320-769-4323   |  Dawson, MN

Johnson Memorial Health Services

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JMHS Provides Informative Medicare Lunch & Learn

Laura Thomas presenting to attendees.

Johnson Memorial Health Services welcomed staff and community members to a Lunch and Learn discussing Medicare Coverage on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Laura Thomas, Director of Aging Well at Prairie Five Community Action Council, delivered a timely presentation to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about their coverage for 2026.

Here are the top three takeaways from her session:

  1. Stay Alert to Advertising and Scams

Advertisers spend billions during Open Enrollment, often promising increased Social Security checks, new government programs, or urgent changes to benefits. Thomas cautions that Medicare and its representatives will never call beneficiaries directly. Seniors should be wary of anyone requesting personal information and always verify offers with trusted sources.

  1. Know Your Legitimate Savings Options

There are real ways to save money on Medicare and Social Security:

  • The Extra Help program can lower eligible individuals’ Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.
  • Medicare Savings Programs may pay for monthly Part B premiums and other out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility is based on income and assets, and applications are handled through the Social Security Administration or local Family Services offices.
  1. Understand 2026 Coverage Changes

Major changes are coming to Medicare Part D and Advantage plans:

  • The out-of-pocket cap for Part D will increase to $2,100, and the annual deductible will rise to $615.
  • Several popular Medicare Advantage plans, including UCare and HealthPartners in Lac qui Parle County, are leaving the Minnesota market. Seniors affected will have new options and a time-limited right to purchase Medigap Supplement plans.
  • Reviewing coverage during Open Enrollment is crucial, as plan networks, formularies, and pharmacy statuses may change year to year.

Thomas recommends that individuals use the tools provided on Medicare.gov or a trusted insurance agent to determine which plan is best for them. JMHS would like to thank Thomas for providing this informative session for our community. The handouts she provided are located at jmhsmn.org/lunch-learn/.  For more information or personalized assistance on 2026 Medicare Coverage contact Laura Thomas at 320-226-8861or [email protected].