Good morning. August is three days away, and I'm not sure where July went.

In this issue:

Only 14% of eligible seniors claim Medicare Savings Programs. That means 86% of the people who qualify for help paying their Medicare premiums aren't getting it.

Here's what these programs actually do. MSPs (Medicare Savings Programs) are state-run programs that pay part or all of your Medicare costs:

The takeaway: Your Part B premium is $185/month in 2025. If you qualify, that's $2,220 a year back in your pocket. Many people slightly above the limits still qualify because states count income differently.

➡️ Check your eligibility at medicare.gov

🍎 Your nutritional needs changed — did your diet? After 60, your body needs more protein, more calcium, and fewer calories. But most people eat the exact same way they did at 45. Victoria Sinclair wrote a guide with real meal ideas, not vague advice.

→ Read Victoria's guide

💊 The $2,000 drug cap update: it's working. Six months into Medicare's new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on Part D drugs, early data shows millions of seniors are paying less at the pharmacy. Once you've spent $2,000 total on covered drugs in 2025, you pay $0 for the rest of the year. Check your Part D summary at medicare.gov.

🏡 Your homeowner's insurance may cover grab bars. Some home insurance policies cover safety modifications if a doctor recommends them. Call your insurer and ask about "medically necessary home modifications." Even if they aren't covered, many Area Agencies on Aging offer free installation. Find yours at eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116.

Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance As a Senior — by Benjamin Wells

Nobody wants to think about this in July. But this is exactly the kind of thing that's easier to research when you're not in crisis. Benjamin breaks down the real costs: a nursing home runs $7,500–$10,000 a month. About 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care. He covers traditional policies, hybrid options, what Medicare actually pays, and when to buy.

➡️ Read the full article

A reporter once asked a 104-year-old woman in Okinawa what her secret to a long life was. She thought about it for a moment, then said: "Ikigai." It roughly translates to "a reason to get up in the morning." When the reporter asked what her ikigai was, she said, "My great-granddaughter's dance recital is next month." She'd been saying that for six years straight.

Until next Tuesday,
Nino

P.S. If someone you know is on Medicare and could use an extra $2,220 a year, forward this their way. And if you've got questions, hit reply — I read every one.