Outsmarting the Cost of Long-Term Care
Outsmarting the Cost of Long-term Care is the podcast that exposes the real cost of aging and long-term care—and, more importantly, reveals hidden solutions to help seniors and their families protect their savings.
Hosted by Charisse Hurst, a seasoned Medicare, and long-term care planning expert, each episode uncovers financial strategies, Medicaid planning tips, and lesser-known resources to make extended care more affordable.
**If you’re worried about outliving your retirement savings, paying for care at home, the high cost of nursing homes, or how to qualify for Medicaid without losing everything—this podcast is for you.
**Subscribe now to learn how to plan ahead, protect your assets, and get the care you deserve—without breaking the bank!
Episodes
42 episodes
The Caregiver’s Holiday: How to Handle Dementia and Still Find Joy
The holidays can be overwhelming — especially when you’re caring for someone with dementia. In this heartfelt episode, Certified Dementia Practitioner and long-term care expert Charisse Hurst shares practical, compassionate tip...
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Season 6
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Episode 1
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10:49
The Medicare Piece: Navigating Enrollment Without Making Costly Mistakes
Open Enrollment is here—and the wrong Medicare move can cost you for years. Charisse breaks down the most common mistakes: missing the right enrollment window, racking up Part B and D penalties, assuming your plan didn’t change, overlook...
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Season 5
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Episode 5
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33:33
The Medicare Piece: Prescription Drug Coverage Deep Dive: What’s Changing in 2026
In this episode I break down what really changes for Medicare Part D in 2026—how the three coverage phases work now, what the new annual cap means at the pharmacy, how the “smoothing” monthly payment option works, and what to know about Medicar...
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Season 5
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Episode 4
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21:05
The Medicare Piece: Medicare Part B: Outpatient, IRMAA, and Hidden Costs
John and Barbara thought the hardest part was behind them after John’s stroke and rehab stay. But when he came home, the challenges — and the bills — only grew. Doctor visits, therapy sessions, medications, and unexpected cognitive decline turn...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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21:19
The Medicare Piece - Part A: The Hospital Piece
Episode 2: The Medicare Piece — Part A: The Hospital Piece (and How It Really Handles Long-Term Care)Most retirees assume Medicare Part A will take care of their hospital bills and rehab costs. But as John and Barbara’s story re...
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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22:28
The Medicare Piece - What Medicare Covers & What It Doesn’t
Medicare is one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning. In this kickoff episode of The Medicare Piece, Charisse Hurst, CIMP, CDP, LTCCP, breaks down the truth about what Medicare really pays for—and just as importantly,...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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12:15
The Invisible Crisis: How Caregiving Can Wreck Your Family Before It Touches Your Finances
Charisse Hurst exposes the hidden toll caregiving takes on families — long before the money runs out. Learn how the emotional, physical, and career costs of caregiving can spiral — and what financially smart families are doing now to stay in co...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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11:26
The $300,000 Mistake: What Families Don’t See Coming
Charisse walks you through how long-term care can quietly erase a retirement — and what proactive families are doing now to prepare. You'll hear real financial examples and a fresh way to think about protecting your retirement accounts. You...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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14:31
What If It’s Me Next? The Cost of Ignoring Family History
In this kickoff episode, Charisse shares real stories of families financially blindsided by dementia and introduces the idea of taking action while you're still healthy. You'll learn what hybrid LTC annuities are and why they're becoming the go...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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8:55
Your loved Ones Deserve to Be Your Care Manager-Not Your Caregiver
When care is needed and no plan is in place, someone you love will step in — not because they’re ready, but because they love you. But that often means emotional burnout, financial sacrifice, and strained relationships.In this epi...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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10:36
Understanding Hospice Care (And Why It Doesn't Mean The End)
Hospice care isn’t just for the final days — especially for dementia. In this powerful episode, Charisse explains what hospice really means under Medicare rules, how to know when it's time, and why hospice can be a support for months — n...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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14:45
How Home Health Aides Can Lighten Your Load
Home health aides can bring vital support to dementia families — but navigating when and how to bring in help can be confusing. This week, Charisse shares what home health aides really do, how Medicare coverage works, what questions to a...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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16:36
Understanding Adult Daycare Programs: A Lifeline for Families
Adult daycare programs can be a powerful tool for families caring for a loved one with dementia — but many families don't know they exist. In this episode, Charisse breaks down what adult daycare really offers, how to know when it's...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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19:14
Understanding Respite Care vs. Palliative Care: What Families Need to Know
When you're caring for someone with dementia, knowing the difference between respite care and palliative care can change everything. In this episode, Charisse explains what each service really means, how they work, what Medicare covers, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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19:24
When to Ask for Help- Avoiding Caregiver Burnout Before It's Too Late
You cannot pour from an empty cup — and caregiver burnout is real. Today, Charisse shares the early warning signs of burnout, how to recognize when it’s time to ask for help, and simple ways to start building your support system without ...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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20:42
Making Home Safer and Less Stressful for Someone with Dementia
Creating a safer, calmer home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, we walk through simple, practical steps to reduce fall risks, ease confusion, and give your loved one a space that feels secure. Start small — even li...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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19:39
How to Communicate When Words Start to Slip Away
Series: Staying Calm, Connected, and In Control: Dementia Care Tips That WorkWhen dementia affects language, communication becomes about more than just words — it’s about connection.Today, we’ll explore how tone, body langu...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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13:08
Understanding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Dementia Caregiving
Series: Staying Calm, Connected, and In Control: Dementia Care Tips That WorkDementia caregiving is unlike any other experience — because you’re caring for someone who won’t get better.In this episode, we talk about the emo...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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14:09
Understanding the 7 Stages of Dementia
Series: Staying Calm, Connected, and In Control: Dementia Care Tips That WorkCaring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming—but understanding what to expect can make all the difference. In this first episode, Charisse Hurs...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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8:57
Long Term Care Insurance: A Breakdown Part 1
Guys for the next few weeks we will be breaking down long term care insurance and how it works! We will talk about all of the parts in detail as well as some unknown long term care stratagies and tax advantages. I'll catch you on this weeks epi...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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13:06
The How Pt. 2: Where Will Your Loved One Receive Care
During todays episode we will discuss how to know when it is time for a loved one to receive long-term care, and how to decide where that care should be received.
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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11:44
The How: Where Will Your Loved One Receive Care
During todays episode we will discuss how to know when it is time for a loved one to receive long-term care, and how to decide where that care should be received.
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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13:43
Where Will Your Loved One Receive Care
Today marks the month long series on where will you or your loved one receive care if long term care services are needed. We will start with the place that most people want to receive care, The HOME. We will talk about the cost, where to start,...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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21:18
What is Long Term Care and What is the Cost
Long-Term Care. What is it? How much does it cost, and who pays for it? During our bite sized episode today, we will begin the discussion on the Long-Term Care crisis. Over the next few weeks, we will dive deep into LTC, when its needed, and st...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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19:58
Retirement and Long Term Care Readiness (Part 2)
Over my 16 years with working with seniors, I have noticed that many are not prepared for retirement and if they need LTC. There are little things that can affect them in big ways that are never talked about, and today, we are going to explore ...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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22:56