DCF-based fair values of 23.00 baht and 200.00 baht, respectively.
Sara Lamsam reveals MTL grew 9% in the first half, championing Life–Health–Wealth Span strategy for an ageing society
Mr Sara Lamsam, Chief Executive Officer of Muang Thai Life Assurance, disclosed first-half 2026 operating results. Total premiums received grew approximately 9%, with unit-linked products posting standout first-year premium growth of around 500%. The company is deploying a strategy to address the ageing society through the Life Span–Health Span–Wealth Span concept, which links longevity, health, and financial security together, so that Thai people can live longer with quality and have sufficient funds after retirement. Mr Sara noted that although people are living longer, the gap between healthy life years and average life expectancy can stretch to 11 years, while medical costs are rising due to medical inflation of about 10% per year. This makes Wealth Span — the period when one has enough money — a critical variable that is often overlooked. Muang Thai Life has therefore developed flexible products, such as allowing part of the life sum assured to be used for medical expenses upon reaching retirement age, and linking elderly care services to policies, to support a society where family structures are changing and the number of single people or elderly without caregivers is increasing. The company also places importance on building health literacy and developing T-shaped personnel to advise customers throughout their lives, with a capital adequacy ratio of approximately 490%, reflecting financial stability.
Ventilators Market to Reach USD 4.66 Billion by 2029, Growing at 4.7% CAGR
The global ventilators market is projected to grow from USD 3.71 billion in 2024 to USD 4.66 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%, according to a new report from MarketsandMarkets. Growth is driven by the rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, along with increasing demand for intensive care and home healthcare services, a growing geriatric population, and continuous technological advancements in invasive, non-invasive, and portable ventilators. North America accounted for the largest regional market share in 2024, while the Asia Pacific region is projected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Intensive care ventilators held the largest share by type in 2023, and home care settings are expected to be the fastest-growing end-user segment. Leading companies in the market include ResMed, Getinge AB, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Baxter, ICU Medical, GE Healthcare, Hamilton Medical, Nihon Kohden Corporation, and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
Medicare Advantage Denies 54% of Inpatient Rehab Requests, Leaving Retirees With Uncovered Costs
Medicare Advantage plans deny 54% of inpatient rehabilitation facility requests, and those rejected services never count toward the plan's advertised out-of-pocket maximum. A Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General snapshot from June 2024 covering 19 of the largest Medicare Advantage organizations found that plans also denied 65% of long-term care hospital requests and 12% of skilled nursing facility requests. Only 4% of denied claims are ever challenged, yet about 80% of appealed denials get overturned. Switching back to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan after the initial six-month enrollment window closes lets insurers in most states reject applicants based on medical history. The advertised out-of-pocket maximum is the ceiling on covered care, not a ceiling on what the year can cost.
Adult Diapers Market to Reach USD 32.19 Billion by 2035
The global adult diapers market is projected to grow from USD 14.16 billion in 2025 to USD 32.19 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.22 percent, according to a new report by SNS Insider. North America held a 33 percent revenue share in 2025, with the U.S. market alone valued at USD 4.39 billion and expected to reach USD 8.79 billion by 2035. Europe was valued at USD 4.09 billion in 2025 and is forecast to hit USD 8.82 billion by 2035, while Asia-Pacific is set to be the fastest-growing region with a CAGR of 10.52 percent. Pull-up pants led product types with a 39 percent market share, retail pharmacies dominated distribution with 34 percent, urinary incontinence accounted for 56 percent of applications, and homecare settings captured 48 percent of end-user demand. Key players include Essity, Kimberly-Clark, Unicharm, and Ontex, with recent innovations focusing on improved absorbency, skin protection, and sustainable materials.
Medicare Advantage Plans Cut Grocery Cards and Dental Perks for 2026
Medicare Advantage plans are reducing supplemental benefits such as grocery cards and dental allowances for the 2026 plan year, even as many maintain $0 premiums. The overall MA market contracted by 9% to 3,373 individual plans, and 13% of individual MA-PD enrollees faced plan terminations, double the prior year's rate. While dental, vision, and hearing access remained broadly stable, fewer enrollees had plans offering over-the-counter benefits, meals, transportation, and in-home support. Insurers cite rising medical costs and payment pressure, with MedPAC estimating average rebates of nearly $2,400 per enrollee for individual plans in 2026. Beneficiaries whose plans are terminated generally receive guaranteed-issue rights for Medigap, but those in plans that cut benefits do not, and returning to Original Medicare outside the Medigap open-enrollment window can leave retirees with uncapped 20% coinsurance if insurers deny or price out coverage.
UPS Invests $48 Million in Temperature-Controlled Logistics to Boost Profit Margins
United Parcel Service is investing $48 million in its temperature-controlled logistics operations as part of a turnaround strategy focused on higher-margin shipments. The investment will support 27 facilities worldwide and targets the pharmaceutical delivery market, which UPS expects to grow at a compound annual rate of 8.3% through 2033 to become a nearly $40 billion market. The move aligns with the company's shift away from low-margin e-commerce volumes, including a deliberate reduction in business with Amazon, and toward specialized services like medication delivery that require precise temperature control. While U.S. revenues are declining, profit per piece is rising, and management anticipates an inflection point in the second half of 2026.
Medicare Excludes Custodial Aide Care, Leaving Families to Pay $30 an Hour
Medicare covers skilled nursing visits at home but excludes custodial aide care, meaning help with bathing, dressing, and meals is left entirely to families, who pay $30 an hour that Medicare never touches. Four daily aide hours at $30 totals $3,600 a month, and none of that amount counts toward any Medicare out-of-pocket maximum. The skilled-versus-custodial line is the single most expensive misunderstanding in Medicare, as the home health aide benefit ends the moment the skilled need ends. Hospital observation-status nights don't count toward Medicare's 3-day inpatient rule, potentially leaving the entire skilled nursing facility bill out of pocket. Long-term care insurance or hybrid life/LTC policies and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waivers are the two products that actually address custodial care.
Fidelity says retirement health costs hit record $185,500 for 2026
Fidelity Investments reports that a 65-year-old retiring in 2026 can expect to spend an average of $185,500 on healthcare and medical expenses throughout retirement, a 7.5% jump from the prior year's estimate of $172,500 and the highest level in 25 years of tracking. For a married couple retiring at the same age, the combined lifetime projection reaches $371,000 in out-of-pocket costs. The firm's research also finds that 54% of pre-retirees incorrectly assume Medicare will cover all their healthcare expenses, leaving many unprepared for substantial costs. Fidelity's estimate assumes enrollment in Original Medicare Parts A, B, and D, and includes premiums, copayments, deductibles, and drug expenses but excludes long-term care, which can add significantly to costs.
Early retirement is a reality for 56% of caregivers, with 34% holding less than $10,000 in savings, new report finds
A new Employee Benefits Research Institute report reveals that 56% of caregivers are forced into early retirement, with 34% holding less than $10,000 in savings and investments. The study also found that 69% of caregivers report debt as a problem, and many provide financial support to their care recipients—34% of working caregivers and 20% of retired caregivers do so. Caregivers often reduce work hours or quit jobs, losing income and retirement contributions, while Social Security faces a projected 22% benefit cut by 2032. Employers are increasingly offering benefits such as emergency backup elder care, flexible scheduling, and legal services to support working caregivers and improve retention.
Pharmacy Deserts Force Rural Retirees to Burn Social Security COLA on Fuel
Pharmacy closures have left 73% of counties with inadequate access, forcing rural retirees to drive hours for basic prescriptions. The 2026 Social Security COLA came in at 2.8%, adding roughly $106 a month to a combined household benefit of $3,800, but two pharmacy runs a month at 70 miles round trip plus a specialist visit two hours away can burn through $80 to $120 in fuel before counting vehicle wear. Many Medicare Part D plans offer 90-day mail-order fills for maintenance drugs at lower cost than 30-day retail, eliminating most pharmacy drives and often reducing copays more than any COLA increase will. Retirees who moved for affordability are discovering that the cheapest ZIP code can carry the highest healthcare logistics bill, and experts recommend mapping drive times to pharmacies and doctors before choosing a home.
Cardinal Health acquires Strive Medical and AdaptHealth diabetes unit for $360 million
Cardinal Health has acquired urology-focused medical supplier Strive Medical and the diabetes business of AdaptHealth in a pair of deals totaling $360 million, advancing its at-home solutions business. The diabetes unit purchase follows Cardinal's buyout of Advanced Diabetes Supply in April 2025, while the Strive Medical deal builds on recent urology acquisitions including the $1.9 billion Solaris Health transaction in August 2025. CEO Jason Hollar said the transactions expand the company's depth across diabetes management and urology, strengthening its leadership in home care. The at-home solutions business has already migrated all Advanced Diabetes Supply volume onto its distribution network, onboarded nearly 500,000 new customers, and launched a digital referral pathway program.
PRAPAT unveils second-half strategy, spotlighting three new businesses to drive sustained growth
Pheeraphat Technology Public Company Limited, or PRAPAT, disclosed that its business performance in the first half of 2025 is expected to grow from the first half of the previous year, with OEM machinery such as the STEWARD brand automatic dishwasher and the PEERAPAT brand floor scrubber as the main drivers. For the second half, the company is advancing its Team Work Emotion strategy and highlighting three new businesses: a machinery business with multiple payment models to generate recurring income; a Sustainable Engineering business developing green system projects using heat pump technology and MBR wastewater treatment units, with a backlog to be recognized as revenue in the second half; and a senior wellness business that will begin market testing through partners with adult diapers and consumable products in the third quarter. In international markets, Vietnam, particularly Phu Quoc Island, continues to grow, while in Bangladesh a joint venture has been established with a 45 percent stake to import chemical products targeting hotels, laundries, and hospitals. The company maintains its target of double-digit earnings growth this year.
Bangkok Life Assurance Delivers 1,100 Elephant Hand-Grip Dolls to Six Hospitals
Bangkok Life Assurance has delivered 1,100 hand rehabilitation devices, known as Elephant Hand-Grip Dolls, under the BLA Caring for Silver Age project to six stroke care centers and hospitals nationwide. Ms. Oranat Nachapong, Assistant General Manager of Marketing Strategy and Customer Management, handed over the dolls to the Medical Social Work Center at Rajavithi Hospital, with Ms. Chanantita Yaparohit, a professional social worker, receiving them on behalf of the hospital. The six recipient hospitals are the Medical Social Work Center at Rajavithi Hospital, the Bang Khun Thian Geriatric Hospital Foundation, the Stroke Center at Sappasitthiprasong Hospital, the Stroke and Neurocritical Care Unit at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, the Stroke Center at Hat Yai Hospital, and the Stroke Care Unit at Chonburi Hospital. The Elephant Hand-Grip Dolls are designed to promote hand grip and stimulate hand muscle function for the elderly and stroke patients. They were crafted by volunteer employees of Bangkok Life Assurance to support comprehensive physical rehabilitation.
Social Security Benefits Have Lost 13.7% Buying Power Since 2016
Social Security benefits have lost 13.7% of their buying power since 2016, according to a study by The Senior Citizens League, effectively delivering a stealth cut despite nominal annual cost-of-living adjustments. The erosion stems from COLAs being tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, which tracks working-age spending and underweights healthcare costs that disproportionately affect retirees. Advocates have pushed for a formula change, but Congress has retained the CPI-W model. Retirees can offset the shortfall by drawing on IRAs or 401(k)s, pursuing part-time work, and maintaining a diversified growth-oriented portfolio.
RAPIDÈ Launches Singapore's First Clinician-Led Recovery Atelier
RAPIDÈ has officially launched Singapore's first clinician-led Recovery Atelier, integrating physiotherapy, movement science, and advanced recovery technologies into a single coordinated ecosystem. Founded by Senior Principal Physiotherapist John Abraham and Orthopaedic Specialist Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran, the atelier offers personalized programmes based on clinical assessment, movement quality, and long-term health goals. Services include physiotherapy, clinical Pilates, performance training, Finnish contrast therapy, cold plunge therapy, whole-body cryotherapy, clinically graded red light therapy, sports massage, and recovery coaching. The launch addresses Singapore's growing need for preventive healthcare as the population ages, aiming to help individuals preserve strength, mobility, and independence before physical decline occurs. RAPIDÈ is located at 22 Martin Road, Level 5, Singapore 239058, and plans to become a leading recovery and performance destination in Asia.
Lark Health and Samsung partner to bring AI health coaching to U.S. seniors
Lark Health and Samsung Electronics have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to deliver AI-powered chronic disease prevention and management programs to U.S. seniors through Samsung Health. Starting in Q3 2026, seniors will gain access to one or more of Lark’s 12 programs at no out-of-pocket cost, with eligible Medicare beneficiaries also receiving live clinical intervention and cellular-connected health tracking devices. The initiative leverages Samsung’s 400-million-device footprint and Lark’s clinically validated AI platform, which is supported by 22 peer-reviewed studies and 10 AI patents. Programs include LarkPrevention, the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, and the Medicare ACCESS model, valued at up to $900 per year. The rollout will continue into early 2027, allowing users to verify eligibility and enroll directly through Samsung Health.
Barclays Raises Addus HomeCare Price Target to $96
Barclays raised its price target on Addus HomeCare Corporation to $96 from $92 while maintaining an Underweight rating. The adjustment came ahead of fiscal second-quarter earnings for U.S. healthcare facilities and managed care coverage. Addus HomeCare reported first-quarter 2026 net services revenue of $363.6 million, up 7.7% from $337.7 million a year earlier, with net income of $25.1 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.36. Adjusted EBITDA increased 9.7% to $44.5 million. The company provides in-home personal care services across its Personal Care, Hospice, and Home Health segments.
Aging in Place Costs $36,000 a Year, and a Dividend-Growth Portfolio May Fund It Best
Aging in place costs roughly $36,000 a year for a modest service package, and almost no one funds it deliberately before they need it. Services inflation runs at between 3.4 and 3.8% annually, and with Social Security's 2026 COLA landing at just 2.8%, benefit checks quietly buy less care each year. Funding $36,000 annually requires $1,028,000 at a 3.5% yield or $600,000 at 6%, with the lower-yield, dividend-growth portfolio winning by year 12. A 3.5% yielding portfolio that grows income 7% annually nearly doubles the payout in 10 years and more than doubles it in 11. The lower-yield tier may win over a 25-year horizon if the payout grows, while a 10% yielding portfolio with a flat distribution loses purchasing power every year that services inflation continues.