January 25, 2026
Hi!
❄️ Welcome to the January 2026 edition of Trust Truman — your guide to health, wellness and Medicare! This month’s Medicare Minute covers important updates, including new prescription drug savings coming in 2027, a brand-new primary care coordination benefit, and some unexpected benefits of vaccines for seniors.
We’re also recognizing Glaucoma Awareness Month with a reminder about Medicare-covered screenings, spotlighting an easy wellness habit that takes just five minutes a day, and sharing a helpful update for workers approaching retirement. Plus, as always, we’ve included a couple of quick reads to spark curiosity and keep things interesting. Let’s dive in!
🏥 MEDICARE MINUTE
MORE DRUG SAVINGS ON THE HORIZON (2027 NEGOTIATED PRICES)
CMS recently announced the next round of "Maximum Fair Prices" for 15 major drugs (including treatments for cancer and chronic kidney disease) that will take effect in 2027. This follows the 10 drugs that saw price drops starting this month. It’s a clear sign that the effort to lower prescription costs is gaining long-term momentum.
NEW FOR 2026: ADVANCED PRIMARY CARE MANAGEMENT
Starting this month, Medicare is paying for a new service called "Advanced Primary Care Management." If your doctor participates, you now have access to a dedicated care team that provides 24/7 coordination, making it easier to manage chronic conditions and navigate specialist appointments without the stress.
STUDIES LINK COMMON VACCINES IN OLDER ADULTS TO HEALTH BENEFITS
Vaccines for older adults may do more than prevent infections, with studies linking shots for flu, shingles, RSV, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease to fewer hospitalizations and lower risks of heart problems, among many other “off target” benefits. Although most evidence shows associations rather than cause and effect, the findings are consistent and suggest vaccination may play a broader role in healthy aging than previously recognized.
2026 COST CHANGES ARE HERE
The standard monthly Part B premium is now $202.90 (up from $185 in 2025), and the annual deductible has moved to $283. On the plus side, your total annual out-of-pocket spending for covered Part D prescriptions is now officially capped at $2,100 - a major milestone for affordability.
✨TIMELY TOPIC: GLAUCOMA AWARENSS MONTH
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and it often has no early symptoms. Early detection can protect sight, especially for seniors. Glaucoma screenings painlessly check your vision and optic nerve health to look for signs of the eye disease glaucoma. Medicare covers screenings once every 12 months if you’re at high risk due to one of the following conditions:
You have diabetes, You have a family history of glaucoma, You’re African American and 50 or older, or You’re Hispanic and 65 or older.
If you’re at risk for glaucoma, schedule your screening today!
💪 WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: BREATH WORK
Spending just 5 minutes a day on controlled breath work can calm your nervous system, lower stress, and boost energy – a simple way to help you feel relaxed and refreshed!
Inspired by Wim Hof, the Dutch "Iceman" renowned for his incredible feats like swimming under Arctic ice in nothing but shorts, breath work is a powerful technique that leverages deep, rhythmic breathing to significantly enhance oxygen flow throughout the body and induce a profound sense of calm. Hof famously credits his unique breathing methods for his ability to remain composed and focused even in the most extreme conditions, often to the amusement and astonishment of scientists who initially expected him to succumb to the cold.
For seniors, deep breathing is a simple yet powerful tool for stress reduction. Controlled breathing practices stimulate the vagus nerve, which in turn activates the parasympathetic nervous system - the body's natural "rest and digest" mode. This process slows the heart rate and reduces the level of stress hormones.
Studies show that controlled breathing can:
Lower cortisol (the stress hormone)
Reduce blood pressure and heart rate
Improve sleep, mood, and overall well-being — even after just a few days of practice
The best part? Breath work is free, gentle, and can be done anywhere - sitting in a chair, lying down, or even while watching TV. Just a few mindful breaths each day can make a noticeable difference over time.
Curious to try breath work? This short, beginner-friendly video walks you through a calm, guided session.
Disclaimer: Always check with your doctor before starting breath work, especially with respiratory or cardiovascular issues.
💼 EMPLOYER’S CORNER / WORKPLACE WATCH
MAXIMIZE Your Nest Egg: The 2026 "Super Catch-Up" Window is Open!
For our business partners and those planning their final years in the workforce, 2026 marks a major milestone for retirement savings. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employees aged 60, 61, 62, and 63 are now eligible for "Super Catch-Up" contributions.
In 2026, workers in this specific age bracket can contribute up to $11,250 (or 150% of the standard catch-up limit) into their 401(k) or 403(b) plans. This is a powerful tool for those looking to maximize their nest egg just before making the transition to Medicare.
Source: IRS: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026; IRA limit increases to $7,500
🤓 QUICK READS & FUN FINDS
🗺️ That’s cool: A map of human ideas.
🛡️ A Surprising Shield: New research suggests that a common vaccine you may already be familiar with could offer an unexpected secondary benefit: significantly slowing the progression of dementia.
💡INSIGHTS
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
Tara Saltzburg
Owner, Licensed Insurance Broker Specializing in Medicare and Senior Products
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Care Compass is an independent insurance agency that helps seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and other Senior Products. Our services are offered at NO COST! Care Compass is proudly owned and operated in Blair County, Pennsylvania. We provide Medicare insurance assistance to the residents of Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville and the surrounding region. If you need assistance with Medicare, contact Care Compass today!