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A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet, so the old saying goes. But research shows that even brief encounters — like a warm greeting from a server, a wave at a crossing guard or a brief chat with a neighbor — can benefit your mental health. NPR’s Rhitu Chatterjee reported on this phenomenon in 2023.
In one study, volunteers were recruited outside of a Starbucks in Vancouver and given gift cards. Participants were assigned to either be as efficient as possible with their order or to be more social with the barista, making eye contact and engaging in chit chat. In surveys they filled out afterwards, volunteers who chatted with the barista said they were in a better mood and had a greater sense of belonging compared to those who maximized efficiency.
The article struck a chord with readers, who shared their own stories of random encounters. Recently we heard from Kristin Jenkins, an infection preventionist and a global health professor at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She told us that she asked her students to read the story and then try engaging with strangers and casual acquaintances.
She had thought they'd enjoy the assignment. And they did. What surprised her was how many of her students said they wanted to keep up the practice of intentionally interacting with people throughout their day. “This illustrates an important life lesson; when we are deliberate in showing kindness — even through simple conversations — it benefits us as much as the recipient,” Jenkins wrote.
Jenkins shared some of the written responses from her students.
"With this article in the back of my head, I started my interaction with the mechanic at Discount Tire by asking his name and shaking his hand," wrote Alaina Avery. "The interaction went even better because the mechanic started having a wonderful conversation about nursing school. Driving home from the mechanic, I felt a blossoming happiness and a lasting smile on my face. This exercise was very eye-opening to me. I look forward to including this more in my daily life."
"At first, it felt a little awkward starting conversations," recalled Jessenia Garcia Garnica. "But it got easier as the day went on. These interactions made me feel more comfortable and even a little happier. They helped me break up my routine and made me feel more connected with others."
"I noticed pretty quickly that these small interactions actually seemed to make a difference, especially in a place like the hospital [where I work] where almost everyone is a little stressed," observed Saskia Guikema." People really do appreciate being remembered. Something as simple as using someone's name or taking a few extra minutes to listen can actually mean a lot."
Read our original story on the benefits of casual social interactions.
And: Fighting loneliness in rural Maine, one casserole at a time |
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Last January I decided to try a GLP-1 drug to lose some weight. When I went to my health insurance website to see what was covered, I had one option — Zepbound. While several GLP-1s were FDA-approved for diabetes, only Zepbound was approved for weight loss at the time. And because of that federal approval, (and my BMI) my health insurance company and others covered the medication for that purpose.
Since then other GLP-1 medications have been approved for weight loss, including some in pill form. Still, if you're on Medicare, your plan won’t cover any of the popular class of medications, leaving patients on the hook for costs anywhere from $150 to $800 per month. But that's changing soon, as KFF Health News’ Jackie Fortier reports.
Starting in July, Medicare beneficiaries may be able to get a GLP-1 prescription for weight loss for $50 a month. It's part of a pilot program called the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, set to run through December 2027. To get access, you have to be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, which covers prescription drugs.
💉 What's covered
The pilot program will offer coverage for the pill and injectable formulations of Wegovy, the KwikPen formulation of Zepbound, and the Foundayo pill.
💊 Who's eligible
Eligibility is based mainly on body weight and health status. You’ll qualify if you have a body mass index of 27 or higher and have a condition such as heart disease or prediabetes. People with BMIs of 35 or higher automatically qualify.
📝 How the program will work
Instead of going through your regular Part D plan, you’ll need prior authorization. Your doctor will send the prescription to a central system run by CMS contractor Humana for approval. Once they get approval, patients will pay the flat $50 copayment at the pharmacy when they pick up the prescription.
🤔 The downsides
The $50 copay will not count toward the Part D deductible, nor does it count toward the $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drug costs. The pilot program will also end in December 2027.
Most studies have shown that many people who stop using GLP-1 drugs regain weight they lost while taking them. The GLP-1 Bridge Program is designed to "bridge" the gap before a longer-term program that theoretically would begin in 2028. The program is highly subsidized by Medicare, and a future program might rely on insurers to shoulder most of the costs.
Learn more about the upcoming program that will put weight loss drugs in reach for millions of people on Medicare.
KFF Health News will continue to report this story as the program rolls out. Want to be a part of it? Share your GLP-1 story here, and a reporter may reach out.
Also: How to navigate the maze of drug discounts to get the best price |
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How women over 30 are rewriting the single mom narrative in America
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This flashy group of mall walkers puts neon pep into their step
Listen: Disease-causing bacteria are becoming drug-resistant. What comes after antibiotics? |
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We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism online.
All our best,
Andrea Muraskin and your NPR Health editors |
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