New Medicare Authorization Rules" It will only affect people with only Parts A and B, and people who have a Medigap, or also what's known as a supplement. Typically, in the past, when you had that plan, authorizations were just not part of it. Authorization means my doctor ordered one of the 17 items on the list, and normally, you would have just been able to say, great, I need a certain kind of wound care, I need a certain type of knee surgery. These are things that are on there. And now that has to be authorized. And it's so important to know because if it's not authorized, it's not going to be paid for by your insurance. So that's critical."Title: Medicare in Motion: What Texans Need to Know in 2026On this episode of Life Happens with Kim Hegwood, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of Medicare, focusing on what Texans need to know heading into 2026. Kim Hegwood welcomes special guest Jan Stone, an expert in Medicare and board-certified patient advocate, for a timely and practical discussion. Together, they explore crucial changes like the Wiser pilot program, which will require pre-authorization for certain medical procedures, and unpack the impact of new technology—such as AI—in shaping healthcare decisions.The conversation covers top concerns for seniors and their families: access to Medicare information, shifting prescription drug coverage, and the importance of advocating for loved ones in both rural and urban settings. Jan Stone shares actionable advice for caregivers and adult children, addresses how legislative changes like the Inflation Reduction Act may lower drug costs, and spotlights the importance of reviewing benefits annually.Whether you’re a caregiver, an adult child, or simply navigating your own Medicare choices, this episode offers essential strategies for preparing confidently as life happens.How to Contact Jan Stonehttps://stoneworksbenefits.com/[email protected]:Jan is a native Texan, residing in Austin for the last 40+ years. She spent her entire career in healthcare, working for national insurance companies, hospitals, doctors, and health-focused non-profits. She became a Board-Certified Patient Advocate in 2020 when she decided her experience could best serve health care consumers. She transitioned to providing Medicare Broker services when she saw the incredible challenges people faced when transitioning to Medicare, a system not known for transparency. She feels her job is to make sure her clients know how Medicare works, identify their needs, and provide guidance as to what options will best meet them. You can count on Jan to not disappear when the ink is dry. Once you are her client, you are always her client. She'll always get back to you, even if the answer is, "I don't know, but I'll find out." Her goal is to inspire trust and make Medicare less daunting—and even, believe it or not, bring a little fun to the party._______________________________________________________________Contact Kim Hegwood- Elder Law AttorneyWebsite: https://yourlegacylegalcare.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourlegacylegalcare/Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/YourLegacyLegalCareLinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourlegacylegalcare/YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@yourlegacylegalcareYour Legacy Legal Care 1150 Clear Lake City Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77062 (281) 218-0880