Open enrollment for Medicare ends on Dec 7. The federal health insurance program is for anyone aged 65 or older. Some people younger than 65 with certain disabilities or conditions, limited income and resources can also get coverage.

Health research organization KFF reports 43% of Illinoisans have Medicare Advantage and 57% opted for traditional Medicare coverage.

Stephani Becker, associate director of health care justice at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law in Illinois, explained the program.

"It covers inpatient care in hospitals, services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment and many preventive services," Becker outlined. "That's your Medicare Part A and Part B. Then there's a part D, which is a drug-coverage program."

KFF also noted in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $2,000 out of pocket for prescription drugs covered under Part D, Medicare's outpatient drug benefit, due to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Another important distinction to know is the difference between the original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Traditional Medicare does not cover dental, vision and hearing insurance. However, many Medicare Advantage programs do. Becker emphasized it is important to review all documentation carefully to understand exactly what is in private plan coverage.

"One is the premium, which is what you pay monthly to your health insurance company," Becker pointed out. "Then the second is your out-of-pocket costs, so things like copays and coinsurance and deductibles, and that's the type of payment that you use when you use your insurance."

JustPlainClear.com and MedicareMadeClear.com are good websites to explain various health care plans for members and caregivers.


Becker adds someone who is self-employed and not eligible for Medicare can buy a plan for themselves on the marketplace and may be eligible for premium assistance. A slightly larger business with two or more employees, for example, can work with a broker and buy a small group health plan.

Meanwhile, open enrollment dates vary for other types of health plans. People with employer-sponsored coverage typically select a plan during a two-to-three week period between September and December. And open enrollment for plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace generally runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states. More information is available at www.UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

A new study from Michigan State University researchers revealed lasting PFAS effects in a Michigan community's drinking water near an old paper mill landfill.

PFAS are "forever chemicals" which enter the body and do not break down easily, often found in products like nonstick pans and waterproof gear.

The study focused on a southwest Michigan city where PFAS contamination in drinking water was first identified in 2018. It is the first study to examine PFAS in both tap water and blood in a community exposed to the chemicals.

Courtney Carignan, assistant professor of food science and human nutrition at Michigan State University and the study's lead author, shared key findings from the study.

"The levels that we see in blood, being elevated and for some people were above what the national academies have recommended in terms of where you would start to need additional medical screening for certain PFAS related health effects," Carignan explained. "It's good that this community got that intervention."

The study found PFAS compounds lingered in the body, even three years after switching to clean water. The findings give a starting point for understanding PFAS risks and how well intervention strategies work.

Study participants who drank contaminated water were divided into two groups: those with high exposure from city water and those with lower exposure from private wells. Blood PFAS levels rose with each year of exposure for both groups. Women in the low-exposure group had lower levels than men, likely due to biological factors. Carignan noted a separate study identified key sources of PFAS contamination.

"We found that closer proximity to airports, military fire training cites, wastewater treatment plants, were more likely to have PFAS contamination in those public water systems," Carignan pointed out.

Research shows PFAS compounds are found in the blood of most Americans. Those with the highest levels were people exposed at work or via contaminated drinking water.


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At least two people have tested positive for measles in Illinois and public health officials are working to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines in an effort to curb the spread.

Health officials said the measles virus is highly infectious and especially concerning for babies and young children, as well as people who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems. It can cause pneumonia, brain damage and even be fatal in some cases.

Dr. Kiran Joshi, interim chief operating officer at the Cook County Department of Public Health, said it is also preventable through vaccination, with two doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine providing nearly 100% lifelong protection.

"Ninety-seven percent of people who got measles this year happened to be unvaccinated," Joshi pointed out. "Vaccination is incredibly protective."

Joshi added over the past 50 years, the measles vaccine has saved more than 150 million lives across the world. He noted the department has launched a campaign to counter some of the misinformation that is circulating.

Public health officials are focusing campaign efforts on unvaccinated people. Joshi explained it includes having multiple conversations with hesitant patients and providing evidence-backed information. He stressed misinformation about preventive measures like taking vitamin A is concerning and not scientifically proven.

"There are a lot of myths out there, such as 'vaccines can cause autism,'" Joshi pointed out. "I want to state categorically that is incorrect, that there's no credible evidence to support that, yet these myths continue to perpetuate."

Joshi added the myths have potentially contributed to more than 900 measles cases reported across the country.

"When you look at the research, when you look at the evidence, all of that has been subjected to pretty rigorous standards," Joshi outlined. "We also go to the nature of science, that you have to be able to repeat studies. You have to look at the research as a whole, instead of sort of cherry-picking."

He advised anyone with questions to speak with their primary care provider about their vaccine records and ensure they are getting any health information from reputable sources.

May is American Stroke Month and the American Heart Association wants Missourians to know the signs and take action.

Stroke is the sixth leading cause of death in the state, and across the U.S., nearly 800,000 people suffer from one each year. In 2021, heart disease and stroke took more lives in the U.S. than all types of cancer and chronic lung diseases combined.

Lana Wilhelm, a registered nurse and caregiver advocate, was named the 2025 Caregiver Hero by the American Stroke Association after helping her husband recover from a stroke. She shared tips on how people can manage their risk.

"If you're diabetic, making sure that you are well-managed and you're following your physician's orders," Wilhelm outlined. "High blood pressure: Are you taking your medicine? Are you watching your diet? Are you making sure that you're checking your blood pressure on a regular basis? Exercise, good nutrition."

The Heart Association said to remember the "FAST" acronym when looking for warning signs: face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, and "time to call 911." According to the American Stroke Association, about one in four people who survive a stroke end up having another one.

Wilhelm stressed entire families are affected when a loved one suffers a stroke. She urged caregivers of stroke survivors to seek out support groups and other resources to help them navigate those challenges.

"Sometimes as a caregiver, you just want to throw in the towel," Wilhelm acknowledged. "You're exhausted, you're tired, you're worried, and it's just nice to be able to talk to other men and women that get it, and can kind of help you through that whole process."

Data from the American Stroke Association show more than 53 million Americans serve as caregivers, including those caring for stroke survivors.