🚌 Welcome to the August 2026 edition of Trust Truman, your guide to health, wellness, and Medicare! This month, we’re covering Medicare vaccine benefits, an important PACENet correction, a quick GLP-1 Bridge reminder, a nudge to schedule your eye exam, and a new way to search the Care Compass blog for answers. Let’s dive in!

✨ TIMELY TOPIC: NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before fall respiratory-virus season arrives. Vaccines can help protect adults from serious illness, and Medicare covers many of the shots older adults commonly need. The question usually isn’t whether a vaccine is covered, but which part of Medicare covers it.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

For Part B-covered flu shots, the deductible and coinsurance don’t apply. Medicare.gov also says you pay nothing for a COVID-19 vaccine when your provider accepts assignment. For recommended adult vaccines covered by Part D, the deductible and copay don’t apply either.

The takeaway: Don’t let coverage questions keep you from asking. Your doctor or pharmacist can help determine which vaccines are right for you, and your plan can confirm how a particular vaccine will be billed. If you’d like help understanding the difference between your medical and drug coverage, we’re always happy to help.

Source: CMS vaccine coverage guidance  |  Medicare.gov Part D vaccine guidance  |  CDC adult vaccine guidance

🏥 MEDICARE MINUTE

Correction: PACENet Income Limits Have Not Increased

We need to correct information shared in our July newsletter. We incorrectly reported that PACENet income guidelines had increased. The proposed income-limit increase hasn’t taken effect, and there’s currently no official effective date or new eligibility limit. We’re sorry for the confusion, and we appreciate the PACE Contact Center for clarifying the status directly.

The current PACENet income range remains $14,501 to $33,500 for an individual and $17,701 to $41,500 for a married couple, based on the previous calendar year’s gross income. If you think you may qualify under the current guidelines, call the PACE Contact Center at 1-800-225-7223 or reach out to Care Compass. We’ll be glad to help you understand the program.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Aging  |  PACE Contact Center FAQ

Part D Premium Subsidy Program Ends After 2026

CMS is ending a temporary program that helped keep premiums lower for stand-alone Part D drug plans, the plans commonly paired with Original Medicare. Because the program will end after 2026, some enrollees may see more upward pressure on their 2027 monthly premium. The program didn’t apply to Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage.

It’s too early to know exactly how any individual plan’s 2027 premium will change. That information will be finalized this fall. The program’s end does not change the Part D out-of-pocket spending cap or other prescription-drug protections. If you have a stand-alone Part D plan, review your Annual Notice of Change carefully when it arrives. We’ll be here to help you understand what it means.

Source: AARP: Part D subsidy program ends

In Case You Missed It: Medicare’s GLP-1 Bridge Program

Medicare’s GLP-1 Bridge Program launched on July 1, 2026, creating a temporary path for eligible people with Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage prescription drug coverage to access certain weight-management medications at a $50 monthly copay. It runs through December 31, 2027, and eligibility is specific to the program. If you’re wondering whether it may apply to you, start by talking with your doctor. For medications, eligibility, and how it works alongside Part D, read our complete guide on the blog.

💪 WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: SLEEP WELL, FEEL BETTER

Sleep isn’t just downtime. It gives your body and brain time to restore energy, support memory, and get ready for the day ahead. Older adults generally need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, even though sleep patterns can change as we age.

The good news is you don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul to sleep better. Try keeping the same bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. In the evening, limit caffeine, heavy meals, alcohol, and screens when you can. A cool, dark, quiet room and a simple wind-down routine such as reading, quiet music, or a warm bath can make a real difference.

Truman’s Tip: Think of a better night of sleep as tomorrow’s energy plan. Pick one small change this week, such as putting your phone away 30 minutes before bed or waking up at the same time each morning, and give it a real chance to become a habit.

Ongoing sleep problems deserve attention. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, loud snoring, gasping, or daytime sleepiness, bring it up with your healthcare provider. Help is available, and better sleep can make a meaningful difference in how you feel every day.

Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

🔔 REMINDER: SCHEDULE YOUR EYE EXAM

Have you had your annual eye exam? August is a great time to schedule a visit and put your vision health first. Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but Medicare Advantage plans can include extra vision benefits.

Many Medicare Advantage plans include a routine eye exam at a $0 in-network copay, but every plan is different. Before you schedule, check your provider network, exam frequency, copay, and eyewear allowance. If you’d like help reviewing your vision benefit, give us a call.

Source: KFF’s 2026 Medicare Advantage analysis  |  Medicare.gov routine eye-exam coverage

🔎 WEBSITE UPDATE: YOU CAN NOW SEARCH OUR BLOG

🤓 QUICK READS & FUN FINDS

🐸 The Mystery of the Blue Tree Frog: Nature lovers in Northern Virginia are flocking to see rare blue versions of green tree frogs. Scientists are still figuring out whether the color comes from genetics, diet, or environmental conditions. Read more at The Zebra

💡 INSIGHTS

August is full of small opportunities to care for yourself: schedule the eye exam, ask about recommended vaccines, create a better sleep routine, or simply take a few minutes to find answers before a Medicare decision feels urgent. Those small steps can add up to greater confidence and peace of mind.

We’re grateful to be your local resource for Medicare education and support. If you’ve got questions about your coverage, upcoming changes, or a topic you’d like us to cover in a future edition, please reach out. We’re here for you.

Until next time, stay well and stay curious.

💙 Tara, Truman, and The Care Compass Team
Tara Saltzburg
Owner, Licensed Insurance Broker Specializing in Medicare and Senior Products

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