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There is one choice you have to make when you first become eligible for Medicare that can cost you if you don't act in a timely manner: signing up for a Part D plan, which covers drugs dispensed at pharmacies.

Those who do not enroll in a Part D plan (or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage) when they are first eligible for Medicare may face a penalty unless they already carry equal or greater coverage from a private entity, like an employer health plan. The Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty is a surcharge added to your monthly Part D premium for life.

In response to rapidly rising pharmaceutical costs and new legislation, some Medicare Part D insurers have been raising rates, removing certain drugs from their list of covered medicines and even discontinuing plans, according to a report.

While insurers have been slowly dropping Part D plans over the last five years, they have stepped up the pace for 2025. There are 464 stand-alone Part D plans available nationwide this year, a 35% decrease from 2024 and the lowest number since the program began in 2006.

Here's what's going on and what you should do to ensure you still have access to your preferred medications.

Millions of seniors with Medicare Part D plans could see lower out-of-pocket costs for some drugs thanks to the second round of federal drug price negotiations now underway.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is currently negotiating prices for 15 additional high-cost drugs, with new prices scheduled to take effect in January 2027. While Part D plan insurers will reap the most benefits of lower-priced pharmaceuticals, beneficiaries may end up paying less out of pocket before their deductible kicks in.

What drugs are on the list and who might they benefit?

Being predisposed to developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease is something many adults worry about.

However, experts say that it could be possible to delay the progression of these diseases by taking steps to improve our health, particularly for individuals who have diabetes, are obese and/or smoke.

Studies show that taking steps to address these factors — dropping weight, improving blood-sugar levels or quitting smoking — can significantly reduce the chances of developing dementia or Alzheimer's. There are also other ways Americans can keep their minds active and help prevent the development of these two diseases. 

The state is working on new regulations that will toughen enforcement of defensible space around homes in areas at risk of wildfires.

The current round of rulemaking by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is on Zone 0 — the area that stretches from the physical building out to five feet. Under legislation passed in 2022, the board is required to complete its rulemaking for Zone 0 by the end of 2025. If you live in an area that is susceptible to wildfires, you'll want to read this.

Driving at night is more dangerous, even though there is often less traffic than during daylight hours. In fact, nighttime crashes are three times more fatal than those that occur during the day. We don't see as well in the dark, glare from streetlights can sometimes make it harder to see and there are more drunk drivers on the road.

But sometimes we have no choice but to drive at night. In those cases, consider these tips to reduce your chances of getting into an accident.

Not all your neighbors are neighborly, and sometimes disagreements can arise — from your barking dog to painting your home a color that's not pleasing to some on your block.

While you may be able to settle most of these issues through discussion and action, some complaints can escalate to lawsuits. Before that happens, it's important to know what types of provisions a homeowner's policy offers for legal issues.

You purchase homeowner's coverage to insure against property damage, theft as well as anyone who might get injured at your home.

And while filing a claim can cause your insurance premium to increase, a number of factors can also influence what you pay for coverage. Use the following list to see what you may be able to do about reducing your premium or to understand why you are paying what you currently do.

There are many causes of financial stress — from market volatility and managing debt to significant events like getting married, divorced or having a baby. However, what's important is recognizing when you feel overwhelmed and taking steps to improve your situation.

Here are three tips to alleviate financial stress.

Fixed annuity rates have been rising since 2022 and continue to be attractive, with some products offering rates as high as 6.8%.

Current rates are the highest we've seen in decades, and with a fixed annuity, you can lock in a good rate of return for a guaranteed income that will stay with you for as long as you live. Only annuities provide guaranteed protection against the most devastating financial risk of all: outliving your retirement income. 

Planning for retirement often starts with a single question: How much do I need to save? 

The answer may be simpler than it seems, especially if you use your current income as a starting point. Instead of guessing what your future expenses might look like, many experts recommend thinking in terms of income replacement.

That means setting a target based on how much you expect to be earning near retirement and planning your retirement savings strategy accordingly.

Voluntary benefits have emerged as a key differentiator for small businesses looking to stay competitive in attracting and retaining employees. These benefits, which are offered in addition to group health insurance and 401(k) plans, allow employees to opt in to coverage that fits their unique needs, often with little or no cost to the employer.

While larger companies have long embraced these options, small employers are increasingly seeing the value in building voluntary benefit programs that reflect the makeup and priorities of their workforce. Here's how to get it right.