Senior PharmAssist

08/25/2026

Tune in to hear our conversation on WPTF Afternoon News about upcoming Medicare Part D changes and what older adults may need to know for the upcoming open enrollment period.

🎙️ Listen to the interview: https://tinyurl.com/SPA-MedicarePartD-WPTFAN

Seniors on Medicare can expect changes coming to Medicare Part D, which helps pay for prescription drugs. It could also impact people who are on a bundled Medicare Advantage plan. Gina Upchurch is the executive director and founder of Senior PharmAssist. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how seniors...

08/21/2026

Medicare Part D changes may have a real impact on older adults’ prescription drug costs. We appreciate Spectrum News 1 for featuring us and highlighting this important issue.

📺 Watch the story: https://tinyurl.com/SPA-MedicarePartD-SN1

Medicare literacy experts encourage participants to seek help or educate themselves on the changes that will be implemented in 2027.

08/21/2026

Good overview - many struggle to access a GLP1 medications.

Medicare launched a pilot program that could streamline the process to get GLP-1s, with some seniors paying just $50 a month. But many people with the most serious illnesses won't get that discount.

07/30/2026

Excellent overview of a critical issue. Thanks KFF https://www.kff.org/quick-insights/cmss-decision-to-end-temporary-subsidies-to-medicares-stand-alone-drug-plans-could-mean-larger-premium-increases-for-some-beneficiaries-next-year/ NC Coalition on Aging Durham County Department of Public Health NC Department of Health and Human Services

Without these extra subsidies in place for 2027, some Part D stand-alone drug plan (PDP) enrollees could see a larger premium increase for drug coverage next year than they’ve faced in recent years, though plan-specific premium amounts are not yet known. While some policymakers questioned the rati...

07/12/2026

It's not your imagination if your Medigap premiums are soaring. NC Coalition on Aging NC Department of Insurance

Millions of people rely on the supplemental insurance to offset the deductibles, copayments, and other costs faced by enrollees in the traditional Medicare program.

07/12/2026

Great reporting and this needs to be corrected by ...and ...quickly. Could have been avoided but rather a "systems" failure that may be devastating to Medicare beneficiaires.

Thousands of people lost coverage over as little as $8 in delinquent payments. They didn't know their zero-dollar premiums had gone up and they owed money. Most now can't get coverage until 2027.

06/30/2026

Have you heard about the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program?

This new 18-month demonstration program is expected to provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to GLP-1 medications for a monthly cost of $50, once their healthcare provider has requested and received approval for enrollment. The benefit and cost-sharing structure will be separate from Medicare Part D coverage.

As with many changes to Medicare, understanding who qualifies—and how the program works—can be confusing. At Senior PharmAssist, we're committed to helping older adults understand their Medicare benefits, navigate changes in coverage, and make informed decisions about their healthcare.

This NPR article provides an excellent overview of the new Bridge program and what you should know about the program:

Millions of people with Medicare will soon be eligible to get discounted GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. Here's how it will work.

06/23/2026

Thirty-two years ago today, Senior PharmAssist opened its doors with a simple but powerful mission: to help older adults access the medications and healthcare resources they need to live healthier, more independent lives.

Since then, we've had the privilege of serving thousands of older adults in our community through medication assistance, Medicare counseling, health education, advocacy, and support.

What began as an idea, has grown into a trusted resource for older adults across Durham—made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, community partners, and the individuals who have trusted us to walk alongside them.

As we celebrate 32 years, we're grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey and excited for the work still ahead. Want to learn how Senior PharmAssist got its start and the vision that continues to guide our work today? Visit our History & Vision page: https://www.seniorpharmassist.org/history-and-vision

Thank you for helping us make a difference, one person at a time. 💙

06/23/2026

Summer is officially here!

Whether you're cheering on the Bulls, tending your garden, or enjoying a walk on the American To***co Trail, Durham summers can be hot and humid. Did you know that certain medications may increase your risk of heat-related illness or become less effective when exposed to high temperatures?

Learn how to protect yourself and your prescriptions during the summer months by reading our latest blog article:

🔗www.seniorpharmassist.org/blog/beat-the-heat

06/22/2026

What happens when local healthcare providers, pharmacists, social workers, Medicare counselors, and community organizations come together? Better support for older adults.

At the June meeting of the Durham Medicare Rx Network, participants discussed several important issues affecting Medicare beneficiaries, including Wellcare Value Script disenrollments, changes affecting certain Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries that could mean the loss of coverage, and new programs designed to expand access to GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

Learn how these developments may impact older adults in our community and the organizations that serve them.

🔗 https://www.seniorpharmassist.org/blog/june-2026-rx-network