GoodRx Offers Ozempic and Wegovy 60% Off – How to Save

GoodRx Offers Ozempic and Wegovy 60% Off – How to Save

M Hasan    10:34 AM   

The Growing Affordability of Weight-Loss Medications

In a world where billions of dollars worth of prescription medications go unused each year, the recent developments in drug pricing have brought some hope, especially for those seeking weight-loss treatments. One significant breakthrough came from GoodRx, a medication-savings company, which recently partnered with Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy. This collaboration allows individuals with prescriptions to access these type 2 diabetes and anti-obesity drugs for just $499 per month—a reduction of about 60% from the list price, which can exceed $1,300 without insurance.

Divya Iyer, Senior Vice President at GoodRx, highlights that despite the rising demand for these medications, 19 million Americans lack any coverage for them. This new partnership is seen as a step forward in addressing this gap by eliminating middlemen who have long contributed to higher pharmacy costs.

A Shift in Drug Pricing Strategies

Experts believe that this deal could signal a broader shift in how drug companies set their prices. Aayyush Goyal, a pharmaceutical supply chain expert and founder of MedsPartner, suggests that the $499 price point may encourage other manufacturers to keep their prices competitive or even lower. Additionally, it could push insurance companies to expand coverage and prompt pharmacies to reconsider practices that make medications less affordable.

The benefits of this deal extend beyond just cost. For self-paying patients, starting early in 2025, they can receive Ozempic and Wegovy directly from NovoCare’s pharmacy. Alternatively, they can use a local pharmacy through GoodRx's network of over 70,000 retail locations nationwide, making access more convenient.

Safety and Regulation Concerns

This new affordability also addresses concerns about the safety of alternative options. Compounded versions of weight-loss drugs, often sold online, were once a solution during shortages but were never regulated by the FDA. With the shortage officially resolved, the $499 deal is expected to reduce the availability of potentially counterfeit or ineffective products.

However, not all offers are as straightforward as they seem. Some advertisements suggest that Ozempic or Wegovy can be obtained for as low as $10 per month. While appealing, this rate typically requires a manufacturer savings card and strong commercial insurance, which many people may not qualify for.

Understanding the Health Benefits

Ozempic and Wegovy, though different in their primary approvals, are essentially the same drug—semaglutide. They both increase levels of GLP-1, a hormone that helps control blood sugar and suppress appetite. Studies show that people using semaglutide with lifestyle changes have lost between 15 to 17 percent of their body weight.

Tirzepatide, found in Mounjaro and Zepbound, has shown even greater effectiveness for weight loss, with some trials reporting up to 26% weight loss. These medications also offer additional health benefits, including improved cholesterol, reduced joint pain, and a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Side Effects and Considerations

While effective, these medications come with potential side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. However, these symptoms often subside over time, especially when dietary adjustments are made.

For those considering these medications, the cost remains a key factor. While other options like Mounjaro and Zepbound are available, they come with limitations such as lower doses and the need for self-administration. Ozempic and Wegovy, on the other hand, offer flexibility in dosing and ease of use.

Future Outlook and Alternatives

Looking ahead, there are signs that prices may continue to decrease. The Biden administration has included Ozempic and other similar drugs in Medicare price negotiations, which could lead to further reductions in cost. In the meantime, programs like Novo Nordisk’s patient assistance initiative offer free or low-cost options for eligible individuals.

For those still hesitant about GLP-1 medications, natural alternatives such as okra or specific herbs have gained attention on social media. However, experts caution that these should not replace professional medical advice.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that everyone who needs these life-changing medications can access them. Whether through cash programs, copay cards, or expanded insurance coverage, the future looks promising for more affordable and accessible treatment options.

Never Share These 5 Secrets as an Older American — Risk Major Consequences

Never Share These 5 Secrets as an Older American — Risk Major Consequences

M Hasan    7:45 PM   

Protecting Personal Information: Essential Secrets for Older Americans

As people age, they often face a variety of challenges, including health concerns, financial planning, and long-term care. However, one critical risk that is frequently overlooked is the vulnerability of personal information. Sharing sensitive details about finances, legal matters, or health — even with close friends or family — can expose individuals to fraud, manipulation, or unintended consequences.

Here are five key pieces of information that should remain private unless discussed with a trusted professional, along with the reasons why maintaining confidentiality is crucial.

Your Net Worth or Salary

Older Americans hold a significant portion of the nation’s wealth, making them prime targets for scammers and fraudsters. According to SmartAsset, nearly 73% of the country's wealth is held by older adults. This financial standing makes them particularly vulnerable to theft, manipulation, or financial abuse.

When others know your salary, savings, or net worth, it increases your exposure to potential threats. To protect yourself, keep this information private unless you’re working with a licensed financial advisor or another trusted professional.

Passwords and Sensitive Personal Information

Many older Americans rely on family members for tech support, but sharing passwords, PINs, or login details can be risky. Whether it’s banking credentials, Medicare accounts, or email passwords, giving access to these can lead to mistakes, misuse, or even exploitation.

Cybercrime is becoming increasingly common among seniors, who may not be as familiar with online security practices. Once personal information is shared, it can be challenging to regain control. To stay safe, avoid sharing passwords unless absolutely necessary. The more securely you guard your digital life, the less likely you are to fall victim to scams or identity theft.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) can be a useful tool for managing affairs when someone is unable to do so themselves. However, it is also one of the most commonly misused legal documents. Granting someone POA gives them broad authority to act on your behalf, which could include accessing bank accounts, selling property, or making medical decisions.

According to Carefull, misuse of power of attorney is a leading method of financial exploitation among older adults. Even well-meaning family members can overstep if they feel entitled to manage your affairs their way. To protect yourself, don’t rush the process. Work with a qualified attorney to create a POA that clearly outlines limits and responsibilities. Only assign this role to someone you trust implicitly, and review the document regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

Details of Your Will

Your will and estate plan contain some of your most sensitive information, from a full list of your assets to exactly who will receive what. In the wrong hands, these details can be used against you. Scammers may see your estate plan as a blueprint for potential fraud, while even well-meaning relatives might try to influence your decisions once they know what’s at stake.

In fact, a survey published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that the most common perpetrators of financial exploitation of seniors were family members. To avoid putting yourself in a vulnerable position, don’t share the details of your will with anyone who doesn’t need to know. Keep those conversations between you, your lawyer, and your executor — and make sure everything is stored securely and updated regularly.

Mental Health or Other Health-Related Issues

As we age, health issues involving memory or cognitive function can become more common. Unfortunately, this can also make older adults more vulnerable to exploitation. A study published in the National Institute of Justice Journal found that cognitive decline is closely linked to an increased risk of fraud. When others are aware of your mental health challenges, it can open the door to manipulation.

This doesn’t mean you should hide your health concerns. But it does mean you should be thoughtful about who you share them with. Stick to medical professionals and a small circle of trusted loved ones. Put protections in place, like legal safeguards and a medical power of attorney, to ensure your wishes are honored no matter what.

Protecting your personal information is just as important as protecting your physical health or financial assets, especially as you get older. By keeping sensitive details private and working only with qualified professionals, you can safeguard your independence and avoid unnecessary risks down the line.

60 and Facing a Terminal Diagnosis: How Will I Afford Care?

60 and Facing a Terminal Diagnosis: How Will I Afford Care?

M Hasan    7:45 PM   

Preparing for Retirement with Uncertainty

Retirement planning is a long-term endeavor that many people focus on throughout their careers. However, life can be unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected events like illness can force individuals to rethink their retirement plans. For those facing a life-changing diagnosis, it's essential to consider alternative strategies to protect their financial future.

Dawn’s Situation

Dawn, who is 60 years old, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease. She had planned to work until she turned 65, but her condition may limit her ability to continue working for much longer. With $800,000 in retirement savings and an annual income of $120,000, Dawn is now looking for ways to adjust her financial strategy to ensure her family's stability.

Her short-term plan is to keep working as long as possible to save more. However, the progression of ALS is unpredictable, and she may not have as much time as she hopes. When the disease leads to paralysis, she will need in-home care or a facility, which could significantly impact her finances.

Social Security and Medicare Benefits

Once Dawn stops working, she will likely qualify for Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If she can work until she turns 62, she may also be eligible to receive early Social Security retirement benefits. However, taking these benefits early means receiving smaller monthly payments. It might still be beneficial for her to take early withdrawals if needed, given her circumstances.

Her husband, who is the primary caregiver, may also qualify for benefits if he is over 62. This is something the couple should explore, even if they opt for professional caregiving services.

Understanding Medicare and Medicaid

Because of her ALS diagnosis, Dawn will become eligible for Medicare as soon as she qualifies for disability benefits. Typically, beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare two years after becoming disabled, but this rule does not apply to individuals with ALS.

Medicare covers hospital care, doctor visits, home-based services, durable medical equipment, and some outpatient care. However, it comes with deductibles and premiums. Dawn can also consider Medicare Advantage plans, which offer additional benefits such as vision, hearing, dental, and fitness programs, as well as coverage for transportation to medical appointments and home health aides.

Additionally, she may be eligible for Medigap coverage, which helps cover costs not covered by original Medicare. Eligibility for Medicaid, a needs-based program, depends on her income and resources. While she may not qualify now, she should understand the eligibility requirements in case she becomes eligible after retiring.

Additional Support Options

Dawn should also check if she has long-term disability and life insurance policies through her employer. These policies may provide financial support after a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness.

Community programs and charities, such as the Les Turner ALS Foundation, may help with the cost of assistive devices like wheelchairs and van modifications. Additionally, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments for individuals with limited income, and Dawn may be eligible for these payments after retirement.

Managing Retirement Savings

Dawn and her husband must make important decisions about how to allocate their retirement savings. Since they are close to retirement, moving the majority of their investments into low-risk accounts should be a priority. However, if her husband plans to continue working for another decade, keeping a portion of their savings in higher-risk investments could potentially generate better returns.

Consulting a financial advisor can help them make informed decisions about their funds. They should also consider setting aside a significant portion of their savings in a liquid account to cover medical expenses as Dawn's condition progresses.

Planning for the Future

It's also crucial for Dawn and her husband to consult an elder care attorney to plan for her transition. This professional can help ensure that her end-of-life wishes are clearly documented, including legal documents like a will and any trusts she may want to establish.

By carefully considering all available options and making strategic financial decisions, Dawn can better navigate the challenges of her situation and secure a stable future for herself and her family.

Top 10 Greatest Jeopardy Champions

Top 10 Greatest Jeopardy Champions

M Hasan    6:56 AM   

The Legacy of Jeopardy! Champions

Jeopardy! has produced some of the most iconic and unforgettable contestants over the past four decades. From Ken Jennings to James Holzhauer, the show has seen a variety of winners who have made their mark on the game. As the 2025 TV schedule approaches, it's exciting to think about who might be the next big name to emerge from the competition.

Each of the top 6 on Jeopardy!'s Leaderboard of Legends has earned six figures on arguably the best game show ever, so let's take a look at the Top 10. First, though, let's get a couple of things out of the way:

Scott Riccardi Makes His Way Into The Record Books

While our most recent superchamp Scott Riccardi didn't crack the Top 10 winningest Jeopardy! contestants, he still made his way into the record books before his run came to an end on July 25, 2025. The engineer from Somerville, New Jersey, lost his 17th game in the Season 41 finale after securing $455,000 in winnings. That's good enough for 8th place in the list of Highest Winnings in the regular season, outside of tournaments. He also stands tied for 10th place in Consecutive Games Won with Ryan Long, whose own 16-game streak came in 2022. We'll see Riccardi in the Tournament of Champions!

An Important Rule Change

For years, there was a rule on Jeopardy! that contestants could win a maximum of five consecutive games before stepping down with an invitation to return for the annual Tournament of Champions. That rule changed before the start of Season 20 in 2003, allowing every player to proceed until they lost, and as a result, the win streaks and money earned by single players increased dramatically. In fact, only one of the 10 winningest Jeopardy! champions on this list competed on the show prior to the rule change.

A Note About The Totals

The winnings attributed to the top 10 winners of all time on Jeopardy! include everything they won as a contestant on the standard game as well as in various tournaments over the years — like the Tournament of Champions and Jeopardy! Masters. However, the official Jeopardy! totals do not include consolation prizes (which are sometimes significant amounts of money), so those have been noted separately on this list when applicable. Here are the winningest Jeopardy! contestants of all time:

Top 10 Winningest Jeopardy! Contestants

1. Cris Pannullo ($748,286)
   Cris Pannullo was one of three players in 2022 to crack the Top 10 in all-time winnings, going on a 21-game win streak. During his run he accumulated $748,286 in official winnings, as well as the $1,000 consolation prize for his final game and a $5,000 consolation prize from the 2024 TOC. His streak puts the customer success operations manager from Ocean City, New Jersey, at sixth place in consecutive wins, and only four contestants have won more money in regular-season play than Pannullo.

2. David Madden ($763,733)
   David Madden, an art historian from Ridgewood, New Jersey, earned cash winnings totaling $430,400 in 2005. Following his 19-day run on the show, he also split the $1 million prize for being part of the 2019 All-Star team that included Larissa Kelly and Brad Rutter, for an additional $333,333. Not included in the official total are $10K from the 2024 JIT, the $10K consolation prize from his Tournament of Champions, and the $2,000 consolation from the loss in his 20th game. In total, Madden took home $785,733.

3. Victoria Groce ($772,801)
   Victoria Groce made her initial appearance on Jeopardy! back in 2005, when she won just a single game and earned $22,801. What was notable about the appearance, however, was that she was the player who ended the 19-game win streak of David Madden. Because of that and her continued success in the world of trivia — she appears with other Jeopardy! alums on The Chase — Groce was invited to compete in the inaugural Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament in 2024, which she won to earn $100,000 and a ticket to Jeopardy! Masters. There, she defeated reigning champ James Holzhauer and 2024 TOC winner Yogesh Raut to earn $500,000, and she added $150,000 more by placing third in the 2025 Masters tournament.

4. Mattea Roach ($810,983)
   Mattea Roach, who was 23 years old when they started their streak in 2022, is the youngest player on this list. The tutor from Toronto compiled $560,983 in 23 victories. As well as becoming the winningest Canadian in the game show’s history — an honor that would make Alex Trebek proud — Roach also became one of just three contestants to reach their age in Jeopardy! victories. Roach came in second to James Holzhauer in the 2023 Jeopardy! Masters tournament to earn a cool $250,000, and when you add in the $75,000 parting gift from 2024’s Jeopardy! Masters, $10,000 from the 2022 Tournament of Champions and their initial $2,000 consolation prize, they’ve taken home a total of $897,983.

5. Yogesh Raut ($1,096,403)
   In 2023, Yogesh Raut won $96,403 in three Jeopardy! victories, becoming just the second contestant to advance to the TOC with so few wins. He made the most of it, too, winning the 2024 Tournament of Champions to collect $250,000 and advance to Jeopardy! Masters Season 2, where his second-place finish earned him another $250,000. He returned to Masters in 2025 and defeated Victoria Groce and Juveria Zaheer for the $500,000 grand prize, making him the sixth millionaire in Jeopardy! history. He also earned a $2,000 consolation prize from his initial run.

6. Amy Schneider ($1,682,800)
   Second behind only Ken Jennings with 40 consecutive games won, Amy Schneider made history during her win streak in 2022. Early in her run, she became the first openly transgender champion to qualify for the Tournament of Champions, and she just kept winning! She crossed the million-dollar mark in regular-season play, earning $1,382,800, even before appearing in the Tournament of Champions. She went on to win that too, adding an extra $250,000 to her total, and in 2024 she earned another $50,000 as runner-up of the Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament.

Though it doesn't count toward her official total, Schneider also received $100,000 for fourth place in 2024’s Jeopardy! Masters, $75,000 for her fifth-place finish on the 2023 Jeopardy! Masters, and with the $2,000 consolation prize from her regular season loss, Schneider has taken home a total of $1,859,800.

1. Matt Amodio ($1,818,601)
   Matt Amodio’s 38-game win streak in 2022 ended just a couple of months before Amy Schneider’s first appearance. He won $1,518,601, and almost as impressive as that is the fact that Amodio has competed under seven different hosts, as his time on the show came when Jeopardy! was auditioning guest hosts following Alex Trebek’s death.

In 2025 he won the JIT to earn $150,000, which followed his sixth-place finish on 2024 Jeopardy! Masters for $50,000 and third in 2023’s Jeopardy! Masters to win $150,000. Not counting toward his official winnings are the $75,000 consolation prize from 2025's Masters, $10,000 for his 2022 TOC appearance, and the $1,000 consolation prize from his regular-season loss. Altogether he's taken home $1,954,601 to date.

1. James Holzhauer ($3,612,216)
   A sports gambler from Las Vegas, Nevada, whose 32-day cash winnings totaled $2,462,216, Holzhauer took the Jeopardy! world by storm in 2019, bringing in record ratings with his swashbuckling style and the odd, but daring, amounts of his bets on Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy. Holzhauer was not the first to bounce around the board in search of the Daily Double, but he was especially good at keeping control until he found it. His gesture of going "all in" to make it a True Daily Double has been picked up and copied by numerous contestants since, but his ability to double huge amounts of money stands unrivaled. He finished his 33-day run with 21 of the 25 highest single-day scores, including the biggest one-day total ever: $131,127 on April 17, 2019.

He went on to add $250,000 as the 2019 Tournament of Champions winner, another $250,000 as the runner-up in the 2020 Jeopardy!: The Greatest of All Time tournament, $500,000 in the 2023 Jeopardy! Masters tournament and $150,000 for third place in 2024’s Masters. Adding in the $2,000 consolation from his regular-season loss, he took home a total of $3,614,216.

1. Ken Jennings ($4,370,700)
   The mighty Ken Jennings! A computer scientist from Seattle, Washington, compiled 74-day cash winnings totaling $2,520,700 plus another $500K for a second-place finish in the 2005 Tournament of Champions and $1 million (plus the title of “Greatest of All Time”) in 2020’s GOAT Tournament. As the 2019 All-Star Games captain whose team was first runner-up, he won $100,000, got another $100K as the 2014 Battle of the Decades first runner-up and won $150,000 as first runner-up in the 2011 IBM Challenge. Small potatoes now, but he also took home $2,000 as a consolation from the loss in his 75th-consecutive game.

Ken Jennings was the first true Jeopardy! celebrity contestant, expanding his popularity beyond just the show’s hardcore fans and into pop culture when he went on his almost unfathomable 74-day win streak in the summer of 2005. He parlayed his Jeopardy! celebrity into a career, writing trivia books, appearing on other game shows, and co-hosting the podcast Omnibus.

The GOAT would also serve as the first guest host to take over following Alex Trebek’s death in November 2020, a position he ultimately made permanent. Now, as the host, Ken Jennings is technically banned from ever returning as a player, but EP Michael Davies has suggested he'd be willing to make an exception if Jennings ever got the itch.

1. Brad Rutter ($4,938,436)
   So, at number one is someone you might not have expected: Brad Rutter, a record store employee from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, whose 5-day cash earnings in 2000 totaled $55,102. Yes, you read that right. Rutter was a 5-day Champion who had to retire after his first run. His winnings have primarily come in tournaments, proving his place as one of the best players of all time.

In the years since being a 5-day champ, Brad Rutter has won $2 million in the 2005 Ultimate Tournament of Champions, $1 million in the 2002 Million Dollar Masters Tournament, another $1 million in 2014’s Battle of the Decades, and hundreds of thousands more in the 2001 Tournament of Champions, the IBM Challenge, 2019’s All-Star Tournament and the Greatest of All Time tournament in 2020.

After a five-year hiatus, he returned to the Alex Trebek Stage (thanks to James Holzhauer) for Jeopardy! Masters Season 3, where he placed 7th out of 9 and earned $15,000 (not counted toward his official total).

Honorable Mentions

Julia Collins won nearly $500,000 from her appearances in the 2014 season and 2019 All-Star Games, and while that may no longer be enough for the top 10, she remains at No. 7 in Most Consecutive Games Won. Her win streak lasted for 20 games, and those who followed haven’t forgotten how she paved the way, with both Amy Schneider and Mattea Roach mentioning her when they reached their own respective 20th victories.

Another honorable mention goes out to Chuck Forrest, because if you have a popular play style named after you, you deserve to be on this list. Forrest competed in Season 2 in 1985, where he won the maximum five games and ultimately the 1986 TOC. In an era where contestants typically chose clues in order from top to bottom of a category, he preferred to jump around the board to throw other players off. The strategy became known as the “Forrest Bounce,” and despite the fact that it drove Alex Trebek nuts, it’s the preferred style of play in Jeopardy!’s current era. Forrest was invited back to participate in the 2024 Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament, where he lost in the quarterfinals.

Finally, a third honorable mention goes to IBM’s supercomputer known as “Watson,” whose artificial intelligence software was specifically designed to compete on Jeopardy! It faced off against Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter in a 3-day game in February 2011, defeating possibly the two best human players to ever compete on Jeopardy! and winning a total of $77,000.

Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings may not have beat Watson but will anyone ever be able to top Rutter’s nearly $5 million in winnings? Will a contestant ever last long enough to surpass Jennings’ 74-game winning streak? Those benchmarks seem pretty insurmountable, but only time will tell.