Mary Yuhasz Medicare Advice

08/21/2026

07/15/2026

RABIES ADVISORY: PUBLIC HEALTH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO BE AWARE AND USE CAUTION FOLLOWING INCREASE IN RABIES CASES

Our Washington County, NY Public Health team is advising residents following three new cases of rabies confirmed in local wildlife over the past several days. The confirmed cases involve two raccoons and one bat, all of which were investigated and tested positive for rabies.

Recent cases originated in the Towns of Hebron, Salem and Putnam – all known exposed humans / domestic animals were identified following the Public Health investigations and are currently being treated and monitored in accordance with standard practice and medical / veterinary guidelines.

While rabies is always present in wildlife throughout New York State, the recent increase in confirmed cases serves as an important reminder for the members of our communities to remain vigilant and avoid contact with wild animals or any animal exhibiting unusual behavior.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Animals infected with rabies may:
- Appear unusually aggressive or unusually tame.
- Stagger, appear disoriented, or have difficulty walking.
- Drool excessively or have difficulty swallowing.
- Be active during unusual hours (such as a nocturnal animal seen during the daytime).
- Approach people, homes, or pets without fear.
- Animals appearing / acting strange (matching the above described) should be reported immediately to local law enforcement.

RABIES SAFETY TIPS
- Never touch or handle wild animals, even if they appear friendly, sick, or injured.
- Keep children away from unfamiliar animals and teach them never to approach wildlife.
- Ensure your dogs, cats, and livestock are current on their rabies vaccinations.
- Supervise pets when outdoors and avoid allowing them to roam freely.
- Secure garbage, pet food, and other attractants that may draw wildlife to your property.
- If you find a bat inside your home, do not release it until speaking with our Public Health team, especially if anyone may have been sleeping, a child was present, or there was potential contact with the bat.

IF YOU ARE BITTEN OR SCRATCHED
If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal or an unfamiliar domestic animal:
- Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Report the incident to our Public Health team for guidance regarding rabies exposure and possible post-exposure treatment.
If your pet has been exposed to wildlife or bitten by a potentially rabid animal, contact your veterinarian immediately and report the incident to the Washington County Public Health Department.

Our Public Health team continues to monitor rabies activity throughout the county. Community members are encouraged to remain alert, report suspicious wildlife, and take simple precautions to help protect themselves, their families, and their pets.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
- Washington County Public Health: (518)746-2400
- Washington County Sheriff's Office (NY) / Public Safety Communications Center: (518)747-4623 Option 1 or 9-1-1 for Emergencies
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: (844)332-3267

MORE INFORMATION ON RABIES
For more information regarding rabies and keeping yourself, your family and pets safe from rabies, visit our Washington County Public Health Rabies website here: washingtoncountyny.gov/305/Rabies

Be Aware. Stay Safe. Protect Your Family and Your Pets.

Link to the News Flash on the Washington County, New York website can be found here: https://ny-washingtoncounty.civicplus.com/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/1634

06/12/2026

The Medicare GPL1 bridge program is to start 7/1. Here is some information about the program . Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program will allow individuals enrolled in a Part D plan to access certain weight-loss drugs for a flat copay of $50 a month.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this temporary demonstration program will run through December 31, 2027. The goal is to make these treatments more affordable while the government evaluates long-term coverage models.

Here are the details you need to know about who qualifies, what is covered, and how to get started.

You must be enrolled in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. (This excludes the MA-Only plans that do not include drug coverage.) However, because this is a medical demonstration, you cannot simply request the $50 rate at the pharmacy counter. Your doctor must submit a Prior Authorization showing you meet specific medical categories based on your Body Mass Index (BMI):

Tier 1: A BMI of 35 or higher (no other health conditions required).

Tier 2: A BMI of 30 to 34.9 plus at least one of these conditions: heart failure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or chronic kidney disease.

Tier 3: A BMI of 27 to 29.9 plus at least one of these conditions: pre-diabetes, a history of a heart attack, a history of a stroke, or peripheral artery disease.

This program specifically excludes patients who have Type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease, as those individuals are typically already eligible for GLP-1 coverage directly through standard Part D plans.

The $50 monthly price is the result of a negotiated agreement between the federal government and certain drug manufacturers. The program strictly covers specific brand-name formulations prescribed specifically for weight management:

Wegovy® (both the standard injectable and the newer oral tablet versions).

Zepbound® (strictly limited to the KwikPen® formulation; standard single-dose vials or pens are not covered).

Foundayo® (Eli Lilly’s newly approved oral pill).

Medications like Ozempic® and Mounjaro® are not part of this $50 weight-loss program because they are FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes and are already handled under standard Medicare Part D

Because the Bridge program operates entirely outside of the traditional Medicare Part D design, there are some rules to keep in mind .

Out-of-Pocket Limits: The $50 monthly copay DOES NOT count toward your standard Part D deductible or your annual $2,100 out-of-pocket maximum.

Extra Help: Because the program includes a flat $50 copay for everyone who qualifies, the federal Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) and New York State EPIC cost-sharing protections do not apply to this program.

Supply Limits: The program will only cover 28-day or 30-day supplies at a time.

You do not need to sign up for a new insurance plan to participate. If you think you meet the BMI and health criteria, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your physician will need to write the prescription with specific instructions for the Bridge program, and they will submit the required medical paperwork directly to Humana who is the program’s central processor to approve your $50 rate.
( information taken from a post by Dan Alcorn on Linked In )

06/06/2026

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Just ONE WEEK away! Make sure you register for Tackett Chiropractor’s “Run for the Ages” taking place on Saturday, June 13th!

Whether you run, walk, or push a stroller — everyone is welcome! Come out for a fun community event while supporting two amazing local non-profits:
💙 Big Brothers Big Sisters
💙 The Glens Falls Senior Center

Get active, enjoy the day, and support a great cause with family and friends!

📲 Scan the QR code below for more information and registration details.

We can’t wait to see everyone there! 👟

05/30/2026

🏃‍♀️👟 Ready to move for a great cause?

Join us for Run for the Ages on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Tackett Chiropractic!

Whether you run or walk, it’s all about having fun and bridging the generations 💙

All ages and fitness levels are welcome—bring your friends, family, and energy!

👉 Interested in registering? Check out the link listed or scan the QR code to sign up!

Let’s come together, stay active, and make meaningful connections across generations!