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Prescription Drug Plans: Finding the Best Value

Trivia: Which U.S. President later served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

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Trivia: Which U.S. President later served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Prescription Drug Plans: Finding the Best Value

Navigating the world of prescription drug plans can feel overwhelming—but getting the best value doesn’t have to mean settling for less. Whether you take one daily medication or manage a complex regimen, the right plan can make a real difference for both your health and your wallet.

1. Understand the Basics
Prescription drug coverage is often provided through Medicare Part D, either as a standalone plan or bundled with a Medicare Advantage Plan. Every plan has its own list of covered drugs (called a formulary), pricing tiers, and pharmacy networks—so no two plans are exactly the same.

2. Review Your Medications
Start by making a list of all the medications you take—prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements. Note the dosages and how often you fill them. Then, check each plan’s formulary to see how your medications are covered. Drugs not on a plan’s list can be far more expensive.

3. Compare Plans Annually
Even if you’ve been happy with your current plan, it’s smart to review your options every year during the Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15–December 7). Plans can change their formularies, premiums, and co-pays from year to year, and a little comparison-shopping can lead to big savings.

4. Consider Generic and Mail-Order Options
Generic drugs can be just as effective as brand-name medications at a fraction of the cost. Some plans also offer discounts when you use preferred pharmacies or 90-day mail-order services. These little shifts can add up over time.

5. Use Medicare’s Online Tools
The Medicare Plan Finder is an excellent resource. You can plug in your medications, preferred pharmacies, and zip code to see personalized cost comparisons. It even shows estimated annual out-of-pocket costs for each plan.

6. Ask for Help If You Need It
There’s no shame in seeking guidance. Call your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), talk to a licensed Medicare advisor, or consult your pharmacist. These professionals can help you understand your options and spot hidden savings.

Why It Matters: Prescription drug costs can add up quickly, especially for those on a fixed income. Finding the right plan helps you stay healthy without straining your budget—so you can focus more on living well and less on paperwork.

How Do You Choose Your Prescription Drug Plan?

From the RetireHub Archives: How Do You Share Family Photos These Days?

Turns out texting and emailing still reign supreme when it comes to sharing snapshots—71% of you say it’s your go-to method for keeping loved ones in the loop. While only 9% prefer using shared cloud albums, a small but mighty group still swears by printed photos sent by mail. Whether you're all digital or delight in a hard copy, it's clear that family memories find a way to travel—near or far.

OUR FAVORITE COMMENTS

  • “We text photos but what was the real game changer was the Aura frame. Our daughter got one for us for Christmas a couple of years ago. We returned the favor this past Christmas for her and our other daughter. It is so easy to share photos directly to our own and each other's frames.”

  • “My adult daughter set up [a shared cloud album] and let the other family members know. so we all share together. it’s wonderful and cuts down on saving every pic that gets sent your way.””

  • “I started using the Google cloud during the pandemic, all my photos are in there now.”

 

Passing On Memories with Grace: How to Share Family Treasures Without the Tension

Deciding who receives Grandma’s yellow pie plate—or any sentimental item—can often feel like tiptoeing through a family minefield. Generational differences, limited space, and varying emotional value can turn treasured belongings into unexpected stressors. Rather than leaving these decisions to chance (or to the courts), the article encourages families to approach inheritance thoughtfully and with purpose.

Start by identifying the items that matter most—those that tug at heartstrings—and having open conversations about their future. Discuss what fairness looks like in your family: should everyone receive something equally valuable, or should sentimental attachments guide decisions? It's also wise to recognize that not all family members will understand their worth, so planning can help ensure meaningful items end up where they'll be cherished.

If discussions feel uncomfortable, soften the conversation by framing it as an act of love: “I want to make these decisions now so we can avoid awkwardness later.” Be prepared for the process to take time—this is a marathon, not a sprint. Sharing information, listening, and allowing emotions to process gently are key to preserving both memories and harmony.

READ MORE

 

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Slang Phrase of the Day

Phrase: Cool-lection

Meaning: A curated collection of items that reflect your unique style, nostalgia, or passions—be it vintage vinyl, travel postcards, quirky mugs, or seashells from decades of beach trips.

A cool-lection isn’t about hoarding or clutter—it’s about celebrating the objects that hold stories. Whether it’s a tidy display shelf or a photo album filled with snapshots, it’s a way to honor your history, spark conversations, and keep your personality present in every corner of your home.

In a sentence: “After downsizing, I kept just my favorite teacups and jazz records—it’s my little cool-lection of comfort and good memories.”

 

Good News of the Day

22-yo with Down Syndrome Becomes Certified Fitness Instructor, Leads Class of 60 at Local Gym

A 22-year-old Utahan with Down Syndrome has just become a certified fitness instructor for the popular fitness program UpBeat Barre. UpBeat Barre instructor and co-owner of VASA Fitness in Kaysville, Jane Johnson, said she had kept her eye on Aubry Allbridge for some years, noticing how the young woman was exceptionally gifted in remembering the […]

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