HEALTH

Newsweek -   Medicare premiums will rise in the New Year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced. Medicare is a federal health insurance program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It covers people 65 and older and some under 65 who have certain disabilities or conditions. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services such as vaccines, equipment like wheelchairs, and home health care. Part A covers inpatient hospital and facility care and does not have premiums for most beneficiaries.

As of January 2025, Medicare Part B premiums will rise by around 6 percent.  In 2025, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185, a $10.30 increase from the 2024 rate of $174.70. This is deducted from Social Security checks every month. For those who don't receive Social Security, payments must be made directly through their Medicare account, with their bank, or by mail, with bills sent every three months.

Jolt News -  The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is alerting residents to a significant increase in reported cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. As of November 2, 1,193 cases have been reported statewide, a sharp increase from just 51 cases reported this time last year. Whooping cough has been reported in 31 counties across the state, with Chelan, Clark, and Whitman counties seeing the highest rates.  [Thurston County is one of the listed counties with present cases of whooping cough] Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that may begin with common cold symptoms such as runny nose but can lead to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months.