𝓗𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓵𝔂?  Living a heart-healthy lifestyle helps keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in check,  lowering your risk for heart disease and heart attack. And remember: Medicare Part B covers cardiovascular disease screenings once every five years when ordered by your healthcare provider.

Women’s Heart Health Matters

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Discover how Medicare helps support prevention and early detection.

GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION TO BECOME MORE AFFORDABLE

The Trump administration recently announced a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to offer discounts on GLP-1 weight loss drugs. The White House stated that patients can purchase GLP-1s directly for around $350, and Medicare beneficiaries will access them with a $50 co-pay, a significant drop from the historical cost of over $1,000 per month. This lower Medicare price is expected to drive high demand for similar pricing in employer-sponsored plans. 

The lower pricing and $50 Medicare co-pay for GLP-1 medications are expected to roll out in phases during 2026, with initial Medicare access as early as April and a short-term Part D bridge program beginning in July. Broader expansion is anticipated in 2027. Final eligibility rules and plan participation are still being determined, so not all beneficiaries will qualify right away

NEW FOR 2026: VIRTUAL CARDIAC REHABILITATION

One of the most exciting policy changes for 2026 is the permanent addition of Cardiac Rehabilitation to the Medicare telehealth list. Previously, this was a pandemic-era flexibility, but as of this month, it is a permanent benefit.

If you’ve recently had a heart event (like a heart attack or bypass surgery), you can now participate in these life-saving exercise and education programs from the comfort of your own home via real-time video. These policies will remain in effect through at least December 31, 2027. 

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be co-chairing the 1st Annual BLAIR Wellness & Senior EXPO, along with my friend Shay Flanagan from Oasis Senior Advisors, on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at Station Medical Center in Altoona! This brand-new community event is FREE and open to the public and will feature health screenings, wellness resources, expert speakers, giveaways, and more. It’s an honor to help bring this first-of-its-kind expo to Blair County, and I hope you’ll mark your calendar and join us for a fun and informative morning focused on healthy living at every age!

I had the pleasure of presenting “Navigating Medicare for Employees Approaching Eligibility” to the members of the HR Management Association of Blair County recently. What a great crew! Thank you for the warm welcome and engaging questions! It’s always a pleasure helping HR leaders - and the employees they support - feel more confident about their Medicare decisions! 

Another great day for Blair County! I was honored to attend the Chamber ribbon cutting for Casa Bella at the Grande Palazzo - 195 luxury units, rooftop patio views, and incredible amenities right in Altoona!

A big thank you to Heather Knisely and the team at Orrstown Bank for inviting me to present during their Virtual Health & Wellness Fair! It was great connecting with everyone who attended the virtual sessions and this beautiful bouquet was such a thoughtful and unexpected surprise. It’s always a privilege to help people feel more confident and informed as they get closer to Medicare eligibility!

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You can now quickly and easily find trusted, up-to-date Medicare topics all in one place! Whether you’re exploring your options or looking for specific answers, helpful resources are just a few clicks away.

🏔️ Blair County History: On February 15, 1854, the Horseshoe Curve officially opened to traffic. Even 172 years later, it remains one of the world's premier rail-watching spots. If we get a dusting of snow this week, the view is truly magical!

🦉 Nature Watch: February is "Owl Prowl" season in Central PA. Keep an ear out at dusk for the Great Horned Owl - they are actually starting their nesting season right now!

"Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." — Jack Benny

As always, our goal is to keep you informed, empowered, and thriving—whether it’s 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’d like us to cover in a future issue, we’d love to hear from you. Until next time—stay well and stay curious!

💙 Tara, Truman, and The Care Compass Team