By Sara Duris
Q. My mother was in the ER recently because we thought she was having a stroke, but it turned out she was dehydrated. The nurse suggested we try to give her popsicles and lemonade, which I’m certain she will not want. She drinks a lot of coffee, but shouldn’t we just make her drink lots and lots of water instead?
A. If you can discover a way to make someone drink lots of water when they aren’t used to doing so, or don’t want to, then that’s great. However, I’m sure the ER personnel are very familiar with how resistant some people can be to drinking water, hence their creative suggestions to try to increase your mother’s fluid intake overall.
Many older adults find it challenging to maintain adequate fluid intake, especially during warmer weather. If dehydration is a concern, it is important to follow guidance from your healthcare provider. Older generations are not as used to consuming water as those who have grown up in the age of the water bottle. As we age, we can become more susceptible to dehydration due to chronic disease, medicines we take, a reduced sensation of thirst, and decreased mobility. Because dehydration can be a serious health concern for some individuals, it’s important to discuss symptoms and prevention strategies with a healthcare professional.
The National Council on Aging suggests linking water consumption to common daily activities such as drinking milk or juice at meals, drinking a full glass of water to take medications, rather than just a couple sips, and drinking a replenishing glass of water with each trip to the bathroom. If your mother’s healthcare team has recommended increasing fluid intake, you may want to ask about strategies that fit her preferences and health needs. Many people find it easier to increase fluids when they have a variety of beverage options available and easy access to drinks throughout the day.
Q. I am on Medicare and would like to try one of the weight-loss drugs advertised on TV. Does Medicare cover these?
A. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will give eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to select GLP-1 weight-loss medications for just $50 per month from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. This time-limited Medicare demonstration provides coverage for certain GLP-1 medications for beneficiaries who meet specific eligibility requirements
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge covers these GLP-1 drugs:
- Foundayo® (tablet)
- Wegovy® (injection or tablet)
- Zepbound® (KwikPen® only) The single-dose Zepbound® pen and Zepbound® vials are NOT covered.
To get the GLP-1 drugs listed above under this program, you must meet all four of these requirements:
- You have Medicare Part D drug coverage, under either a standalone Medicare Drug Plan or a Medicare health plan that includes drug coverage. You’re not eligible if your only Medicare coverage is through certain special plan types (like private fee-for-service plans, cost contract plans or a PACE organization). If you’re not sure what type of plan you have, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.
- You’re not eligible to receive a GLP-1 drug through your current Medicare drug plan. If you’ve been using a GLP-1 drug paid for by your Medicare drug plan for any reason, you need to keep getting your GLP-1 drug through your plan. GLP-1 drugs are defined as products with the following active ingredients: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Orforglipron, Dulaglutide, and Liraglutide.
- You don’t have type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease. If you have any of these conditions, contact your Medicare drug plan — they may already cover a GLP-1 drug for you.
- You’re at least 18 years of age AND at least one of these is true:
- You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher
- Your BMI is 30 or higher, and you have certain types of heart failure OR high blood pressure that’s hard to control OR chronic kidney disease (stage 3a or above)
- Your BMI is 27 or higher, and you have prediabetes OR you’ve had a heart attack, stroke or blocked arteries in your legs or arms
Your doctor and your pharmacy need to work together to verify your eligibility for this program and if one of the covered drugs will work for you. Contact your physician to learn more. You can also find information at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Reminder: Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2026. This is the time you can review your Medicare coverage and compare options.
Sara Duris is community information liaison of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.