Woman's World

Can an Insurance Company Reopen a Claim? Yes—Here's What to Know

Carissa Mosness — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:00:12 +0000

If you’ve ever paid off a medical bill only to receive another bill from your insurance months later, you’re not alone. Insurance companies can—and often do—reopen previously closed claims, resulting in unexpected charges. To learn why this happens and what you can do about it, keep scrolling!

Can medical insurance companies reopen a claim?

Unfortunately for us, yes, they can. Here’s how the process typically works: After a medical appointment or test, your doctor’s office submits the bill to your insurance company. The insurer reviews the claim and decides what they’ll cover based on the specific terms of your plan. Once they’ve made their determination, they send you a bill for your portion of the costs—known as your patient responsibility.

You pay that bill, either all at once or through a payment plan, and assume you’re done with that particular medical expense. The claim appears closed, the balance shows zero, and you move on with your life.

But sometimes, insurance companies reopen these closed claims and charge you additional money. According to Karim Hachem, Founder and CEO at Valedo, this can happen weeks, months or even years after the original payment was processed.

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“How long they have to do this depends on the reason for the adjustment and the regulations governing your specific plan. Many healthcare providers report seeing recoupments—where insurance companies take back payments—years after the original payment was issued,” he explains. “This means you could receive a new bill for a medical service you thought was already settled long ago.”

This practice, while shocking to many patients, is legal in most cases. The timeframe during which insurers can reopen claims varies by state and depends on the type of plan you have, whether it’s regulated by state or federal law, and the specific reason for the adjustment. To find out information about your state, visit your state’s Department of Insurance website.

What to do if your insurance company reopens a claim

If your insurance company reopens a claim, the first thing you should do is find out exactly why this is happening. Steven H. Craft, Jr., founder and principal at Lucleon Insurance in Florida, recommends contacting your insurance company or doctor’s office directly to get answers.

“If new evidence comes to light, a payment error is identified, fraud is suspected or the original adjustment was based on incomplete or inaccurate information, any insurer may review a claim. That will depend on the particular policy and state law, but a reopened claim should never be regarded as a free pass for overturning an earlier decision,” he says. “Request a written explanation, citing the policies upon which the change is based, facts and any additional information supporting the change. Check the original adjuster’s sent reports and compare them against the explanation. If the insurer’s explanation does not match the policy or file, work through the insurer’s appeal process.”

It’s also crucial to document everything related to the reopened claim. Keep copies of all bills, Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements, payment receipts and any correspondence you receive. Make sure to note the dates and names of anyone you speak with about the issue. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, consider contacting your state’s insurance department or a patient advocate who can help you navigate the appeals process and protect your rights.

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Next, work with both your medical provider and insurance company to create a plan forward. They can help you understand your payment options, including whether you qualify for an extension or payment plan that makes the additional charges more manageable.

“We always recommend working closely with your provider and your insurance carrier to understand the reasons for the recoupment or reversal and filing appeals as appropriate to illustrate why payment is owed or having the provider correct the claim to reflect the services rendered accurately,” Hachem says. “Sometimes the fix is a quick phone call or faxing clinical documentation and the rest is history. But never ignore payment reversals!”

The bottom line? Don’t panic if you receive an unexpected medical bill for a claim you thought was closed, but don’t ignore it either. Take action quickly, ask questions, and advocate for yourself throughout the process.

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A Medicare Part D Subsidy Is Ending—Here's What It Means for You

Carissa Mosness — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:17:02 +0000

A Medicare Part D subsidy called the Premium Stabilization Demonstration is coming to an end this year. In a recent X (formerly known as Twitter) post, which was first covered by the Wall Street Journal, Mehmet Oz, MD, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), announced that the subsidy, which is meant to keep the cost of coverage down, is ceasing all operations once the year is up. The move comes less than a year after President Donald Trump announced his own direct-to-consumer drug company, TrumpRx, which offers medications to all Americans at a lower rate but does not accept insurance. The announcement also comes after the president and his administration vowed several times to protect Medicare and this nation’s seniors. To learn more about the cuts, including what it means for seniors on Medicare Part D and for open enrollment, keep scrolling.

What to know about the Medicare Part D subsidy cuts

Medicare coverage comes in four parts—Part A (which covers inpatient hospital stays, nursing facility care and hospice), Part B (which covers doctor services, outpatient care and preventive tests), Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage, which combines Parts A and B) and Part D (which helps pay for the brand-name and generic drugs). Most seniors enroll in A, B or C and then add D to help pay for their medications. In 2026, Part D cost seniors an average of $34.50 to $36 a month, however if they bundled Part D with Medicare Advantage, or Part C, it cost around $8 a month.

As it stands, 81.2 percent of seniors have Part D coverage, according to CMS. To help control premium costs for that group the government launched the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration in 2025, which provided additional federal support to insurers to reduce sudden increases for drug prices and allowed people enrolled in a standalone Medicare Part D plan (meaning they got coverage through an individual plan, not one included in a Medicare Advantage plan) to pay for the program without having to worry about sudden increases in premium costs. The subsidy was a direct result of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was passed by Congress and then signed into law by former President Joe Biden in 2022.

“I wish I hadn’t called it that because it has less to do with reducing inflation than it has to do with providing alternatives that generate economic growth,” former President Biden said in 2023, according to AP News. “We’re literally reducing the cost of people being able to meet their basic needs.”

Mehmet Oz, MD, in July 2026
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Now, a year after seniors on Medicare Part D felt the impact of the IRA and the part that significantly helps them—the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration—it’s all coming to an end. The reason for that decision? Trump’s Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) initiative, a system the president designed to reduce the cost of drugs. Dr. Oz also said that the CMS’ new Medicare Bridge Program, which gives seniors access to certain GLP-1 medications for just $50 a month, also impacted the decision to stop the subsidy.

“We are stabilizing the market so this bailout is no longer needed,” Dr. Oz wrote on X late last night. “Every Medicare beneficiary still has access to low-cost plans, and we will continue to lower prescription drug prices for every American patient, from more MFN deals to our policy giving seniors access to GLP-1s for $50 a month.”

How stopping Medicare Part D’s Premium Stabilization Demonstration will impact seniors

Stopping Medicare Part D’s Premium Stabilization Demonstration might mean some seniors have to pay more for their Part D coverage now that there is no law limiting it from increasing at an aggressive rate.

As for open enrollment—which begins on October 15—seniors will not feel the effects there since everyone who is eligible for Medicare will still be able to opt into Medicare Part D. The end of the Premium Stabilization Demonstration will just change how much each person pays for Medicare Part D.

Dr. Oz says ending Medicare Part D’s Premium Stabilization Demonstration means premiums will “go up by less than $10 for most Medicare recipients, with many even seeing LOWER premiums.” However, since the CMS has not officially announced the cost of Medicare in 2027, that could change.

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But experts are worried about the change. Leslie Dach, a chair at Protect Our Care, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people get affordable healthcare, said, “Donald Trump and Republicans are making healthcare more expensive for seniors at every turn.”

“For older Americans living on fixed incomes, even an extra $10 or $20 a month can mean choosing between filling their prescription, paying the electric bill or buying groceries,” he added in a statement obtained by Newsweek.

As it stands, seniors will not feel the effects of this shift until 2027. The subsidies still stand for the rest of 2026.

This Medicare Enrollment Choice Could Cost You $200-$300 More a Month

Carissa Mosness — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:30:00 +0000

July is almost halfway over, which means that we’re getting closer and closer to the 2027 Medicare open enrollment period. But what is the open enrollment period? And what can new and returning enrollees do to prepare? Below, we share everything to know about the 2027 Medicare enrollment period, including the one thing an expert says can end up costing people $200 to $300 or more per month.

What to know about the 2027 Medicare open enrollment period

The 2027 Medicare open enrollment period takes place from October 15 to December 7, 2026. During that time, people age 65 or older can enroll, re-enroll or change plans in the government-sponsored health insurance program.

“Savvy Medicare beneficiaries can start preparing now for the upcoming annual enrollment period, including by taking advantage of any free unused preventive care benefits through their current plan and by determining if their health status or financial circumstances have changed since last enrolling in Medicare coverage,” says Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace.

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She notes that beneficiaries will receive an annual notice of change letter in the coming months detailing their plan is and what they need to know about any upcoming changes.

“An important step is to review the annual ‘notice of change’ letter, which will be sent in September to Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees letting them know if their current plan will be changing or in some cases no longer available,” Stidom says. “Given the significant Medicare plan changes we’ve seen in recent years, millions of beneficiaries will want to review these letters carefully to understand how their coverage may be affected and if they will need to select a new option for 2027.”

What to know about the plans offered during the 2027 Medicare open enrollment period

Medicare comes with four plan options—A, B, C (also known as Medicare Advantage) and D, which is optional prescription drug coverage. There is also a Medicare Supplement plan, or Medigap, a private health insurance plan that covers out-of-pocket costs—like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. All plans offer different coverage.

According to Stidom, “Medicare beneficiaries who live on a fixed income and who typically live in one place year-round tend to prefer Medicare Advantage. For people who may have a little more spending power, Original Medicare [A or B] paired with a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D plan may be the best option.”

Anyone can change plans during open enrollment, but Stidom says the best time to enroll in Medicare Supplement is when you first become eligible (generally around your 65th birthday). “Delaying means beneficiaries will have to undergo medical underwriting and could be charged more for coverage or even declined based on the individual’s medical history.”

How much does Medicare cost in 2027?

Medicare costs for 2027 have not been announced yet, but according to the latest Medicare Trustees Report, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium is projected to be around $209.50—a 3.25 percent increase from 2026. That number is just an estimate, and according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), they won’t know the actual increase until late autumn.

Even so, to help prepare for the anticipated increased cost, Stidom recommends reviewing your current plan—or reviewing the plans offered for first-time enrollees—and making sure you are only paying for what you need.

“For people who can afford it, sticking with Original Medicare and adding a Medicare Supplement plan and a standalone Part D drug plan can help beneficiaries cover many of the same gaps and out-of-pocket costs,” she says. “And unlike Medicare Advantage, which uses the insurance company’s provider network, Original Medicare allows people to see any doctor or medical care provider that accepts Medicare nationwide. However, beneficiaries who layer a Medicare Supplement plan and a Part D plan on top of their Original Medicare coverage can expect to pay $200 to $300 or more per month.”

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“It is a good idea for Medicare beneficiaries to review their plan options every year. In addition, personal health and financial situations often change, so the plan that worked in the past may not be the optimal choice this time,” she explains.

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Stop Overpaying! How To Save Money on Vitamins and Pay $0 at Checkout

strotter — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:30:14 +0000

Calcium. Vitamin D. A daily multivitamin. The list of nutrients doctors recommend for good health keeps growing, and so does the cost of keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet. For families already stretching grocery budgets, the running tab on supplements can feel like one expense too many.

The good news: you do not have to choose between your health and your household budget. A handful of straightforward tactics can cut what you spend on vitamins, and some can even bring the cost down to zero. Here is how to get the nutrients you need without paying full retail.

Ask your pharmacy about free vitamins

Free is a hard price to beat, and it is available at more places than most shoppers realize.

Many Good Neighbor Pharmacy locations offer free 30-day supplies of vitamins to customers, including a version formulated specifically for adults 50 and over. Good Neighbor is a network of independently owned community pharmacies, which means the participating stores are often the same neighborhood drugstores families have used for years. You can find the nearest location at MyGNP.com.

The 50-and-over formulation is worth noting. Nutrient needs shift with age. Older adults often require more vitamin D and B12, and the balance of other vitamins and minerals in a standard multivitamin may not match what a 60-year-old body needs the way it matches a 30-year-old’s. A free supply designed for that stage of life is a practical starting point, particularly for retirees on fixed incomes.

Before you go, it is worth calling ahead. Free offers can vary by location, and pharmacy staff can confirm what is currently available and whether any sign-up is required.

Get your doctor to write a prescription

This one surprises people: some vitamins can be covered by health insurance if your doctor prescribes them.

Health insurance companies often pay for all or part of your vitamins when there is a documented medical need and a prescription on file. The specifics depend on your plan and the vitamin in question, but the categories that most commonly qualify include prenatal vitamins, high-dose vitamin D for people with a diagnosed deficiency and certain B vitamins prescribed for particular conditions.

The process is simpler than it sounds. At your next appointment, ask your doctor whether any of the vitamins you take could be prescribed rather than bought over the counter. If the answer is yes, your doctor sends the prescription to your pharmacy the same way they would with any other medication. Your insurance is then billed, and you pay the copay — which is frequently less than the retail price of the bottle.

Before making assumptions about what is covered, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card or log in to your plan’s website and check the formulary — the list of medications your plan covers. Ask specifically about prescription vitamins and what documentation, if any, the plan requires.

Use pre-tax dollars from an FSA or HSA

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If you have a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Savings Account through your employer, you may already have a tool to buy vitamins with pre-tax dollars — which effectively gives you a discount equal to your tax rate.

FSAs and HSAs both allow you to set aside money from your paycheck before taxes are withheld, then spend that money on qualified medical expenses. Vitamins have historically been a gray area for these accounts. The general rule is that vitamins purchased for general wellness are not eligible, but vitamins prescribed by a healthcare provider for a specific medical need often are.

The key document is called a letter of medical necessity. If your doctor determines that you need a particular vitamin to treat or prevent a diagnosed condition—iron for anemia, for example, or calcium and vitamin D for bone loss—they can write a brief letter explaining that necessity. You then submit the letter through your FSA or HSA plan, along with your receipts, to get reimbursed with pre-tax dollars.

The savings add up. If you are in a 22 percent federal tax bracket, buying a $30 bottle of vitamins with pre-tax dollars effectively costs you closer to $23. Over a year of monthly purchases, that difference is meaningful.

A few more habits that stretch your dollar

Beyond these three tactics, a little strategy at the checkout counter helps too. Store-brand vitamins from major retailers are typically manufactured to the same standards as name brands and cost significantly less. Buying larger bottles usually lowers the per-pill price, provided you can use the supply before the expiration date. And signing up for pharmacy loyalty programs can unlock coupons and rewards on repeat purchases.

Whatever combination of tactics you use, the underlying point is the same: the recommended daily nutrients that keep you healthy do not have to come at a premium price. A short conversation with your doctor, a call to your insurer and a stop by your neighborhood pharmacy can go a long way toward keeping both your body and your budget in good shape.

A version of this story first appeared in the July 20, 2026 issue of Woman’s World magazine.

Medicare’s New $50 GLP-1 Bridge Program Starts July 1—Do You Qualify?

Carissa Mosness — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:30:25 +0000

The new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow seniors to get certain GLP-1 drugs for just $50 a month and is part of The Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive Health (BALANCE) Program, starts July 1. And while some experts are excited for expanded access to medication typically used to treat type 2 diabetes and for weight loss, others warn that it could do more harm than good. But what exactly is the GLP-1 Bridge program? And is it too late to enroll in it? We break it all down below.

What is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program?

The Bridge program was originally announced in December 2025 under the name The BALANCE Program. At the time, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said that the program would help participants enrolled in the Medicare Part D plan—the part that covers outpatient prescription drugs—get GLP-1s for just $50 a month under President Donald Trump’s Most Favored Nations drug pricing deal, which allows drugs in the United States to be as low as they are in other high-income nations.

“Today’s announcement builds upon our historic Most Favored Nations drug pricing deals’ goal of democratizing access to weight-loss medication, which has been out of reach for so many in need,” CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, said in a statement in December 2025. “These actions further the administration’s bold plan to reform our country’s health systems and Make America Healthy Again. With the BALANCE Model, we’re pairing breakthrough science with healthy living to cut costs while empowering Americans to take control of their health.”

When does the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program start?

The program begins on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 and goes until December 31, 2027. During that time, people with Medicare Part D will have the opportunity to buy 30-day supplies of GLP-1s from either Wegovy, Zepbound and Foundayo for just $50 at select pharmacies, including Walgreens.

“The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge seeks to test whether providing access to GLP-1 products at a uniform, CMS-negotiated net price will help improve beneficiary outcomes and reduce long-term Medicare spending,” Kelly Strachan, CMS health insurance specialist and Innovation Center fellow, said, according to The Hill.

Some experts have raised concerns

Some experts are concerned that the program could open the door for more Medicare-related fraud issues, something the Trump Administration has been cracking down on.

“It requires the provider to fill out this really detailed prior authorization form to send that in before approval can happen. So, you have a check and balance that requires the coordination between two different entities—the provider and the pharmacy—to actually get the fraud,” Christopher Frisina, healthcare regulatory counsel at the law firm Alston & Bird, told The Hill. “It’s not going to be as straightforward as some of the fraud schemes that we often see, but I don’t think it’s outside of the realm of possibility.”

There are also conversations about how detrimental it could be for Medicare beneficiaries to lose access to GLP-1 medications designed to improve their health if the program doesn’t continue past December 2027.

“What we do know is that many people regain weight quickly after stopping them, which suggests this may become a lifelong medication for many users,” Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “From a financial standpoint, someone is ultimately footing the bill, and right now there are very few answers about what happens after December 31, 2027.”

Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, also told the outlet, “The greatest concern is that while in the short-term the program could provide health benefits to those who need help with weight management, in the long-term, those same problems could return if there is a failure to extend the program past its current end date.”

How to enroll in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program

To enroll in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program and get access to certain GLP-1 drugs at a discounted rate, Medicare Part D participants must speak to their providers on or after July 1. If your provider decides you are a fit, you can then jointly submit a Prior Authorization Request that will be submitted to CMS for review.

As of publication, CMS has not shared how they plan to determine who can and cannot enroll in the program. They also haven’t shared if people who apply and are denied can reapply before the program’s end date in December 2027.

More ways to get GLP-1s for less

If you don’t have Medicare Part D benefits or are denied coverage under the Bridge program, there are still several other ways to save on GLP-1 drugs. One option is President Trump’s direct-to-consumer pharmacy TrumpRx, which sells GLP-1 pills and injectables for less than the retail price you might pay at the pharmacy.

Other savings strategies like manufacturer discount programs, comparison shopping and using HSA or FSA funds could help certain eligible adults get GLP-1s for as little as $25 a month. You could also discuss microdosing a GLP-1 with your doctor, which cuts down on costs.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Natalie Morales on Her Family’s Alzheimer’s Experience: ‘There Are Treatment Options’

Julianne MacNeill — Sun, 24 May 2026 00:30:04 +0000

As a nationally-renowned broadcast journalist, Natalie Morales, 52, is no stranger to asking the hard questions. But when it came to her mother-in-law’s Alzheimer diagnosis, it proved to be a bit more difficult. When Morales’ mother-in-law, Kay Rhodes, was diagnosed with the disease, there weren’t therapies and treatment options available like there is today. The stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s was also heightened, with fear ruling people’s lives as opposed to knowledge.

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.

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

Natalie Morales
Courtesy of Natalie Morales

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
Courtesy of Natalie Morales

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.

Trump Adds 600 Generic Drugs to TrumpRx—Will It Save You Money?

Carissa Mosness — Tue, 19 May 2026 18:51:09 +0000

President Donald Trump just announced that he was going to be adding more than 600 generic drugs to his federal direct-to-consumer marketplace, TrumpRx. He also said that Cost Plus Drugs—the discount pharmacy company founded by billionaire investor and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban—will be partnering with the program.

“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.

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.

President Donald Trump and Mark Cuban in 2026
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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.”

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“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.

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.

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“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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Medicare Advantage Benefits Could Be Cut in 2027—What to Know

Carissa Mosness — Tue, 05 May 2026 19:58:06 +0000

Millions of people choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan because of the extra benefits included, like gym memberships, vision and dental coverage and more. But according to Reuters, Humana—one of the largest Medicare Advantage insurers—might cut those benefits if the federal government’s new payment rate for insurance companies is approved. Below, we share everything you need to know about the potential cuts and how to make the most out of your benefits in the meantime.

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.”

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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.

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.”

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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.

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Is Long Term Care Insurance Worth It For Women? What We Need to Know Now

Allison Nemetz — Sat, 02 May 2026 16:30:28 +0000

Planning for retirement means thinking about all the wonderful things ahead—and being smart about protecting the nest egg you’ve built. One question many women are asking: Is long-term care insurance worth it? It’s a great question, especially since more than half of us will need some type of care as we age (compared to only 39 percent of men). The good news: You have options that can give you control, flexibility and peace of mind. Here’s everything you need to know to make the best choice for you.

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.

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.

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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The Real Story Behind That Scary $469K Retirement Healthcare Number

Carissa Mosness — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:42:15 +0000

A recent report issued by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), a Washington D.C.-based research organization, claimed that some retirees might need to have $469,000 in their savings account to help cover the cost of healthcare. Several news outlets began running stories highlighting the high cost, but, as it turns out, that number only applies to a select few individuals who have high prescription drug costs. Below we share everything you need to know about the report, along with ways to save on healthcare now and in the future.

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.

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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.”

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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