Medicare is complicated, but it’s worth taking the time to understand the details. Next year you’ll see lower prices on 10 popular prescriptions, while the out-of-pocket drug spending cap is rising. Find out more about what you need to know in 7 Changes Coming to Medicare in 2026.
Are you ready for Medicare open enrollment, which began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7? What changes might affect you next year? Tell me about it at betsy@aarp.org and we may publish your stories.
Betsy Agnvall, Healthy Living Editor, AARP
7 Changes Coming to Medicare
2026 will bring lower drug prices, new features and more.
Did you have a chance to read the article we highlighted in the last Your Health newsletter, 15 Mistakes That Are Keeping You From Healthy Eating? Based on AARP research, this article details barriers to eating healthy. We asked readers what sabotages their diet. Here are just a few of their responses.
Now that I’m living on my own after four years of being a caregiver to my sister and before that the pandemic with a child and grandchildren and a housemate in my house, I haven’t been on my own in a while. Women are used to cooking meals for at least two people. What happens when it’s only you? Are you worth making a meal for? Am I good enough for healthy meals? I finally said, “Yes I am.” Recently I’m making the effort to make good meals. What do I like? Vegetables that are fresh or frozen. Meat occasionally. Fish and beans, yes. I’m slowly figuring out what’s best for me. Yes, after 73 years I’m worth it. — Pat Lentz
My problem is that I have type 2 diabetes. It feels like about 85 percent of foods in a grocery store are off limits because of their sugar and gluten content. I don't cook my own food and depend upon ready-to-microwave meals, which are limited. I've been doing fairly well and read labels like I'm obsessed. I just wish more food producers would accommodate us "type-2ers." The good old days of eating all the goodies I used to consume are gone. — Keith West
I have been cooking the same way for some 50 years, and it's difficult and time consuming to cook healthy. Finding the right food, the right recipe, and making the time to cook healthy can be overwhelming. Right now, I am trying to eliminate potatoes but there is nothing we like to replace potatoes. I grew up on meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Just having meat and vegetables doesn't seem like a full meal. I am 71 and really don't feel like changing. My husband is 66 and has diabetes, so I do try to worry about him. — Cheryl Kotalik
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