Woman’s World recently sat down with Morales to discuss her family’s experience with the disease, as well as her partnership with Eli Lilly and Kinsula, an Amyloid-targeting therapy.

“The reason I’m doing this work is to have these conversations to help others recognize the importance of acting early and understanding that there are options available today that there weren’t years ago,” Morales shared exclusively with Woman’s World. 

Woman’s World: Can you share a bit about your partnership with Eli Lilly and why it’s so important to you?

Natalie Morales: As a reporter and a journalist who has reported on Alzheimer’s disease many times in my career, it’s important, but it also personally affected my family. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s when she was 53, my age. I think about that a lot, especially now as I’m getting older, what that looks like to receive that type of diagnosis. Back then, over 25 years ago, there were not a lot of disease-modifying therapies or treatments that existed. In my job as a reporter, I’m always asking questions. There wasn’t a lot out there, and that’s why this partnership with Eli Lilly and Kisunla is so important to me. I’m passionate about it because Lilly has been doing the research in this space for over 30 years, and they’ve really been at the forefront of a lot of treatment options. 

Now with Kisunla, there are amyloid-targeting therapies that are available for early stage diagnoses. This was something that was not available to us, and I want people to be aware of the options and have those conversations with their doctors if they or a loved one are dealing with memory or thinking issues. 

WW: This is such a prevalent topic. So many people have their own experience with Alzheimer’s, whether personally or within their circle.

Natalie Morales: Yes, and more so as baby boomers age. My parents are in their early- to mid-80s right now, so I’m very cognizant of if they start repeating themselves in conversations or if they are searching for words. I’m always asking my sisters, who live a little bit closer to them, to make sure mom and dad seem okay. These are all things that we need to be talking about because, as you said, everyone most likely, if not directly then indirectly, will have a connection to Alzheimer’s disease, as we do have an aging population.

Wellness

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If you’ve ever worried about forgetting where you put your keys or blanked on a familiar name, you’re not alone—and neither is Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore. The Boogie Nights (1997) and The Kids Are All Right (2010) star has made it her mission to help women like you understand that protecting your brain health […]

WW: Why is it so important to act early if you notice signs of Alzheimer’s in a family member?

Natalie Morales: Because there are options now. There are amyloid-targeting therapies that can help if it’s the right treatment for you. There are risks, as with all drugs, and it’s important to talk to your physician and to assess if it’s right for you or your loved one. But there are options now that didn’t exist. I mean, now there are ways to diagnose the disease much sooner with blood tests and genetic testing, so there are things you can do to empower yourself or your loved ones so that you can plan for the future, whatever it looks like. 

You don’t want to be surprised with a diagnosis like Alzheimer’s disease. It takes a huge toll on a family, and it did on our family. My father-in-law was her primary caregiver, and it took a toll on his health for the 10 years that he took care of her. He had a lot of ailing symptoms, and then he developed Parkinson’s disease. There were a lot of things that really hit him. But beyond that, financially it took a huge toll on him. He drained what they thought was going to be their golden years fund. They were going to travel the world and do a lot of fun things. He never did any of that because he had to become her primary caregiver while she was still so young and she lived for 17 years with this disease. Especially when it’s early onset, her body was still healthy but her brain and her mind were not, and it took a huge toll on our family.

WW: Your mother-in-law experienced symptoms that could’ve been easily misconstrued as signs of normal aging. What were some of those sneaky symptoms that now, looking back, you can see they were actually signs of Alzheimer’s?

Natalie Morales: With my mother-in-law, the signs were more obvious. She was having anxiety, a lot of not being able to think of the words or dropping off mid sentence, repeating herself in conversations. She had difficulty completing pretty familiar tasks, even walking around the neighborhood. She would get lost, and a neighbor would have to bring her home. And then it became even more apparent as the day progressed and the years progressed. She would start to have sundowners and be really confused in the early evening, and so emotionally and mentally drained. She would go to bed early, like 6 pm every night. So, there were a lot of things that were obvious in hindsight, but we didn’t live as close to her as we would have liked, and my father-in-law was taking care of her. So there was a lot more that we wish we could have done to help out. I think that’s why I feel it’s important to talk about. We wish our father-in-law had talked to us more openly and didn’t try to take it all on himself as well.

WW: What do you think families and caregivers facing the disease should know and why should they reach out for support? 

Natalie Morales: The reason I’m doing this work is to have these conversations to help others recognize the importance of acting early and understanding that there are options available today that there weren’t years ago. If someone you love is experiencing any kind of memory or thinking issue, it’s really important to have these conversations as much as you can and to not be afraid to reach out to their doctors. Or for yourself not to be afraid to acknowledge if you’re having memory issues, and to talk to your family about it. Alzheimer’s disease is something that impacts many people in that family, and it’s important that everybody understands your wishes.

WW: Like you said, fear is such a big factor in this as well. You don’t often think about that part of it, but it affects everyone. 

Natalie Morales: It does and also, their world becomes smaller. We saw that with Kay [her mother-in-law]. She self-isolated and she built a shell around herself. This was a woman who was always very engaged in her community. She was at a book club and she was very involved with her neighbors, and for her to then withdraw was very hard to see. She was just afraid to ask. She knew what was happening to her, but she didn’t want to ask for help. My father in law was also in that same vein. I think he didn’t feel like he could ask for help as much as he should have. There’s so many resources. The Alzheimer’s Association was wonderful with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. They sent volunteers to help my father-in-law to give him a couple of hours a week to himself, where he could hang out with his buddies and play golf. Those are just some simple things, but  if you’re a caregiver, it’s important to understand that you can’t do it alone.

WW: How has this journey impacted your own personal health? Are there any habits you’ve picked up on to protect your own brain health and reduce your risk of dementia?

Natalie Morales:  Oh, yes, absolutely. My husband [Joe Rhodes] and I are exercise nuts. We work out pretty much every day, even if it’s just walking the dogs, we walk fast with them every day. I try to challenge my brain. Brain health is so key. It is the most important muscle in our body. If I’m not working out, I am challenging myself and finding new passions and tasks or working on new projects. Whether you brush your teeth with your left hand if you’re right handed or drive your route a different way. Those are the little things you can do, but there are other things. Finding a passion that is new to you. I got back into horseback riding. I did it as a kid, but I’ve been doing that more now, and challenging myself in horse competition. 

Also, talking to my kids and modeling that behavior for them. They exercise every day and they eat right and we have these conversations with them too. We’re not afraid to talk about this because, having dealt with it, we know how important it is for them to understand the genetic risks with Alzheimer’s disease.

“I’m thrilled to announce that we’re increasing the number of drugs available on TrumpRx by nearly seven times, adding over 600 affordable generics to the website, working with industry partners,” Trump said at a Monday, May 18 press conference, which Woman’s World attended virtually. “Cost-effective generic drugs are often available at just a tiny fraction of the price of their brand-name equivalents, and in theory, they’re the same thing.” 

Along with the addition of the drugs, the president announced that TrumpRx medications would now be available via delivery through private pharmacy programs. 

“This is yet another example of this administration and president’s leadership making life more affordable, and it’s in a particularly important arena, because almost 1 in 3 Americans, when they go to a drugstore, cannot afford to pick up the medications that their doctor prescribed for them,” said Mehmet Oz, MD, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said at the press conference. 

But how helpful will these new drugs really be for Americans? And does the site actually help people save money? We spoke to an expert who said, “anyone enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, the VA or TRICARE is not eligible for most of the manufacturer discount programs.” Read on for more. 

Healthcare

'Great Healthcare Plan' Makes Medicare Shopping Easier—What to Know

President Donald Trump recently announced his new “Great Healthcare Plan” which he says will lower the cost of prescription drugs, expand price transparency requirements and reduce insurance premium costs. This plan is reportedly going hand in hand with his direct-to-consumer drug site TrumpRX, and is expected to allow Americans to “buy the health insurance of […]

What is TrumpRx? 

TrumpRx was announced by President Trump in September 2025. At the time, he said the site would offer prescription medications at a discounted rate thanks to Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing, which allows Americans to get the medications they need at the lowest rate possible. 

“The United States is done subsidizing the healthcare of the rest of the world,” the President said in a news conference at the time. “By taking this bold step, we’re ending the era of global price gouging at the expense of American families.” The site promises discounts of up to 93 percent off pharmacy prices.

Since that initial announcement, President Trump has collaborated with a variety of prescription drug companies, all of which agreed to sell their products on TrumpRx on or after the launch in February 2026. Some of the most popular medications include GLP-1 medications, inhalers and some menopause products, all of which can cost a lot of money at the pharmacy. 

“By incorporating this massive catalog of low-cost generics at TrumpRx.gov, consumers will now have one source to ensure that they’re getting the lowest possible cost on their prescription, so they have a real option now, today,” Trump said yesterday of the new drugs added to TrumpRx.

How does TrumpRx work? 

TrumpRx provides Americans with a list of medications available for purchase. Once you find the one you need, scroll down to the “How It Works” section, where you’ll typically find a coupon you can print or add to your digital wallet.

Then, present the coupon to your pharmacy of choice and they’ll honor the price listed on the website. Currently, the prices listed on TrumpRx only work for those paying cash, so even if you have insurance coverage, you’ll need to pay out of pocket if you want to get those lower prices. 

The prices are supposed to be lower than what you would pay with insurance, but that could change based on what coverage you have. 

How much money will TrumpRX save older Americans? 

Despite the president’s claims that TrumpRx will lower the price of medications for everyone, healthcare economist Michael Botta, PhD, co-founder of Sesame care, a direct-to-patient healthcare marketplace that connects users with licensed doctors, specialists and therapists, says the benefits will “depend entirely on who you are.” 

“The biggest thing to understand is that platforms like TrumpRx are cash-pay marketplaces, and the people who benefit most are the ones who weren’t getting a good deal through their insurance in the first place,” he explains. “For seniors on Medicare, that’s actually a smaller group than you’d think, because Medicare beneficiaries aren’t legally eligible for most of the cash-discount programs the site routes you to.” 

“Anyone enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, the VA or TRICARE is not eligible for most of the manufacturer discount programs the site links to. That’s a federal rule, not a TrumpRx rule. It’s designed to prevent the government from inadvertently subsidizing cash discounts. You can still buy at a cash price, but the deepest discounts may not apply,” he continues. 

Healthcare

Medicare Drug Prices Slashed for 2027—See the 15 on the List

On Tuesday, November 25, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will reduce the cost of 15 prescription drugs for Medicare users in 2027. This cut is expected to save people on a Medicare Part D plan—which covers their medications—millions of dollars. The change is a result of President Joe Biden’s […]

Which medications are best for seniors to purchase on TrumpRx? 

Discounts aside, there are still some TrumpRx prices that could help seniors save—especially on well-established generic medications they take every day. Botta suggests price-checking common chronic-condition meds such as statins for cholesterol, blood pressure drugs, thyroid meds, diabetes and acid reflux medications, as well as generic antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and common antibiotics

On the opposite end, Botta says there are medications that should not be purchased on the site. 

“Where cash-pay is usually the wrong answer for seniors is with brand-name drugs with no generic equivalent, specialty medications and biologics and controlled substances and anything you’re close to hitting your $2,100 Part D cap on or where your doctor is actively monitoring with frequent dose changes.” Botta explains. “The simplest rule of thumb I give people is if a medication has been on the market for more than 10 years, is available as a generic and you take it every day for a chronic condition, there’s a good chance a cash-pay price will beat your copay. For everything else, run it through your insurance and use patient-assistance programs as your fallback.” 

Other ways seniors can save on prescription costs

If your medication isn’t on TrumpRx or if you don’t want to purchase it on the site, Botta says there are other ways you can save. 

“Look at your Part D co-pay, then look at the cash price. Whichever is lower is the right answer for that prescription—but the answer may be different for each of your medications and may change month to month as you move through the Part D coverage stages,” says Botta.

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Healthcare

Medicare Premiums Rising to $5,000 by 2035—Here's How to Save

A new report from the Senate Joint Economic Committee (JEC) revealed that Medicare Part B premiums could double in cost over the next decade. In 2026, the average yearly cost of Medicare Part B is $2,200, but according to the report, that number could jump to $5,000 in the next decade. Below, we share why […]

What are Medicare Advantage benefits? 

Medicare Advantage benefits include free car rides to doctors’ visits, free food, free gym memberships and other extras for people with certain chronic conditions. Medicare Advantage users also have access to dental, vision and hearing coverage—factors that set the program apart from a traditional Medicare plan. 

They also make it easier to stay healthy. “Healthy teeth, eyes and ears all contribute to overall well-being,” says Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at the online health insurance marketplace eHealth. “For instance, routine dental exams can help prevent or treat gum disease, which is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, dementia and cancer.” 

To enroll in dental, vision and hearing coverage, first you’ll want to find out which Medicare Advantage plans in your area cover these services, which you can do here. From there, you can research, plan and review the plan you want to enroll in once the open enrollment period begins in October. 

Healthcare

Medicare Advantage Overpays Are Cutting Your Social Security Check

A new report from the United States Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) reveals that Americans are overpaying for Medicare Advantage plans, causing Medicare Part B premiums to rise. What’s more, because of higher Part B premiums, many seniors are experiencing reduced Social Security benefits. To learn more, keep reading.  What to know about the new […]

Are Medicare Advantage benefits being cut? 

Earlier this year the United States government said it was going to increase the amount it pays the private insurance companies that provide health insurance through Medicare Advantage plans by 2.48 percent. This is a pretty big increase overall, but insurance executives have said that while it is higher than before, it isn’t enough to cover the cost of the health insurance program. According to Reuters, Humana executives even said that if the 2.48 increase occurs, they’ll have to begin cutting benefit coverage for certain Medicare Advantage plans. 

“All insurers are likely to cut back on ​benefits, but Humana will be cutting back the most,” Kevin Gade, chief operating officer at the independent investment firm Bahl and Gaynor, told the news agency. 

Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback agreed with that assessment, telling Reuters, “Potential benefit changes in 2027 may just be a matter of leveling the playing field for Humana relative to peers.” 

So, what does that all mean? If the government doesn’t increase the amount it pays private insurance companies by more than 2.48 percent, there is a chance the extra Medicare Advantage benefits provided to seniors might be cut in 2027.

There is a chance the government will increase the amount it pays private insurance companies once again, which could result in them deciding to not cut any additional benefits. As it stands now, there is no word on how these potential changes will affect your overall Medicare Advantage bill. In the past, premium prices have increased annually, but if there are fewer benefits available, there’s a chance the price could decrease, since you’re not getting the same coverage. On the other hand, there is also a chance premiums could increase if the insurance companies don’t get the money they want from the government. 

Currently nothing is set in stone, meaning that, for now, your Medicare Advantage benefits are safe and ready for you to use. This also means that until the end of the year, your Medicare Advantage bill will remain the same as it was at the start of 2026. 

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond. 

What is long-term care insurance exactly?

“It’s coverage that pays for the services you need when a chronic illness, disability or simply the wear of aging makes it difficult to handle everyday activities on your own: bathing, dressing, eating, moving from room to room,” says Kathy Pauley, Long Term Care Regional Specialist at AmeriLife. “We call these ‘activities of daily living,’ and when you need help with them, the costs add up fast.”

Here’s what surprises most people: Medicare doesn’t pay for this kind of care, and neither does your standard health insurance. They typically cover a short-term skilled nursing facility stay—but after 100 days or so, you pay all costs. When your savings are completely gone, you will likely be eligible for Medicaid, which does pay for long-term care but choices will be very limited. Long-term care insurance is basically a safety net to make sure you never get to that point.

“At its core, long-term care insurance is about preserving options,” says Jack Gates, Vice President and Advanced Planning Advisor at Rockland Trust. It can cover care at home, in an assisted living facility, in a memory care community or in a skilled nursing facility—and most importantly, you and your family get to make all the calls.

How much long-term care actually costs

Monthly long-term care costs vary by location and type of care, but they are rarely small. One recent survey found a home health aide runs roughly $6,500 to $8,600 per month, assisted living averages $4,600 to $8,100 per month and a nursing home private room can top $14,900 per month. Here’s a tool to find typical costs in your area.

Because women tend to live longer and need care for more years, experts suggest we set aside more than men. You’ll want about $171,000 after age 65.

So is long-term care insurance worth it?

For many women, the answer is yes. Long-term care insurance is generally considered most valuable if you have $200,000 or more in savings and want to preserve your ability to choose your care. “Having long-term care insurance can also lessen the burden on your loved ones, as it prevents them from having to step in as caregivers or make difficult financial decisions on your behalf,” adds Gates.

In a Nationwide Retirement Institute survey, nearly half of respondents said cost was the reason they hadn’t bought a policy—yet when shown a sample policy priced at just $130 per month, 40% said they would reconsider.

For that amount, an average 55-year-old woman in good health can expect a $165,000-benefit policy. That’s a manageable premium for meaningful coverage. “When you frame insurance premiums against what care actually costs, a few thousand dollars a year looks very different,” says Pauley.

Life

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Experts consistently say the best age to buy long-term care insurance is in your mid-50s, when premiums are at their lowest. But here’s something Pauley wants every reader to know: “People in their late 60s and even early 70s can still qualify for meaningful coverage.” Some carriers even offer simplified policies for people who may have a health condition or two. “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good,” she says. 

“Even a smaller, more modest policy can be enough to cover care in your home,” Pauley adds. “A policy that funds a home health aide a few days a week can preserve that independence for years and dramatically reduce the burden on your family. You don’t have to choose between a premium plan and nothing at all.” 

Traditional vs. hybrid policies: which is right for you?

You have two main options. Traditional long-term care insurance pays a set daily or monthly benefit when you need care, but premiums can increase over time and you receive no benefit if you never use the coverage—similar to auto or home insurance. 

Hybrid policies combine long-term care benefits with a life insurance or annuity component—meaning if you never need care, your heirs receive a death benefit. “With a hybrid, you never lose your money,” says Pauley. “There’s always a payoff—whether you spend years in a care facility or never use a single day of benefits.” Hybrid policies typically have fixed premiums and have surged in popularity in recent years.

Life

Choosing assisted living? These insider tips make the search so much easier

If you feel like you don’t know where to begin when it comes to choosing an assisted living facility, you’re in good company. “Most people don’t know anything about senior care until they’re suddenly faced with it,” says elder care consultant Marcy Baskin, Senior Vice President of Senior Care Authority and author of Assisted Living: […]

Who may not need long-term care insurance

Long-term care insurance isn’t the right fit for everyone. If your assets are very limited, you may qualify for Medicaid. If you have substantial wealth—think $1.5 million or more in liquid assets—you may be able to self-insure and pay for care out of pocket without jeopardizing your financial security. The middle ground—women with roughly $200,000 to $1.5 million in savings—is typically where long-term care insurance delivers the most protection for the premium paid.

Bottom line on when long-term care insurance is worth it

“Long-term care insurance is one of the most effective ways to create options for yourself later in life, offering peace of mind now and flexibility in the future,” says Gates. The peace of mind alone—knowing that a health crisis won’t erase everything you’ve built—is something no price tag can fully capture. Talk to a certified financial planner or an independent long-term care insurance specialist to get personalized quotes and find the coverage that fits your life. Your future self will thank you.

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Healthcare

Medicare Advantage Overpays Are Cutting Your Social Security Check

A new report from the United States Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) reveals that Americans are overpaying for Medicare Advantage plans, causing Medicare Part B premiums to rise. What’s more, because of higher Part B premiums, many seniors are experiencing reduced Social Security benefits. To learn more, keep reading.  What to know about the new […]

What to know about the new cost of healthcare report 

A few weeks ago, the EBRI released the report, Projected Savings Medicare Beneficiaries Need for Health Expenses in Retirement Up Again in 2025. It shows that even with the Inflation Reduction Act’s $2,100 annual cap on Medicare Part D out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, retirees still need a significant amount of money to help cover other healthcare costs. 

EBRI found that retired couples who have high prescription drug costs may need around $469,000 saved to help cover whatever healthcare charges come their way. 

The good news? Healthcare costs for retirees enrolled in Medicare Part D won’t be nearly as high, thanks in part to that $2,100 annual cap, which was created in 2022 and keeps retirees from overspending on prescription drugs. 

“Healthcare costs remain a major financial challenge in retirement, even for people covered by Medicare,” Paul Fronstin, director of health benefits research at EBRI, said in a statement. “While the new Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap offers important financial protection, our analysis shows many retirees will still need significant savings to have a reasonable chance of covering healthcare expenses throughout retirement.”

The report also revealed that couples enrolled in a Medigap plan with an average premium would need $405,000 in savings to help cover 90 percent of their healthcare expenses. But couples enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with normal prescription drug expenses and healthcare services will have lower out-of-pocket costs and would need about half that amount, or $203,000, to have a 90 percent chance of covering the cost of healthcare, according to the report. 

What’s more, the EBRI report finds that single female retirees enrolled in a Medigap plan will need $252,000 to have a 90 percent chance of having their healthcare costs covered, which is substantially higher than single male retirees enrolled in that exact same plan, who would need $212,000, according to the EBRI. 

These numbers do apply to more retirees, since most Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs, unless the beneficiary enrollees in a Medicare Part D plan. This can result in higher costs and create some confusion over what’s covered and what’s not. 

“Retirees and workers nearing retirement should not assume Medicare will fully shield them from potentially high healthcare costs,” Jake Spiegel, senior research associate at EBRI, said in a statement. “These findings highlight the importance of planning ahead and understanding the trade-offs among coverage options, including differences in premiums, out-of-pocket costs and access to care.”

Other organizations report lower estimates when it comes to the average cost of healthcare in retirement. Fidelity Investments, for example, says retirees can expect to spend an average of $172,500 on healthcare and medical experiences throughout their retirement.

Of course, the ever-changing average cost of healthcare in America makes it difficult to know what we’ll spend. “Healthcare spending isn’t consistent; it comes in waves,” Jim Shagawat, a certified financial planner in New Jersey, told CNBC. “[But] the goal isn’t to predict exact expenses. It’s more to make sure healthcare costs don’t disrupt the overall retirement plan.” 

Healthcare

Medicare Premiums Rising to $5,000 by 2035—Here's How to Save

A new report from the Senate Joint Economic Committee (JEC) revealed that Medicare Part B premiums could double in cost over the next decade. In 2026, the average yearly cost of Medicare Part B is $2,200, but according to the report, that number could jump to $5,000 in the next decade. Below, we share why […]

How to save on healthcare costs 

When it comes to saving on healthcare, all experts agree that the one thing retirees need to do is research to find the plan that works the best for them. 

“Choosing the right health coverage is essential to saving money and retaining access to quality care. When comparing Medicare coverage options, people should factor in prescriptions, preferred doctors and any chronic conditions they may need ongoing care for—smart choices that can potentially lead to over $1,800 in savings per year,”  Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace says. “Medical and financial needs can change over time, and the prescription drugs covered by Medicare plans can also change. Some online marketplaces enable people to provide a list of medications and preferred healthcare providers, and then get recommended plans based on those needs.”

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What to expect from your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is different from your annual checkup.  Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace, explains, “This wellness visit is not a physical exam. Rather than providing preventive medical care and tests, this visit is focused on reviewing the patient’s personal and family medical history and their current prescriptions.” 

“The doctor may also lay out a schedule for future preventive medical screenings and may offer personalized medical advice,” she continues. “A cognitive assessment may also be conducted to see if there are any signs of impairment, including potentially identifying early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.” 

To qualify for the visit, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part B for at least 12 months. And if that’s you, Stidom heavily advises you contact your primary care doctor to set up an appointment. 

“An annual wellness visit is one of the most valuable benefits included with most insurance health plans, including Medicare,” she explains. “Yet a recent survey found 20 percent of Americans don’t typically get an annual wellness exam, and about the same percentage don’t know an annual wellness exam is covered at no additional cost under most insurance plans when people use an in-network care provider.”   

How much does a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit cost? 

As long as you go to a doctor who accepts Medicare, there shouldn’t be any cost for your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, says Stidom. 

“However, if diagnoses are made or other tests and services are performed outside the scope of the wellness visit, these may incur out-of-pocket costs for some patients,” she continues. “Medicare beneficiaries should always feel free to ask their physicians during the visit which services might result in out-of-pocket costs for them.” 

Healthcare

Medicare's Hidden Perks Could Save You Thousands This Year

Most seniors know that Medicare covers medical expenses like prescriptions, outpatient procedures, vaccines and more. What many don’t know is that there are several hidden Medicare benefits, including perks like a free gym membership and nutrition counseling. Below, we share seven surprising Medicare benefits and offer details on how seniors can cash in!  7 surprising […]

How to prepare for your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

To help make your visit as easy as possible, Stidom recommends bringing a list of your current prescription medications and dosages, adding,  “It’s important to give the doctor the most accurate picture possible of your personal and family history and your prescription drug use. If helpful, bring notes describing these.” 

And while many people try to prepare for the cognitive exam, Stidom notes, “There’s no need to study or prepare beforehand for the cognitive assessment. During the assessment, the doctor will typically ask some simple questions and perform some basic memory tests. For example, the person might be asked to draw a picture of a clock showing a certain time, or to remember certain words and repeat them after a short period of time.” 

Healthcare

Medicare Premiums Rising to $5,000 by 2035—Here's How to Save

A new report from the Senate Joint Economic Committee (JEC) revealed that Medicare Part B premiums could double in cost over the next decade. In 2026, the average yearly cost of Medicare Part B is $2,200, but according to the report, that number could jump to $5,000 in the next decade. Below, we share why […]

What preventive screenings should Medicare patients prioritize after their wellness visit?

After your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, Stidom says it’s important to prioritize a select few preventive screenings. 

“Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, diabetes screening for those with an elevated body mass index (BMI) and lung cancer screening for adults ages 55 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking,” she says. “It’s also important for women to get mammograms every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40 and cervical cancer screenings up to age 65, plus colorectal cancer screenings if you are 50 to 75 years old and prostate cancer exams for men, based on your doctor’s recommendation.” 

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Life

Federal Retirement Benefits Coming to Private Workers Under Trump's 401(k)

On Tuesday, February 24, President Donald Trump held the longest State of the Union address in history. During his two-hour remarks, he took time to honor the USA Men’s Hockey team as well as two WWII veterans. He also spoke about his tariffs, his work with “angel families,” inflation and even retirement, which he promised […]

What to know about President Trump’s proposed Medicare plan 

At the beginning of March, the United States military and Israel attacked Iran. The two countries stated that doing so would address concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and broader security threats. They also said it would help Iran undergo a regime change, which in turn would keep America and the rest of the world safe. 

“This is a true investment in your children and your grandchildren’s future. The whole world is watching,” President Trump said on Wednesday, April 1, during his primetime address. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks…We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.”

The war has been met with considerable pushback, especially since it’s raised the price of gas in the U.S. by almost 36 percent. Along with the increased gas prices, the war has also cost America a lot of money, a factor President Trump has acknowledged. He also outlined how the country could, and potentially will, continue to cover the cost of the conflict. 

In a recent speech made before his primetime address, President Trump floated the idea of ending national funding for Medicare, Medicaid and daycare centers and instead leaving it up to the states. 

“We can balance the budget. We can have a surplus if you can stop that. And that does not include Medicare, Medicaid—that’s even bigger,” the president told an audience at a White House Easter lunch. “We can’t take care of daycare. You got to let a state take care of daycare. And they should pay for it, too. They should pay. They’ll have to raise their taxes, but they should pay for it. And we could lower our taxes a little bit to them to make up for it. It’s not possible for us to take care of daycare, Medicaid, Medicare—all these individual things. They can do it on a state basis. You can’t do it on a federal [level]. We have to take care of one thing: military protection. We have to guard the country.” 

It’s important to note that these remarks were made in a private meeting held by the President and were only made public after the White House accidentally uploaded the speech to YouTube.

Some members of the press had already downloaded the speech prior to its deletion and uploaded it to their own social media accounts for the world to see. 

Bryan Metzger, a senior politics reporter at Business Insider was one of those people. 

“It seems the White House may have uploaded that video unintentionally. It’s now been made private,” Metzger wrote on X. But I downloaded it, so here’s the full WH feed of the Easter lunch earlier today. Trump does sound a bit more candid here than he does in front of reporters.” 

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Can President Trump actually stop funding Medicare?

Since Medicare is a mandatory entitlement program established by federal law, President Trump can’t decide to stop funding Medicare and Medicaid. He can, however, make significant reductions through legislative action and budget proposals, which is how he could justify cutting the national funding for the programs and instead leaving it up to the states. 

If he does decide to do that, the move will most likely be met with considerable pushback from Congress and the American people.

As of publication, President Trump has not commented on the speech. Woman’s World has reached out to the White House for comment on the remarks but hasn’t heard back. 

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What are cataracts? 

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. It’s typically caused by aging, protein buildup in the eyes and sun exposure. Symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, foggy vision and poor night vision. 

For those diagnosed with cataracts, treatment options include surgery to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one. This often results in improved vision and better eye health overall. 

“Up to 4 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States each year, and many of these are for people enrolled in Medicare,” says Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace. “If you or a loved one is diagnosed with cataracts and surgery is recommended, it is important to understand what Medicare covers both before and after the procedure.”  

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Average cost of cataract surgery with Medicare​

When it comes to getting cataract surgery on Medicare, Stidom says, “Like most medically necessary surgeries, Original Medicare Part B generally covers cataract surgery, which includes the removal of the cataract and the placement of a traditional intraocular lens.” 

“After the annual Medicare Part B deductible is met, people with Original Medicare will typically need to cover about 20 percent of the remaining costs,” she continues.” That means someone with Original Medicare undergoing cataract surgery will owe between $635 and $880 per eye—20 percent coinsurance plus $283 to meet the Part B deductible for 2026.” 

For Americans on Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, that number may be different. 

“People with a Medicare Advantage plan will usually pay less out of pocket for cataract surgery compared to beneficiaries with Original Medicare,” Stidom says. “Under Medicare Advantage, the average copay for cataract surgery is $350 per eye. People enrolled in Medicare Supplement plans may also have much lower out-of-pocket costs than those enrolled only in Original Medicare.” 

Does Medicare pay for cataract surgery with astigmatism​? 

When it comes to getting cataract surgery, Medicare will pay to remove the cataract, but it might not pay to fix the astigmatism​—mainly because getting rid of an astigmatism​ is considered a cosmetic service rather than a medical necessity. 

“Medicare will not pay for special intraocular lenses, such as toric lenses, which are designed to correct astigmatism. People with astigmatism can still qualify for coverage of cataract surgery under Medicare, but they will not qualify for coverage of toric lenses,” explains Stidom. “In that case, the beneficiary will typically require glasses to address the astigmatism after the surgery. Beneficiaries who opt for toric lenses to correct astigmatism can expect to pay at least an additional $1,000 per eye, oftentimes more.” 

What type of lens does Medicare cover for cataract surgery​? 

According to Medicare.Gov, it only covers standard monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) for people in certain states. 

To learn whether your state qualifies for this coverage, click here. 

Does medicare cover glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery​? 

After the surgery, many people need a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses. When it comes to getting those covered by Medicare, Stidom says, “Original Medicare Part B doesn’t typically provide coverage for glasses or contacts, though many Medicare Advantage plans do.” 

“However, there’s an exception following cataract surgery for people enrolled in Original Medicare. In this scenario, Medicare Part B will cover one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames and lenses or one set of contacts,” she continues. “That same coverage applies to people enrolled in Medicare Advantage and a Chronic Special Needs Plan (C-SNP).” 

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How to save on cataract surgery while on Medicare 

If you need cataract surgery, there are several ways you can save money on out-of-pocket costs. 

“Cataract surgery performed in an ambulatory surgical center can be less costly than the same procedure performed in a hospital setting,” says Stidom. “It’s also important to make sure that the facility and surgeon accept Medicare. If the beneficiary is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, it will be necessary to make sure the facility and surgeon are in the insurance company’s network of care providers. “ 

“Out-of-pocket costs can be even lower for people enrolled in C-SNP, which are specialized Medicare Advantage plans for people with certain chronic conditions such as diabetes,” Stidom continues. “Under a C-SNP, cataract surgery has an average copay of $250 per eye. Given people with diabetes are more likely to need cataract surgery, enrolling in a C-SNP may be an effective way to reduce out-of-pocket costs for this procedure.” 

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What does it mean to be tax-deductible?

A tax deduction is an expense that can lower someone’s total taxable income, which can then lower the overall tax that they owe. Common deductions include charitable donations, having a home office, having dependents and/or contributing to a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). 

There are also some less common deductibles. These can include: medical travel costs, student loan interest paid by parents, having to purchase a work uniform and/or if you drive for a charity. 

Are Medicare premiums tax-deductible? 

According to Whitney Stidom at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace, “Medicare premiums are tax-deductible for some people, but only if they itemize on their federal return rather than taking the standard deduction, and only for the dollar value of their qualified medical expenses that exceeds 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income.” 

“For younger taxpayers, it may be uncommon to reach that 7.5 percent threshold for medical expenses,” she continues. “But for Medicare beneficiaries living on fixed incomes and with higher medical expenses, they may be more likely to surpass it.” 

Currently, tax-deductible Medicare premiums include: 

• Medicare Part A (for those who pay premiums, most people don’t for Part A) 
• Medicare Part B 
• Medicare Part D drug plans 
• Medicare Advantage plans 
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans

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Are Health Savings Accounts tax-deductible? 

Along with Medicare, many Americans have some version of a Health Savings Account (HSA), and when it comes to filing taxes, Stidom says that fund can help them save money during tax season. 

“For people with a Health Savings Account (HSA), they can save money on a pre-tax or tax-deductible basis for a broad range of qualifying medical expenses, including equipment or supplies, such as hearing aids or specialized services, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care,” she explains. “Many employers offer HSA-eligible health plans. While account holders can no longer make deposits into their HSA after they stop working, the money can still be used to pay for qualifying medical expenses tax-free, even after signing up for Medicare. 

Stidom also notes that, “Medicare beneficiaries with money in a Health Savings Account — funds often accumulated from before retiring — can still use those dollars to pay tax-free for medical expenses even when they’re enrolled in Medicare.” 

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How to file your Medicare tax deduction

To take advantage of the Medicare tax deduction, Stidom says that Americans must “itemize deductions on their federal returns rather than taking the standard deduction, and only the amount of qualified medical expenses—including Medicare premiums–that exceeds 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income is actually deductible.” 

She also notes that several medical expenses qualify for a tax deduction. These include: 

• Copayments  
• Deductibles  
• Vision care expenses, including the costs of glasses or contacts 
• Dental care expenses  
• Over-the-counter medications 
• Medical equipment in some cases 
• Acupuncture and chiropractic care

To file those deductions, Americans must itemize them on their returns. They also should be prepared to upload receipts or PDFs that prove that they actually purchased or used these services in 2025.

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What to know about the new Medicare clinical documentation rule 

On Friday, March 20, CMS announced The Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures Final Rule, which will eliminate the use of fax machines and snail mail for healthcare professionals sending clinical documentation. 

Also under this new rule, healthcare providers, insurers and clearinghouses (organizations that collect patient information and help process claims) will be required to send medical records, X‑rays, notes, lab results and other healthcare documents electronically, instead of creating a physical copy. The digital shift is expected to streamline the process, allowing physicians to spend less time on paperwork and more time providing personalized care to patients.

“The 1980s called, and they want their fax machines back,” CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, said in a statement. “The futuristic medical breakthroughs we’ve achieved, like augmented reality glasses that give surgeons X-ray vision, shouldn’t have to coexist with administrative systems that often lag decades behind. This new rule will modernize American healthcare by standardizing electronic claims attachments and enabling secure electronic signatures. Because every minute providers save on paperwork is another minute they can spend caring for patients.”

On top of allowing patients to spend more time with their physicians, The Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures Final Rule is also expected to save taxpayers $781 million, since there will now be a standard exchange of clinical documentation. 

This move comes after CMS launched a variety of other technology-driven initiatives, including their highly controversial Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, which required six states to use AI to help determine whether or not patients qualify for certain outpatient procedures. 

The WISeR Model, along with other CMS technology initiatives, faced significant pushback from healthcare advocates. Experts argued that since Medicare primarily serves older adults, complex new technologies might create confusion rather than improve care. Dr. Oz refuted these claims, telling Morning in America in December 2025, “We want AI to be used by the doctor, if the doctor wants, to help them take better care of patients, to allow the AI to help with scheduling tests, to give them some better ideas about a diagnosis.” 

The Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures Final Rule shouldn’t affect seniors in that way, since it only requires healthcare professionals to use the new technology system. 

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When will the new Medicare clinical documentation rule take effect? 

The Administrative Simplification; Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures Final Rule will launch on May 26, 2026, but healthcare organizations will have until May 26, 2028 to implement into their individual offices.

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