♪ >> 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?

♪ And Kentucky is hamming it up for pork Ma.

>> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ 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 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.

>> 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

>> 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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.

♪ ♪ ♪ 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 ♪ >> 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 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 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 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 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 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.

>> 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 good care.

♪