September Special Section
Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
Jay Looft Owner/Agent
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Medicare insurance changes on the horizon
generic prescription drugs covered
For anyone on a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan, you should be receiving your ANOC right about now. This is your Annual Notice of Change. How will these plans change for 2026, you ask?
On Prescription Drug Plans, expect higher monthly premiums. Many drug plans will be using the standard $615 deductible on brand name medicines. And then, there is always a possibility of formulary changes on the prescriptions you take. For example, the drug that is currently at a lower Tier 3 cost could now be Tier 4 in 2026. For those doit-yourselfers, the easiest way to verify these tier level changes is by visiting Medicare.gov and using the Prescription Drug Plan Finder Tool.
On Medicare Advantage, there is a divide between companies that “want the business” (based on how competitive their Medicare Advantage benefits are designed) and companies that believe they are “too big to fail” (a 2008 reference for those of you that remember).
Let me be frank, most Medicare Advantage companies are of sound financial strength and do a great job at paying your medical and drug claims. But here are the areas of an MA Plan that shine when they are competitive:
• Low to $0 monthly Premium
• Reasonable Maximum Out of Pocket amounts
• Possible Part B Premium Give Back Option
• Competitive Copays on doctor visits and surgeries
• Wide selection of doctors and hospitals
• Wide variety of brand name and
• Sufficient dental and vision insurance, with quality providers available
• Additional benefits such as gym memberships and grocery allowance possible
If you have not opened your Annual Notice of Change in a couple years, chances are you have probably missed out on some of these benefits listed above. So often the Medicare Advantage companies will degrade plans over time, but only those Medicare beneficiaries who are engaged with their plan changes every year, and their AGENT, will benefit and win in 2026.
Fortunately, you have an agent… SeniorSource Medicare Solutions! We are based out of Alpharetta and Cumming, but also have agents in Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Monroe, and Madison.
I’m now entering my 17th Medicare Annual Enrollment Period as a Medicare Insurance Agent. It’s because of this experience, I can assure we are very good at what we do and believe we can lead you to the best plan for you in 2026.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period will begin on October 15th, 2025, and run through December 7th, 2025, with those selections going into effect on January 1st, 2026. Please contact us by visiting our webpage for this upcoming AEP at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/AEP. Here we will provide valuable tips, information, and links to popular Medicare Advantage Plan and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan Summaries starting on October 1st. We look forward to working with you this fall!
Brought
Does Testosterone make melanomas more aggressive?
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is more common in men than women. That raises the question: does testosterone fuel melanoma? Is estrogen protective? Or are behavioral differences the real factor?
The answer is more complicated.
Women actually develop slightly more melanomas than men until their late 40s. Then, around age 50, male incidence soars. By age 80, men develop three times as many melanomas as women.
If testosterone were causing melanomas and estrogen were protective, we would expect the opposite trend: higher rates in young men, then narrowing differences as testosterone declines with age. Instead, women lead in youth—when men’s testosterone is highest.
The Tanning Bed Effect
One explanation may lie in tanning salons. Roughly 75% of tanning bed users are women, most aged 16 to 29.
Tanning bed use increases melanoma risk by about 75%. “Heavy users”— with more than 100 sessions—face a 150–200% higher risk. One study even estimated a nearly 2% higher melanoma risk per tanning session per year.
Because women use tanning beds far more often than men, this may explain why women develop more melanomas before age 50. But it does not explain why men overtake women so dramatically afterward.
Sun and Biology
Studies suggest men generally experience more outdoor sun exposure than women. Still, that alone doesn’t account for the gap.
Biology likely plays a role. Estrogen tends to strengthen the immune system, while testosterone suppresses parts of it. T cells—critical in fighting viruses and cancer—are more adversely affected by testosterone than B cells. That difference could make men more vulnerable.
Chromosomes and Cancer
Sex differences extend beyond hormones. Women have two X chromosomes, men an X and a Y. The X chromosome contains more tumor-suppressing genes. In effect, women often have a genetic “backup” that men lack. Other cancers show a similar pattern. Colon cancer is 33% more com-
mon in men. Leukemia is 37% more common. In the U.S., melanoma is about 36% more common in men than in women.
Clinical Impact
What does this mean for patients?
I recently had a patient with a history of skin cancer—though not melanoma—ask if he should continue testosterone therapy.
A large Medicare study found that men who had taken supplemental testosterone were about 70% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. But the study could not control for other factors such as sun exposure or tanning bed use. Were testosterone users simply spending more time outdoors? How much of the risk came from the hormone itself?
Research also shows that men with metastatic melanoma and high testosterone levels tend to do worse. Whether testosterone supplementation should be avoided in men with only localized melanoma or other skin cancers is controversial. A patient might harbor undetectable metastatic melanoma, and supplemental testosterone could accelerate its growth.
Patient Choice
In this country, patient freedom is paramount. The physician’s role is often to present the data and allow the patient to decide.
Some patients want to maximize life expectancy. Others balance quality and quantity of life. For some, the energy and mood benefits of testosterone may outweigh uncertain cancer risks. For others, minimizing risk comes first.
Based on current literature, the right answer is patient-specific.
The Bottom Line
Testosterone may contribute to worse outcomes in advanced melanoma, and supplementation could raise melanoma risk. But the evidence is not definitive.
What is clear is that prevention and early detection matter most. Avoiding tanning beds, protecting your skin from UV exposure, and getting regular dermatology exams remain the best ways to lower melanoma risk.
For someone with a history of melanoma, testosterone supplementation is likely contraindicated. For others, the decision comes down to preference, risk tolerance, and weighing likely quality of life benefits against poorly defined quantity of life concerns.
Insist on the BEST
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology
Seasonal skin care matters in Atlanta
Brought to you by – Dr. Kehinde Olumesi, Epiphany Dermatology
As we welcome September and National Skincare Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that your skin’s needs change with the seasons. Here in Atlanta, the transition from humid summer days to cooler, drier fall air often brings new challenges for the skin.
Dryness, eczema flare-ups, and contact dermatitis from seasonal triggers are especially common this time of year. For some, cooler air means tight, flaky skin. For others, the shift in weather can worsen chronic conditions, leaving them uncomfortable or even painful. Environmental changes, combined with irritants like pollen or fragrances, can also trigger bouts of contact dermatitis.
The good news is that with the right care, you can get ahead of these seasonal skin concerns. Partnering with a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to create a plan tailored to your needs. Whether that means adjusting your skincare regimen, prescribing targeted treatments for eczema, or identifying and avoiding triggers, we can help keep your skin healthy and comfortable year-round.
National Skincare Awareness Month is also the perfect reminder to schedule your annual skin exam. In addition to treating troublesome conditions, dermatologists play a vital role in detecting skin cancer early and helping you prevent long-term sun damage. And for those interested in cosmetic dermatology, this season is an ideal time to explore rejuvenating treatments before the busy holiday months.
Your skin is unique—treat it that way. Don’t wait until flareups disrupt your life. This fall, take proactive steps to protect, treat, and renew your skin.
Medicare insurance changes on the horizon
Brought
– SeniorSource Medicare Solutions
For anyone on a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan, you should be receiving your ANOC right about now. This is your Annual Notice of Change. How will these plans change for 2026, you ask?
On Prescription Drug Plans, expect higher monthly premiums. Many drug plans will be using the standard $615 deductible on brand name medicines. And then, there is always a possibility of formulary changes on the prescriptions you take. For example, the drug that is currently at a lower Tier 3 cost could now be Tier 4 in 2026. For those do-it-yourselfers, the easiest way to verify these tier level changes is by visiting Medicare.gov and using the Prescription Drug Plan Finder Tool.
On Medicare Advantage, there is a divide between companies that “want the business” (based on how competitive their Medicare Advantage benefits are designed) and companies that believe they are “too big too fail” (a 2008 reference for those of you that remember).
Let me be frank, most Medicare Advantage companies are of sound financial strength and do a great job at paying your
medical and drug claims. But here are the areas of an MA Plan that shine when they are competitive:
• Low to $0 monthly Premium
• Resonable Maximum Out Of Pocket amounts
• Possible Part B Premium Give Back Option
• Wide selection of doctors and hospitals
• Wide variety of brand name and generic prescription drugs covered
• Sufficient dental and vision insurance, with quality providers available
• Additional benefits such as gym memberships and grocery allowance possible
chances are you have probably missed out on some of these benefits listed above. So often the Medicare Advantage companies will degrade plans over time, but only those Medicare beneficiaries who are engaged with their plan changes every year, and their AGENT, will benefit and win in 2026.
Fortunately, you have an agent…SeniorSource Medicare Solutions! We are based out of Alpharetta and Cumming, but also have agents in Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Monroe, and Madison.
I’m now entering my 17th Medicare Annual Enrollment Period as a Medicare Insurance Agent. It's because of this experience, I can assure we are very good at what we do and believe we can lead you to the best plan for you in 2026.
• Competitive Copays on doctor visits and surgeries
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If you have not opened your Annual Notice of Change in a couple years,
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period will begin on October 15th, 2025 and run through December 7th, 2025, with those selections going into effect on January 1st, 2026. Please contact us by visiting our webpage for this upcoming AEP at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/AEP. Here we will provide valuable tips, information, and links to popular Medicare Advantage Plan and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan Summaries starting on October 1st. We look forward to working with you this fall!
Paige Gorman Agent
PROVIDED
