AEP’s Over — Now What?

AEP is officially in the rear-view, and now it’s all about making sure your 2026 coverage starts smooth on Jan 1 and knowing your options if something isn’t right. 1) Look for your plan welcome kit & Evidence of Coverage (EOC) Your plan mails an EOC each fall that spells out what’s covered, copays, rules (like prior auth), and extras (dental/vision/OTC). Keep it handy for January appointments and refills. Broker tip: If anything looks different […]

Healthy Holidays: Smart Eating & Low-Stress Celebrations

The holidays should feel warm and easy, not exhausting or derailing your health. Here’s a simple guide to enjoy the season without the sugar crash, sniffles, or stress spiral. 1) Build a better holiday plate Fill half your plate with veggies/fruit, add lean protein, and keep rich sides to small scoops. Stay moving: adults 65+ do best with ~150 minutes/week of moderate activity plus balance/strength work. Ten-minute walks count. Hand hygiene matters at gatherings, clean […]

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: […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Medicare & Glaucoma: What You Need to Know About Covered Screenings

Don’t get blindsided by this disease! Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can develop without noticeable symptoms, leading to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Fortunately, Medicare Part B covers glaucoma screenings once every 12 months for individuals at high risk, facilitating early detection and timely treatment. If you meet the criteria, it’s important to utilize this benefit to protect your vision. What Is Glaucoma? Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which transmits visual information […]

Understanding Seasonal Depression (S.A.D) & How your Medicare Coverage Benefits Can Support You

As the days get shorter and the weather grows colder, many people notice changes in their mood and energy levels. For some, these changes may develop into a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs of seasonal depression and learn how telehealth services can help manage your mental […]

Understanding Medicare’s Support for Diabetes: Benefits, Supplies, and Healthy Living Tips

Over 37 million Americans are living with diabetes, and nearly half of them are over the age of 65. For seniors, managing diabetes is crucial, and Medicare plays a key role in providing access to life-saving supplies and treatments. November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes, its risk factors, and how to manage it. For Medicare beneficiaries, understanding diabetes and how Medicare helps cover treatment is especially important. What is […]