Medicare Help Archives - Page 16 of 28

Will I Have to Answer Questions About My Health When Applying for a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Supplement Plans can help you save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars on medical expenses every year, but you do need to know the best way to apply for a plan, and that includes knowing when to apply. While you can get a Medicare Supplement Plan at any time, the best time to do so is during your Open Enrollment Period: if you apply at this time, you will receive a waiver for health question requirements, but if you miss it, or want to change your plan outside of your guaranteed issue time frame, you will have to undergo the underwriting process, and will be asked a series of questions about your health in order to qualify for coverage.

Guaranteed Issue Explained

a clock next to a form with a pencil checking off a box — *If you miss your Open Enrollment Period, then you will no longer have guaranteed issue right, and have to undergo the underwriting process.*

If you choose to buy a Medicare Supplement Plan during your Open Enrollment Period, you will be given guaranteed issue, meaning you will not have to undergo the underwriting process. Your Open Enrollment Period starts three months before you enroll in Medicare Part B, and continues through the month you turn 65 and the 3 months after you turn 65. During this time you will not have to answer any questions about your health, and will be guaranteed approval for a Medicare Supplement Plan, regardless of your health status.

If you do have to undergo the underwriting process because you do not qualify for guaranteed issue, you should know that every insurance carrier will ask you health-related questions on your application. Each company will have a different set of questions: one might ask if you have ever had a certain health condition, while another might ask you about your more recent health status.

Common Health Questions

If you are generally in good health, and can answer “no” to most of the questions about having certain health conditions, you will most likely be approved for a plan. On the other hand, the more you answer “yes” to these health questions, the more likely you are to be denied by most insurance companies.

Some of the health questions you will most likely be asked include:

Are you confined to a wheelchair or motorized mobility device?
Do you have any minor health issues such as arthritis, cholesterol or high blood pressure? You can still be approved for a plan if you answer “yes” to this question, as long as the minor health issue is not accompanied by a more serious problem. In addition, you can still get approved even if you are slightly overweight, as long as you are not considered morbidly obese.
Have you been advised to undergo any medical treatments in the past 2 years, or are you scheduled to have surgery? Insurance companies will not want to take you on as a risk if you are undergoing treatments for serious medical conditions, or if you are planning to have surgery. Most will want you to complete your treatments and undergo surgery first before you apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan.
Do you currently have any lung or respiratory disorders or are you currently using tobacco products?

Are you currently hospitalized, or are you confined to a nursing home or assisted living facility? If you have received home health care services two or more times within the last couple of years, insurance companies might deny your application; in addition, if you live in a nursing home, you will most likely not get approved.
Do you currently have or have you had cancer? If you have had cancer, most insurance companies will want you to be cancer-free for at least 2 years before they will consider covering you; you must be in remission, and be a few years past any surgeries.
In the past 2 years, have you been treated for or been advised by a doctor to have treatment for any of the following? Having chronic lung problems, dementia, immune deficiency disorders, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, stents, strokes, heart attack, pacemakers, or congestive heart failure will mean that you will probably be denied.
What medications are you currently taking? Some insurers have a list of medications that result in automatic denials.
Do you have diabetes with complications including neuropathy, or any heart disorder? If you have diabetes, some insurers will ask specific questions to determine how serious it is. For example, they might ask: Do you have diabetes with high blood pressure and require three or more medications to control your blood pressure? Or: Does your diabetes require more than 50 units of insulin each day to control?

Make sure that you answer all the questions truthfully, because insurance companies will see a copy of your medical records to confirm your health status. And remember, even if you do get denied by one insurer, you might still be able to find another insurer that will cover you. The best way to find out if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Plan is to work with an EZ agent: our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so they will be able to compare all plans from different insurance carriers to find one that does cover your medical needs. You do not have to go through this process alone! To get free instant quotes of plans that covers your doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-753-7207.

Democrats Want to Expand Medicare Benefits Through Spending Bill

Medicare has now been providing much-needed medical benefits for Americans aged 65 and older for well over half a century: the entitlement program turned 56 on July 30th. To illustrate just how important Medicare has been for seniors in this country, consider this: before Medicare, almost half of Americans 65 or older couldn’t afford health insurance. But as great as Medicare has been, it still falls a little short for many people; for example, vision, dental, and hearing are not covered as essential benefits. But there might be good news on that front! Democrats plan to use their multi-trillion-dollar spending proposal to expand Medicare benefits, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is hoping to continue the expansion of telehealth.

Crafting The Spending Bill

Congressional Democrats are currently planning to use their multi-trillion-dollar spending proposal to finally expand Medicare for seniors. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the Budget Committee’s $3.5 trillion plan will include hearing, dental, and vision coverage for the first time ever.

older caucasian man getting his ear checked by a dotor — *Studies from 2018 show that 75% of seniors who needed a hearing aid did not get one due to lack of coverage.*

“We have ways that we can expand Medicare services, and in fact, we must because we know it’s to our own benefit to provide these preventative services as early as possible to our seniors,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said at the Senate Finance Committee hearing, noting that reducing prescription drug prices should be considered as well. “So we’re looking forward to working with you to make sure that we continue to make Medicare even better and where we go, I know that really will depend on Congress, but we’re ready. We want to make it work.”

This is a much-needed expansion, because thousands of older Americans struggle with vision, hearing, and dental issues. In fact, based on a 2018 Commonwealth Fund report:

43% of seniors with vision issues did not have an eye exam in the past year
75% who needed a hearing aid did not get one
70% who have difficulty eating because of dental problems had not visited a dentist in the past year

Expanding Telehealth

caucasian woman with a white coat on and stethoscope over her neck looking at a laptop screen — *The CMS plans to extend Medicare telehealth services to determine if it should be permanently covered.*

In addition to the expansions that Congress is proposing, the CMS is also proposing expanding until the end of 2023 Medicare coverage for the telehealth services that were in use during the Covid-19 crisis, in order to determine if the services should be permanently covered.

“Over the past year, the public health emergency has highlighted the disparities in the U.S. healthcare system, while at the same time demonstrating the positive impact of innovative policies to reduce these disparities,” CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said in a statement. “CMS aims to take the lessons learned during this time and move forward toward a system where no patient is left out and everyone has access to comprehensive quality health services.”

CMS also wants mental health care to be provided on an audio-only basis moving forward, as a test case to determine how efficient this care could be for helping seniors with mental health issues, as well as to determine whether it would result in better health equity. Lawmakers and patient advocates support the change, but would like to see it become a permanent situation.

Big changes are hopefully coming in the near future for older Americans, many of whom have been silently suffering due to insufficient health care coverage.

Does Medicare Cover Atrial Fibrillation Treatments?

September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Atrial Fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a major health concern in the United States, affecting 2.3 million Americans. It is also the most common form of arrhythmia in patients over 65; in fact, around 70% of people with atrial fibrillation are between the ages of 65 and 85 years old. If you are an older adult with this condition, you are at significantly higher risk of having a stroke, so it is important to receive the proper treatment – but are these treatments covered under Medicare?

illustration of a heart with a red circle around it — *With AFib, the heart will beat irregularly due to a change in the blood flow.*

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Your heart has four chambers: two upper chambers called atria, and two lower chambers called ventricles. In a healthy heart, the atria beat regularly, helping blood flow to the ventricles, but if you suffer from atrial fibrillation, your atria beat irregularly, changing the blood flow, making it either too fast or too slow. If AFib is not controlled, it can lead to severe complications such as stroke, blood clots, and even death; in fact, patients with the disease are twice as likely to die as patients without AFib.

Risk Factors

There are a number of factors that increase your risk of atrial fibrillation, including:

Older age
Gender – Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop AFib
Obesity – Obese patients have a 1.5 to 2.3 times greater risk of developing AFib, and of having the condition progress to permanent AFib
Sleep apnea
Diabetes
High blood pressure

Common Symptoms

illustration of a woman who is dizzy — *Dizziness is a common symptom of AFib.*

A person with atrial fibrillation might have no symptoms, or they might experience mild symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include:

Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Low blood pressure
Extreme tiredness
Weakness

Medicare Coverage & Costs

Medicare covers various treatments for AFib, as long as the treatment is deemed medically necessary by your doctor. Part A will generally cover:

Hospital or skilled nursing facility stays brought on by your AFib
Pacemaker placement
Catheter and surgical ablation
Electrical cardioversion- This is a low-voltage shock that helps to regulate your heartbeat
Chemical cardioversion- This type of treatment involves getting medications through an IV in a hospital setting

Medicare Part B will cover any outpatient services, including doctor visits, screenings, and diagnostic exams; Part B will also cover cardiovascular disease screening every 5 years, as well as cardiac rehabilitation programs. As with any medically necessary services, Medicare Part B will only cover up to 80% of the expenses, leaving you to pay the remaining 20%, as well as your Part B deductible, out-of-pocket.

Saving Money

Atrial fibrillation can be a costly condition to manage because it often requires ongoing treatment and medication; in fact, according to the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), the management of the condition and its complications costs the U.S. healthcare system roughly $26 billion dollars each year! For individuals managing the condition, costs can add up fairly quickly, especially since Medicare Part B does not cover everything.If you have a lot of medical expenses because of a condition like AFib, a Medicare Supplement Plan can help save you a lot of money. Most of these plans will cover many of the out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare does not, like copays and coinsurance, or even for medical care while you’re traveling. In most states, you have the choice of 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans with different levels of coverage and price points, so you’re sure to find a plan that is right for you.

If you need help finding the right Medicare Supplement Plan for you, EZ can help, because our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country. You will be paired with your own agent who will compare all available plans in your area to help find a plan that meets your financial and medical needs. All of our services come at no cost to you, and there is no obligation and no hassle. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our license agents, call 888-753-7207.

Cardiac Rehabilitation & Medicare

According to the CDC, 21.7% of adults aged 65 years and older have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD); not only that, but a full 12% of those 60-69 have experienced heart failure, and that number rises to almost 20% when looking at people over 80. To help this large number of seniors with serious heart issues, Medicare covers cardiac rehabilitation programs to aid in recovery after heart surgery, heart failure, or a heart attack. These programs are meant to improve quality of life for those with heart disease, and reduce risk factors to prevent heart problems from worsening, but it seems that far too few Medicare beneficiaries are taking part in them. If you are dealing with heart issues, you should know about these programs and what criteria you need to meet in order for Medicare to cover your treatment, so you can make the most of your recovery.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Explained

pink kettle bells with sneakers in the background — *The cardiac rehabilitation program will help seniors exercise and work towards a healthier lifestyle.*

There are 2 types of cardiac rehab programs typically prescribed to patients who have suffered a heart attack, been diagnosed with a heart condition, or had surgery on their heart: general cardiac rehab and intensive cardiac rehab. Each program is offered at the hospital by healthcare providers or a special rehab team, who will customize a plan to help you make better lifestyle choices, manage your heart condition, and prevent any new issues.

These programs usually include:

Exercise – Because exercise helps maintain a healthy heart, a large portion of these programs is dedicated to moving your body. Over time, the exercises given to you by your team will grow in intensity to challenge you and improve your health.
Education on healthier lifestyle choices – Your team will talk to you about following a heart healthy diet, how to reduce stress, and more.
Counseling – Your rehabilitation program can include counseling to help you deal with issues that have come up during your illness, as well as help you change your behaviors for the better.

These programs are extremely beneficial, and can help you improve the quality of your life, as well as lengthen your life. Unfortunately, though, many Medicare beneficiaries do not seek help or utilize any of these cardiac rehabilitation programs: one study found that only around 10% of patients 85 and older participated, compared to around 32% of those 65 to 74. They also found that participation among women was lower than among men, which is disappointing considering that women are more likely than men to have heart disease, and that it is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.

“Cardiac rehabilitation has strong evidence demonstrating its lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits, and Medicare Part B provides coverage for the program,” lead study author Matthew D. Ritchey, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, said in a news release. “The low participation and completion rates observed translate to upwards of 7 million missed opportunities in this study.”

Medicare Coverage For Cardiac Rehabilitation

black and white picture of a man holding his chest — *If you had a heart attack in the past 12 months, or experience chest pain, then Medicare will cover rehabilitation.*

As a Medicare beneficiary, you have access to cardiac rehab coverage through Medicare, as long as you meet certain requirements. Medicare Part B covers these programs if you have had at least one of the following conditions:

A heart attack in the last 12 months
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Chest pain
A heart valve repair or replacement
A coronary angioplasty (a procedure to open a blocked artery)
A coronary stent (a procedure to keep an artery open)
A heart or heart-lung transplant
Stable chronic heart failure

For general cardiac rehab, Medicare will cover up to two one-hour sessions per day and a total of 36 sessions; if deemed medically necessary, Medicare might cover an additional 36 sessions. For intensive cardiac rehab, patients are eligible to receive coverage for up to six one-hour sessions per day and a total of 72 sessions; however, these sessions must be completed over an 18-week period.

Medicare will pay for 80% of the Medicare-approved amount of this program, which leaves you responsible for the remaining 20%, as well as for meeting your annual deductible.

Saving Money

Medicare requires that you pay a 20% coinsurance for each qualified medical expense you incur, but there is a way that you can avoid these expenses and save money: Medicare Supplement Plans will pay for the coinsurance and then some, depending on the plan. There are 10 different plans to choose from, so there is sure to be one that meets your medical needs, as well as fits your budget. We know that being on a fixed income means that saving money is a must, and a Medicare Supplement Plan is a great way to help you save money throughout the year.

Not sure where to begin? EZ.insure can help you save the most money possible by comparing all available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area – and to help you save even more money, we offer our services for free! Our highly trained agents will assess your needs, compare plans, and find the one that is best for you. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.

Don’t Get Trapped With The Wrong Medicare Supplement Plan, Use EZ

It happens more often than you think: Medicare beneficiaries looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan work with an insurance agent who only wants to make a sale, and they end up with a useless or overpriced plan. While we’re definitely not saying you shouldn’t work with an agent – there’s a lot you need to know when looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan – we are saying it’s important you work with the right agent. The best way to find the right plan for your specific needs is by working with EZ; with us, you won’t have to worry about being steered wrong, because our agents are not only knowledgeable, but we genuinely care about helping you – and our services are always free!

We’ve Seen It Time & Time Again

hands holding 2 pieces of paper with a calculator next to the hand — *Sometimes people will buy a Medicare Supplement Plan to cover their needs, but then receive a large medical bill in the mail.*

We’ve seen it all before: people often come to us disheartened because they worked with another agent and ended up with a Medicare Supplement Plan that is actually too expensive for them, or that doesn’t have the coverage they need. For example, we recently helped a new client who had purchased Medicare Supplement Plan K on the advice of their former agent, who had said it was the right choice for them. It was only after they received an unexpected $1,000 bill from their gastroenterologist that they learned Medicare Supplement Plan K only covers 50% of Medicare Part B coinsurance, unlike other plans which cover it 100%, like Plans A,B,C,D,G,M, and N. Fortunately for the client, they were within the time frame of their Open Enrollment Period, and we were able to find them a better plan without them having to go through medical underwriting.

We’ve Got You Covered

You should be aware, though, that even if your Medicare Open Enrollment Period has passed, you can still switch your Medicare Supplement Plan, with a little help from EZ. You have the option to change your plan at any time, the only difference is you might have to go through the underwriting process – but don’t worry! This doesn’t mean that one of our agents won’t be able to find you an affordable plan. Unlike other companies, we can deliver this promise because we work with the top-rated insurers in the country, and we can compare plans to help you find the perfect one for you, no matter what plan you got stuck with before!

Our Promise To You

The whole reason we started EZ.Insure is that we got sick and tired of seeing innocent people get taken advantage of. We wanted to change the game by offering our customers highly-trained agents who will compare all available plans, as well as be totally transparent with you; that’s why we always allow you to see all the plans they have access to, while they explain the benefits, costs, and coverage options of each plan, so you can make an informed decision.

We know there are a lot of insurance agents out there, but it’s important not to trust the wrong people to help you, because this can end up costing you a lot of money. At EZ, our main goal is to get you the best plan possible; we’re not looking to make a quick buck off of you, which is why our services are always free! We will assess your needs, compare Medicare Supplement Plans, and sign you up at no cost to you. Finding the right plan will help you begin saving more money, and relieve some of the stress of worrying about medical expenses. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so make sure you work with the right agent to get the right one for you. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Hair Loss Treatment?

It’s inevitable: as you age, your body will go through some major changes. Your metabolism will slow down significantly, which could lead to weight gain, your skin will get thinner, meaning you’ll get colder than you used to due to decreased circulation, and so on. Another very common physical change that most older adults deal with is hair loss; in fact, by age 60, about 60% of women suffer from some degree of hair loss, and many men are nearly bald. While this is a normal part of aging, it can be embarrassing, and you might want to seek treatment to help with your hair loss. Many of the most effective treatments can be very expensive, but is it possible to get Medicare to cover them?

What Causes Hair Loss?

four different kinds of medications next to each other on a table — *Different medications can contribute to hair loss.*

Did you know that every strand of hair on your head has a lifespan anywhere from 2-5 years? In addition, each hair follicle has a cycle of active growth, transition, and rest; if you are beginning to lose your hair, that means the follicles are remaining in the rest cycle, which can be caused by disease, medications, or your genes. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss, known as male or female pattern hair loss, but the following medications and medical conditions can contribute to hair loss. Medications include:

Blood thinners
Vitamin A supplements
Some arthritis medications
Antidepressants
Gout medications
Heart medications
Blood pressure medications
Birth control pills

Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include:

Thyroid disease
Lupus
Cancer
Alopecia areata
Scalp infections like ringworm
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Untreated STIs, specifically syphilis

Hair Loss Treatments

If you experience hair loss or baldness because of the medications you are taking, speak to your doctor about possible alternative medications that will not have this side effect. For other types of hair loss, treatments include:

Laser therapy
Hair transplant surgery
Medications
Wigs or hairpieces

Your doctor might propose one or more of these treatment options.

What Medicare Covers

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover treatment for hair loss; for example, if you choose to get hair transplant surgery, Medicare will not cover any of the costs. Medicare Part B will only cover medically necessary treatment for any underlying disease or condition that might be causing your hair loss, but will not cover any specific treatments for the hair loss itself. As in all cases, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of treatments and medications for these conditions, and you will be responsible for the 20% coinsurance that Medicare does not cover.

Preventing Hair Loss

non smoking sign — *To help prevent hair loss, you should avoid smoking.*

There is no foolproof way to prevent hair loss, but there are some precautions you can take to help slow it down. You can:

Use a topical treatment like minoxidil
Massage your scalp
Avoid hairstyles that tug on your hair follicles
Avoid smoking
Make changes to your diet. A diet high in antioxidants can help reduce stress on your hair follicles, and help keep your hair from falling out.

If you are concerned that your hair is getting thinner or that you are balding, it is important to seek help from your doctor. Your hair loss might be hereditary, but it could also be due to medications you are taking, or caused by an underlying disease you are unaware of. Your doctor can run some tests and if they do find that you have a health condition, they can treat it – and this treatment will be covered by Medicare Part B.

While Medicare Part B covers most necessary treatments, it only covers 80% of expenses; If you are looking for more coverage, especially for the 20% coinsurance you are responsible for, a Medicare Supplement Plan might be your best option. One of these plans will not only cover the coinsurance you are responsible for, but will also cover other things that Medicare does not. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, and EZ can compare all available plans in your area for free. We will find a plan that meets your specific needs and saves you hundreds of dollars. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Tag: Medicare Help

Will I Have to Answer Questions About My Health When Applying for a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Guaranteed Issue Explained

Common Health Questions

Democrats Want to Expand Medicare Benefits Through Spending Bill

Crafting The Spending Bill

Expanding Telehealth

Does Medicare Cover Atrial Fibrillation Treatments?

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Risk Factors

Common Symptoms

Medicare Coverage & Costs

Saving Money

Cardiac Rehabilitation & Medicare

Cardiac Rehabilitation Explained

Medicare Coverage For Cardiac Rehabilitation

Saving Money

Don’t Get Trapped With The Wrong Medicare Supplement Plan, Use EZ

We’ve Seen It Time & Time Again

We’ve Got You Covered

Our Promise To You

Does Medicare Cover Hair Loss Treatment?

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair Loss Treatments

What Medicare Covers

Preventing Hair Loss

Business

About Us

Individual

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