In Good Company Podcast: Age Better

If you’ve seen shocking increases in your Medicare Part D drug plan premiums — you’re not imagining it. In 2026, some plans are jumping by hundreds of percent, deductibles are climbing, and a few $0 premium options are disappearing altogether. In this episode, Spencer breaks down exactly why this is happening — and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself from overpaying. From the Inflation...

In a world where healthcare often feels impersonal, Dr. Curtis Mattson is proving that technology and empathy don’t have to compete — they can collaborate. As the Administrative Director of Cardiovascular Services at CoxHealth, and a clinical psychologist by training, Dr. Mattson brings a rare perspective to how people and systems thrive together. In this conversation, we dive deep into the evolvi...

Turning 65 soon? You’re about to make one of the most important (and confusing) health decisions of your life — choosing between Medicare Advantage and Medigap (Supplemental Insurance). In this episode of In Good Company, Spencer breaks down what’s new for Medicare in 2026, how each path actually works, and which option could save you thousands. Learn the key differences between Medicare Advantage...

In this episode of In Good Company, Spencer breaks down one of the biggest Medicare myths — what’s actually covered for dental in 2026, and what isn’t. From cleanings and crowns to dentures and implants, most dental care falls outside of Original Medicare. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck footing the whole bill. You’ll learn: ✅ What dental services Original Medicare (Parts A & B) really cov...

We’re joined by Dr. Ruth Ann Wood-Humiston and Gabriel “Gabe” Humiston from Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. — a trusted, family-owned funeral home in Springfield, Missouri serving families with “Tender Moments – Tender Care” since 1989. Dr. Ruth Ann, a second-generation owner and licensed funeral director with over 35 years of experience, continues the compassionate legacy started by her parents. H...

Medicare Advantage vs. Supplement (Medigap) — what’s the real difference, and which one actually protects you when life takes an unexpected turn? In this episode of In Good Company, we break down the fine print that could save you thousands of dollars — and a whole lot of stress. Financial advisor Paul Morrison joins host Spencer Ernst to unpack: 💡 Why Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans (lik...

In this special edition of In Good Company, we sit down with Anjanette LaBellarte and Matt Day from the Hospice Foundation for Outreach (HFO) — a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring dignity at life’s end. Together, they share personal and professional insights that redefine what hospice and palliative care truly mean. Matt opens up about surviving cancer and how it reshaped his purpose, while Anjanett...

Traveling doesn’t have to slow down as you age — it just takes a little planning and the right resources! In this video, we’ll cover how seniors can save money on flights, find the best travel deals, and navigate airports stress-free — even with mobility challenges like using a wheelchair, cane, or walker. From booking affordable flights to getting airport assistance and making long trips more com...

The Medicare Part D prescription drug market has changed dramatically — and if you rely on it, you need to know what’s coming next. In this video, I’ll break down why the number of available Part D plans has dropped so sharply, how rising premiums and narrower formularies could impact you, and what new rules (like the $2,100 out-of-pocket cap) mean for your wallet. We’ll also cover: The five bigge...

If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility or helping someone who is, this episode is for you. We break down one of the most common and confusing questions: Should you choose Medicare Advantage—or stick with Original Medicare and add a supplement like Plan G or Plan N? In today’s episode, we’ll help you understand: ✅ The real cost differences between Medicare Advantage, Plan G, and Plan N ✅ How...

What does it really mean to walk alongside someone through one of the hardest journeys of their life? In this episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Candi Jordan, a nurse practitioner at Oncology Hematology Associates with more than 24 years of experience caring for cancer patients. From the moment of diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and even end-of-life care, Candi approaches each...

The Big Picture: About 69 million Americans are on Medicare. Roughly 52–54% (≈ 37 million people) have Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. In 2026, hundreds of MA plans—especially PPOs—are being eliminated nationwide. Over 1 million enrollees may lose their current plan (≈ 3% of all MA members). UnitedHealth Group , the largest insurer, will drop plans serving more than 600,000 members — mainly PPOs an...

This week on In Good Company, we’re breaking down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025 — and what it means for healthcare here in Southwest Missouri and across the country. This sweeping 887-page law reshapes how healthcare is funded and accessed in America. From Medicaid (MO HealthNet) work requirements to shorter enrollment windows on HealthCare.gov...

Most of you have probably heard that Medicare 2026 is shaping up to be a year of big changes—some are even calling it a complete reset. But the real question is, do you know what’s changing, why it’s happening, and how you can respond in a way that benefits you? That’s exactly what we’ll cover today, so when these changes arrive, you’ll be informed, prepared, and ready to make smart decisions. Cha...

In this episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Carol Hudspeth, Executive Director of the Missouri Alliance for Care at Home, to explore the critical fight to protect and expand home-based services in Missouri. Carol shares how the Alliance is working tirelessly to prevent funding cuts, advocate for sustainable Medicaid reimbursement, and ensure seniors and individuals with disabilities can c...

In this episode of In Good Company: In The Field, we sit down with Kim Sisk, Administrative Director of Home Care Services at CoxHealth at Home, to explore the evolving world of patient-centered care. With more than 22 years of leadership in home health, home care, and hospice, Kim offers invaluable insights into how these services work together to support patients and families across Missouri. 👉...

In this episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Rachel Fortenberry, founder and attorney of Fortified Elder Law & Estate Planning. Rachel and her team have helped families protect more than $12 million from being lost to nursing home costs. Recognized as one of Biz 417’s 10 for the Next 10 and the Springfield Business Journal’s 20 Most Influential Women (2025), she brings both sharp legal...

In this powerful episode of In Good Company, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst welcome Paul Morrison, financial advisor at Edward Jones, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation. Paul opens up about his journey caring for his mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s, and how that experience deepened his passion for supporting families facing similar challenges. As an...

In this episode of In Good Company – Eldercare in Your Backyard, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst sit down with Dr. Melissa Gaines, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care at CoxHealth, to explore the true meaning of hospice and the importance of whole-person support at the end of life. Dr. Gaines shares her personal journey into hospice care, dispels common myths and fears, and explains how hospi...

In this episode of In Good Company: we sit down with Sara Curry, Program and Outreach Director at The Bungalows at Springfield East. With nearly a decade of experience in eldercare programming, Sara brings passion, creativity, and a personal connection to her work. She shares how her grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s shaped her calling, why meaningful activities are vital for building communit...

What happens when rehab ends but the care journey continues? In this inspiring conversation, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst welcome Ney Ortiz, Rehab Social Services and Discharge Planner at James River Nursing & Rehabilitation. Ney shares the heart and strategy behind smooth care transitions, helping families move from uncertainty to confidence. Whether you’re preparing for a hospital discha...

In this episode of In Good Company – Eldercare in Your Backyard, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst sit down with Mark Applegate, Dementia Care Specialist at the SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging and a leading advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Mark’s journey into dementia care began with his own family’s experiences and has grown into a mission of advocacy, education, and hands-on support. Fro...

Welcome to In Good Company, a podcast where compassion meets conversation. Hosted by John Ray, founder of Haven Home Health and Hospice, and Spencer Ernst, your curious co-host, this show shines a light on the people and stories shaping eldercare in our communities. Each week, we bring you: Real conversations with healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocates on the front lines. Timely insig...