Trust Truman Newsletter — Edition 19 | July 2026 | Care Compass PA
Welcome to the July 2026 edition of Trust Truman, your guide to health, wellness, and Medicare! This is a big month for Medicare, and we have a lot to cover. The brand-new GLP-1 Bridge Program launched on July 1, Pennsylvania's PACENet program just expanded its income limits, and Medicare itself is celebrating a milestone birthday. Let's dive in!
✨ Timely Topic: Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program Launches
A new Gallup survey found that the U.S. obesity rate has dropped to 36.4%, coinciding with a surge in GLP-1 use. In fact, 11% of U.S. adults are now using GLP-1s, with about three-quarters of users reporting the drugs are effective. They are working, and more people are using them than ever. Now, Medicare is finally stepping up to help.
For years, Medicare Part D has been prohibited by law from covering weight-loss medications. That changed on July 1, 2026, with the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program. This is a short-term demonstration program designed to help eligible Medicare Part D members access certain GLP-1 medications at a reduced cost. It runs through December 31, 2027.
Here is what you need to know:
It runs outside your normal Part D plan. You do not need to change your current coverage. As long as you have a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, you can participate. The $50 copay does not count toward your Part D deductible or your annual out-of-pocket cap.
Covered medications include Wegovy, Zepbound KwikPen, and Foundayo. Ozempic and Mounjaro are not included in this specific program.
Already getting a GLP-1 through your Part D plan? If you are currently receiving a GLP-1 through your Part D plan for another condition, such as diabetes or cardiovascular risk, you are not eligible for the Bridge Program.
This program is a "bridge" to the BALANCE model planned for 2028, which will test broader coverage options. If you think you might qualify, or if you have questions about how this interacts with your current coverage, give us a call.
Source: Read our full guide on the blog | CMS.gov — Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
🏥 Medicare Minute
Pennsylvania Seniors: PACENet Income Limits Just Increased
If you have ever looked into Pennsylvania's PACE and PACENet programs and been told you earned too much to qualify, it may be time to check again. Effective July 1, 2026, PACENet's income limits increased significantly. Single individuals with income up to $45,000 and married couples with combined income up to $55,000 now qualify. PACE, the lower-income tier, remains unchanged (single: $14,500 or less; married: $17,700 or less). PACENet wraps around your Medicare Part D plan to help lower your out-of-pocket prescription costs, and there is no asset test, only an income test based on your prior year's income. To apply or check eligibility, call 1-800-225-7223 or visit pa.gov.
Hospital Drug Markup Rule Could Save Medicare Patients $800/Year
The Trump administration proposed a new rule in July that would stop hospitals from overcharging Medicare patients for discounted drugs under the 340B program. Currently, hospitals that serve low-income patients can buy certain drugs at deeply discounted prices, but they can bill Medicare at much higher rates and pocket the difference, passing some of that cost on to patients as co-pays. The proposed rule would cut Medicare reimbursement to these hospitals by roughly 40% for 340B drugs. CMS estimates the average Medicare Part B beneficiary who receives one of these drugs would save about $800 per year in co-payments. If approved, the rule would take effect January 1, 2027.
Source: Associated Press — Hospital Drug Markup Proposed Rule
July 30th marks Medicare's 61st birthday! On this day in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law, and the very first Medicare card was issued to former President Harry S. Truman, the man who had championed the idea of national health insurance nearly two decades earlier. (Yes, our mascot Truman is named after him! 🐢) Today, Medicare serves more than 65 million Americans, and we are proud to help our clients in Blair County and Central PA navigate this incredible program. Here's to 61 years and many more! 🎉
🤓 Quick Reads & Fun Finds
🦭 Neil the 1-Ton Seal Has Opinions About Parked Cars: Australian officials are asking fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 5-year-old elephant seal who has been terrorizing Tasmanian beach towns, picking fights with Toyotas, and amassing 1.4 million TikTok followers. 👉 Read more at AP News
🎄 A 96-Year-Old's Cracker Barrel Habit Built a World Record: Betty Mann started buying nutcrackers at a Cracker Barrel in 2001 after a hard Christmas. Her collection grew to 2,500, she donated them to her Minnesota town, and now Luverne has unveiled a 65-foot-tall nutcracker to celebrate America's 250th birthday. 👉 Read more at AP News
We are officially past the halfway point of the year, which means it is time for a benefits check-in! If your Medicare Advantage plan includes dental, vision, hearing, or OTC (over-the-counter) benefits, those allowances typically do not roll over to the next year. Schedule that dental cleaning, get your eye exam, have your hearing checked, and use your OTC benefit if you have not already. Use them or lose them!
🤔 Did You Know?
Before Medicare, Nearly Half of All Seniors Had No Health Insurance
Before Medicare was signed into law in 1965, nearly half of all Americans age 65 and older had no health insurance. Today, less than 1% of seniors are uninsured, just 491,000 people out of more than 70 million Medicare beneficiaries. In 61 years, Medicare transformed healthcare access for older Americans from a privilege to a near-universal guarantee. Source: KFF, June 2026
💡 Insights
"Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been." — Jimmy Buffett
As we head into the dog days of summer, we hope you are finding plenty of reasons to smile. Whether you are spending time with family, enjoying the beautiful Pennsylvania outdoors, or just relaxing in the AC, take a moment to appreciate the season. If you need anything at all, our door is always open.
Until next time, stay well and enjoy the summer!
💙 Tara, Truman, and The Care Compass Team
Tara Saltzburg
Owner, Licensed Insurance Broker Specializing in Medicare and Senior Products
