Part D in 2026: What the New $2,100 Limit Means—And What To Do This Fall

Big Part D changes kicked in for 2025, and they keep evolving for 2026. Use September to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) (arrives by Sept 30) and prep for the fall shopping season. The headline numbers 2025: Your out-of-pocket (OOP) spending on Part D drugs is capped at $2,000 for the year. 2026: The OOP threshold is $2,100 (the 2025 cap, indexed). Once you hit it, you owe $0 for covered Part D […]

Stay on Your Feet: Fall-Proof Your Home Before Autumn

September is prime time to tidy up tripping hazards and get ready for Falls Prevention Awareness Week (Sept 22–26, 2025)—a national push to help older adults stay independent and injury-free. Why this matters: Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults 65+; about 1 in 4 older adults reports falling each year. In 2023 alone, there were 41,400 fall-related deaths among people 65 and older. Quick home fixes (15–30 minutes each) Light it right: […]

Reading Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

Every August/September, your Medicare Advantage (MA) or Part D drug plan drops a thick envelope in your mailbox titled “Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).” It’s the plan’s yearly “heads-up” on what will look different starting January 1, and by rule it has to reach you no later than September 30. Why the deadline? CMS wants to give you at least two weeks to digest any surprises before the Annual Election Period (AEP) opens Oct […]

Vaccinations: What Medicare Covers At No Charge

August might still feel like pool-weather, but it’s the perfect month to lock in the vaccines that will carry you safely through flu-season and the winter COVID-wave—and, new this year for many of us, RSV protection. Here’s the quick low-down for Medicare beneficiaries 65-plus (and younger friends with certain conditions). Why Book in August? Peak protection on time. It takes about two weeks for your immune system to build top-shelf antibodies after a shot, so […]

Life Changes? Here’s How to Use a Mid‑Year Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

July is the halfway point in the Medicare calendar—smack between last fall’s Annual Election Period (AEP) and this October’s next round. If you’ve had a big life change since January, you don’t have to wait until October 15 to tweak your coverage. Medicare gives you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) so you can pivot mid‑year and still keep costs (and stress) under control. What Exactly Is a SEP? When certain events happen—think moving, losing other insurance, or […]

Beat the Heat: Hydration & Safety Tips for Older Adults

Summer is here, and forecasters are calling for another stretch of above‑average temperatures across much of the country. That’s more than just an inconvenience if you’re 65 or older: heat‑related deaths in our age group jumped 85 percent between 2000 and 2021—a reminder that hot weather deserves real respect. Below are quick, actionable steps to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay out of the ER this July. 1. Hydrate Before You’re Thirsty Aim for a glass of water […]

Medicare and Dental

Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Dental? Plus Options for Seniors When it comes to healthcare in retirement, many seniors are surprised to learn that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover most dental services. This means routine exams, cleanings, fillings, dentures, and other essential dental care are out-of-pocket expenses for most beneficiaries. Why Isn’t Dental Covered by Medicare? Medicare was designed in 1965 primarily to cover hospital and medical insurance, focusing on urgent […]

National Nutrition Month

How Medicare Supports Your Nutrition Journey to Better Health March marks National Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of healthy eating and making informed food choices. This year’s theme encourages us to “Fuel for the Future,” reminding us that good nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and well-being, especially as we age. Why Nutrition Matters for Seniors Good nutrition is essential for everyone, but as we get older, […]

Honoring Family Caregivers: Understanding Medicare Coverage and Exploring Alternative Care Solutions

National Caregivers Day, observed on the third Friday of February, is a time to recognize the dedication of those who care for aging loved ones while balancing their own careers and personal responsibilities. Many step into this role due to gaps in Medicare coverage, often seeking alternative care options to meet their family’s needs. Gaining a clear understanding of what Medicare does and does not cover—and exploring available support options—can help ease the challenges of […]

How Medicare and In-Home Care Support Aging in Place

February is Senior Independence Month, a time to highlight the importance of tools and services that help older adults maintain their independence. For seniors recovering from an injury, surgery, or illness, access to therapy, rehabilitation services, durable medical equipment (DME), and in-home care services can be critical for a successful recovery and long-term health. Medicare Coverage: Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Durable Medical Equipment Therapy and Rehabilitation Services Covered by Medicare Part B Medicare Part B plays […]