We welcome back Josh Kinzel from Seniority Benefit Group for his sixth visit to the podcast. The focus of this conversation is on the upcoming changes to Medicare enrollment and coverage for 2026, as well as practical advice for those approaching or currently navigating Medicare options.

Breaking Down the Medicare Alphabet Soup

Josh walks us through the parts of Medicare and why understanding them is so important:

• Original Medicare includes Part A (hospitalization, generally free) and Part B (outpatient coverage, with a monthly premium).
• Original Medicare typically covers 80% of approved costs, but there’s no out-of-pocket cap for the leftover 20%. That’s where the choice between a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan comes in.
• Medigap fills in gaps left by Original Medicare—giving simplicity and freedom to see almost any provider accepting Medicare. You add on a Part D drug plan for prescriptions.
• Medicare Advantage plans are administered by private insurance companies. The government pays these companies on your behalf, so the advertised zero-premium plans are real—but always remember, your Part B premium still applies. With Advantage, you’re often in an HMO or PPO network, may have to seek pre-approval for some services, and pay more out of pocket if major health issues arise.

What’s New for Medicare in 2026?

As usual, we’re recording before all federal rules are final, but here’s what we know:

• Part B premiums are expected to rise by about 11%, reaching an estimated $206.50 monthly.
• Part D drug plan costs may inch up, mainly as insurers adjust to the new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket limit (from the Inflation Reduction Act). While deductibles and catastrophic thresholds rise, costs for many drugs, especially for diabetes, are actually dropping.
• The infamous “donut hole” coverage gap is now virtually gone, making prescription coverage simpler.
• Talk continues about longer-term Part D and Advantage contracts (potentially covering more than one year) and the introduction of more pre-authorization (prior approval) steps, including the use of AI to address fraud and control costs.

Medicare Advantage and the “Free” Plan Question

A recurring theme is whether Medicare Advantage’s free or low-cost plans are really “free.” Josh explains that these plans are genuinely $0 premium because the government subsidizes them, but you’ll still pay the Part B premium, plus out-of-pocket costs when you use services. The trade-off is less predictability, more restrictions on doctor/hospital networks, and a risk of higher costs if you need significant care.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

MyCare Ohio: A New Managed Care Option for Dual Eligibles

We explore MyCare Ohio, a managed care model that combines Medicaid and Medicare benefits for those who qualify for both. Expanding to all 88 counties in Ohio, this program promises consolidation, fewer cards to carry, and—potentially—lower out-of-pocket costs for those with low income and assets. Eligibility, plan availability, and making sure your doctors are in-network are important considerations.

How Employers and Retirees Fit In

For people who are still working at 65 or have retiree health coverage, we emphasize comparing employer plans with Medicare options—never simply assuming your current coverage is best. Employers can use experts like Josh’s group to help employees or retirees make smart,...

We sit down with Arielle Galinsky, CEO and co-founder of The Legacy Project Incorporated. Arielle is not only a dual-degree graduate student at Yale Law and Harvard's Kennedy School, but she’s also a passionate advocate for intergenerational connections and storytelling.

The Legacy Project, which now spans 25 college campuses, began from Arielle’s personal drive to preserve the life stories of older adults—a mission fueled by loss in her own family and a desire to bridge the gap between generations.

In our conversation, Arielle shares how the Legacy Project grew from high school interviews to a fast-growing nonprofit, the challenges of launching a student-led organization, and the critical importance of including young people in conversations about aging.

Together, we explore the power of sharing life stories across generations, how college students are building bonds with seniors, and why these connections matter more than ever in today’s world. You'll hear inspiring insights, learn practical ways to get involved, and gain a vision for the future of intergenerational engagement in communities everywhere.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Here are 3 key takeaways:

Intergenerational Connections are Powerful: The Legacy Project is growing across 25+ college campuses, pairing students with seniors to record life stories. Both seniors and students consistently find value in these relationships, breaking down age-related stereotypes and fostering mutual learning.

Storytelling as Civic Engagement: Arielle emphasized that sharing stories isn't just "feel good" work—it's a tool for combating social isolation, reducing ageism, and even driving community change. The project is now launching an Intergenerational Changemakers fellowship to encourage civic collaborations across ages.

Opportunities & Resources Abound: From forming campus chapters to collaborating with local senior communities and national organizations like Generations United, there are so many ways to get involved. Whether you're a student, educator, or community member, resources and guidance are available to help you create or join an intergenerational initiative.

Moments

00:00 Shaping Long-Term Care Policy

04:44 "Intergenerational Storytelling Legacy Project"

08:24 Legacy Project Integration in Coursework

11:55 Conference Sparks Growth in Aging Services

15:05 "Mutual Benefits of Generational Ties"

18:36 Growing Industry: Services for Seniors

20:02 Shift from Recruitment to Expansion

24:37 Podcast Resource on Legacy Project

25:54 Youth Caregivers Face Unique Challenges

30:27 "Intergenerational Change Makers" Initiative

32:17 "Fostering Multigenerational Community Dialogue"

38:21 Live an Intergenerational Lifestyle

39:21 "Embrace Life's Stories"

We would love to hear from you.

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We shine a spotlight on a vital resource in Central Ohio: the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio.

For 15 years, this nonprofit has been dedicated to providing free, life-saving prescription medications to those who can’t afford them.

Executive Director Dr. Taylor Reed joins the conversation to share his unique career path, the inspiring origin story of the charitable pharmacy, and how the organization serves the community. Especially older adults and those with chronic health needs.

We’ll explore the challenges and partnerships that make this work possible, recent changes in Ohio law that allow even more donated medications to reach those in need, and how the pharmacy works hand-in-hand with patients, healthcare providers, and other social service organizations to address the full spectrum of patient wellness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with medication costs, or if you’re interested in how you can help, this episode is packed with insights, resources, and ways to get involved.

Here are 3 key takeaways for healthcare and community professionals:

The Charitable Pharmacy was born from a unique Columbus-style public-private partnership that included city, county, all four major health systems, faith organizations, and business leaders. This cross-sector approach catalyzed innovative and lasting solutions for medication access in our region.

Serving over 1,600 individuals annually, the pharmacy provides not just free medication but a holistic support model. Patients often face multiple chronic conditions, and pharmacists deliver ongoing education, coaching, and direct connections to broader health and social services.

From state law changes enabling medication donations to partnerships with organizations like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, the Charitable Pharmacy is addressing the social drivers of health, ensuring patients have food, housing, and transportation, not just medication.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Moments

00:00 Pharmacist's Career Journey

05:18 Launch of a Charitable Pharmacy

08:41 Complex Pharmacy Supply Chain Explained

09:43 Recycling Unused Medicine Program

13:04 Supporting Asset-Limited Employed Individuals

17:27 Collaborative Healthcare Connections Ohio

22:02 Community Support Through One Door

24:33 Addressing Health via Nutrition Access

29:31 Expanding Health Care Capacity

33:28 Community Pharmacy & Pharmacist Awareness

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.

Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website,