AARP Bulletin Warns About Class-Action Scams and Key 2026 Medicare and Social Security Changes

WASHINGTON—The January/February 2026 issue of AARP Bulletin provides Americans with timely, actionable reporting to help them protect their finances, make informed health decisions, and avoid fraud pitfalls.

In this issue:

New Medicare and Social Security Rules: AARP Bulletin breaks down what readers need to know for the new year, including newly negotiated prescription drug prices, increased Medicare premiums, a tax break for people 65 and older, and more. Read about these updates in this issue’s “In the News.”

Class-Action Lawsuit Scams: As fraud grows more sophisticated, the Bulletin investigates a popular new tactic used to steal personal data. This issue’s Fraud Watch explains how legitimate class-action settlements work, why many people ignore real notices about money they may be owed, and the clear warning signs of fraud, including urgent deadlines, upfront fees, and requests for sensitive data. Experts from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network share steps readers can take to verify claims and avoid becoming a victim.

Making Sense of Today’s Most Popular Annuities: We take a practical, no-jargon approach to investment-linked annuities, including Fixed-Index Annuities (FIAs), Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs), and Variable Annuities (VAs). Learn more about key trade-offs among the products, how to ask the right questions, and ultimately, decide whether one of these options fits your financial goals.

The War on Diabetes: This issue’s cover story examines advances in prevention and treatment of this increasingly common disease, from wearable glucose monitors to lifestyle programs and emerging medications. The Bulletin’s roundup of experts also explores why so many adults remain undiagnosed or undertreated despite progress in treatment and care.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Media contact: Danny Alarcon, dalarcon@aarp.org