Russ Harshberger - AdvanTrust Insurance Medicare Solutions

08/11/2026

How do you pick a good hospital? Did you know Medicare’s Care Compare tool provides hospital quality star ratings? If you’re planning surgery or managing a health condition, comparing hospitals can help you make a more informed decision.

⭐ Overall star ratings
⭐ Patient satisfaction scores
⭐ Performance compared to national averages

Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare to explore your options.

Find Medicare-approved providers near you & compare care quality for nursing homes, doctors, hospitals, hospice centers, more. Official Medicare site.

08/06/2026

Did you know your eye doctor might spot signs of a health issue before your primary doctor does? 👁️ According to clinical guidance from the American Optometric Association, a comprehensive eye exam can help detect signs of more than 270 systemic and chronic health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, sometimes before other symptoms even show up.

That's because the blood vessels and nerves in your eyes can reveal a lot about what's going on in the rest of your body. It's a great reminder that eye exams aren't just about updating your glasses prescription; they're an important part of your overall health picture. 🩺

Vision insurance can make it easier to keep up with these routine exams year after year, along with helping cover the cost of glasses or contacts.

When's the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? If you need vision coverage to get you there, we can help.

08/04/2026

With so much information online, you might wonder: do I really need an insurance agent? 🤷 Here's the thing — a licensed agent brings something no search engine can: personalized guidance based on YOUR life, your health, your budget, and your goals. We take the time to compare options across multiple carriers so you're not stuck guessing which plan is actually the best fit.

And it doesn't stop once your policy is in place! If you ever need to file a claim, having someone in your corner who understands the process makes a stressful situation so much easier. Plus, life changes — new jobs, growing families, moves, retirement — and we're here to revisit your coverage along the way so it keeps up with you.

If you're wondering whether your current coverage still fits your life, let's talk.

07/30/2026

✨ Rethinking Summer Travel: Go Beyond the Usual

This summer, skip the crowded resorts and predictable itineraries. Choose experiences that blend adventure, learning, and relaxation, the kind of trips that leave you with real stories and a fresh perspective.

Here are 3 unique ideas to inspire something different:

🌊 Live at sea — Sail on a Research Vessel

Step aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a historic tall ship where you don’t just observe, you participate. Help sail the ship, live alongside a rotating crew of travelers and scientists, and contribute to real ocean research as you cross parts of the globe. It’s part adventure, part education, and completely unforgettable.

👉 Explore voyages: https://lehmkuhl.no/en/voyages/

🏎️ Stay, play, and fully unplug — Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch

Just outside Las Vegas, this motorsports resort lets you stay on-site and immerse yourself in a completely different world. Spend your days learning high-performance driving, then unwind by the lake or at the clubhouse. It’s a unique blend of adrenaline, skill-building, and relaxation, all in one place.

👉 Explore: https://www.springmountainmotorsports.com/

🌋 Step into something bigger — Etna + Stromboli Volcano Study Tour

Join a multi-day expedition through Sicily and the Aeolian Islands led by expert volcanologists. Hike active volcanoes, watch eruptions under the stars, and experience the raw power of the earth up close. This isn’t just sightseeing, it’s a full immersive adventure.

👉 View the tour:

https://www.volcanoadventures.com/destinations/italy/etna_vulcano_stromboli/tour.html

✨ The best trips don’t just help you escape, they help you feel more connected to the world, to new experiences, and to yourself.

This summer, travel differently.

07/28/2026

Finding the right home health agency for yourself or a loved one is one of those decisions that can feel overwhelming, especially when it needs to be made quickly.

That's why we're excited to share that U.S. News & World Report has released its first-ever Best Home Health ratings, evaluating more than 12,000 Medicare-certified agencies across the country. Using real data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the ratings score agencies on care quality, patient outcomes, and patient experience so you can make a more informed choice with confidence.

Here's what stood out: patients treated by top-rated agencies showed greater improvement in everyday activities like getting out of bed, bathing independently, and managing their medications. That's real progress that makes a real difference.

Knowing which agencies are highly rated is a great first step, but knowing how your insurance or Medicare plan covers home health care is just as important. We're here to help you understand your options before you need them.

Do you have questions about home health care coverage? We'd love to help.

07/28/2026

Struggling to get around your own home lately? You're not alone, and there may be more help available than you realize.

Medicare can help cover wheelchairs, power chairs, and mobility scooters when they're medically necessary for use at home. Getting there starts with a face-to-face visit with your doctor, who documents why a cane or walker isn't safe enough anymore and writes a formal order for the device.

Here's a detail worth knowing: if your supplier doesn't accept assignment, they can charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount, with no cap. That's different from how it works with doctors, and it can mean a real difference in your out-of-pocket cost.

Once you have your equipment, Medicare can also help with repairs and replacement parts down the road when they're medically necessary, so it's worth keeping your paperwork on hand.

Have you or a family member navigated this process? We'd love to hear what you learned. And if you have questions about your own coverage, reach out. We're happy to help you sort through the details.

07/23/2026

🧠 Want to protect your brain health at any age?

Recent medical evidence suggests that lifestyle choices can make a real difference in lowering your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s — even before symptoms appear. Simple habits like regular exercise, heart‑healthy eating, social connection, mental stimulation, quality sleep, and managing blood pressure or diabetes can all support long‑term cognitive health.

Start small and build toward bigger goals — your brain will thank you. What’s one new healthy habit you’d like to build this year? Share below!

07/21/2026

On Medicare and worried about expensive prescriptions? 💊

One option that can help is the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which allows people with Medicare Part D drug coverage to spread their out-of-pocket prescription costs into interest-free monthly payments instead of paying the full amount at the pharmacy. Unfortunately, this option is unknown to many Medicare beneficiaries.

It can be especially helpful in two common situations:

• At the beginning of the year, when Medicare drug plan deductibles reset and patients may face large upfront costs.
• After a new diagnosis, when someone suddenly needs high-cost medications and may not have planned for the expense.

Instead of paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars all at once, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allows those costs to be spread across the remaining months of the year. While it doesn’t reduce the total cost of medications, it can make those costs much easier to financially manage.

If you or a loved one are enrolled in Medicare Part D and expect high prescription drug costs, it may be worth asking your plan about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. BOOK an appointment today to have us help you enroll in the program.

Learn more:
https://www.medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan

07/16/2026

Did you know original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care? It’s important to know your options! Explore Medicare Advantage plans or standalone policies to get the coverage you need. If you have questions, we can help!