South Dakota Senior Insurance Blog

New Study Links Processed Foods and Weight Gain

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 06:00:11 GMT

Findings From a Landmark Study Confirm Dietary Impact

Many Americans rely on packaged and convenience foods to save time, but research suggests that diets high in ul tra-processed foods make it easier to consume excess calories and gain weight.

A widely discussed study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) examined how processed foods affect eating habits and body weight. The findings provided some of the strongest evidence to date that the type of food we eat can influence how much we eat, even when calories and nutrients appear similar on paper.

Inside the Study

The study followed 20 adults who lived in a research facility for four weeks. Participants spent two weeks eating a diet rich in ultra-processed foods and two weeks eating a diet centered on minimally processed foods.

Importantly, both meal plans were designed to provide similar amounts of calories, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, and fiber. Participants were free to eat as much or as little as they wanted during each phase.

Examples of ultra-processed foods included packaged breads, sweetened cereals, flavored yogurts, and ready-made meals. The minimally processed diet emphasized foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, eggs, nuts, and freshly prepared meals.

What the Researchers Found

The results were striking.

When participants followed the ultra-processed diet, they consumed about 500 additional calories per day on average. Over the two-week period, they gained roughly two pounds.

During the minimally processed diet phase, participants tended naturally to eat fewer calories, and they lost a similar amount of weight.

Researchers also observed changes in hormones that help regulate hunger and fullness. Participants eating the minimally processed diet experienced increases in hormones associated with feeling satisfied and decreases in hormones linked to hunger.

Why Might Processed Foods Lead to Overeating?

The study was not designed to identify a single cause, but researchers noted several possible explanations.

One factor was eating speed. Participants tended to eat processed foods more quickly than minimally processed foods. Foods that require more chewing may help slow down eating, giving the body more time to recognize fullness signals.

Texture, flavor combinations, and convenience may also play a role. Many ultra-processed foods are engineered to be highly appealing and easy to consume, making it easier to eat large portions before feeling satisfied.

What Counts as Ultra-Processed Food?

Not all processed foods are unhealthy. Frozen vegetables, canned beans, plain yogurt, and whole-grain bread are technically processed but can still be nutritious choices.

Ultra-processed foods are generally products that contain multiple ingredients, additives, flavorings, or preservatives and are far removed from their original form.

Examples include:

Sugary breakfast cereals
Packaged snack foods
Candy and desserts
Sweetened beverages
Many frozen dinners
Processed meats such as hot dogs and some sausages
Packaged baked goods

Practical Ways to Eat Less Processed Food

You do not need to eliminate processed foods entirely to improve your diet. Small changes can make a meaningful difference.

Consider these strategies:

Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.
Choose whole grains more often, such as oatmeal, brown rice, or quinoa.
Include lean protein sources like fish, poultry, eggs, beans, or nuts.
Prepare simple meals at home when possible.
Keep nutritious snacks on hand, such as fruit, yogurt, nuts, or vegetables.
Slow down during meals and pay attention to hunger and fullness cues.

Takeaways

This study suggests that diets high in ultra-processed foods may encourage people to eat more calories and gain weight, even when meals contain similar amounts of nutrients. While no single food determines your health, emphasizing whole and minimally processed foods may help support healthy weight management and overall well-being.

The goal is not perfection. Making gradual shifts toward more whole foods and fewer heavily-processed options can be a sustainable way to improve your eating habits over time.

How to Have a Safe Fourth of July Celebration

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:40:03 GMT

Simple Safety Tips to Help Protect Your Family, Friends, and Property During Your Fourth of July Festivities

Fourth of July is one of America's favorite holidays and it's a time to enjoy Independence Day with your family and friends.

Unfortunately, every year more than 11,000 people are sent to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries, and in a typical year about eight to 10 people are killed by fireworks.

On top of that, fourth of July fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires every year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

But you can take steps to protect your family and your property so that you don't have to be one of those statistics. It all comes down to common sense and respecting the power of the fireworks.

Mind the Sparklers

Usually these are known as "kiddie" fireworks, but you may be surprised to know that they cause one-quarter of the house fires and emergency room fireworks injuries on Fourth of July.

Sparklers are best handled by people aged 12 and older. Children younger than 12 require extreme supervision.
Everyone handling sparklers should wear closed-toe shoes, and not flip-flops or sandals, to protect their feet from sparks.
Keep a bucket of water to place sparklers in after they finish sparkling; they are still hot and dangerous.

Adult Supervision

Always have an adult vigilantly supervise fireworks activities and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Keep a Safe Distance from Your Home

If you are going to use fireworks at home, be sure you're lighting them in a safe area. A “safe area” means away from homes, buildings, trees, and bushes.

If your gutters have accumulated leaves, pine needles, or other flammable material, clean them before using fireworks near your home. If you're leaving town for the holiday, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house.

Be Prepared for the Worst

If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire. A fire extinguisher should be kept nearby in case of an emergency, especially if you are lighting fireworks on your street.

Follow Instructions

Always follow instructions for lighting fireworks. If fireworks malfunction, don't relight them! Douse and soak them with water, then throw them away. Also, never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one that is glass or metal.

Stay Away from Others

Don't aim fireworks at other people. They can cause severe injury.

By taking a few simple precautions and using common sense, you can enjoy a fun, memorable, and safe Fourth of July while helping protect your loved ones, your neighbors, and your property.

How Long-Term Care Coverage Protects Your Whole Family

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:00:13 GMT

What Happens to Your Family if You Don't Have Coverage?

Most of us don't spend much time thinking about what would happen if a serious illness or injury left us needing help with everyday tasks. But it's one of the most important financial questions a family can face, and the time to think about it is before long-term care is needed. In other words, the time to think about it is now.

Consider this… Assisted living facilities and nursing home care can cost upwards of $6,000 a month. Even in-home nursing care averages around $2,000 per month. If you needed that level of care for longer than a few months, where would that money come from?

For most families, the answer is painful. It comes from retirement savings. It comes from the inheritance you spent decades building. And sometimes, it comes from your children.

The Hidden Cost Nobody Plans For

Here's what surprises many people: health insurance, Medicare, and most other traditional coverage are simply not designed to pay for long-term personal care. That includes help with bathing, dressing, getting around the house, and managing daily life. Medicare may cover short-term skilled care under very specific conditions, but it does not cover ongoing personal or custodial care. Medicaid may help in some situations, but qualifying typically requires spending down most of your assets first.

That means, without a plan, the financial burden lands directly on you and your family.

And it's not only a financial burden. When a loved one needs care and no plan is in place, family members often step in to fill the gap themselves. A spouse puts their own health on the back burner. An adult child cuts back work hours or dips into their own savings. Relationships that were built on love and good memories can become strained under the weight of physical, emotional, and financial stress that nobody was prepared for.

The Ripple Effect on Your Legacy

You've likely worked hard to build something for the people you love, like a retirement that provides security, or savings you hoped to pass on to your children.

A long-term care event, without proper coverage, can erode all of that quickly. It's not uncommon for families to see years of savings depleted within a relatively short period of time when care costs are paid entirely out of pocket. What was meant to be a legacy quietly disappears simply because long-term care wasn't part of the conversation.

The earlier you address this, the better positioned you are. Purchasing a policy while you're younger and healthier typically means lower premiums over the life of the policy. Waiting can mean higher costs or, in some cases, limited options.

What Long-Term Care Insurance Can Do

A long-term care insurance policy can help cover a range of services, including in-home care, adult day programs, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice services, and respite care for family caregivers. Many comprehensive policies also cover in-home therapies, help with daily activities like meal preparation and housekeeping, and even home modifications such as wheelchair ramps.

For people who want to stay in their own home, the right coverage can make that possible. For families who want to be involved in a loved one's care without being financially or physically overwhelmed by it, coverage creates breathing room.

Every policy is different, and the right plan depends on your needs, your health, and your goals. That's a conversation worth having sooner rather than later.

It's More Than Insurance. It's Protection for Everyone You Love.

Long-term care insurance isn't about expecting the worst. It's about making sure that if something happens, your family has choices. You have choices. The savings you worked to build stay intact. The legacy you wanted to leave behind remains yours to give.

Long-term care insurance is an investment in your family's future.

Ready to learn more? Give us a call and let's talk about what long-term care planning could look like for you and your family.

How to Find the Best Home Health Care

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:00:07 GMT

U.S. News & World Report Now Rates Over 12,000 Agencies

Choosing a home health agency for yourself or a loved one is rarely a simple decision — and it often has to be made quickly, during an already stressful time. Now, a trusted and familiar name is stepping in to help make that process a little easier.

In February 2026, U.S. News & World Report released its first-ever Best Home Health ratings, evaluating more than 12,000 Medicare-certified home health agencies across the country. The goal is straightforward: give patients, families, and caregivers an independent, data-backed resource to help guide one of the most important care decisions they may ever face.

What the Ratings Measure

The ratings combine clinical performance measures — such as timely initiation of care and hospitalization outcomes the potential to prevent future hospitalizations— with patient experience surveys to provide a comprehensive assessment of care quality. The underlying data comes directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), giving the ratings a strong foundation in publicly available, government-reported information.

For agencies with both a Quality of Patient Care Star Rating and a Patient Survey Rating, U.S. News incorporates both by averaging the two measures into a composite score, reflecting performance across multiple dimensions of care.

What the Results Show

Of the approximately 12,000 agencies evaluated, 1,319 earned the "High Performing" Best Home Health distinction for exceeding expectations in care quality and patient experience, while 5,288 were rated "As Expected" for meeting baseline standards.

The ratings also revealed some encouraging findings about what top-performing agencies are actually delivering. Patients treated by top-rated agencies were more likely to improve in key activities of daily living — such as getting out of bed, bathing independently, and taking their medications correctly — compared to patients nationwide. These may sound like small wins, but for someone recovering from surgery or a serious illness at home, they represent meaningful milestones on the road back to independence.

Where the Top Agencies Are

The distribution of top-rated agencies varies widely by state. California leads the nation with 151 best home health agencies, followed by Texas (133) and Florida (105). Availability in other states ranges considerably, so where you live can make a real difference in how many highly rated options are accessible to you.

Why This Matters for Your Coverage

Home health care services — including skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more — are a critical component of the recovery journey for millions of Americans, and a need predominantly covered by Medicare for seniors when certain eligibility requirements are met. Understanding what your plan covers, and how to access quality care within your benefits, is just as important as knowing which agencies have earned strong ratings.

Experts advise that the search for home care should ideally happen before a hospital stay whenever possible, not during the stress-filled hours following a discharge. Talking with your doctor about home health options ahead of time — and making sure you understand your coverage — can make a difficult situation much more manageable. Coverage of home health services is based on the plan of care provided by your doctor, so ensure the plan clearly and fully describes all the home health care s/he feels is needed.

If you have questions about how your Medicare or insurance plan covers home health services, speaking with a licensed insurance broker can help you understand your options before you need them. A little preparation today can go a long way when it matters most.

Medicare’s New Bridge Program for GLP-1s

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:00:04 GMT

Medicare Part D to Cover GLP-1s for Weight Loss

A significant shift in Medicare drug coverage is underway. Starting July 1, 2026, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program will temporarily allow coverage of certain weight-loss medications — including Wegovy, Zepbound (KwikPen formulation), and Foundayo — for eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries.

For many seniors who have struggled with the high cost of these medications, this pilot program represents one of the most notable changes to Medicare prescription coverage in years.

Why This Program Matters

Historically, Medicare has been prohibited by law from covering drugs prescribed specifically for weight loss. That long-standing restriction has put GLP-1 medications financially out of reach for many beneficiaries, with cash prices that can range from roughly $150 to nearly $700 per month, depending on the drug and dosage.

The Bridge program is designed to fill that coverage gap on a short-term basis while the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) studies whether broader access could improve long-term health outcomes.

How the Bridge Program Works

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge will run from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027 . Here's a quick overview:

Covered medications (as of June, 2026): Wegovy (injection and tablets), the KwikPen formulation of Zepbound, and Foundayo
Monthly copay: A flat $50 per prescription, regardless of dosage
Eligibility requirement: Enrollment in a Medicare Part D standalone plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage (MA-PD). See the next section for additional eligibility criteria.
Prior authorization: Required, submitted by your prescribing provider
Processing: Handled through a centralized CMS system rather than individual Part D plans

Because the program operates outside the standard Part D benefit, prescribers and pharmacies will route claims through a central processor designated by CMS.

Who May Be Eligible

Eligibility is based on body mass index (BMI) and related health conditions. According to CMS, a beneficiary must be at least 18 years old and fall into one of these clinical categories at the time GLP-1 therapy is initiated:

BMI of 35 or higher (no additional condition required); or
BMI of 30 or higher , plus a diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, uncontrolled hypertension, or chronic kidney disease (stage 3a or higher); or
BMI of 27 or higher , plus a diagnosis of pre-diabetes, previous heart attack, previous stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease

The medication must also be prescribed alongside structured lifestyle modifications, including nutrition and physical activity guidance consistent with FDA-approved labeling.

It's important to note that beneficiaries already taking GLP-1 drugs for Medicare-covered health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or certain cardiovascular indications will continue to access those medications through their existing Part D plan. The Bridge program is specifically for weight-loss prescriptions.

A Quick Look at GLP-1 Medications

This class of drugs, GLP-1 receptor agonists, mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. They slow digestion, help people feel full longer, and may support meaningful weight reduction when combined with lifestyle changes.

For beneficiaries with weight-related health concerns, sustained weight loss may help with:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea
Joint problems

As with any medication, GLP-1 drugs carry potential side effects and aren't right for everyone. Conversations with a qualified provider are essential.

Important Limitations to Understand

While the Bridge program offers significant savings, there are a few notable trade-offs:

The $50 copay does not count toward the Part D deductible or the annual out-of-pocket prescription drug spending cap
Part D low-income subsidies (Extra Help) cannot be applied to these prescriptions
The program is temporary (for now), ending December 31, 2027
Studies suggest many people regain weight after stopping GLP-1 therapy, which raises important planning considerations once the program concludes

What Happens After 2027

CMS originally designed the Bridge as a transition to a longer-term initiative called the BALANCE Model (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth). However, the timeline and structure of that model are still evolving, and ongoing access to GLP-1s for weight loss beyond 2027 is not yet guaranteed.

Beneficiaries who benefit from the Bridge program will want to review their drug plan options carefully during future Annual Enrollment Periods to understand what coverage may be available.

Recap

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge represents a temporary, targeted opportunity for eligible Part D beneficiaries to access weight-loss medications at a more predictable cost. Like any pilot program, the details may continue to evolve as CMS releases additional guidance.

If you think you may qualify, the best first step is a conversation with your health care provider about whether a GLP-1 medication fits your overall health picture. For program specifics, visit CMS.gov or Medicare.gov , or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Brain Health, Medicare, and You

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:29:32 GMT

Honoring Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Every June, the Alzheimer's Association invites us to recognize Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. It’s a chance each year to learn and take meaningful steps toward better brain health. For Medicare beneficiaries and the loved ones who care for them, it's also a great time to understand how Medicare can support cognitive health at every stage.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, accounting for an estimated 60–80% of cases, and typically develops slowly over many years.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow as the overall population ages. And Alzheimer's isn't the only concern. Other forms of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and reversible conditions like depression, anxiety, or medication side effects can affect memory and thinking.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis can open the door to treatments, support resources, and planning options that may help individuals and their families navigate the condition.

How Medicare Supports Cognitive Health

Medicare includes several benefits designed to help beneficiaries stay on top of their brain health. Here are a few worth knowing about:

The Yearly "Wellness" Visit

If you've had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months, you get a yearly Wellness Visit once every 12 months. This isn't a physical exam; it's a personalized visit to help you and your provider build a plan to prevent disease or disability based on your current health.

During this visit, your doctor will perform a cognitive assessment to look for signs of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Signs of cognitive impairment can include trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, managing finances, or making everyday decisions.

Under Medicare, you pay nothing for the yearly wellness visit if your doctor or other health care provider accepts Medicare assignment.

Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services

If your provider notices signs of possible cognitive impairment, Medicare covers a separate, more in-depth visit. During this appointment, your doctor or other health care provider may:

Perform a physical and neurological exam
Review your medical history, and look over your medications
Identify your support system and what caregivers may be able to help with
Create a care plan to address and manage symptoms
Refer you to a specialist, if needed
Share information about community resources, such as rehabilitation services, adult day health programs, and support groups

A spouse, friend, or caregiver is welcome to attend this visit to help share information and ask questions. The Part B deductible and coinsurance apply for this visit.

Additional Dementia Support

Some people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers may be able to get additional support through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model without paying coinsurance. This powerful program provides coordinated services that include care navigation, training and education for caregivers, connections to community resources for dementia, 24/7 access to a support line, and respite services up to $2,500 annually. Not every provider participates, so ask your health care provider whether this program is available to you.

For more information on covered treatments for Alzheimer's disease, visit Medicare.gov.

Brain-Healthy Habits Count, Too

Medical care is just one piece of the puzzle. Many health organizations also point to everyday habits that may support cognitive wellness, such as:

Staying physically active
Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
Getting consistent and quality sleep
Staying socially connected with friends, family, and community
Challenging your brain with reading, puzzles, learning, or new hobbies
Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and hearing loss

These habits don't replace medical care, but they can complement and support the preventive benefits Medicare offers.

For Caregivers: You're Not Alone

Caring for someone with memory loss is very demanding. If you're a caregiver, remember that Medicare-covered cognitive care visits are designed with you in mind, too. You can attend appointments, ask questions, and help your loved one develop a clear care plan together. Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) and the Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov) also offer free resources, support groups, and 24/7 helplines. Don’t neglect your own health, especially your mental health, as you go through this journey.

Take a Moment This June

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month is a reminder to ask questions, schedule that wellness visit, and have honest conversations with the people you love. Brain health is part of overall health, and Medicare offers meaningful tools to help you protect it.

If you have questions about which services your specific Medicare coverage includes, reach out to us for a review.

Know the Signs of a Medicare Scam

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:15:43 GMT

It's important to know the signs of a Medicare scam so you can protect yourself. To get your personal information, like your Medicare number, scammers may call, text and email saying things like:

"You need to activate or renew your Medicare card."

"We'd like to send you a free genetic testing kit."

"Medicare has authorized us to send you a free (knee, back or elbow) brace."

"You qualify for a refund on your Medicare costs."

Remember, never give your Medicare card or number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.

Keep in mind: Caller IDs and email addresses can be faked, so if you're not sure who's calling, call us at 1-800-MEDICARE ( 1-800-633-4227 ). And remember, Medicare will never contact you unless you've contacted us first.

Medicare Part D Update

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:43:32 GMT

Say Goodbye to the Donut Hole in 2025

If you’re enrolled in Medicare—or helping a loved one navigate their options—you’ve likely heard the term “donut hole” when it comes to prescription drug coverage. But unlike an actual donut, this Medicare term hasn’t been a sweet treat for beneficiaries.

What Was the Medicare Donut Hole?

The “donut hole” referred to a coverage gap in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. After enrollees reached an initial coverage limit for medications, they entered this gap—where they had to pay a significantly larger share of their drug costs out of pocket. For many, particularly those living on fixed incomes or managing chronic health conditions, this coverage gap created financial strain and made accessing essential medications more difficult.

Over the past decade, the Affordable Care Act gradually reduced the financial burden of the donut hole, but it never fully eliminated it. For many Medicare beneficiaries, the gap remained confusing, frustrating, and costly.

The Good News: The Donut Hole Is Officially Closed

Starting January 1, 2025 , the donut hole will be a thing of the past.

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act , Medicare Part D plans will implement a hard cap on out-of-pocket spending. Once you’ve spent $2,000 on covered prescription drugs in a calendar year, you won’t pay anything more for medications for the rest of that year .

This is a major win for seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on Medicare for affordable access to prescriptions. The new law creates a simpler and more predictable system that’s easier to understand—and budget for.

What This Means for Medicare Beneficiaries

Here’s how this change can benefit you or your loved ones:

✅ Predictable Costs – No more guessing how much your prescriptions will cost once you reach the coverage gap. You’ll know your financial limit up front.

✅ Better Access to Medications – With fewer cost barriers, you’re more likely to stay on track with essential prescriptions.

✅ Peace of Mind – Whether you take one medication or several, this change provides greater financial security and easier planning.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 change approaches, it’s a good idea to review your current Medicare Part D plan, assess your prescription needs, and understand how these updates may affect your costs.

If you have questions about your Medicare coverage or want help navigating your options, now is the perfect time to reach out. We're here to make Medicare easier to understand—and to help you get the most from your benefits.

Need help reviewing your Medicare drug plan for 2025?
Contact us today for clear, personalized guidance.