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 Laredo News
For Laredo 's aging population, understanding the limitations of Medicare coverage is crucial to avoid financial strain when a health crisis hits. The lack of coverage for caregiving services, dental work, and home modifications can be particularly challenging for families in Webb County, where resources may be limited. Local nonprofits and government grant programs may be able to provide some assistance with home modifications, such as installing ramps and grab bars, but it's essential for families to plan ahead and explore these options before a crisis occurs. Additionally, Laredo residents should be aware that some Medicare Advantage plans offered in the area may include expanded benefits, such as transportation to medical appointments, but coverage varies widely from plan to plan. Consulting with a Medicare specialist can help individuals navigate the complex system and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 Laredo News 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 Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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