Prior Authorization Coming to Traditional Medicare in 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, CMS will pilot prior authorization for specific fee-for-service Medicare services in NJ, OH, OK, TX, AZ, and WA under the WISeR Model until December 31, 2031. This program targets 17 services prone to fraud, waste, and abuse, aiming to streamline care and reduce unnecessary services without changing Medicare coverage or payment. Providers can choose prior authorization or post-service/pre-payment review. Excluded are inpatient-only, emergency, and high-risk delayed services. CMS will utilize AI with human oversight to improve efficiency and curb fraud.

New Medicare Cards Issued After Data Breach

A recent Medicare data breach compromised over 100,000 beneficiaries’ information, including Medicare IDs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is issuing new cards with updated IDs to affected individuals to prevent fraud. Check your mail for a new card and monitor your Medicare statements for suspicious activity. Report concerns to 1-800-MEDICARE.

Medicare Part B Premiums Expected to Rise in 2026 💰

Medicare Part B premiums are expected to increase to $206.50 in 2026, up 11.6% from $185 in 2025, outpacing the 2.7% Social Security COLA. This hike may strain budgets, especially for Blair County seniors on fixed incomes. Review your plan to ensure it fits your needs and consider exploring cost-saving options.

Experts point to neuroplasticity—the brain's capacity to forge new connections—as vital for delaying cognitive decline. Additionally, they underscore the importance of exercise and social interaction in boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which in turn improves memory.

Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and associate professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University, explains that neuroplasticity relies on engaging the brain through novel challenges and physical activity. Aerobic exercise (e.g., walking) increases brain-derived neurotropic factor (“BDNF”), which supports neuron growth and memory consolidation.

Cognitive tasks like puzzles stimulate the prefrontal cortex, enhancing executive function. Social interactions regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing cortisol and supporting cognitive resilience. These are feasible for seniors and backed by studies showing 20–30 minutes of daily activity can improve memory.

Dr. Peter Attia emphasizes in his book “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity”, that aerobic and strength exercises are the most effective interventions for delaying cognitive decline, particularly for Alzheimer’s risk. He cites research showing exercise increases hippocampal volume, critical for memory. Social connections reduce chronic stress, a known dementia risk factor. Attia also supports lifelong learning to maintain cognitive reserve, which protects against age-related decline.

🧠 Cognitive Training: Enjoy games like chess, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles to stimulate your mind and strengthen synapses.  

🏃 Aerobic Exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise (20–30 minutes, 3–5 times weekly) increases BDNF, supporting memory and hippocampal growth.

🤝 Social Engagement: Frequent social interaction reduces stress hormones and lowers cognitive decline risk by 20%.

📖 Lifelong Learning: Learning new skills strengthens neural pathways, improving cognitive reserve. Play a musical instrument, learn a new language, take drawing lessons, or join a book club to strengthen your acumen.

TIP: Learn from nature! Asknature.org is a free online tool where you can search thousands of nature's solutions to various challenges, like how a decentralized society helps ants to recover from a food shortage or how maple tree seeds twirl in a tornado-like vortex to increase the reach of where their seeds are planted. Just ten minutes a day exploring this website will get you thinking differently!

As the trusted Medicare partner of Webber Advisors, I'm excited to introduce a new section of our newsletter: Employer’s Corner. This dedicated space is designed to keep you informed on the latest insights and strategies that matter most to employers, whether it’s retirement planning, employee benefits, insurance updates, or compliance trends. Each quarter, we’ll highlight timely content to help you stay ahead and support your organization and workforce more effectively.

Tara, in her role as Blair County Chamber Ambassador, cutting the ribbon for LCBC Church in the Pleasant Valley Shopping Center, Altoona.

🕶️ The Quirky History of Sunglasses

Did you know sunglasses were invented in the 12th century by Chinese judges to hide their expressions? Fun fact: Hollywood stars made shades cool in the 1930s.

🍉 Why Watermelon Is Summer’s MVP

Watermelon isn’t just a juicy treat - it’s a summer legend! Native to Africa 5,000 years ago, it became a staple in PA by the 1800s. How cool is this “Watermelon Harvest” pic?

Fun fact: Seed-spitting contests started in the 1920s. A quirky yet beloved American tradition, seed-spitting contests first gained popularity in the 1920s. These informal competitions, often held at summer picnics and family gatherings, involve contestants seeing who can spit a fruit seed (most commonly watermelon seeds) the farthest. The Watermelon Seed Spittin' World Championship is held each year in Pauls Valley, OK on July 4th and has been featured in the Guinness Book of Records and Ripley's Believe It or Not. Participants have yet to break the record of Jack Dietz of Chicago, who launched a seed 66 feet 11 inches in 1989!

Why not challenge your grandkids to a friendly seed-spitting showdown this summer? It's a simple, silly, and surprisingly competitive way to enjoy a warm afternoon and a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS!

Starting in 2025, CMS is requiring Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to send personalized “Mid-Year Enrollee Notifications” between June 30 and July 31. These notices will highlight any unused supplemental benefits - such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness services - from the first half of the year. Since many enrollees overlook these valuable extras, the goal is to remind you to take full advantage of what your plan provides. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, keep an eye out for this mid-year update and don’t let your benefits go to waste

Being helpful is an underrated daily habit that builds trust and strengthens relationships. Whether you're answering a question, offering support, or anticipating a need, small acts of service show people they matter. Over time, those moments compound into credibility, loyalty, and deeper connections.