May is a month filled with meaningful celebrations and milestones. It’s a time to celebrate mothers, cheer on graduates, and pause to remember those who served our country. It’s a month that reminds us of the importance of caring for those around us, as well as ourselves—both physically and emotionally. In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing helpful information about how Medicare can help support mental health, expand diabetes prevention, and provide services for veterans.
Caring for Your Mental Health with Medicare
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which reminds us all that mental and emotional well-being are a key part of our overall health. Medicare helps make mental health care more accessible by covering a range of services.
At any stage of life, it’s common to experience loneliness, depression, or anxiety. Sometimes, those feelings go beyond what friends and family can help with on their own. Medicare offers coverage for many professional mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and annual depression screenings. These services can help you work through challenges, find reliable support, and feel more like yourself again.
Beneficiaries can access outpatient services like therapy, counseling, and annual depression screenings through Medicare Part B. If more intensive care is needed, Part A helps cover inpatient mental health services. Many plans also offer telehealth options, making it easier to connect with providers from the privacy and comfort of your own home. While some out-of-pocket costs may apply, these benefits can provide valuable support when it’s needed most.
If you’ve been thinking about reaching out for support, this may be a good time to take that first step. Mental health care is an essential part of staying healthy, and Medicare can help you access it. When life gets tough, you don’t have to go it alone.
What Veterans Need to Know After 65
In honor of Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to care for those in our community who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans, did you know you have access to both VA health benefits and Medicare?
It’s important to understand that these programs work separately, however. In most cases, the VA covers care received at VA facilities, or at non-VA facilities in limited circumstances if authorized by the VA, while Medicare helps cover services from providers who accept Medicare nationwide. Having both can offer added flexibility, but keep in mind that they typically don’t coordinate benefits for the same service.
It’s also important to know that VA coverage alone does not count as creditable coverage for delaying Medicare Part B enrollment. This means delaying Part B could result in a lifetime late enrollment penalty if you decide to enroll later. For many Veterans, enrolling in Medicare when first eligible is a smart way to go. This can help avoid penalties and provide broader access to care into the future, depending on individual needs and preferences.
We’re here to help guide you. Let us know if you have questions about your Medicare coverage.
Medicare Expands Access to its Diabetes Prevention Program
Medicare’s Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) has long offered a proven way to help seniors reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Until recently, beneficiaries could only enroll in the MDPP once in their lifetime and were required to attend sessions in person. Those restrictions presented a barrier, leading to low enrollment despite millions of eligible participants.
New changes under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 aim to remove those barriers and expand access. Medicare will now allow approved programs to be offered virtually through 2029 and will eliminate the one-time participation limit, giving beneficiaries the opportunity to re-enroll if needed.
The fundamentals of the program remain the same. Covered under Medicare Part B, MDPP is a structured, year-long lifestyle intervention program that includes:
- Coaching on nutrition, physical activity, and weight management
- A goal of losing about 5% of body weight
- Group support and progress tracking
- 16 weekly sessions during the first 6 months
- 6 monthly maintenance sessions afterward
With the added flexibility to participate from home and rejoin the program over time, MDPP is more accessible than ever. For seniors with prediabetes or those at risk, enrolling could be a meaningful step toward preventing or delaying this serious chronic condition.
Talk with your doctor about whether you qualify for the MDPP.
How Movement Can Lift Your Mood
When you’re feeling low, exercise may be the last thing on your mind—but even small amounts of movement can help improve your mood. Research shows that regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression, sometimes with effects similar to therapy or medication.
Exercise works by boosting feel-good chemicals in the brain, improving sleep, and helping break cycles of negative thinking. The good news is that it doesn’t require intense workouts. Simple activities like walking, gardening, or light stretching can provide meaningful benefits.
Experts recommend aiming for about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, but even short sessions can help. The key is consistency, not intensity.
While exercise isn’t a replacement for professional care, it can be a powerful addition to your routine—helping you feel more energized, confident, and in control of your well-being. As you stop and smell the May flowers, we encourage you to take a little time for your health, too—both physical and emotional. If you have questions about your Medicare coverage or would like help understanding your options, we’re always here to help. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and meaningful May.
Contact DDI To learn more, or to set up an appointment with one of our local agents.
503-206-4080 / 844-806-2500; medicare@ddibenefits.com
**Medicare Disclaimer: we may not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations in Oregon and Washington. Please contact medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. Please note that we are required to record all phone conversations with clients who want to discuss Medicare Advantage and/ or Part D prescription drug plans.
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