It's all about to change

Starting a new year has many people looking at how they can improve their life and make changes, the dreaded or revered New Year's resolution. I love a good resolution as it gives me the opportunity to evaluate what I want to make changes on and how I can improve my life. Let's face it; we can all do better.

Losing weight, saving money, being more patient with those around me. Those are some good goals, but many resolutions can be made to improve ourselves. So, how do we make a successful resolution that we are more likely to keep for the year? Experts say to pick one or two goals. Having too many can be overwhelming, and then you are less likely to be able to follow through. Also setting short-term goals to achieve as you aim for a long-term benefit can help you feel like you are making progress.

Set specific goals and have a plan. Losing weight is great, but how are you going to achieve your goal? Meal prepping, less take-out, walking every day? If you have a plan, you are more likely to be able to achieve your goals.

Get someone in your life to hold you to task. If you have someone supporting you and cheering you on, while also keeping you on course, you have a better chance of sustaining any changes. On average, it takes 66 days to form a habit. So, if you have someone pushing you, it will be easier to turn your lifestyle changes into habits, which lead to better outcomes.

Even if you have no resolutions or don't want to make changes, many things do change every year. Some Medicare costs and coverage will look different in 2024. The most noticeable change is to the Medicare Part B premium. The standard premium will go from $164.90 to $174.70, and for most beneficiaries that amount is deducted out of your Social Security check. The Part B deductible also increased from $226 to $240 for next year, and the Medicare Part A deductible is now $1,632 per benefit period, up from $1,600.

Not all changes cost us more money. For Medicare Part D, the prescription part of Medicare, the cost in the catastrophic phase of coverage went from 5% of the cost of medication to $0 copay. In addition, for those who qualify for Extra Help, a government program that helps those with limited income and assets pay for prescription drug costs, there will no longer be partial help. Anyone who qualifies will get full Extra Help benefits: no deductible, no (or lower) premium, no late enrollment penalty, and you will pay no more than $11.20 for covered name brand medicine or $4.50 for covered generic medicine.

Another good change is the Social Security COLA raise for 2024 is 3.2%. This is an average increase of $59 per month. Change can be good, and the new year is a great time to evaluate how we want to improve or change our lives. So, embrace the new year and celebrate a fresh start.

If you have questions, please contact Aging Matters at (800) 392-8771 because aging matters.

JACKIE DOVER is the public information director of Aging Matters. Also known as Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging, it is a not-for-profit organization serving an 18-county area in Southeast Missouri, with the regional office in Cape Girardeau.