local
What Medicare doesn’t cover — and how to plan before a crisis hits
By LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’ at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 6, 2026
· 4 min read
(Aging Untold) — Many people enter retirement believing Medicare will cover most of their health care needs — until reality sets in. From caregiving to dental work to home modifications, the gaps in Medicare coverage can be surprising. The biggest surprise: Medicare doesn’t cover caregiving For m...
Key takeaway “I think everybody that calls my office and they’re like, ‘I need a caregiver, and I have Medicare,’ and I say, ‘Medicare doesn’t cover it,’” Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, said.
Why this matters in The Laredo
In Laredo , where a significant portion of the population is nearing retirement age, understanding the limitations of Medicare coverage is crucial for planning and budgeting. The gaps in coverage, particularly for caregiving and home modifications, can be a significant burden on families. Local organizations, such as nonprofits and Rotary Clubs, may be able to provide some assistance with home modifications, but it's essential for residents to be aware of these limitations and explore alternative options, such as long-term care insurance or VA benefits. Additionally, with the variety of Medicare Advantage plans available, Laredo residents must carefully review and compare plans to ensure they receive the coverage they need, including transportation benefits and expanded services like eye and ear care. By being informed and proactive, Laredo's seniors can better navigate the complexities of Medicare and ensure they receive the care and support they require.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold) — Many people enter retirement believing Medicare will cover most of their health care needs — until reality sets in. From caregiving to dental work to home modifications, the gaps in Medicare coverage can be surprising. The biggest surprise: Medicare doesn’t cover caregiving For m...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’ at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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