October 28, 2025 • 26 mins
A Medicare expert discusses the changes to coverage this year and what seniors should look out for, four Kentuckians are honored for their response before a deadly mass shooting. and some state lawmakers try their hand at showing swine during Pork Month proclamation in Frankfort.
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(00:00):
♪
(00:05):
>> And that was already set
aside for farmers was not able
to go out because of the
shutdown.
>> The federal government
shutdown is making a tough job,
even tougher.
>> This is the time for people
to review all their options and
decide whether they want to
KET the coverage they could
change. Medicare is changing.
So what do you need to know?
(00:27):
♪
And Kentucky is hamming it up
for pork Ma.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
part by the KET Millennium
Fund.
♪
(00:49):
♪
Good Evening and welcome to
Kentucky EDITION for this
Friday, October, the 24th we
have made it to the weekend.
I'm Renee Shaw and we thank
you for kicking off your
weekend with us. The federal
government shutdown has made
(01:10):
farming even more uncertain
shuttered offices at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture have
left no one to help farmers
with new loan and aid
applications.
>> This week, the USDA
announced they'd reopen many
local offices, but Kentucky
Farm Bureau cautions that
farmers have no guarantee 8
will come soon.
(01:32):
>> And there was a certain
amount of aid set aside to help
farmers in Kentucky that we're
dealing with flooding and the
2023 in 2024 year. A crop
years. And so us because the
shutdown have. And shortly
after that announcement was
made farmers to go ahead and
put their applications and for
(01:53):
But those applications were
getting and that was already
set aside for farmers was not
able to go out because of the
shutdown. Those applications
can go. And right now it's
something that we've encouraged
our members to do to go ahead
and submit the application.
But I know that those
applications will get processed
until the government fully
(02:14):
reopens and are able to process
and distribute those payments.
>> The Trump administration
said this week farmers could
expect 3 billion dollars in
aid. He had promised a much
larger aid package earlier this
month. But the shutdown has
delayed that more than 200 farm
groups wrote to the president
this month saying inflation at
home and a downturn in
(02:36):
purchases from abroad have
strained the farm economy.
AARP says more than a million
Kentucky hands are on Social
Security and they're about to
get a raise, which is some good
news for them. The government
just announced a cost of living
increase of 2.8% for Social
Security recipients and 2026.
(02:57):
that averages out to about 56
extra dollars per month.
This is after recipients.
We received a 2 and a half
percent increase last year or
in 2025. and 3.2% in 2024.
From now until December 7th
folks. 65 and older. Many of
them are reviewing their health
care options under Medicare
(03:19):
and making some changes if
necessary. Medicare enrollment
can be a confusing and
complicated process and why all
the different coverage plans
against your healthcare needs
is no small task. I talked with
a Medicare expert with Kff
formally the Kaiser Family
Foundation in Washington, D.C.,
about the changes this year
and watch seniors should watch
(03:40):
out for.
>> And as you well know, many
people in their 60's are still
working and plan on working for
several years. So if you are
age 65 the age of eligibility
and you're still working and
you have private insurance
options, must you enroll in
Medicare?
>> No, you must see, there's
you could delay enrollment in
(04:01):
Medicare. You sign up for but
parties premium free. So you go
to Social Security. You say
yes, I'm signing up for
part a but I do not want to
point B and do not want to pay
the part B premium because I
have employers sponsored
coverage either on my own or
from a spouse.
>> Right. And when you say part
(04:25):
A and part B R U and definition
of. But it story yeah, yeah.
So Medicare has parts and is
the part that pays for in
hospital care, inpatient
services part and the support
of the program that pays for
physician services, outpatient
hospital services.
>> Diagnostic test. Things like
that. And so they're just
(04:45):
different ways of signing up
for the program. There also
is in part the of the program
just to make things a little
bit more complicated, which
is the prescription drug
portion of the program. And
when people come Medicare and
they need prescription drug
coverage.
>> They also they sign up for
(05:06):
part, a part B and also party.
>> And all of those parts are
optional.
>> Not really in the sense
that, for example, with Part B,
it is a voluntary program, but
there is a penalty for delay to
enrollment. And the reason that
the law was created that way,
(05:29):
it is and insurance program
can't really work if people
wait until they get sick to
sign up. So and so the idea is
that when you're first eligible
and you no longer have
employer-sponsored coverage,
that's the time to sign up
rather than to go periods of
being uninsured for services
that are covered under part
(05:49):
B, like physician services and
then sign up later. So it's
it's kind of voluntary. But
its eye we're in the same is
true for the drug benefit.
It's the same principle.
So for people who no longer
have employers sponsored drug
coverage. The idea is the
(06:12):
people with Medicare need
prescription drug coverage and
the eye and there's it is
voluntary. But there is a
penalty for people who say I'm
going to skip a few years
because I don't take expensive
drugs and sign up and I really
need it.
>> So let's talk about some
changes that are happening with
Medicare out. What should
beneficiaries know about
increases or even decreases in
(06:33):
their monthly insurance
premiums?
>> Okay. This is the time we
are now in the middle of the
open enrollment period. It
started October 15th and it
runs through December 7th.
This is the time for people
to review all their options and
decide whether they want to
KET the coverage they have or
make a change. And I'm just
going to say up front, it's not
an easy decision, but it is an
(06:57):
important decision and there's
some some changes that you
really can affect, for example,
Medicare is responsible for
the Medicare part B premium.
And for most people that's
deducted from their Social
Security check.
>> That will go up.
>> It between 2020 by 2026.
(07:18):
And it kind of it is what it
is. There's not much anyone can
do about that. But for people
on Medicare who choose Medicare
Advantage plans and I can talk
about what they are for
Medicare drug plan. Those plans
changed from year to year.
Premiums may go. Some premiums
(07:39):
may go down, but there are
number of things that change.
And so this is really, really
important time to look at
what's changing. What's not
what really matters in making
this decision. So people are
blindsided when they do start
the new year and they find out
something in their plan has
changed so let's go back to
(07:59):
where you Trisha, what is a
Medicare Advantage plan?
>> And what should
beneficiaries think about in
choosing between traditional
Medicare versus Medicare
Advantage.
>> That is a great question.
And a lot of people struggle
with this decision. So when
people think of Medicare, they
(08:20):
may think of the national
Medicare program that getting
to go to the doctor. Medicare
pays a chair. You pay your
share saying that the hospital
and other services that's not
has been what Medicare is looks
like for many years. But over
time, there has been a growing
segment of the Medicare program
called Medicare Advantage,
which are really HMO's and P
(08:43):
p O's. They receive a payment
from the federal government
from Medicare to provide
Medicare services. So your
whole minutes during the open
enrollment period, you're
probably going to see a lot
of ads for Medicare Advantage.
And this is an alternative to
the traditional fee for service
program are there are fewer
options for 2026 because of
(09:06):
changes are does that stay the
same?
>> There has there been a
number of news reports about
ensures dropping out of the
Medicare Advantage program?
We are seeing that by and large
insurers are still very much in
the Medicare Advantage program.
>> are pulling out of some
markets, but some are expanding
into other markets. Most people
around the country will have a
(09:26):
choice of dozens of plans
available to them. And while
there may be some markets where
there are few, if any Medicare
Advantage plans, the good news
for people who are living in
those areas are not going to
risk being and ensure they
always have regular Medicare
there as a backstop. And so
(09:48):
that's a really important
search safety net for people
who may be concerned, then that
plans are pulling out. But what
we are, we are not seeing a
mass exodus of Medicare
Advantage insurance this year.
We will have a lot more advice
to share about the Medicare
open enrollment process and
options Monday night. This is
just for you to ask your
(10:08):
questions that can help you
make an informed decision
because as you heard,
>> it is not easy. So we hope
that you'll tune in for the
Medicare enrollment. Colin Akt
form Monday night. And you can
ask your questions and they'll
be an expert panel ready to
walk you through all of this.
That show begins at 8 Eastern
7 central right here on KET.
(10:32):
This week. State Auditor
Allison Ball told lawmakers
that there may be little
recourse to recover millions of
dollars in Medicaid losses,
but she says state agencies and
private contractors could do
better moving forward. That
includes managed care
organizations or in CEO's
private companies to the state
pays to cover its Medicaid
(10:53):
eligible citizens.
Burning question is.
>> Is there any opportunity
to recoup any of this money
that we found?
>> So we asked that question,
too. And that was one reason
we spent quite a time reviewing
those contracts because it in
our mind.
That was the path forward to be
able to recoup the money.
And and there was nothing in
(11:15):
those contracts that provided
that agreement to get them
because the money has been sent
to them. CEOs.
And there's nothing in the
provide a basis for us to be
able to get it back, that that
we could see.
>> Again, because the very
nature, the contract, CEOs.
And this is a specific
provision do this. They had
known sooner. Did this because
for every dollar that they save
(11:35):
our commonwealth, they lose
$0.10. So that's why we need
to look at some other
alternatives.
>> In September, the state
auditor released a report
showing thousands of Kentucky
Medicaid recipients were living
in other states from 2019 until
2022, these findings were
(11:56):
brand-new, though, and 2022,
the Biden administration found
nearly all states were losing
money this way. The auditor's
report largely points the
finger at the Kentucky Cabinet
for Health and Family Services
saying the agency needs to
improve internal controls to
meet compliance and accuracy
standards.
State lawmakers are making a
push for construction jobs to
(12:18):
use American products. But
could that increase costs for
businesses or our Emily SISK
continues tonight's legislative
update to give us some answers
a Republican lawmaker wants
to file a bill in Twenty-twenty
6. That would encourage public
construction projects to use
(12:38):
American aluminum, iron and
steel.
>> This would be the 4th time
for this type of legislation to
make its way to Kentuckyian
legislators say they want to
see it through. What I want to
do is make sure we can get
something across the finish
line that makes these private
products in America again.
So we can use these.
(12:58):
>> And get get people back to
work. A United Steelworkers
leader explains the current
process when it comes to
starting a public construction
job.
>> Usually a state agency would
seek the lowest mater. One
awarding the contract allowing
foreign producers to undercut
U.S. presses. And we have no
words. 82% of taxpayers agree
(13:19):
that. Taxpayer dollars should
go to American products.
Money spent will be circulated
back into the American economy.
>> Representative Flannery, who
plans to sponsor the bill said
the legislation will look to
increase jobs and manufacturing
in Kentuckyian across the
country.
>> Preference on all this is
(13:40):
that belive this would be made
in Kentucky. But I think the
overall concern as long as we
do have as long as it's made in
the United States by by good
actors. You know, there are a
lot of concerns when this is
made offshore.
>> The United Steelworkers
representative said contractors
(14:00):
might expect to pay a
marginally increased price for
American made products. One
lawmaker asked what that could
mean. I.
>> Thank God we all be willing
to pay more for American-made
goods. But but but I think that
maybe you could bags, actually
what you would could you?
Could you elaborate a little
bit on that word, marginally.
So the federal standard isn't
(14:24):
fit to 25% cost increase.
My American provisions don't
apply. I think in the bill last
year it was 10%.
You all as legislators could
say that wherever you want it
to. The last thing that I want
to do is I have a bill that
and that is too costly and puts
(14:44):
too much of a burden on
taxpayers. There were still
questions about what could
happen if contractors are not
able to get American made
goods.
>> Representative Flannery said
that was a legitimate concern
and he will work with industry
leaders to make sure the
legislation is effective for
Kentucky edition. I'm Emily
(15:05):
Thank you. Emily Representative
Flannery said several states
have introduced or passed
similar legislation.
>> Including Virginia and
Missouri. Police are asking for
help after KKK flyers were
found in Kentucky's Capitol
City. The fires were reported
to Frankfort police early
Wednesday morning. Police are
now encouraging people to check
(15:26):
their security and doorbell
cameras and to report any
suspicious behavior. The
Lexington Herald-Leader says
Flyers connected to a hate
group were also found in
Lexington and Midway. Governor
Andy Beshear condemn the act on
social media saying, quote,
these messages have no place in
Kentucky. Our Commonwealth is a
place where we lead with love
and we will not tolerate hate,
(15:49):
end quote.
A Florida company will buy
addiction recovery care, known
as a rcr arc. Kentucky's
largest provider of addiction
treatment and recovery
services. The Kentucky Lantern
reports of FEMA Health
Corporation based in Palm
Beach, Florida will by arc our
cat about 1800 treatment beds
and more than 1300 employees at
(16:11):
its peak in 2024. But the
company was hurt by reports of
an FBI investigation into
possible health care fraud that
led to layoffs and facilities
closing the famous as after the
sale of plans to expand
addiction and recovery
services.
♪
♪
(16:35):
♪
For Kentuckians were honored
this week for their quick
action moments before a deadly
mass shooting. Trooper June
might reveal yen was shot
outside Bluegrass Airport
during a traffic stop in July.
The gunman would go on to kill
2 women and injure their
(16:55):
husbands at Richmond Road
Baptist Church in Lexington
this week. State officials
released body camera video of
the trooper being shot and
recognize the witnesses who
they credit with saving his
life.
>> Today was a scary day for
Lexington and for our
commonwealth. And we lost some
people that day. But thanks
(17:17):
to our hero. A Kentucky State
Police, Lexington police and
the acts of these brave
Kentuckians were able to shine
at least some light on a very
dark day.
>> We'll stay with the U.S..
>> And now thanks to the
strength, the trooper million,
the support of this family and
the commitment of the
(17:37):
healthcare heroes at UK
Hospital today we get to see
his recovery
and his health.
>> If that was my son, you
know, for me, I want somebody
to do the same thing. And that
is ours, right? He's you know,
he's taking care of other
people and not really are you
thinking twice about should are
not? You know, it's just what
(17:58):
we should do as a team. And
when we see somebody struggling
or are in a situation
like that, it scared him
>> Today we will present for
individuals with citations for
meritorious achievement, the
highest honor Case Beacon
Award, a civilian or non ksp
employee on a dark day. You
were beacons of light showing
(18:20):
the world exactly who
Kentuckyian our and because of
your selfless actions. Trooper
a million is here with us
today.
>> Trooper or a million.
Thank you so much for leaving
your family to take care
of hours.
>> Guys, I was with this and
you know, I guess he places
everybody a certain times for
for things like this to a stop
(18:40):
off at a gas station, Rob, for
that and maybe we would have
been involved or past. So that
have really kind of like what
it all in a place that was
critical.
>> While we assisted never
happened, the Trooper Jay
Vermilion.
I cannot deny that the support
he and his family. All right,
in C has received has been
(19:01):
absolutely overwhelming.
And just not from Kentuckians,
but from across our country.
He's been truly humbling.
Witness.
>> So glad to see trooper
million doing well. And the
4 individuals honored this
week. We're Jimmy and Jessica
Alexander, Taylor Hall and Adam
(19:22):
Arnold. Good Samaritans,
indeed, Governor Beshear also
named them Kentucky Cardinals
the highest honor awarded by
the Commonwealth. Well
deserved.
>> Politicians are known for
bringing home the bacon today.
Some state lawmakers were
hamming it up
and Frankfort. More in
tonight's segment focused on
agriculture and farm life that
(19:44):
we call read it.
Kentucky Agriculture
Commissioner Jonathan Shower
proclaimed October as Pork
Month. He says Kentucky's pork
industry created more than
640 million dollars of gross
national product last year to
celebrate today invited some
lawmakers to try their hand.
(20:04):
It's showing swine.
>> We're showcasing port for
Portsmouth in October and the
way that we decided to do that
this year with something a
little bit outside the box,
something a little bit
different. And we just had a
legislative showmanship
showdown against me. My
commissioner was the judge
aloft. Ryan been one. That was
a great time. It was a great
(20:24):
way for us to be able to
promote the industry that we
love so much and especially our
pork industry here in Kentucky.
One of the things that we are
working on in the General
Assembly is to get programs in
place to teach our young people
the importance of agriculture
and not only.
We're seeing the aspect of
livestock are seeing the
(20:45):
tractors in the field but also
know.
>> There are very, very
important opportunities there
in their feature a as they come
out of school opportunities
that they can carry a bill that
very, very good life on that
does not deal with being there
on the par. Outside of that
(21:06):
farm Graham. agricultural
industrial opportunities.
>> And now there for Jonathan
Show, the Kentucky commissioner
of Agriculture do hereby
proclaim the month of October
Kentucky to be observed as
Kentucky Port month. Go Bacon,
>> Go bacon. Not. I think that
pain is saying that, though,
the Kentucky Department of
Agriculture is partnering with
the Kentucky Pork Producers
(21:27):
Association to educate
Kentuckians about the
importance of pigs in Kentucky.
Agriculture. The state ranks in
the top 20 states for swine
production with more than 1800
operations. Looks like a really
good time.
>> We're just
♪
(21:48):
>> where just a week away from
Halloween. Can you believe it?
And you have some scary and
not so scary options for your
amusement over the next week.
Our Toby Gibbs explains it all.
And this look at what's
happening around the
Commonwealth.
♪
>> A warm and well, a
(22:08):
celebration of Appalachian folk
lore kicks off tonight in Baby
Ville with the Wooly Worm
Festival. This annual event
centered around the fuzzy
creature long believed to
predict the coming winter is
crawling with family-friendly
activities from parades and
live music to food and arts and
crafts vendors. The highlight
of the festival, the wooly worm
(22:29):
races where everyone gathers to
watch the fast and furriest
inch their way up a rope to
victory. The festival takes
place through Sunday.
The Grammy-winning Soweto
gospel choir will be making a
stop in Louisville next
Thursday as it continues its
North American tour for its
concert entitled Peace. The
(22:49):
Performance is a celebration
of African gospel music and
will include a mix of South
African freedom songs,
traditional spirituals and the
spirit of music of contemporary
artist.
>> Like Aretha Franklin, Harry
Belafonte and Peter Gabriel.
Getting lined up and ready to
serve in the Bluegrass Food
truck festival happening at
the Hopkins County Fairgrounds
(23:10):
in Madisonville this Saturday.
It's the first year for the
festival that features more
than a dozen food trucks
offering up local dishes.
That will also be live music
car motorcycle and bicycle
shows and other activities for
the family.
And the County this weekend to
get an early start on your
Christmas list at the Meet your
(23:33):
maker event, the two-day fall
festival showcases items from
over 150 vendors and includes
food and crafted cocktails.
Along with hay rides. A petting
zoo and live music.
The darker side of history
comes to light in Bardstown
with the shadows of a federal
hill goes door of the famous my
old Kentucky home and shed.
(23:54):
>> One of the ancient halls of
the page and by Lantern light
through while listening to
tales of death and demise, told
by some of its former
inhabitants and it scared
garden hayrides and s'mores
will be offered after the 2.
If you want to skip the scares
this Halloween, check out the
Enchanted Pumpkin Walk in.
(24:14):
You bank. If you hundreds of
carved pumpkins as you walk
along the trail, dressed in
your favorite class, too, there
will be hay rides. Food music.
A petting zoo games and other
family-friendly activities at
the event.
Take a trip to the supernatural
side of the boot grass state
Saturday at the Kentucky
Folklore Festival, formerly
(24:36):
known as the Battle town which
festival while the name is
changed, the spirit of the
festival hasn't with a lineup
of paranormal Podcasters and
investigators encrypted and
folklore experts all sharing
their knowledge of the witchy
and where you'll also encounter
costume contest. Live
performances, a Bigfoot calling
(24:57):
contest B***** bows and food
trucks at the event.
The undead will be taking over.
Kentucky's Capitol City
Saturday. But the 3rd annual
thriller Parade and Trick or
Treat before the parade.
Kids get pickup candy at trick
or treat stations set up along
the street and get their faces
painted. Check out the pumpkin
(25:18):
wall. And as the sun goes down.
>> Find your spot to watch
performers recreate the iconic
thriller Dance in historic
downtown Frankfort.
>> And that's what's happening
around the Commonwealth.
I'm Kobe get.
Thank you as always. To be
Gibbs. Coming up Monday, a
museum that celebrates the
history and legacy of America's
sports car.
>> Breaks ground on a new
(25:40):
expansion.
>> To be able to also celebrate
this timeline of innovation
that I think we've had with
Corvettes really special.
And I think the museum's in a
very unique place to tell that
story.
>> Many more stories to be
told, including the Corvettes
connection to the first man to
walk on the moon. That story
next week on Kentucky EDITION,
which we hope that we'll see
(26:02):
you again for Monday night at
6.30, Eastern 5.30, central
where we inform connect and
inspire. Thank you for
connecting with us on the
social media channels,
Facebook, Instagram and X,
formerly known as Twitter.
And we also appreciate hearing
from you by email and public
affairs at KET Dot Org. Thanks
for being with us this week.
I'm Renee Shaw. Have a great
weekend and I'll see you back
here Monday night. Take really
(26:24):
good care.
♪
♪
(00:05):
>> And that was already set
aside for farmers was not able
to go out because of the
shutdown.
>> The federal government
shutdown is making a tough job,
even tougher.
>> This is the time for people
to review all their options and
decide whether they want to
KET the coverage they could
change. Medicare is changing.
So what do you need to know?
(00:27):
♪
And Kentucky is hamming it up
for pork Ma.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
part by the KET Millennium
Fund.
♪
(00:49):
♪
Good Evening and welcome to
Kentucky EDITION for this
Friday, October, the 24th we
have made it to the weekend.
I'm Renee Shaw and we thank
you for kicking off your
weekend with us. The federal
government shutdown has made
(01:10):
farming even more uncertain
shuttered offices at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture have
left no one to help farmers
with new loan and aid
applications.
>> This week, the USDA
announced they'd reopen many
local offices, but Kentucky
Farm Bureau cautions that
farmers have no guarantee 8
will come soon.
(01:32):
>> And there was a certain
amount of aid set aside to help
farmers in Kentucky that we're
dealing with flooding and the
2023 in 2024 year. A crop
years. And so us because the
shutdown have. And shortly
after that announcement was
made farmers to go ahead and
put their applications and for
(01:53):
But those applications were
getting and that was already
set aside for farmers was not
able to go out because of the
shutdown. Those applications
can go. And right now it's
something that we've encouraged
our members to do to go ahead
and submit the application.
But I know that those
applications will get processed
until the government fully
(02:14):
reopens and are able to process
and distribute those payments.
>> The Trump administration
said this week farmers could
expect 3 billion dollars in
aid. He had promised a much
larger aid package earlier this
month. But the shutdown has
delayed that more than 200 farm
groups wrote to the president
this month saying inflation at
home and a downturn in
(02:36):
purchases from abroad have
strained the farm economy.
AARP says more than a million
Kentucky hands are on Social
Security and they're about to
get a raise, which is some good
news for them. The government
just announced a cost of living
increase of 2.8% for Social
Security recipients and 2026.
(02:57):
that averages out to about 56
extra dollars per month.
This is after recipients.
We received a 2 and a half
percent increase last year or
in 2025. and 3.2% in 2024.
From now until December 7th
folks. 65 and older. Many of
them are reviewing their health
care options under Medicare
(03:19):
and making some changes if
necessary. Medicare enrollment
can be a confusing and
complicated process and why all
the different coverage plans
against your healthcare needs
is no small task. I talked with
a Medicare expert with Kff
formally the Kaiser Family
Foundation in Washington, D.C.,
about the changes this year
and watch seniors should watch
(03:40):
out for.
>> And as you well know, many
people in their 60's are still
working and plan on working for
several years. So if you are
age 65 the age of eligibility
and you're still working and
you have private insurance
options, must you enroll in
Medicare?
>> No, you must see, there's
you could delay enrollment in
(04:01):
Medicare. You sign up for but
parties premium free. So you go
to Social Security. You say
yes, I'm signing up for
part a but I do not want to
point B and do not want to pay
the part B premium because I
have employers sponsored
coverage either on my own or
from a spouse.
>> Right. And when you say part
(04:25):
A and part B R U and definition
of. But it story yeah, yeah.
So Medicare has parts and is
the part that pays for in
hospital care, inpatient
services part and the support
of the program that pays for
physician services, outpatient
hospital services.
>> Diagnostic test. Things like
that. And so they're just
(04:45):
different ways of signing up
for the program. There also
is in part the of the program
just to make things a little
bit more complicated, which
is the prescription drug
portion of the program. And
when people come Medicare and
they need prescription drug
coverage.
>> They also they sign up for
(05:06):
part, a part B and also party.
>> And all of those parts are
optional.
>> Not really in the sense
that, for example, with Part B,
it is a voluntary program, but
there is a penalty for delay to
enrollment. And the reason that
the law was created that way,
(05:29):
it is and insurance program
can't really work if people
wait until they get sick to
sign up. So and so the idea is
that when you're first eligible
and you no longer have
employer-sponsored coverage,
that's the time to sign up
rather than to go periods of
being uninsured for services
that are covered under part
(05:49):
B, like physician services and
then sign up later. So it's
it's kind of voluntary. But
its eye we're in the same is
true for the drug benefit.
It's the same principle.
So for people who no longer
have employers sponsored drug
coverage. The idea is the
(06:12):
people with Medicare need
prescription drug coverage and
the eye and there's it is
voluntary. But there is a
penalty for people who say I'm
going to skip a few years
because I don't take expensive
drugs and sign up and I really
need it.
>> So let's talk about some
changes that are happening with
Medicare out. What should
beneficiaries know about
increases or even decreases in
(06:33):
their monthly insurance
premiums?
>> Okay. This is the time we
are now in the middle of the
open enrollment period. It
started October 15th and it
runs through December 7th.
This is the time for people
to review all their options and
decide whether they want to
KET the coverage they have or
make a change. And I'm just
going to say up front, it's not
an easy decision, but it is an
(06:57):
important decision and there's
some some changes that you
really can affect, for example,
Medicare is responsible for
the Medicare part B premium.
And for most people that's
deducted from their Social
Security check.
>> That will go up.
>> It between 2020 by 2026.
(07:18):
And it kind of it is what it
is. There's not much anyone can
do about that. But for people
on Medicare who choose Medicare
Advantage plans and I can talk
about what they are for
Medicare drug plan. Those plans
changed from year to year.
Premiums may go. Some premiums
(07:39):
may go down, but there are
number of things that change.
And so this is really, really
important time to look at
what's changing. What's not
what really matters in making
this decision. So people are
blindsided when they do start
the new year and they find out
something in their plan has
changed so let's go back to
(07:59):
where you Trisha, what is a
Medicare Advantage plan?
>> And what should
beneficiaries think about in
choosing between traditional
Medicare versus Medicare
Advantage.
>> That is a great question.
And a lot of people struggle
with this decision. So when
people think of Medicare, they
(08:20):
may think of the national
Medicare program that getting
to go to the doctor. Medicare
pays a chair. You pay your
share saying that the hospital
and other services that's not
has been what Medicare is looks
like for many years. But over
time, there has been a growing
segment of the Medicare program
called Medicare Advantage,
which are really HMO's and P
(08:43):
p O's. They receive a payment
from the federal government
from Medicare to provide
Medicare services. So your
whole minutes during the open
enrollment period, you're
probably going to see a lot
of ads for Medicare Advantage.
And this is an alternative to
the traditional fee for service
program are there are fewer
options for 2026 because of
(09:06):
changes are does that stay the
same?
>> There has there been a
number of news reports about
ensures dropping out of the
Medicare Advantage program?
We are seeing that by and large
insurers are still very much in
the Medicare Advantage program.
>> are pulling out of some
markets, but some are expanding
into other markets. Most people
around the country will have a
(09:26):
choice of dozens of plans
available to them. And while
there may be some markets where
there are few, if any Medicare
Advantage plans, the good news
for people who are living in
those areas are not going to
risk being and ensure they
always have regular Medicare
there as a backstop. And so
(09:48):
that's a really important
search safety net for people
who may be concerned, then that
plans are pulling out. But what
we are, we are not seeing a
mass exodus of Medicare
Advantage insurance this year.
We will have a lot more advice
to share about the Medicare
open enrollment process and
options Monday night. This is
just for you to ask your
(10:08):
questions that can help you
make an informed decision
because as you heard,
>> it is not easy. So we hope
that you'll tune in for the
Medicare enrollment. Colin Akt
form Monday night. And you can
ask your questions and they'll
be an expert panel ready to
walk you through all of this.
That show begins at 8 Eastern
7 central right here on KET.
(10:32):
This week. State Auditor
Allison Ball told lawmakers
that there may be little
recourse to recover millions of
dollars in Medicaid losses,
but she says state agencies and
private contractors could do
better moving forward. That
includes managed care
organizations or in CEO's
private companies to the state
pays to cover its Medicaid
(10:53):
eligible citizens.
Burning question is.
>> Is there any opportunity
to recoup any of this money
that we found?
>> So we asked that question,
too. And that was one reason
we spent quite a time reviewing
those contracts because it in
our mind.
That was the path forward to be
able to recoup the money.
And and there was nothing in
(11:15):
those contracts that provided
that agreement to get them
because the money has been sent
to them. CEOs.
And there's nothing in the
provide a basis for us to be
able to get it back, that that
we could see.
>> Again, because the very
nature, the contract, CEOs.
And this is a specific
provision do this. They had
known sooner. Did this because
for every dollar that they save
(11:35):
our commonwealth, they lose
$0.10. So that's why we need
to look at some other
alternatives.
>> In September, the state
auditor released a report
showing thousands of Kentucky
Medicaid recipients were living
in other states from 2019 until
2022, these findings were
(11:56):
brand-new, though, and 2022,
the Biden administration found
nearly all states were losing
money this way. The auditor's
report largely points the
finger at the Kentucky Cabinet
for Health and Family Services
saying the agency needs to
improve internal controls to
meet compliance and accuracy
standards.
State lawmakers are making a
push for construction jobs to
(12:18):
use American products. But
could that increase costs for
businesses or our Emily SISK
continues tonight's legislative
update to give us some answers
a Republican lawmaker wants
to file a bill in Twenty-twenty
6. That would encourage public
construction projects to use
(12:38):
American aluminum, iron and
steel.
>> This would be the 4th time
for this type of legislation to
make its way to Kentuckyian
legislators say they want to
see it through. What I want to
do is make sure we can get
something across the finish
line that makes these private
products in America again.
So we can use these.
(12:58):
>> And get get people back to
work. A United Steelworkers
leader explains the current
process when it comes to
starting a public construction
job.
>> Usually a state agency would
seek the lowest mater. One
awarding the contract allowing
foreign producers to undercut
U.S. presses. And we have no
words. 82% of taxpayers agree
(13:19):
that. Taxpayer dollars should
go to American products.
Money spent will be circulated
back into the American economy.
>> Representative Flannery, who
plans to sponsor the bill said
the legislation will look to
increase jobs and manufacturing
in Kentuckyian across the
country.
>> Preference on all this is
(13:40):
that belive this would be made
in Kentucky. But I think the
overall concern as long as we
do have as long as it's made in
the United States by by good
actors. You know, there are a
lot of concerns when this is
made offshore.
>> The United Steelworkers
representative said contractors
(14:00):
might expect to pay a
marginally increased price for
American made products. One
lawmaker asked what that could
mean. I.
>> Thank God we all be willing
to pay more for American-made
goods. But but but I think that
maybe you could bags, actually
what you would could you?
Could you elaborate a little
bit on that word, marginally.
So the federal standard isn't
(14:24):
fit to 25% cost increase.
My American provisions don't
apply. I think in the bill last
year it was 10%.
You all as legislators could
say that wherever you want it
to. The last thing that I want
to do is I have a bill that
and that is too costly and puts
(14:44):
too much of a burden on
taxpayers. There were still
questions about what could
happen if contractors are not
able to get American made
goods.
>> Representative Flannery said
that was a legitimate concern
and he will work with industry
leaders to make sure the
legislation is effective for
Kentucky edition. I'm Emily
(15:05):
Thank you. Emily Representative
Flannery said several states
have introduced or passed
similar legislation.
>> Including Virginia and
Missouri. Police are asking for
help after KKK flyers were
found in Kentucky's Capitol
City. The fires were reported
to Frankfort police early
Wednesday morning. Police are
now encouraging people to check
(15:26):
their security and doorbell
cameras and to report any
suspicious behavior. The
Lexington Herald-Leader says
Flyers connected to a hate
group were also found in
Lexington and Midway. Governor
Andy Beshear condemn the act on
social media saying, quote,
these messages have no place in
Kentucky. Our Commonwealth is a
place where we lead with love
and we will not tolerate hate,
(15:49):
end quote.
A Florida company will buy
addiction recovery care, known
as a rcr arc. Kentucky's
largest provider of addiction
treatment and recovery
services. The Kentucky Lantern
reports of FEMA Health
Corporation based in Palm
Beach, Florida will by arc our
cat about 1800 treatment beds
and more than 1300 employees at
(16:11):
its peak in 2024. But the
company was hurt by reports of
an FBI investigation into
possible health care fraud that
led to layoffs and facilities
closing the famous as after the
sale of plans to expand
addiction and recovery
services.
♪
♪
(16:35):
♪
For Kentuckians were honored
this week for their quick
action moments before a deadly
mass shooting. Trooper June
might reveal yen was shot
outside Bluegrass Airport
during a traffic stop in July.
The gunman would go on to kill
2 women and injure their
(16:55):
husbands at Richmond Road
Baptist Church in Lexington
this week. State officials
released body camera video of
the trooper being shot and
recognize the witnesses who
they credit with saving his
life.
>> Today was a scary day for
Lexington and for our
commonwealth. And we lost some
people that day. But thanks
(17:17):
to our hero. A Kentucky State
Police, Lexington police and
the acts of these brave
Kentuckians were able to shine
at least some light on a very
dark day.
>> We'll stay with the U.S..
>> And now thanks to the
strength, the trooper million,
the support of this family and
the commitment of the
(17:37):
healthcare heroes at UK
Hospital today we get to see
his recovery
and his health.
>> If that was my son, you
know, for me, I want somebody
to do the same thing. And that
is ours, right? He's you know,
he's taking care of other
people and not really are you
thinking twice about should are
not? You know, it's just what
(17:58):
we should do as a team. And
when we see somebody struggling
or are in a situation
like that, it scared him
>> Today we will present for
individuals with citations for
meritorious achievement, the
highest honor Case Beacon
Award, a civilian or non ksp
employee on a dark day. You
were beacons of light showing
(18:20):
the world exactly who
Kentuckyian our and because of
your selfless actions. Trooper
a million is here with us
today.
>> Trooper or a million.
Thank you so much for leaving
your family to take care
of hours.
>> Guys, I was with this and
you know, I guess he places
everybody a certain times for
for things like this to a stop
(18:40):
off at a gas station, Rob, for
that and maybe we would have
been involved or past. So that
have really kind of like what
it all in a place that was
critical.
>> While we assisted never
happened, the Trooper Jay
Vermilion.
I cannot deny that the support
he and his family. All right,
in C has received has been
(19:01):
absolutely overwhelming.
And just not from Kentuckians,
but from across our country.
He's been truly humbling.
Witness.
>> So glad to see trooper
million doing well. And the
4 individuals honored this
week. We're Jimmy and Jessica
Alexander, Taylor Hall and Adam
(19:22):
Arnold. Good Samaritans,
indeed, Governor Beshear also
named them Kentucky Cardinals
the highest honor awarded by
the Commonwealth. Well
deserved.
>> Politicians are known for
bringing home the bacon today.
Some state lawmakers were
hamming it up
and Frankfort. More in
tonight's segment focused on
agriculture and farm life that
(19:44):
we call read it.
Kentucky Agriculture
Commissioner Jonathan Shower
proclaimed October as Pork
Month. He says Kentucky's pork
industry created more than
640 million dollars of gross
national product last year to
celebrate today invited some
lawmakers to try their hand.
(20:04):
It's showing swine.
>> We're showcasing port for
Portsmouth in October and the
way that we decided to do that
this year with something a
little bit outside the box,
something a little bit
different. And we just had a
legislative showmanship
showdown against me. My
commissioner was the judge
aloft. Ryan been one. That was
a great time. It was a great
(20:24):
way for us to be able to
promote the industry that we
love so much and especially our
pork industry here in Kentucky.
One of the things that we are
working on in the General
Assembly is to get programs in
place to teach our young people
the importance of agriculture
and not only.
We're seeing the aspect of
livestock are seeing the
(20:45):
tractors in the field but also
know.
>> There are very, very
important opportunities there
in their feature a as they come
out of school opportunities
that they can carry a bill that
very, very good life on that
does not deal with being there
on the par. Outside of that
(21:06):
farm Graham. agricultural
industrial opportunities.
>> And now there for Jonathan
Show, the Kentucky commissioner
of Agriculture do hereby
proclaim the month of October
Kentucky to be observed as
Kentucky Port month. Go Bacon,
>> Go bacon. Not. I think that
pain is saying that, though,
the Kentucky Department of
Agriculture is partnering with
the Kentucky Pork Producers
(21:27):
Association to educate
Kentuckians about the
importance of pigs in Kentucky.
Agriculture. The state ranks in
the top 20 states for swine
production with more than 1800
operations. Looks like a really
good time.
>> We're just
♪
(21:48):
>> where just a week away from
Halloween. Can you believe it?
And you have some scary and
not so scary options for your
amusement over the next week.
Our Toby Gibbs explains it all.
And this look at what's
happening around the
Commonwealth.
♪
>> A warm and well, a
(22:08):
celebration of Appalachian folk
lore kicks off tonight in Baby
Ville with the Wooly Worm
Festival. This annual event
centered around the fuzzy
creature long believed to
predict the coming winter is
crawling with family-friendly
activities from parades and
live music to food and arts and
crafts vendors. The highlight
of the festival, the wooly worm
(22:29):
races where everyone gathers to
watch the fast and furriest
inch their way up a rope to
victory. The festival takes
place through Sunday.
The Grammy-winning Soweto
gospel choir will be making a
stop in Louisville next
Thursday as it continues its
North American tour for its
concert entitled Peace. The
(22:49):
Performance is a celebration
of African gospel music and
will include a mix of South
African freedom songs,
traditional spirituals and the
spirit of music of contemporary
artist.
>> Like Aretha Franklin, Harry
Belafonte and Peter Gabriel.
Getting lined up and ready to
serve in the Bluegrass Food
truck festival happening at
the Hopkins County Fairgrounds
(23:10):
in Madisonville this Saturday.
It's the first year for the
festival that features more
than a dozen food trucks
offering up local dishes.
That will also be live music
car motorcycle and bicycle
shows and other activities for
the family.
And the County this weekend to
get an early start on your
Christmas list at the Meet your
(23:33):
maker event, the two-day fall
festival showcases items from
over 150 vendors and includes
food and crafted cocktails.
Along with hay rides. A petting
zoo and live music.
The darker side of history
comes to light in Bardstown
with the shadows of a federal
hill goes door of the famous my
old Kentucky home and shed.
(23:54):
>> One of the ancient halls of
the page and by Lantern light
through while listening to
tales of death and demise, told
by some of its former
inhabitants and it scared
garden hayrides and s'mores
will be offered after the 2.
If you want to skip the scares
this Halloween, check out the
Enchanted Pumpkin Walk in.
(24:14):
You bank. If you hundreds of
carved pumpkins as you walk
along the trail, dressed in
your favorite class, too, there
will be hay rides. Food music.
A petting zoo games and other
family-friendly activities at
the event.
Take a trip to the supernatural
side of the boot grass state
Saturday at the Kentucky
Folklore Festival, formerly
(24:36):
known as the Battle town which
festival while the name is
changed, the spirit of the
festival hasn't with a lineup
of paranormal Podcasters and
investigators encrypted and
folklore experts all sharing
their knowledge of the witchy
and where you'll also encounter
costume contest. Live
performances, a Bigfoot calling
(24:57):
contest B***** bows and food
trucks at the event.
The undead will be taking over.
Kentucky's Capitol City
Saturday. But the 3rd annual
thriller Parade and Trick or
Treat before the parade.
Kids get pickup candy at trick
or treat stations set up along
the street and get their faces
painted. Check out the pumpkin
(25:18):
wall. And as the sun goes down.
>> Find your spot to watch
performers recreate the iconic
thriller Dance in historic
downtown Frankfort.
>> And that's what's happening
around the Commonwealth.
I'm Kobe get.
Thank you as always. To be
Gibbs. Coming up Monday, a
museum that celebrates the
history and legacy of America's
sports car.
>> Breaks ground on a new
(25:40):
expansion.
>> To be able to also celebrate
this timeline of innovation
that I think we've had with
Corvettes really special.
And I think the museum's in a
very unique place to tell that
story.
>> Many more stories to be
told, including the Corvettes
connection to the first man to
walk on the moon. That story
next week on Kentucky EDITION,
which we hope that we'll see
(26:02):
you again for Monday night at
6.30, Eastern 5.30, central
where we inform connect and
inspire. Thank you for
connecting with us on the
social media channels,
Facebook, Instagram and X,
formerly known as Twitter.
And we also appreciate hearing
from you by email and public
affairs at KET Dot Org. Thanks
for being with us this week.
I'm Renee Shaw. Have a great
weekend and I'll see you back
here Monday night. Take really
(26:24):
good care.
♪
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