Medicare Help Archives - Page 12 of 28

CMS Expands Medicare Coverage for Lung Cancer Screening

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on February 10th that it will be expanding Medicare coverage for lung cancer screening. The new coverage will expand lung cancer screening in the private market, extending access to low-dose computed tomography (CT scanning) for Medicare patients, in order to align with current recommendations.

What Is The Expansion?

More people in the United States die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer, so in an attempt to save more people, Medicare will now make it easier to get screened for this deadly disease. Medicare beneficiaries will now have expanded access to low-dose CT scanning, a special type of CT scan screening that uses computers to generate high quality images of the lungs in order to detect abnormalities. Low-dose CT scanning is the recommended screening for lung cancer, and now beneficiaries can get it:

Starting at the age of 50, instead of 55
Even if they show no sign of cancer
If they have a history of tobacco use (20 packs of cigarettes a year)
If they are current smokers
If they are former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years

Why The Expansion?

As we mentioned above, lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the U.S. It is also the third most common type of cancer overall. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2022 there will be:

Around 236,740 new cases of lung cancer (117,910 in men and 118,830 in women)
Around 130,180 deaths from lung cancer (68,820 in men and 61,360 in women)

red lungs — *Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the U.S. It is also the third most common type of cancer overall.*

Not only that, but lung cancer mainly occurs in older people, with most people receiving their diagnosis at age 65 or older; the average age when diagnosed is about 70. For this reason, it is especially important that Medicare encourages lung cancer screenings to help with early detection, and expands access to them for as many people as possible.

“Expanding coverage broadens access for lung cancer screening to at-risk populations,” Lee Fleisher, MD, chief medical officer and director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality at CMS, said in a press release emailed to HealthPayerIntelligence. “Today’s decision not only expands access to quality care but is also critical to improving health outcomes for people by helping to detect lung cancer earlier.”

The hope is that with this expansion, more people will get screened, so that more cases of lung cancer can be caught early – the earlier cancer is detected, the better the odds of beating it.

Key Moments in the History of Women’s Healthcare

It was not all that long ago that talking about women’s bodies and health was considered taboo, and a lot of healthcare was hard to access, or based on superstition. Fortunately, we have come a long way from taboos and superstitions with the help of changing attitudes towards women’s healthcare, as well as medical and scientific advancements. We’ve made incredible strides in the last few centuries and decades, from the first female doctor to the birth control pill – and this Women’s History Month we wanted to take a closer look at some of the key moments in the history of women’s healthcare.

1849: The First Female Doctor

Allow us to introduce you to the first female doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell, who earned her medical degree 173 years ago from New York’s Geneva Medical College, ranking first in her class. And despite facing many obstacles trying to make a living in a male-dominated medical system, she set up a small clinic of her own in 1853, which became known as the New York Infirmary for Women and Children. Then in 1868, she fulfilled a long-held dream when she opened the Women’s Medical College at the infirmary to help train more female doctors, since it was so difficult for women to get experience from their male counterparts.

1896: Menstrual Care

What did women do before the times of disposable tampons and pads? They had to be creative and make their own tampons and pads out of cloth, wool, and paper. But in 1896, that all changed when the first commercial menstrual care product in America was introduced: Lister’s Towels, a cotton sanitary napkin made by Johnson & Johnson. Unfortunately, it was not that successful because women did not want to be seen purchasing them, or anything that had to do with menstruation, for that matter. But then, in 1921, the first successful pad was finally introduced by the Kimberly-Clark company: Kotex.

The first disposable tampon was then introduced in 1933, after being patented by Dr. Earle Haas. That same year Haas sold his design and patent to a Denver businesswoman named Gertrude Tenderich, who founded the Tampax Sales Corporation. And women’s lives got just a little bit easier!

1914: All Hail The First Modern Bra

Before the bra was introduced, women engineered their own devices to support their breasts. They wore bands of animal skins and later wore incredibly uncomfortable corsets to enhance their shape. But that all changed in 1913, when New York City socialite Mary Phelps Jacob tried on a new sheer evening gown and saw that her tight corset poked out from underneath. So she ditched the corset and instead tied two silk handkerchiefs together with a ribbon- inventing the modern bra! In 1914, she patented her design and set up a business selling her bras, which she later sold to the Warner Brothers Corset Company.

1916: The First Birth Control Clinic

Margaret Sanger was most famous for her controversial and tireless advocacy for birth control in America. She saw firsthand the effects of women who were living in poverty having multiple children, the high infant and maternal mortality rates that resulted, as well as the pain caused by deaths from illegal abortions. So Sanger decided to try to change this, opening America’s first birth control clinic in Brooklyn in 1916. In 1921, she founded the American Birth Control League, which later became the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

1960: The Birth of The Pill

In 1960, the FDA finally approved the sale of the first oral contraceptive, the birth control pill Enovid. Within two years, it was being taken by more than a million women in the United States.

1969: The Modern Mammogram

Before 1969, mammograms were performed with X-ray machines, which can produce high doses of radiation. Because many people were worried about the effects of being exposed to such high radiation, the mammography machine was invented, and became available around the world. Then in 2000, the FDA approved the first digital mammography unit, followed 11 years later by the approval of the first 3D breast imaging technology.

1977: The First Sports Bra

Can you imagine working out without a sports bra? Well not too long ago, that was your only choice. But in 1977, University of Vermont graduate student Lisa Lindahl got tired of not having any breast support while exercising. So, along with 2 friends, she came up with the idea of sewing 2 men’s jockstraps together, and viola- she came up with the prototype of the first sports bra, the Jogbra!

Women’s health has come a long way from what it was not that long ago. You might even remember the days before the sports bra, easily accessible birth control, or the modern mammogram machine- yikes, all that radiation! Thanks to all of these advances, and the health insurance that covers everything to keep us healthy, you can continue to take care of your health – and Medicare will cover most of the costs.

But Medicare only covers most, not all, of your medical expenses. So if you don’t have a Medicare Supplement Plan, we urge you to look into one, so you can not only save money but get more coverage! Medicare Supplement Plans will cover what Original Medicare does not, saving you hundreds of dollars a year, so you don’t have to worry about medical bills when getting your mammogram, or anything else needed to stay on top of your health. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Medicare & Home Safety Assessments

With age comes the need to take some extra precautions, especially in your home to keep you safe from falls and other dangers. Falls are a big risk when you’re older, and they can happen in your home if you’re not careful with common hazards like wires or other obstacles. Not only that, but you also need to make sure your home is safe from floods, fires, or potential intruders. Making sure that your home is safe can be expensive, and most people don’t know where to start. Fortunately, Medicare can cover the costs of home safety assessments, with certain conditions.

Different Types of Medicare Home Safety Assessments

There are multiple categories of home assessments that you should consider to ensure that your home is safe for you and your loved ones. These include:

red fire extinguisher on a wall — *Part of the assessment is to make sure you have a fire extinguisher available in your home in case of a fire.*

Fire hazard assessment – Did you know that older adults over age 65 are twice as likely to die in home fires, and people aged 85 and older are four times as likely to die as compared to the general public? This might be because older adults are less able to react quickly to emergencies, and many live alone, and when accidents happen, there might not be others around to help. But whatever the reason, it is important to ensure your home is as safe as possible by keeping it free of electrical and fire hazards. Don’t smoke in your home, and make sure your electrical system can handle the amount of electricity you use. For example, if you have a ventilator or oxygen machine that requires a lot of power, check to see if your home’s electrical system can handle it, so it does not overheat and cause a fire. In addition, be mindful of how you use power strips, and the state of your electrical wiring.
Fire response assessment – In addition to assessing your home for fire risks, you should also assess if you will be able to respond quickly and safely should there be a fire in your home. This means having a clear exit in case of fire so that you will not be stuck inside. If anyone in your home uses a wheelchair, doors need to be wide enough to accommodate them, so you don’t lose any time when fleeing a fire. You also need to check that your smoke detectors have batteries and are in good working order. Finally, you should have fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas; these extinguishers should also be checked and serviced regularly so they will work when you need them.
Home fall risk assessment – 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 falls each year, leading to broken hips, and sometimes death, so this is a very important assessment. Make sure there is no loose carpeting in your home, and that rugs have non-slip pads beneath them and their corners lie flat. You should also ensure that your walkways are clutter-free, any electrical/extension cords are tucked securely away, and your stairs are in good shape, with no loose boards.

Will Medicare Pay For Your Assessments?

Medicare will cover treatment for any injuries if you fall in your home, but it can also cover home safety assessments to help prevent falls. Medicare covers a fall risk assessment as part of your Welcome to Medicare visit; in addition, you might be eligible for a home safety assessment if your doctor orders one after a hospitalization due to a fall.

Medicare will also cover fire risk and response, as well as other home assessments, if you are receiving home health care to make sure you are as safe as possible. It is important to know that Medicare will not cover the bill if a first responder, such as the fire department or an ambulance, comes to your aid unless they transport you to a hospital.

Medicare might also cover durable medical equipment (DME) and possibly some home modifications, such as walk-in tubs and wheelchair ramps: it depends on the DME and the reason for the modifications.

Extra Coverage

While Medicare might help cover the cost of your home assessments, they will only cover them at 80%, leaving you to pay for the other 20% out-of-pocket. This can be quite expensive, especially if you are living on a fixed income, as many Medicare beneficiaries are. Fortunately, though, you can save money on any medical expenses and get extra coverage by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan.

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

How Medicare Helps You Fight Cancer

In the United States, more than 60% of cancer cases are diagnosed in people 65 and over. Advanced age is the biggest risk factor for cancer overall, as well as for many individual types of cancer. It is predicted that almost 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, and with such a large number of these diagnoses being among seniors, it is important that all older adults are fully insured, in order to be protected no matter what happens.

After all, it’s no secret that cancer treatments are not cheap – but fortunately, Medicare will cover many of these treatments, and what is not covered by Medicare can be covered by a Medicare Supplement Plan. Whether you are dealing with cancer, or are worried about being diagnosed with it in the future, find out just how Medicare can help you kick cancer’s butt.

Prevention Is Key

According to the World Health Organization, between 30 and 50% of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer; Medicare Part B actually covers a lot of preventive measures to protect you from cancer, such as:

8 smoking cessation counseling visits per year
Mammograms– Breast cancer screenings are covered at 100% every 12 months, and 80% if you require more than one a year.
Cervical cancer screenings– These screenings are covered at 100% every two years; if you need them more often, Medicare will cover them at 80%.
Prostate cancer screenings– The blood test for prostate cancer is covered yearly, but an annual digital rectal exam is only covered at 80%.
Colorectal cancer screening– The blood test for this cancer is covered every year, and colonoscopies are covered every two years if you are considered high risk, or every 6 years if you are not high risk. Part B will cover extra screenings at 80%.

How Medicare Covers:

Cancer Treatments

Cancer treatments can be very expensive because they are ongoing, and can be required for months or years to help you fight your cancer. You will need diagnostic tests like X-rays and CT scans, which are covered at 80% by Part B. In addition, if you need durable medical equipment, like wheelchairs and walkers, Medicare will also cover these at 80%.

Chemotherapy is covered under part A or Part B, depending on if you receive your treatment in a hospital setting or at a doctor’s office; if you choose to have oral chemotherapy treatment, Part B will also cover these costs.

Surgeries

If you need to have surgery, or surgeries, because of your cancer, Part A will cover any inpatient surgeries and hospital stays, as well as any treatments or medications you receive while admitted, at 100%. Then, after you have been admitted to the hospital for three days, Part A will also cover any skilled nursing facility care or home health care services that are required after your hospital stay. This can include rehabilitation center services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing care.

hands holding an elderly person's hand — *Medicare will pay 100% for hospice care and cover grief counseling for your family.*

It is important to know your status while you are in the hospital for these surgeries. If you are considered an outpatient, or under observation, Part A will not cover the costs. Instead, Part B would pay for the costs at 80% of the allowable charges, and you would have to pay 20% after meeting your Part B deductible.

Hospice Care

If it comes to the point that you require hospice care, this type of care is covered 100% by Medicare. Grief and loss counseling for you and your family is also covered by Medicare.

Extra Help

As stated, Medicare Part B, which covers the costs of cancer prevention and treatments, only covers 80% of these costs. This will leave you with the remaining 20% to pay for out-of-pocket, but a Medicare Supplement Plan can help you pay the medical expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare Part B. One of these plans can actually help you save hundreds, or maybe even thousands of dollars each year.

Medicare Supplement Plans can cover your Part A deductible and coinsurance costs, as well as your Medicare Part B copayment, coinsurance, and deductible. There are 10 different plans to choose from, and depending on which plan you choose, you could get anywhere from 75% coverage of your medical expenses all the way up to 100%. Each plan offers a range of coverage at different price points; if you are battling cancer, your best option is to get the plan with the most coverage possible, so you will only have to worry about paying your Medicare Supplement Plan monthly premiums.

Medicare Supplement Plans can help save you money and keep you from stressing over medical bills for your cancer treatments, leaving you with more time and energy to focus on your health. EZ can compare all 10 Medicare Supplement Plans and find the one that will meet your financial and medical needs. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, which makes comparing plans easy, quick, and free – our services come at no cost to you because we just want to help you save money so you can focus on your health. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Cancer Rates Are Dropping For African American Men & Women

For decades, African Americans have dealt with many systemic inequalities in this country, including unequal access to healthcare, which has led to big disparities in the health of African Americans and Caucasians even today. However, the tides are slowly turning, and almost every marker of health seems to be improving for African Americans. For example, according to a study by the American Cancer Society, African Americans have long had a higher mortality rate for cancer than Caucasians have had, but death rates for African American men and women have actually been decreasing significantly over the last several years.

Cancers That Most Affect African Americans

blur ribbon for prostate cancer — *Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in African American men.*

According to the CDC, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in African American men, and breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in African American women. Each makes up nearly one-third of cancers diagnosed in each gender. Lung and colorectal cancers are the second and third most commonly diagnosed cancers in both African American men and women.

Slow Improvements

Although African Americans still have the highest death rate and the lowest survival rate of any racial group for most cancers, the overall cancer death rate for that group has been dropping. In fact, the death rate for African Americans decreased 25% from 1999 to 2015.

In the American Cancer Society’s report, Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2019-2021, they give numbers on new cancer cases, deaths, survival, screening test use, and risk factors for African Americans. They found:

From 2006 to 2015, the overall cancer death rate declined faster among African American men and women than among Caucasian men and women in the US.
- Rates for African American men declined 2.6% per year vs. 1.6% for Caucasian men.
- Rates for African American women declined 1.5% per year vs. 1.3% for Caucasian women.
Continuous declines in death rates for the past 25 years have resulted in more than 462,000 fewer cancer deaths.
Among men, the overall cancer death rate was 47% higher for African Americans than for Caucasians in 1990, but only 19% higher in 2016.
Among women, the death rates decreased from 19% to 13% over the same period, with the gap nearly disappearing for some age groups.

“Seeing the substantial progress made over the past several decades in reducing Black-white disparities in cancer mortality is incredibly gratifying,” said Len Lichtenfeld, MD, interim chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, in a statement. “This progress is driven in large part by drops in the lung cancer death rate driven by more rapid decreases in smoking over the past 40 years in Blacks than in whites. To continue this progress, we need to expand access to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment for all Americans.”

Closing The Gap

Despite numbers going down, diagnoses of cancer and the cancer mortality rate are still high for African Americans because they often face more risk factors, as well as access to healthcare that is still often unequal – for example, African Americans tend to be screened for cancer less often than Caucasians.

With that being said, though, there are more ways to access quality healthcare now than ever before, which is hopeful. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has helped millions of Americans access better healthcare, and the extension of premium tax credits to more households, health insurance is more accessible to everyone. Not only that, but Medicare has been slowly expanding its benefits to cover more and reduce out-of-pocket costs. All of this has helped narrow the gap, along with African Americans themselves taking control and seeking more care, and taking better care of themselves with the better resources available to them.

What Can You Do?

To help prevent cancer, you need to get screened regularly, go to your annual doctor visits, and take your medications! Other things you can do to continue to beat the odds is to adopt a healthier lifestyle that includes exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. You should also make sure you have access to affordable, quality healthcare, which you can do by adding a Medicare Supplement Plan onto your existing Medicare Parts A and B. Remember, Medicare will cover most of your treatments and medications, but Part B will only pay for 80% of your expenses, leaving you to pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket. That 20% can really add up, but if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan, your plan will cover many of these costs.

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so it’s important to compare each one and find the plan that suits your medical needs and saves you money. EZ agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country and can compare plans for you in minutes, at no cost to you. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed local agent, call 888-753-7207. No hassle or obligation.

What To Do If Your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Is Discontinued

Medicare does not cover 100% of all medical expenses, which is why many people choose to purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan. A Medicare Supplement Plan will cover whatever out-of-pocket costs are left after Medicare has paid its part – and if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan, you know just how much money this can save you. That means you’re probably pretty happy with your plan – but what if you get a notice that you need to change your Medicare Supplement Plan because it is getting discontinued? Why would this happen and what can you do about it?

Reasons Your Plan Could Be Discontinued

Typically Medicare Supplement Plans are not discontinued, but it can happen in certain cases. For example, if:

Your insurance company files for bankruptcy
Your insurance company goes out of business
You gave false information when applying for your plan
You fail to make your monthly premium payments

Before your plan is discontinued, you will receive notices, emails, and letters that your plan is ending.

The Next Steps

If you receive notice that your plan is going to be canceled, the first thing you should do is make sure you keep your notice of termination in your records, so you have it when you are looking for a new plan. Also, it is important to note that if you lose coverage due to nonpayment or because you have given false information, you will not have the same outcome as you will if you lose your plan due to something out of your control, such as your insurance company going under.

zoomed in picture of a calendar month — *If you have guaranteed issue rights, then you will have 63 days from when your coverage ends to get a new plan.*

If you lose your plan due to circumstances beyond your control, you have the right to buy a new plan: this is known as a guaranteed issue. Guaranteed-issue rights protect you from having to undergo medical underwriting, or the process by which an insurance company collects information regarding your health history to decide whether to issue you insurance, to get a new plan.

If you do have guaranteed-issue rights, the only thing you need to do is to find a new Medicare Supplement Plan within 63 days from the day your coverage ends. You will need your letter of discontinuation for proof that you have special circumstances, and you can begin shopping for a new plan.

If you lost your Medicare Supplement Plan due to nonpayments or giving false information, you can try to purchase a new plan, but you will not have guaranteed-issue rights, meaning you will face medical underwriting. This could mean denial or increased monthly payments due to pre-existing conditions. However, if you work with an EZ agent, we can find you an affordable rate for a Medicare Supplement Plan by comparing all available plans in your area.

If you are looking for a new plan because your Medicare Supplement Plan is being discontinued, EZ can help. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we can easily compare plans in your area in minutes. We will help you find a Medicare Supplement Plan that fits your budget and meets your medical needs, so you can start saving money. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Tag: Medicare Help