March 22, 2025
Hi!
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Trust Truman, your guide to navigating health, wellness, and Medicare matters! In this issue, we’ll cover some important changes to Medicare in 2025, including a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs and the elimination of the "Donut Hole”. On the wellness side, we’re sharing an easy way to relieve stress with Child’s Pose and diving into 10 superfoods and tasty recipes to help you stay healthy as you age! Keep scrolling for upcoming events (“Medicare A to Z” seminars are LIVE), quick reads, and more. Let’s dive in!
🏥 MEDICARE MINUTE: KEY CHANGES FROM THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT AFFECTING 2025
In case you missed it: The Inflation Reduction Act continues to reshape Medicare, particularly Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). Some of the most notable changes in 2025 are:
🍩 Elimination of the Coverage Gap (AKA the Donut Hole ) and Reallocation of Rx Drug Costs
In simple terms, insurance carriers will take on a larger share of the cost of medications for enrollees.
What this means for beneficiaries: Enrollees who typically reach the “Donut Hole” may significantly benefit from lower out-of-pocket costs in 2025. However, many Part D plans have increased premiums and have implemented Rx deductibles to help cover the increased share of costs.
💊 Out-of-Pocket Drug Cost Cap
Medicare beneficiaries will no longer pay more than $2,000 annually for prescription drugs covered under Part D (this cap does NOT include Part D premiums; it only includes the cost of medications).
What this means for beneficiaries: With this cap and the elimination of the “Donut Hole”, members may reach the Catastrophic Phase of coverage more quickly (where they will have no drug cost responsibility).
💰 Introduction of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
The cost of prescriptions can fluctuate significantly for beneficiaries throughout the year. The introduction of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MP3) offers members the option to pay $0 at the pharmacy, and instead, pay for their prescriptions through a monthly payment program during the calendar year.
What this means for beneficiaries: This program allows beneficiaries to spread their prescription drug costs over monthly payments, making budgeting and managing expenses more predictable. As a general rule of thumb, this program is recommended for enrollees who pay more that $600/month for medications.
To learn more, visit Medicare Part D: What’s Changing and Why It Matters.
💪 WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: CHILD’S POSE
✅ Did you Know? Spending just 5 minutes a day in Child’s Pose can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps manage stress, relieve chronic pain, and improve sleep quality?!
If you’re looking for a way to relax and ease stress, Child's Pose (AKA balasana) is a simple, calming yoga pose that offers a gentle stretch for your entire body. It's a great way to relieve tension in your muscles, especially your back, shoulders, and hips. Child's pose can also help quiet your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve your sleep. And if you have any digestive discomforts, this pose might even help soothe those too!
Child’s Pose (Balasana): A Quick Guide
❓How-to:
Kneel with your knees apart and your big toes touching.
Sit back on your heels and fold forward, resting your belly on your thighs.
Extend your arms in front, palms down, and rest your forehead on the floor.
Breathe deeply and stay as long as it feels comfortable.
🔑 Key Benefits:
Stress Relief & Relaxation: Calms the mind and reduces tension.
Improved Flexibility: Gently stretches the back, hips, and thighs.
Enhanced Circulation & Recovery: Eases muscle tension and boosts blood flow.
👍 Tips for Seniors:
If reaching the floor is difficult, try spreading your knees apart more.
Place a pillow or bolster under your chest for support.
Use a yoga block under your forehead to reduce strain.
If you have shoulder discomfort, keep your arms by your sides.
We have several fantastic yoga studios here in Blair County, PA including Simply Power Yoga and Arya Yoga Studio, among others!
Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor or a physical therapist before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns or physical limitations
💡TIMELY TOPIC: NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
Eat Well, Age Well: 10 Superfoods and Tasty Recipes for Seniors
Eating well is key to aging gracefully, and the right foods can make all the difference! Here are 10 superfoods and tasty recipes that promote health and vitality for seniors.
🌎 COMMUNITY
We had a fantastic time connecting with our wonderful community at the Blair County Home & Garden Show! It’s always a pleasure meeting new faces and helping folks navigate their Medicare options. Looking forward to next year!
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
“Medicare A to Z” Seminars
When / Where: Visit Our Upcoming Events Page
Details:
”Medicare A to Z” is designed for anyone approaching Medicare eligibility, current beneficiaries looking to optimize their coverage, caregivers assisting loved ones, and professionals who want a deeper understanding of Medicare. Whether you're new to Medicare or seeking clarity on changes and options, this session will provide valuable insights.
Overview:
Navigating Medicare can be complex, but we break it down in a clear, easy-to-understand way. In this seminar, you'll learn:
✅ The different parts of Medicare and associated costs
✅ Enrollment periods and how to avoid penalties
✅ The gaps in Original Medicare and how to fill them
✅ Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage—pros, cons, and key considerations
✅ How Medicare works if you're still employed
✅ The 2025 changes to Medicare Part D and what they mean for you
Join us for this informative session and walk away with the knowledge you need to make confident Medicare decisions!
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!
🐢 TRUMAN’S TIP
Scammers are 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 —don’t let them get their hands on your personal info! Your Medicare info should ONLY be shared with trusted sources like your doctors' offices, close family members who assist with your care, and your trusted Medicare broker (Hi! 👋).
🙄 Psychological tricks companies use to keep you from canceling subscriptions
🧠 UC San Francisco researchers enabled a paralyzed man to control a robotic arm by imagining himself grasping, moving, and dropping objects. The brain computer interface device worked for seven months without being readjusted — a new record for the tech.
📸 The winners of the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards have been announced - Wow!
🤓 QUICK READS
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
Tara Saltzburg
Owner, Licensed Insurance Broker Specializing in Medicare and Senior Products
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10 Reasons to Work with a Local Medicare Broker in Blair County, PA
There are many options available for obtaining Medicare coverage, but the experience of working with a knowledgeable, local professional is almost always paramount to working with someone at a large call center located somewhere else in the country, or in some cases, somewhere else in the world!
Care Compass is an independent insurance agency that helps seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and other Senior Products. Our services are offered at NO COST! Care Compass is proudly owned and operated in Blair County, Pennsylvania. We provide Medicare insurance assistance to the residents of Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville and the surrounding region. If you need assistance with Medicare, contact Care Compass today!
