🏥 MEDICARE MINUTE

Medicare & Tax Season: What to Know

Tax season is here! While Medicare itself isn’t taxable, here are a few things to keep in mind as you gather your documents:

🔹 Medical Expense Deductions – If you itemize deductions, some out-of-pocket Medicare costs (like premiums, copays, and deductibles) may be tax-deductible. Keep records of your expenses to discuss with a tax professional.

🔹 IRMAA & Your Tax Return – Your Medicare premiums could be higher if your income exceeds certain thresholds. Since IRMAA is based on your tax return from two years prior, reviewing your income now could help you plan ahead.

🔹 HSA & Medicare – Once you're enrolled in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). However, you can still use any existing HSA funds for qualified medical expenses, including Medicare premiums (except for Medigap premiums).

🔹 Social Security and Taxation – Depending on your income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. If you have other sources of income, such as wages, self-employment, interest, or retirement account withdrawals, you may owe taxes on a portion of your benefits. Since Medicare premiums are often deducted from Social Security payments, understanding your taxable income early can help you plan and avoid surprises.

🔹 Medicare Part B Deductible Reminder – In 2025, the Medicare Part B deductible is $257, a $17 increase from 2024. If you have Original Medicare, you'll need to meet this deductible before Medicare starts covering most services. Keep track of your medical expenses, as this may be relevant for tax deductions if you itemize.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax advice. I am not a tax professional. For personalized guidance regarding your specific tax situation, please consult with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor.

💡 TIMELY TOPIC: AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Spotlight on Women’s Heart Health: What Medicare Beneficiaries Need to Know

American Heart Month is the perfect time to raise awareness and take control of your cardiovascular health. Let’s explore how Medicare can support you on your heart-healthy journey!

What better way to celebrate 𝓐𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓱 than by nourishing our hearts with healthy, delicious food! A few years ago, as part of the American Heart Association Blair Go Red "Woman of Impact" campaign, I teamed up with Executive Chef Tom Schilling at the Blair County Convention Center to create a heart-healthy recipe that’s both tasty and good for you. We had a blast making Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs and Cantaloupe-Lime Sorbet! Check out the video below for the full recipe and give it a try!

💪 WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: GRIP STRENGTH

Grip strength is a crucial component of overall strength and longevity and is one of the strongest physical associations with longer life. A good grip can assist in routine functions like cooking, gardening, or wrangling grandchildren 😉. Having a strong grip also gives you a greater chance of catching yourself after losing balance, reducing the risk of falls. Interestingly, grip strength is also correlated with lower dementia risk. Strengthen your grip by doing the following exercises:

• Gentle Squeezes: A soft stress ball is your new best friend! Keep one handy and give it a gentle squeeze while watching TV or chatting with friends. Slow, deliberate squeezes help improve your grip without straining your hands. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!

• Farmers Carry: Check out this short video that shows four ways to improve grip strength using materials found around your home! Farmers carry is one of the most effective exercises for grip strength - you’ll find directions for this exercise around the six minute mark.

• Everyday Activities: Don't forget the power of everyday activities! Gardening (with adapted tools and raised beds), light housework, and even playing with grandkids can help keep your hands strong. Every little bit helps!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Always talk to your doctor or a physical therapist for more personalized advice on hand strengthening exercises. They can help create a plan that's right for you.

🗞️ IN THE NEWS

Take a peaceful walk with a loved one on the new Logan Valley Trail located in Bellwood. Peep Tara in the photo below at the Blair County Alliance’s ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating this project.

📅 UPCOMING EVENTS

Care Compass at the Blair County Home, Garden, & Healthy Living Showcase

When: Friday, February 28 - Sunday, March 2, 2025

Where: Blair County Convention Center, Altoona, PA

Details: We're excited to be returning to the Blair County Home, Garden, & Healthy Living Showcase for the second year! We had a wonderful time connecting with the community at last year's event, and we can't wait to do it again. For 53 years, the Blair County Home Garden & Healthy Living Showcase has attracted gardeners, do-it-your-selfers and curiosity seekers who look eagerly forward to the warm days of spring. While the Home Garden & Healthy Living Showcase has been a staple tradition in the Blair County area, it has evolved over the years to include vendors who provide products and services that are relevant to today’s homeowners. The show includes everything from interior decorating to new construction and is family friendly with activities and events for children. Come visit us at Booth #69!

The Caregiver’s Compass: Navigating Support and Education for Women

When: Monday, March 24, 2025 from 8:00 am - 12 Noon

Where: Garvey Manor (Carmel Hall), Hollidaysburg

Details: Organized by the Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s WE-LEaD Committee (Women Encouraging Leadership, Education, and Development), the goal of the event is to support caregivers – women balancing work, family, and self care – by providing them with valuable resources and strategies to meet their unique needs. For more information and to register, visit the event webpage.

8th Annual Purple Purse event benefitting the Victim Services Program of Family Services, Inc.

When: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Where: Blair County Convention Center

Details: Every year since 2016, Purple Purse has raised funds for the Victim Services Program of Family Services Inc., helping to provide comprehensive services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services such as supportive counseling, medical and court accompaniment, assistance with filing Protection From Abuse Orders, 24/7 helpline services, and more are supported by the funds raised at this event. Care Compass is proud to be a “Violet” sponsor of this year’s event!

As always, our goal is to keep you informed, empowered, and thriving—whether it’s making the most of your Medicare benefits, staying active and healthy, or simply learning something new. We appreciate you being part of the Trust Truman community!

If you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in a future issue, we’d love to hear from you. Until next time—stay well and stay curious!

💙 Tara, Truman, and The Care Compass Team