Summer Safety Tips for Seniors
As temperatures increase, so do the risk factors for heat-related health problems with elderly adults and individuals with chronic illnesses. If you are on Medicare or Medicare-eligible, follow these simple summer safety tips to help stay cool and well through hot summer months. Top Summer Safety Tips for Seniors: Protect Your Skin from Too Much Sun Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 […]
Medicare Coverage for Travel
Summertime often means travel time, especially once you hit the golden years of retirement. Before you travel outside of your home health care network, though, make sure you have a plan for coverage at your destination. Depending on how you receive your Medicare benefits, whether it is through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you might be on the hook for higher costs for medical services while you travel. It also depends on your […]
Medicare and Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior, and now affects more than 6 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2021 report. While it is not a normal part of aging, the greatest known risk factor is increasing age. The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are age 65 and up. If you are Medicare beneficiary, or Medicare eligible, you can get help covering certain costs for Alzheimer’s care through […]
What Does Medicare Cover for Mental Health?
Mental health for seniors is an important topic. With the population of Americans age 65 and older increasing each year, and the ability to identify and treat mental illness in seniors not always readily available or accurate, it is important for seniors to understand the benefits available to them for mental health services. An estimated 1 in 5 older adults experience a mental illness, substance abuse disorder, or both, according to a 2012 study from […]
What are the Different Parts of Medicare?
If you are about to turn 65 or just turned 65 in the U.S., you have probably heard about Medicare (and if you have not yet, you will need to). Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and older in the United States. It is also health insurance for certain people under age 65 with disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). What you might not know or understand are all […]
Does Medicare Cover Eyeglasses?
Original Medicare does not include routine vision care, which means it generally will not pay for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye exams. This means you are typically responsible for 100% of the costs associated with your eyeglasses under Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or certain Medicare Supplement plans, you might have additional coverage for vision . Talk to a Senior Markets Specialist in your area if you are unsure of your […]
Medicare Mistakes That Will Cost You Money
There are several mistakes people new to Medicare can make that can seriously impact how much money they will have to pay for Medicare. Two of the most common and potentially most expensive involve not signing up for things on time. If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B (medical benefits) or Medicare Part D (prescription drug) when you first become eligible you could be hit with significant penalties. Medicare Part B Penalty If […]
What Happens to My Medicare When I Move?
Are you currently enrolled in Medicare and considering moving to a new city or state? Before you do, find out what moving means for your Medicare plan and options that you will have when you move to a new state. Notify Your Provider It is important to notify your Medicare provider to avoid any lapse in coverage. When you inform your provider that you are moving, you will be able to change your Part C […]
What Does Medicare Cover for COVID-19 Care?
Medicare covers several important things when it comes to Coronavirus and COVID-19 care, including testing, the vaccine and some treatments and hospitalizations. MEDICARE COVERS THE COVID-19 VACCINE If you are currently enrolled in Medicare, you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no additional cost to you. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions as groups that are at higher risk for COVID-19, which means […]
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Unfortunately, when it comes to vision, dental and hearing care, traditional Medicare doesn’t offer much coverage for older adults. If you have supplemental insurance, however, it may pay for some or all of these services, depending on your plan. Original Medicare and Hearing Aids Medicare Part B doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids or the exams needed for fitting one. However, Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing exams if your doctor orders them […]