skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Chuck Schumer says he won't block Republican funding bill amid Democratic divisions over shutdown strategy; Health and climate: A growing crisis in Florida; PA faith leader part of TX protest of oil, gas subsidies; AZ groups file lawsuits to limit effects of Elon Musk's DOGE.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Through Medicare enrollment, older ND residents can improve their daily lives

play audio
Play

Tuesday, October 22, 2024   

Medicare open enrollment is underway, and North Dakota seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans.

Advisors said it is important to consider both health care and budget needs and to read the annual notice of change, which should have already arrived in the mail. Reducing health care costs involves more than focusing on monthly premiums. Those providing guidance said it is important to compare the various plans' copays and deductibles as well.

Kyla Sanders, program coordinator of North Dakota State University's Aging in Community project for Western Morton County, said finding the right coverage fit can help older populations improve their quality of life.

"If we've got those basic needs met, it makes it a lot easier to get out and take part in a puzzle-assembly contest, or an ice cream social, or some sort of educational event," Sanders pointed out.

To be able to do it, she stressed a senior with chronic health issues should take a deeper look at add-ons like Part D, which helps with prescription drug costs. Starting in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $2,000 out of pocket for medications covered under Part D. Sanders cautioned enrollees will still have to watch out for variables, including availability of a specific medication at their local pharmacy.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said Medicare enrollees should also consider advantage plans.

"Things like dental, vision and hearing," Randall outlined. "Many Medicare beneficiaries might be surprised to know that original Medicare doesn't cover most of those things, but many Medicare Advantage plans do. I also recommend people to check for mental-health coverage."

About 34% of North Dakotans signed up for Medicare have advantage plans. If there are no support organizations in your area to help with enrollment, which runs through Dec. 7, North Dakota's State Health Insurance Assistance Program has information online. UnitedHealthcare also offers an online guide for navigating Medicare.

Meanwhile, people with employer-sponsored health plans are also entering their enrollment season. Sign-up for the state's health insurance exchange begins Nov. 1.

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
"In Utah, we've been consistently told that transitioning away from coal would devastate our rural communities, but this report reveals a different reality," said Luis Miranda, Utah-based Campaign Organizer for the Sierra Club. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

The Sierra Club's Utah chapter said electric utility PacifiCorp's long-term plan to embrace renewable energy has changed and is now placing more relia…


Social Issues

play sound

New data show fewer than half of rural Gen Z'ers believe they can find a good job in their community, compared to nearly 70% of their urban peers…

Environment

play sound

As federal funding for climate initiatives faces steep cuts, nonprofits and philanthropic organizations are stepping into the breach, calling out the …


The U.S. solar industry employs more than 263,000 workers, with jobs in installation, manufacturing, and research continuing to grow. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Michigan ranks 26th in the U.S. for total installed solar capacity, while global capacity rose 21% from 2023. However, there are industry concerns …

Social Issues

play sound

School employees are expressing outrage at the mass layoffs of half the U.S. Department of Education workforce. Secretary of Education Linda …

Social Issues

play sound

Republicans in Washington, D.C. remain focused on greatly reducing federal spending. However, a backlash is mounting in Congressional districts…

Social Issues

play sound

Maryland ranks second in the nation for charging children who have committed crimes as adults. But one expert says a more trauma-informed response in …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021