May 26, 2025
Hi!
🐝 Welcome to the May 2025 edition of Trust Truman — your guide to health, wellness and Medicare matters! In honor of Older Americans Month, we’re taking a closer look at how Medicare helps support healthy, independent living at every stage of aging. We’re also covering important Medicare drug pricing updates, celebrating a positive trend in diabetes outcomes, and highlighting simple ways to boost your well-being—like the power of a daily walk or sharing a story with your grandkids. Plus, quick reads, useful tips, and thoughtful insights to help you stay informed and inspired this season. Let’s dive in!
✨ TIMELY TOPIC: OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
Stronger with Age: How Medicare Fuels Healthy, Independent Living. Medicare offers more than just health coverage; it provides the tools older adults need to stay active, independent, and in control of their health. During Older Americans Month, we’re exploring how Medicare supports healthy aging through preventive care, chronic condition management, wellness programs, and more!
🏥 MEDICARE MINUTE: KEY UPDATES
CMS’s Drug Pricing Update 💊
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed updates to the Medicare drug price negotiation program, set to include Part B drugs (administered in clinics) for the first time and renegotiate prices for some drugs from earlier rounds, starting in 2028. These changes aim to increase transparency and reduce costs for Medicare beneficiaries, with new prices for 15 drugs to be set by 2027. CMS is seeking public input until June 26, 2025, to finalize the guidance. Full Story: CMS.gov (5/12)
“Most Favored Nation” Drug Pricing Plan
President Trump is set to sign an executive order to pursue a “most favored nation” policy, aiming to cap Medicare drug prices at the lowest rates paid in similar countries. This could lower out-of-pocket costs for expensive medications but faces resistance from the pharmaceutical industry and past legal challenges. Full Story: Politico (5/7)
CDC reports significant decline in US diabetes mortality
Preliminary data from the CDC show US diabetes deaths have decreased to 26.4 per 100,000 people in the third quarter of 2024, the lowest rate in years, reversing a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 when deaths reached 31.1 per 100,000. Improvements in care, treatment and awareness have contributed to the decline, although research shows that management of the disease during the pandemic may have been more difficult for patients. Full Story: CBS News (4/30)
Stat of the Day: $30,000–$50,000.
That’s the estimated cost to address one case of measles, making the growing outbreak quite pricey for the US public health system, a CDC official said last month. Full Story: NBC News (4/16)
💪 WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT: THE POWER OF WALKING FOR LONGEVITY!
Walking is a simple, accessible way to enhance health and longevity, especially for older adults. Did you know? Regular brisk walking strengthens the heart, improves bone density, and boosts mental well-being.
👟 Studies show that walking 20–30 minutes daily can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30% and lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
👟 Walking also improves balance, reducing fall risk - a key concern for maintaining independence.
👟 Additionally, walking is linked to better cognitive health, with research indicating a lower risk of dementia in those who walk regularly.
Whether it’s a stroll through the neighborhood or a park walk with loved ones, every step supports a healthier, longer life!
👪 BRIDGING GENERATIONS: FUN SPRING IDEAS FOR GRANDPARENTS AND GRANDKIDS
Spring is the perfect season to make new memories with the little ones in your life. Whether you're near or far, these simple, joyful activities help grandparents and grandchildren bond, learn, and laugh together. From story time to gardening, each idea is designed to spark connection and create lasting moments—no matter the weather or distance.
📚 Storytime Magic
Reading to grandchildren sparks imagination and strengthens bonds. Pick colorful picture books or short adventure tales, and add funny voices to make it lively.
Even a 10-minute session can create lasting memories. Bonus: it boosts kids’ language skills and gives grandparents a chance to share life lessons through stories.
🎨 Virtual Museum Tours
Explore world-class museums like the Louvre or Smithsonian from home with free virtual tours. It’s a low-effort way to enjoy art, history, or science, perfect for curious seniors. Spend 15 minutes “wandering” exhibits online—great for a rainy day or limited mobility. Engage grandchildren during virtual museum tours with interactive questions and collaborative pre-visit research. Enhance learning with creative follow-up activities like drawing or writing. Discover more at Smithsonian Institution Virtual Museum Experiences.
🌱 Growing More Than Plants
Digging in the dirt is a delightful way to bond across generations. Whether it’s planting flowers, herbs, or veggies, gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and wonder. Even a windowsill pot or patio planter can become a shared project. Let kids choose a plant, decorate pots, and track growth together. Bonus: it’s a screen-free, sensory-rich activity that gets everyone outdoors and smiling! Check out these kid-friendly gardening projects from kidsgardening.org.
🌎 COMMUNITY
Our educational “Medicare A to Z” seminar hosted at the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library was a smashing success! Thank you to the 30+ people who attended!
🧪 Good to Know: Five ways to reduce microplastics in your body.
🏡 That’s interesting: Gen Z is increasingly choosing to live at home with their parents.
🤓 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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Stronger with Age: How Medicare Fuels Healthy, Independent Living
Medicare offers more than just health coverage; it provides the tools older adults need to stay active, independent, and in control of their health. During Older Americans Month, we’re exploring how Medicare supports healthy aging through preventive care, chronic condition management, wellness programs, and more!
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!
