Around the Web: Five Good Reads on Health and Staying Safe

Here are five good pages from trusted organizations. They cover falls, two scam warnings, Medicare drug coverage and saving for retirement after 50. We read each page ourselves and tell you what it says and what you might do next.

At a glance

Item	Source	Date	One-line takeaway
Falls and their causes	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	4 September 2026	Tell your doctor about any fall.
Fake FTC phone calls	Federal Trade Commission	22 October 2026	Real FTC staff never ask for money.
Medicare drug changes for 2027	The Associated Press	15 October 2026	Enrollment ends December 7.
Health insurance ads	Federal Trade Commission	29 October 2026	Start at HealthCare.gov, not an ad.
Retirement catch-up savings	FawnGuide (our sister site)	8 November 2026	Ask your plan which rules apply.

Falls Are Common, but Many Causes Can Be Changed

The CDC says more than one in four older people falls each year, yet fewer than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles the chance of falling again. Causes that can often be addressed include weak legs, poor balance, some medicines, poor eyesight, sore feet, unsuitable shoes, and home hazards like loose rugs and clutter.

Why it matters: Fear of falling can lead people to do less, which can weaken the body and make falls more likely.

Try this: Look through your home this week for loose rugs, clutter and worn steps. Mention any fall to your doctor, and ask whether your medicines could play a part. If you hit your head in a fall, the CDC says to see a doctor right away.

If a Caller Says They Are From the FTC, Hang Up

The FTC, a federal consumer agency, warns about callers pretending to be its staff. They claim your phone number is tied to crimes, pass you to a fake police officer, and tell you to keep quiet. The call ends with a demand for money called a “security deposit.” The FTC says a real employee will never ask for money, threaten your phone service, ask for secrecy, or text a photo of an ID badge.

Why it matters: Scammers depend on fear and secrecy. They may even tell you to look up a police number yourself, but the people who answer are part of the scam.

Try this: Hang up, and do not call back any number the caller gave you. Tell a family member or friend, and report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

What Changes in Medicare Drug Coverage in 2027

This news report says Medicare’s open enrollment runs until December 7, and your choices take effect January 1. In 2027 the yearly cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered drugs in Part D (Medicare’s drug coverage) rises from $2,100 to $2,400, and the deductible, the amount you pay before the plan shares costs, rises from $615 to $700. A temporary program that held down premiums ends, and negotiated prices begin for 15 drugs. An advocate says some Medicare Advantage plans, run by private companies, are leaving areas or trimming benefits such as dental.

Why it matters: Plans change each year, so your 2026 plan may cost more, or may not be offered where you live.

Try this: Before December 7, list your medicines and compare plans at medicare.gov. A counselor from your state’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a free advice service, can help.

Take Care With Health Insurance Ads This Season

The FTC warns that health insurance ads, calls and messages can mislead. Some promise full coverage but offer limited benefits, some sell discount cards that are not insurance, and some pretend to be the government or a known insurer. The agency also says prerecorded sales calls about health insurance are illegal.

Why it matters: Sign-up for the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is separate from Medicare, runs from November 1 to January 15, so many ads appear now. It matters most if you or a loved one buys coverage there.

Try this: Start at HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 instead of clicking an ad. Report misleading ads or calls at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Saving More for Retirement After 50: The Catch-Up Rules

This article from sister site FawnGuide explains catch-up contributions, the extra amounts people 50 and older may add to retirement accounts. The IRS had not yet published 2027 limits, so its figures are for 2026: an extra $8,000 in a workplace plan ($11,250 at ages 60 to 63) and $1,100 in an IRA. It also says higher earners (the 2026 pay threshold is $150,000) must make catch-ups as Roth, or after-tax, money under new rules for tax years after December 31, 2026.

Why it matters: Your plan’s own rules decide what you can actually contribute, and some are stricter than IRS limits.

Try this: Ask your plan administrator in writing which limits and Roth rules apply, and talk with a fee-only financial adviser or tax professional.

How we pick

We choose reputable sources, such as government agencies and established news organizations. Every page must show a clear date, and we read it ourselves before writing. We do not take payment for links.

Last updated: November 2026. This roundup is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. We link to outside sites we do not control; links were checked on 8 November 2026.