Serving those who served is a priority here in Riverside. While national benefits are essential, the "boots on the ground" support available right here in our community is what often makes the biggest difference in a veteran's daily life. Tapping Into Local Support   Riverside County offers a variety of dedicated services that many veterans overlook. From the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services to local chapters of the VFW and American Legion , there are advoc

Today's consumers value convenience. Ours is an economy of drive-through meals, online shopping, and groceries brought straight to our doorsteps. Insurance carriers are also offering "simplified issue" policies and even life insurance without an exam. That may be convenient, but it may not be a great deal for you — especially if you're in less-than-perfect health. Traditionally, life insurance underwriters have required a medical exam for all but the smallest life policies. I

Transitioning out of active duty or reaching retirement age brings many changes, and understanding your healthcare shouldn’t be a source of stress. TRICARE is a powerful benefit, but with various plans like Prime , Select , and For Life , it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What Veterans Need to Know Now The most important thing to remember is that your TRICARE options depend on your military status (Retiree, Reserve, or Medically Retired) and your age. TRICARE Prime vs. Select:

Choosing the right healthcare coverage as a veteran—or for a veteran’s family—can feel overwhelming. Between TRICARE plans, VA healthcare, and community-based programs like PACE, each option serves a different population and need. The chart below breaks down four major options: TRICARE Prime/Select, TRICARE for Life, VA Healthcare, and WelbeHealth PACE , highlighting how they compare in cost, flexibility, and more. DOWNLOAD CHART HERE Which Should You Choose? Choose TRICARE P

A new study suggests that older adults with cancer may be especially good candidates for a little-known Medicare benefit that can make expensive prescription drugs easier to manage financially. Researchers found that the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, sometimes called M3P, can significantly reduce the financial strain that often hits Medicare beneficiaries early in the year, when high-cost medications sometimes must be paid upfront. That's because it allows Part D enroll

Recent data for 2025–2026 highlights a significant increase in the caregiving population in California, driven largely by the state's rapidly aging demographic. Total Number: There are more than 7 million family caregivers in California. Percentage: Approximately 23% of adults in the state identify as caregivers. This means nearly 1 in 4 California adults provides unpaid care to a loved one. Age Range: While caregivers span all adult age groups, the demographic is concentrate

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced the next 15 drugs slated for Medicare price negotiations. The list includes costly medications that many seniors rely on. This year's lineup includes six highly prescribed drugs that the American Association of Retired Persons identified as having some of the largest list price increases, including Trulicity (up 51% since 2014), Cozentyx (up 55% since 2015), and Orencia (up 71% since 2021). This will be the third roun

Protecting your digital life in 2026 feels a bit like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while someone is constantly changing the colors. As technology advances, so do the tactics used by scammers. From AI-cloned voices to sophisticated fake websites, the "bad actors" are working harder than ever to get a piece of your hard-earned savings. But don't worry—you don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. You just need to know the playbook. The "Big Three": Phishing, Smish

By Kimberly Lankford, AARP | Updated October 19, 2023   If you aren’t already receiving Social Security benefits at age 65, you won’t be signed up automatically, so you’ll have to decide when you want to enroll. But if you continue to work and have health benefits through your job, depending on the size of your employer, you can delay enrolling in Medicare. The same goes for your health insurance if it’s through your spouse’s job. But you need to consider some rules about

I was truly honored to attend the 26th Annual Raincross Trophy Dinner  this past week in Riverside. This event is a powerful reminder of the deep bond between our community and the men and women of the Fourth Air Force . A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to sit with the 927th Air Refueling Wing  from MacDill Air Force Base, FL. Their dedication to the mission is inspiring, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations. It was also a privilege to connect with Colonel