Medicare Help Archives - Page 13 of 28

Growing Older With Congenital Heart Disease

The number of adults in this country with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Currently, there are around 800,000 adults in the United States who have grown into adulthood with congenital heart disease, and this number increases by around 20,000 each year – and many of these adults living with CHD are 65 years and older. So, with people living longer with congenital heart disease, it is more important than ever that older adults know just how important it is to seek the proper medical care to live longer, healthier lives.

Congenital Heart Disease

illustration of a heart in half with all the labels of inside the heart — *CHD will affect three different parts of your heart: the walls, valves, and blood vessels.*

Also known as a congenital heart defect, congenital heart disease is a heart abnormality that can affect:

Heart walls– The walls between the left and right sides and the upper and lower chambers of the heart might not have developed properly. This will cause blood to back up into the heart, which makes the heart have to work harder.
Heart valves– The valves inside the heart that direct blood flow can break or close up, affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Blood vessels– Arteries and veins that carry blood to the heart and back might not function properly, which will reduce blood flow.

Congenital heart disease can be caused by multiple factors that can be both genetic and environmental.

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease

CHD can be diagnosed at birth, right after birth, or at any point in your childhood, or even adulthood. You might experience symptoms, or you might experience none at all. Symptoms of CHD can include:

Shortness of breath
Poor exercise tolerance
Poor circulation
Fatigue
Chest pain
Fluid buildup in the lungs
Cough
Heart failure
Lightheadedness
Swollen ankles, feet, legs, stomach, or neck

Treatment for Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Treatment for heart disease could include long-term medications such as diuretics, vasodilators, beta-blockers, digoxin, and antiarrhythmics. For more serious cases, a catheter might be an option. The catheter is put in between the upper two chambers of the heart to release any clogs in the chambers, and allow blood to flow more freely. Natural tissue will eventually grow in and around the device.

Another option is to have a stent put in. This process involves a catheter with a deflated balloon going in and being inflated to stretch the aorta to lessen blockage. Then, a stent is put in to keep it open.

The last option is to repair or replace a heart valve, expand arteries, unblock valves, or patch holes in the heart with surgery.

Even if you’ve been treated for congenital heart disease, you’ll still need to follow up often with your doctor; otherwise, you risk your condition worsening. According to Dr. Ami B. Bhatt, MD, Director, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, “Many older patients who have been treated for CHD in the past have a sense that their heart is better and believe they don’t require follow-up. However, complications can arise from an underlying disease or the procedures that patients underwent as children. Therefore, it’s imperative that these patients recognize the importance of lifelong cardiovascular care.”

If you have congenital heart disease, it is very important to monitor your condition and make sure that your heart is strong, and there are no clogs or issues with blood flow. Remember, when you see the doctor, you will have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and your 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot, so it’s definitely worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can. Come to EZ and talk to one of our agents: we 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.

Feeling Sad? Scared? What To Know About Sundowner’s Syndrome

Dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is incredibly difficult: you might be both going through many changes as the disease progresses, and also feeling afraid of losing your memory. The behavioral changes that come with these conditions might be accompanied by feeling sad, irritated, scared, delusional, or even hallucinations, feelings that get worse at night. These are actually quite common symptoms of sundowner’s syndrome, which can be a distressing part of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and while you cannot reverse dementia or Alzheimer’s, there are some lifestyle changes and medications that can help alleviate the symptoms of sundowner’s syndrome.

What Is Sundowning or Sundowner’s Syndrome?

Sundowner’s syndrome is not a disease, rather it is a group of symptoms exhibited by people diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. This syndrome is so named because the symptoms occur as the sun sets, and get worse at night. Sundowner’s syndrome usually begins later in the afternoon, and can last into the night, and so is also called late-day confusion.

Doctors and researchers are not sure what causes sundowner’s syndrome, but they believe there are various factors that contribute to it. Mainly, they believe that the syndrome occurs because of all the sensory stimulation built up over the course of the day, which can become very overwhelming, causing patients to become irritated, confused, and act out. Other factors might include: stress and anxiety and other words in a person silhouette with a clock behind the person

Hormonal imbalances that occur at night, affecting your natural circadian rhythm
Anxiety caused by the inability to see well in the dark
Changes in melatonin levels affecting your internal body clock
Reduced lighting affecting you see shadows and objects around you
Too much or too little light
Sleep problems, such as too little sleep or disturbed sleep
Difficulty distinguishing dreams from reality when sleeping
A loss of routine
Reduced sight and hearing
Prescription medication wearing off toward the end of the day

Sundowner’s Syndrome Symptoms

If you have an episode of sundowner’s syndrome, you will exhibit certain behaviors and express certain emotions, including:

Anger
Agitation
Anxiety
Confusion
Emotional outbursts
Delusions and hallucinations
Reduced attention levels
Fear
Depression
Stubbornness and being demanding
Restlessness
Rocking
Visual and auditory hallucinations
Pacing and wandering
Paranoia and suspiciousness
Violence
Mood changes
Crying
Insomnia
Yelling or screaming
Shadowing

Managing Sundowner’s Syndrome

Experiencing the aforementioned symptoms and changes can be difficult for both the person going through it and their caregivers. But there are some things that can be done to help manage the syndrome, including making lifestyle changes like:

Developing a daily routine– Routines are important for older patients, not only to help keep you on track throughout the day, but also to help alleviate the anxiety that can occur as the sun begins to set.
Taking walks– Going for an evening walk can help reduce restlessness.
Changing your diet– Sweets and caffeine during the middle of the day or evening can interrupt sleep. Snack light and try to limit sugar, caffeine, and heavy meals to earlier in the day.
Avoiding daytime naps– Unless they seem to help, try to avoid midday naps, which can cause sleep issues at night.
Increasing light– To prevent shadows that can cause anxiety, fear, or delusions, try to keep rooms well-lit.

Medications & Natural Remedies To Consider

There are a number of medications that can help manage sundowner’s syndrome, although they are not guaranteed to work. You can try:

Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, which reduce cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease
NMDA receptor agonists, such as memantine hydrochloride, which aim to slow the brain damage responsible for Alzheimer’s symptoms
Melatonin supplements or light therapy to help balance your sleep-wake cycle
Antipsychotic medications to manage delusions and hallucinations

If you are seeking more natural remedies, consider:

Light therapy- Talk to your doctor about a high-quality lightbox that might help you
Music therapy– Listening to music, playing instruments, and dancing can be soothing
Aromatherapy- Scents like lemon balm, lavender, and cedar can help relax and calm you
Multisensory stimulation- This includes painting and other forms of art therapy
Simulated presence therapy– Playing a video or recording of a loved one can help bring comfort and calmness

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and it is becoming too much, reach out and ask for help. Contact your doctor and see if there is anything you can do to lessen the severity of the symptoms, and help calm you down towards the evening; you can also seek out some natural remedies to help manage the symptoms. And if you do decide to see the doctor or opt for medications, it is important to make sure Medicare will cover the costs, since worrying about medical bills, or not seeking help because of the cost of treatment, will not help you get better.

If you are interested in reviewing Medicare options in your area to see if you can find better coverage and save more money, we can help you. EZ can compare all available plans in your area for free- no hassle and no obligation. 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.

Watch Out for a New Update to Medicare’s Fraud Rules

It’s an unfortunate fact that anyone can become the victim of fraud, even those who think they’re being as careful as possible. It’s also unfortunate that scammers will typically target older adults who have Medicare, because they believe that it will be easier to confuse and mislead older adults, especially ones who are new to Medicare. The Social Security Administration is now considering changing the way it handles the effects of fraud and theft for Medicare beneficiaries, specifically for IRMAA calculations. Find out just how this will impact you in the future.

Medicare & IRMAA

coins lined up next to each other going higher each time with a red arrow above them going upward — *The higher your income, the more you will have to pay in Medicare Part B premiums.*

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you know that you have to pay a 20% coinsurance and a monthly premium for Medicare Part B; if you have a higher income, though, you will have to pay more based on how much you make. This additional amount you might have to pay is known as the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA.

Medicare beneficiaries must pay a premium for Medicare Part B that covers doctors’ services and for Medicare Part D that covers prescription drugs; these premiums cover about 25% of the program costs for Part B and Part D, and the government pays the other 75%. IRMAA is divided into five income brackets: higher-income beneficiaries pay 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%, or 85% of program costs instead of 25%. For example, if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $91,000 or more, you can expect to pay almost $60 more each month on Medicare Part B premiums; the same goes if you are married filing jointly making an income of $182,000 or more. Your 2020 income will determine your IRMAA in 2022

Life-Changing Events

If you are in an income bracket that requires you to pay an IRMAA, but you experience a life-changing event, you can ask the Social Security Administration to change your monthly premium adjustments. These life-changing events include:

Marriage
Divorce
Death of a spouse
Loss of pension income
Employer settlement payment
Loss of income- producing property, meaning you had a loss of property in a disaster area or due to arson, destruction of livestock or crops due to natural disaster or disease, or loss of investment property due to fraud or theft
Work reduction
Work stoppage

You can file an appeal by filling out form SSA-44 to show that, although your income was higher two years ago, you had a reduction in income now due to one of the above life-changing events.

The IRMAA Fraud Project

The Social Security Administration is now looking specifically at one of those life-changing events – fraud – with a view to possibly changing the way it handles the effects of fraud and theft on people who are using income-linked Medicare features. Currently, high-income fraud victims can note the impact of the fraud when asking regulators to cut their Medicare Part B bills, but the IRMAA fraud project could help make victims of more types of fraud eligible for Medicare Part B cost cuts. illustration of an ear with a hand next to it

The Social Security Administration is open to hearing from the public about how it should update consideration of the impact of fraud in connection with IRMAA calculations:

“We are seeking information from the public on the type of information to consider when contemplating potential changes to our regulations concerning life-changing events resulting from fraud or criminal theft to respond to new types of fraud,” officials say in the project abstract. “This information will help us provide more effective relief to adversely impacted beneficiaries.”

It is important to take part in notifying the Social Security Administration because otherwise, you could end up being denied an exemption on a life-changing event due to fraud or theft. The project will influence how federal, state, and commercial organizations set the rules for how they respond to consumers who say they are facing hardship due to fraud or theft.

If you are looking into Medicare options, or have questions regarding Medicare, an EZ agent will gladly help you at no cost. We created our business with the sole purpose of helping people get great insurance while saving money, without worrying about extra costs. We will go over your medical needs and budget, and will compare all Medicare Supplement Plans in your area for free. No hassle or obligation. 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. We will make the transition to Medicare easier and cheaper!

If You Have Diabetes, Watch Out For Symptoms of Lipohypertrophy

Diabetes is a very common condition in the U.S., affecting around 34.2 million Americans – and about 26%, or 14.3 million of them, are adults 65 and older. Diabetes can lead to other more serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, but it can also cause issues that are not as serious, but that should be identified and taken care of as soon as possible. One of these conditions is lipohypertrophy, which causes a lump of thickened tissue under the skin. You might be wondering what this is, if it will go away, and how serious it is, so let’s take a look at this often overlooked side effect of diabetes.

What is Lipohypertrophy?

Lipohypertrophy is a lump of thickened tissue that develops in the fat layer of your skin and occurs regularly around injection sites for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In fact, up to 62% of people with type 1 or 2 diabetes can develop lipohypertrophy.

Causes & Risk

These lumps occur when diabetes patients constantly inject insulin into the same spot. And while it’s natural to be concerned if you see a lump develop on your body, don’t worry, the lumps are not malignant. With that being said, there is some cause for concern, because if you are injecting into these lumps, your body might not be absorbing all of the insulin you are injecting, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Some risk factors that can increase your chances of developing lipohypertrophy include:

Being older and/or having a higher body mass index (BMI)
Incorrectly injecting your insulin
Using the same injection site each time rather than rotating several sites
Reusing needles

A 2020 study involving 1,227 people taking insulin for type 2 diabetes showed that structural changes in aging skin might put people older than 65 years at a higher risk of developing these lumps.

Symptoms of Lipohypertrophy

The lumps that can form at injection sites vary in size and appearance. The main symptom of lipohypertrophy is the raised skin/lump, but there are other symptoms that can occur:

Thicker skin
Discomfort, but not pain (which is why many people do not notice and continue injecting into the same site)
Inflammation
Skin that is hot or warm to the touch
Bleeding or bruising
Itchiness

Treatment/Prevention

a person injecting a shot into the stomach — *One way to prevent lipohypertrophy is by rotating the injection sites.*

Rotating your injections sites is the most important preventive step you can take, and the best way to treat any lumps that develop is to avoid injecting at the site. Changing where you inject your insulin can help reduce the size of the lump or even help it disappear. When injecting, you should stick to your stomach, upper arm, upper glutes, and thighs: the American Diabetes Association notes that the body absorbs insulin fastest from the abdomen, less quickly from the arm, and slowest from the glutes and thighs.

And if the lump or lumps do not go away, there are medical or cosmetic solutions for getting rid of them: you can take steroids to minimize the lump, or get liposuction to remove the thick skin. Removal is not necessary since the lumps are not dangerous, but you do have the option to do so if you are uncomfortable with their appearance.

If you are concerned about a lump that has developed and want to make sure it is due to thickened skin or from injecting in the same spot, visit your doctor so you can get examined. This is important because lipohypertrophy can interfere with how your body absorbs your insulin, which can be dangerous: if your sugar levels get too low or too high, it can lead to a stroke or death.

If you’re on Medicare, seeing a doctor and getting treated for these lumps will be covered, but you will still have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot. 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 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.

CMS Announces Huge Increases to Medicare Premiums for 2022

The federal government has finally announced Medicare premiums for 2022, allowing beneficiaries a little over 3 weeks of budgeting time before the end of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Medicare premiums are usually announced in late October or early November, but it has taken longer than normal to release the numbers this year, with officials blaming the pandemic and uncertainty over a new Alzheimer’s drug for the delay. So what kind of an increase can Medicare beneficiaries expect for the new year?

Medicare Part B Premiums

Unlike Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Medicare Part B (medical insurance), which covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment, has a monthly premium that increases each year. This year, there will be a 14.5% increase in Part B premiums, far outpacing an earlier estimate of 6.7%, which will take premiums for beneficiaries in the lowest income bracket from $148.50 a month to $170.10 a month. Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) insist, though, that this increase will not be a burden on beneficiaries.

“Most people with Medicare will see a 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their 2022 Social Security benefits—the largest COLA in 30 years. This significant COLA increase will more than cover the increase in the Medicare Part B monthly premium,” CMS said in a statement.

“Most people with Medicare will see a significant net increase in Social Security benefits. For example, a retired worker who currently receives $1,565 per month from Social Security can expect to receive a net increase of $70.40 more per month after the Medicare Part B premium is deducted.”

Medicare Deductibles

Medicare Part B Deductible

The Medicare Part B annual deductible will also see a big increase next year. It will increase by $30 from last year’s amount, making it $233 in 2022. That’s a 14.8% increase!

Medicare Part A Deductible

Medicare Part A does not have a monthly premium, but it does have an annual deductible; for 2022 it will be $1,556, up $72 from this year’s $1,484.

white round pills falling out of a bottle laying sideways — *The cost of the new Alzheimer’s drug, Adulhem, is the cause for the increase in Medicare premiums.*

Why the Delay and Why the Huge Increase?

CMS has said that part of the increase in premiums and deductibles is due to the uncertainty over how much the government will end up paying for the new Alzheimer’s drug, Adulhem. The drug, which was approved by the FDA in June, is the first Alzheimer’s medication in nearly 20 years and is estimated to cost about $56,000 a year per patient. That means if Medicare beneficiaries have to pay 20% of the cost of the drug, they would be facing $11,500 in out-of-pocket expenses just for this one medication. Medicare is still assessing whether they should cover the drug or not, and is hoping to have a decision by the spring. For now, Medicare is deciding on a case-by-case basis.

“The increase in the Part B premium for 2022 is continued evidence that rising drug costs threaten the affordability and sustainability of the Medicare program,” said Medicare chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in a statement.

These jumps in Medicare rates are the largest increases we have ever seen, so we understand that you’re worried about budgeting and being able to afford your medical expenses. The best way to better prepare for the 2022 rates is to find an affordable Medicare Supplement Plan – and the best way to do that? Speak to an EZ agent! We work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can help find a plan that will save you money in the new year – maybe even hundreds of dollars. Let our agents take the stress off you and help you budget for the new year by comparing plans and finding ways to help you save money. And because we want to help you save more, our services are completely free- no obligation or hassle. 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.

The Top 6 Things Medicare Beneficiaries Pay For Out-Of-Pocket & How You Can Save More Next Year

Did you know that out-of-pocket costs top the list of considerations when picking a Medicare plan? In fact, based on a report by eHealth, around 29% of Medicare beneficiaries say finding a plan with affordable out-of-pocket costs is the most important thing to them, while 27% say affordable premiums are most important, and 26% cite coverage for their preferred doctors and hospitals. So, if you’re like most Medicare beneficiaries, and are living on a fixed income, you’re looking to save as much money as possible. Before the Medicare AEP is over (December 7), make sure to review the following top 6 out-of-pocket costs you can expect next year, so you can choose the plan that will save you the most money.

1. Premiums

You will have a monthly Medicare premium to pay:

Part B premiums for 2022 have not been released yet, but for 2021, they were $148.50/month, and you can expect next year to be slightly more.
There generally is no monthly premium for Part A if you worked 40 quarters or 10 years. If you worked less than that, you can expect to pay a monthly premium ($471 per month for 2021).

2. Deductibles & Coinsurance

Deductibles are the amount you will pay out-of-pocket before your coverage begins and Medicare starts paying for your medical services. For each benefit period, you will need to meet a Part A deductible (for 2021 it was $1,484); you will also need to meet a Medicare Part B deductible each year, which was $203 in 2021.

You will also be responsible for Medicare coinsurance:

Part A: After 60 days in a hospital, Medicare charges a coinsurance per day for days 61-90. After 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, you will have to pay coinsurance each day for days 21-100. After 100 days, you pay all costs out-of-pocket.
Part B will only cover 80% of your medical expenses, after you meet your deductible. This leaves you to account for the other 20% out-of-pocket.

3. Prescription Coverage

illustration of a white prescription bottle with a blue cross in the middle and blue circle around it — *Prescriptions can cost a lot of money if you have chronic conditions, but you can save if you compare plans.*

If you have a Part D plan, your monthly premiums will be based on which plan you purchased, and your prescription drug coverage costs will depend on which formulary your medication is in. Different prescription drug plans will place medications on different tiers, so your drugs might cost more or less depending on which plan you choose.

4. Late-enrollment Penalties

You are supposed to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, and if you miss the deadline to enroll, you will face a late enrollment penalty. You can expect to pay:

Part A: You will pay 10% of your monthly premium for twice the number of years you were eligible but did not enroll in Medicare.
Part B: You will pay 10% of your monthly premium multiplied by the number of years you went without Medicare after you were initially eligible.

5. Non-covered Services

You need to budget for common medical needs that Medicare does not cover, such as routine eye care, dental care, and hearing aids.

6. Medicare Supplement Plan

Many Medicare beneficiaries purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan because it covers the Part B coinsurance (the 20% of medical expenses you owe out-of-pocket), amongst other services. These plans are relatively affordable, saving you money on your out-of-pockets expenses for a low monthly premium. There are 10 different plans to choose from, so you can pick the one that meets your specific medical needs and budget.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a very important time when you can look for a plan that better suits your needs, and save some money. The AEP is coming to an end, so now is the time to think about your budget, review the out-of-pocket costs mentioned, and find ways you can cut down on costs, such as by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan. If you need help comparing plans, EZ can help – we will provide you with an agent who will compare plans in your area for free. No obligation. 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 local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Tag: Medicare Help