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.

Kentucky residents are being notified about their lead water pipes that could be posing a health danger. According to an EPA report, around 40,000 service lines in the Commonwealth contain lead, and earlier this year the agency announced a new rule requiring drinking water utilities in all states to identify and replace lead pipes within ten years.

Dr. Leah Werner, family physician and assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science University, said the federal change increases water sampling and transparency about lead between communities and local governments, and added that there are actions residents can take, too.

"People can also test their own water, and really the best way to do that is to look at your either your city government website, and beyond that, the government is mandated to help you with testing kits, but Home Depot and places like that also sell lead testing kits," she explained.

The mailed notices from utilities will confirm whether or not a home relies on lead water lines, or if the piping materials is unknown, and if any pipes need to be replaced.

Werner added that if a family is concerned that they and their children may be exposed to lead, it's important to visit a primary-care physician as soon as possible, who can also be a guide through the process of testing and treatment for lead exposure.

"Lead crosses the placenta, so that is really dooming a fetus before even being born, to the same sort of cognitive impairments and behavioral issues that children who are exposed to lead suffer," Werner continued.

According to the CDC, exposure to lead can reduce IQ in children and be a primary driver to learning disabilities and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, permanently damage the brain and nervous system, and cause speech and hearing problems.


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If your holiday shopping list is far from complete, consumer advocates in Nebraska hope you don't ignore warning signs of scams in the rush to buy gifts.

In a digital world, there are always new things to pay attention to.

Over the past few years, shoppers have been warned about avoiding gift card scams, or not falling prey to phony texts about a shipment delay.

Jina Ragland - associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska - said the emergence of cryptocurrency in the online trading world presents another challenge, including during the holiday shopping crunch.

"Scammers and fraudsters are using the same types of scams that they've used in the past," said Ragland, "but they're now soliciting people to pay them through the cryptocurrency ATMs, using things such as bitcoins and that."

AARP says if you're directed to send someone money by converting cash to cryptocurrency at a convenience store kiosk, it's a scam.

As for other tips, experts note scammers can tamper with gift cards on store racks and steal the funds when the card is activated.

They say it's best to ask for a gift card sold behind the counter. They also advise regularly updating software on your electronic devices for additional fraud protection.

Ragland said if you get a call from someone initiating a scam about a purchase you never made, asking for a call-back number will quickly get their attention.

"Typically, you will find if you do ask for a call-back number, they're going to hang up on you immediately," said Ragland, "because they've not gotten what they need and they want it, and they know you're on to them. "

Overall, Ragland said a key thing to remember is, if you see an online ad for something that appears too good to be true in terms of price, it's usually a fishy deal.

Shoppers are also encouraged to take advantage of tracking information and other shipping supplier services, and to schedule deliveries for when you or someone you trust is present to receive them.

Arizona ratepayers could end up paying more for utilities if state regulators decide to change the ratemaking process.

The Arizona Corporation Commission is set to vote on a proposed policy statement today, which would allow Arizona utilities to move from a historical "test year" model to a formula rate plan. A formula rate plan is used to adjust a utility's base rates outside a general rate case, many times because of increases in the average cost of utility service.

Diane Brown, executive director, Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, called the proposed change "seismic," and is concerned ratepayers could experience "higher utility bill aftershocks on an annual basis," as a result.

"There appears to be a full-court press to approve a policy statement that essentially upends a long-standing ratemaking process without providing the necessary time and attention to details," Brown contended.

Supporters of formula rate plans said they can help stabilize a utility's rate of return without a full rate case review. Brown argued ratepayers in states using formula rate plans have experienced "higher costs alongside decreased transparency and less opportunities for public engagement." Groups are calling on the commission to grant more time for the decision, to allow experts and consumers a chance to weigh in.

Consumer groups believe the proposed policy statement, which was made public late last month, has been rushed for a vote. Brown argued there is no need to change a system that has worked well, for one lacking specificity, which could usher in unintended effects.

"The commission should slow down the significant shift in ratemaking by addressing questions and requests that stakeholders have presented to commissioners and staff," Brown asserted.

The commission countered stakeholders have had enough time to voice their opinions following workshops held in March and October of this year on the issue, all in an effort to provide Arizonans with reliable service and predictability in utility costs.