Trust Truman Newsletter — Edition 16 | April 2026 | Care Compass PA
🌷 Welcome to the April 2026 edition of Trust Truman — your guide to health, wellness, and Medicare! This month we are celebrating the close of a very busy spring, including highlights from the 1st Annual Blair Wellness & Senior Expo Presented by UPMC Altoona and the return of our free "Medicare A to Z" seminars.
In Medicare Minute, we are covering three important policy updates — including the GLP-1 Bridge Program, a new CMS/FDA device coverage pathway, and what the administration's push toward Medicare Advantage default enrollment means for you. We are also looking ahead to May — Older Americans Month — with this year's inspiring theme: "Champion Your Health." Let's dive in!
✨ TIMELY TOPIC: CHAMPION YOUR HEALTH FOR OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
As we look ahead to May, we are excited to celebrate Older Americans Month. Every year, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation's observance of this special month — a time to recognize the incredible contributions of older adults, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving the seniors in our communities.
The 2026 theme is "Champion Your Health," which focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as the true cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages all of us to take an active role in managing our own health, advocating for ourselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support long-term independence.
At Care Compass, we believe that championing your health starts with understanding your options. Here are a few ways you can take action this month using your Medicare benefits:
- Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit: This free yearly appointment is the perfect time to review your health status, update your prescriptions, and create a personalized prevention plan with your doctor.
- Take advantage of preventive screenings: Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services — from bone mass measurements to cardiovascular screenings — often at no cost to you.
- Explore your plan's fitness benefits: Many Medicare Advantage plans include free gym memberships (like SilverSneakers) or allowances for fitness equipment to help you stay active.
- Review your coverage: Ensure your current plan still meets your health and financial needs, especially if you have experienced changes in your health or medications.
Every small step makes a difference. Let's work together to build a healthier community this spring!
Source: Administration for Community Living — Older Americans Month 2026
🏥 MEDICARE MINUTE
1. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program: $50/Month Copay Through 2027
The Trump administration has shelved its BALANCE pilot program — which would have required insurers to cover weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound at steep discounts — after insurers declined to participate. In its place, CMS will fund the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program directly, running from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries will pay a flat $50/month copay for these medications while longer-term coverage solutions are developed.
2. CMS & FDA Launch RAPID Coverage Pathway for Breakthrough Devices
On April 23, CMS and the FDA announced the new RAPID (Regulatory Alignment for Predictable and Immediate Device) coverage pathway, designed to dramatically speed up Medicare access to FDA-designated Breakthrough Devices. Under this pathway, CMS will issue a proposed national coverage determination the same day an eligible device receives FDA market authorization — potentially cutting the wait time from over a year to as little as two months. Great news for Medicare beneficiaries who may benefit from cutting-edge medical technologies.
3. CMS Finalizes CY2027 Medicare Advantage & Part D Rule — What You Need to Know
CMS issued its final rule for Contract Year 2027 on April 2, making several notable changes. The rule codifies IRA drug benefit reforms — including the permanent elimination of the coverage gap ("donut hole") — for 2027 and beyond. It also streamlines the Star Ratings system by removing 11 administrative measures and adds a new Depression Screening measure starting in 2027. Importantly, the rule removes the requirement for MA plans to send mid-year notices about unused supplemental benefits — so it is more important than ever to proactively review your plan extras. Not sure what you have? Ask us!
Source: CMS.gov — CY2027 MA & Part D Final Rule, April 2, 2026
🌎 COMMUNITY
1st Annual Blair Wellness & Senior Expo — A Huge Success!
Care Compass was proud to serve as Event Co-Chair and Community Partner of the 1st Annual Blair Wellness & Senior EXPO Presented by UPMC Altoona on April 18th at Station Medical Center. It was a tremendous honor to help bring this free community event to life — and the turnout was incredible. The Blair County Chamber of Commerce kicked things off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a morning packed with health screenings, wellness resources, expert speakers, and giveaways for attendees of all ages.
Replace this block with the ribbon-cutting image when available.
Thanks to all the vendors and attendees who came out to make this event such a success. We loved connecting with so many of you in person, and we are already looking forward to year two!
Free In-Person Medicare Seminars Are Back — Registration Is Open!
Our popular "Medicare A to Z" educational seminars are officially live and open for registration! Whether you are approaching Medicare eligibility, looking to optimize your current coverage, or assisting a loved one, these free sessions break down the complexities of Medicare in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Join us for dinner and an informative presentation followed by a Q&A:
📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Hollidaysburg Area Public Library
1 Furnace Road, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
5:30pm Dinner | 6:00pm Seminar + Q&A
FREE ⭐ Dinner Included | RSVP Required
📅 Wednesday, June 10, 2026
The Village Pantry
5510 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Tyrone, PA 16686
5:30pm Dinner | 6:00pm Seminar + Q&A
FREE ⭐ Dinner Included | RSVP Required
Note: This location is accessible by stairs only. If you require accessible entry, we recommend the Hollidaysburg Library seminar.
💪 WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: MOVE A LITTLE MORE, LIVE A LOT LONGER
What if just five extra minutes of movement each day could add years to your life? According to a landmark study published in The Lancet, it can.
Researchers analyzed data from over 135,000 adults across the United States, Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom — one of the largest studies of its kind ever conducted. The findings were striking:
🏃 Adding just 5 minutes/day of moderate-to-vigorous activity → estimated to prevent up to 10% of deaths
🚶 Adding 10 minutes/day → could reduce deaths by up to 15%
🪑 Sitting 30 fewer minutes/day → measurable longevity benefits
The study's researchers emphasized that the benefits were consistent across age groups, including adults over 65. You do not need to join a gym or train for a race. Brisk walking, gardening, dancing in your kitchen, or taking the stairs — it all counts. The key is consistency over intensity.
What this means for you: If you are a Medicare beneficiary, your annual wellness visit is a great opportunity to talk with your doctor about safe ways to increase your daily movement. Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer fitness benefits like SilverSneakers or similar programs at no additional cost — ask us if yours does!
The bottom line: small, consistent movements are one of the most powerful and accessible tools we have for a longer, healthier life. Start with five minutes. Your future self will thank you.
💼 EMPLOYER'S CORNER
Rising Healthcare Costs Strain Pennsylvania Businesses
One of the most pressing financial issues for businesses in Central Pennsylvania — including Blair, Cambria, and Centre counties — is the continuing rise in healthcare costs. According to a recent report from Pennsylvania Business Central, employers in our rural and mid-sized labor markets are facing the heavy impacts of increasing insurance premiums, workforce shortages, and ever-changing public policy. Healthcare costs in Pennsylvania are not considered fully sustainable in the long term, as five years of healthcare system consolidation continue to reshape the delivery of care across our region.
If you are a local employer navigating these challenges, remember that offering employees access to Medicare education resources — particularly for those approaching age 65 — can be a meaningful and cost-effective benefit. We are happy to speak with HR teams and business owners about how Medicare transitions can reduce your group health insurance costs. Reach out to us anytime.
🤓 QUICK READS & FUN FINDS
🏙️ City of Altoona Earns 'A+' Credit Rating Upgrade — S&P Global Ratings has officially upgraded the City of Altoona's general obligation debt rating from 'A' to 'A+' with a stable outlook, marking a remarkable financial turnaround since the city's 2012 distressed municipality designation. Read more →
🤔 DID YOU KNOW?
The Horseshoe Curve Was a Top Target for Nazi Saboteurs in WWII
We all know the Horseshoe Curve is an engineering marvel, but did you know it was considered so strategically vital that it was specifically targeted by Nazi saboteurs during World War II? In June 1942, under a mission dubbed "Operation Pastorius," four highly trained German saboteurs came ashore on Long Island with orders to destroy key American infrastructure — and Horseshoe Curve was one of Hitler's top priorities, with roughly 8,700 freight cars rounding the Curve daily carrying Allied troops and war materials. Fortunately, the FBI foiled the plot before any attacks could be carried out, preserving our region's most famous landmark and its critical role in American history.
💡 INSIGHTS
"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born." — Albert Einstein
As always, our goal is to keep you informed, empowered, and thriving — whether it is making the most of your Medicare benefits, staying active and healthy, or simply learning something new. We appreciate you being part of the Trust Truman community!
If you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover in a future issue, we would love to hear from you. Until next time — stay well and stay curious!
💙 Tara, Truman, and The Care Compass Team
