Medicare Help Archives - Page 20 of 28

Seniors: Don’t Put It Off, Get Checked for Kidney Disease!

Kidney disease can develop at any age, but adults 60 and older are more likely to develop kidney disease than younger people. This is because as we age, so do our kidneys According to research from John Hopkins University, more than 50% of adults 75 and older are believed to have kidney disease. If not properly taken care of, it can be fatal: kidney disease kills more people each year than breast or prostate cancer! March is National Kidney Month, so it is the perfect time to shed light on this disease and talk about the importance of regular screenings. You need to know if and how Medicare covers these screenings, as well as how it covers kidney problems or failure.

kidney with blue nodes inside of it — *If you have blood in your urine, or elevated protein levels in urine, then it is time to see the doctor.*

Warning Signs Of Kidney Disease

Kidney problems or disease are common in older adults and can quickly affect your quality of life. But it can be caught early on, and you can manage symptoms and complications if you get tested regularly. There are a number of symptoms to look for that can point to a problem with your kidneys. When your doctor does a urine or blood test, some things that they will look for include:

An elevated level of protein in your urine
Blood in your urine, most often only detected by a specific urine test
Increased serum creatinine in the blood
Electrolyte imbalances

You are at high risk for kidney issues if you have:

High blood pressure that is difficult to control with medication
Family history of kidney failure
Kidney stones
Prolonged use of over-the-counter pain medications

What Does Medicare Cover?

The great thing about Medicare is that you can enroll when you are 65 or older no matter your health status – even if you have end stage renal disease (ESRD), you have kidney issues, or your kidneys are not functioning. Medicare coverage breaks down in two ways:

operating room with doctors looking at a screen while holding a camera that is inside someone on the operating table. — *Medicare will cover your kidney surgery if one is needed and any testing necessary.*

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) covers:

Your hospital room
Medications and supplies when in the hospital
Inpatient rehab
Lab tests
Transplant testing
Surgery

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers:

Doctor visits
Doctor’s fees for transplant surgery
Doctor’s fees for kidney donors while in the hospital
Emergency room visits
Most screenings and diagnostic tests for kidney function
Dialysis
Outpatient hospital care and dialysis treatments at a Medicare-approved facility
80% of the cost of outpatient dialysis services and immunosuppressant medicine for transplant recipients

What Will I Pay?

Medicare covers the cost of your hospital stay, surgery, medication and follow-up visits, but there will also be out-of-pocket expenses. You will be responsible for premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.

While there is no monthly premium for Part A as long as you meet the criteria of working for over 10 years and paying Medicare taxes, you will have to meet a deductible of $1,408 (for 2021) each benefit period before Medicare will pay. There is also a monthly Part B premium of $148.50 (for 2021) and an annual deductible of $198. After you meet the Part B annual deductible, Medicare pays 80% of your expenses, and the remaining 20% is your responsibility.

Medicare Supplement Plans

In order to help with the out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare does not cover, you can purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan. Even if you are experiencing ESRD, you can still sign up for a Medicare Supplement Plan during your initial enrollment period (the 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months following that). During this IEP, you will not have to undergo medical underwriting, so you will not be denied coverage or be subject to higher rates no matter your health status. There are 10 different plans to choose from that will help pay copays, coinsurance, and deductibles so you can save money.

If you are interested in a Medicare Supplement Plan to help pay for Original Medicare coinsurance and other expenses, EZ can help! Whether you need coverage for kidney problems, or you just want to save more money, we can find the best plan for you. We sift through all the top-rated Medicare Supplement Plan insurance companies in order to find the one that provides the most coverage while saving you hundreds of dollars a year. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207.

3 Diseases That Affect Older Women More Than Men

Although research shows that women live longer than men, that does not necessarily mean they are healthier. Both women and men are likely to develop chronic conditions as they age, and women tend to die of some of the same conditions as men, including heart disease. That being said, there are certain diseases and conditions that are more likely to affect women than men.

1. Arthritis

x-ray picture of a knee bone/joiny — *More than half of seniors have arthritis, and women experience the worst of it.*

As we age, our joints begin to degrade, causing our bones to rub against each other. This can cause inflammation in our joints, and lead to arthritis, particularly in the knees, elbows, ankles and fingers. More than half of all seniors over the age of 65 have arthritis, but this condition tends to affect women more than men. Not only are women more likely to get arthritis, but they are more likely to experience worse pain in their joints than men are, and are more vulnerable to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is a more debilitating form of arthritis.

There are multiple reasons why more women are affected by arthritis than men:

Joint stability– Because women’s bodies are built for childbirth, their tendons have the ability to move around more making them more elastic and more likely to sustain injuries.
Obesity– Studies show that obesity is more common in women than men, and extra weight puts a lot of strain on the joints.
Hormones– As estrogen levels decrease, the hormones that cushion the cartilage deteriorate as well, causing inflammation.

If you’re one of the many older women suffering from arthritis, it is best to stay as active as possible, so that you do not lose your range of motion, and can lose weight if you need to. You should also consider working out with weights to build muscle around your joints.

2. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and more susceptible to breakage, is the most common form of arthritis. Of the 10 million Americans who are diagnosed with osteoporosis, 80% of them are women. This is because women’s bones tend to be smaller and less dense than men’s bones, and because hormonal changes (as mentioned above) in older women’s bodies lead to bone loss.

In order to slow down osteoporosis and bone loss, you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, get plenty of exercise (especially weighted workouts), and eat a healthy diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D.

3. Heart Disease

It often surprises people to find out that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. Approximately 70% of women aged 60-79 are diagnosed with heart disease, and 87% of women over 80 have some form of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can lead to strokes, which is the third leading cause of death in American women. The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 American women will have a stroke, and more than half will die from it.

It is possible to prevent heart disease, or at least treat it even after experiencing a heart attack or stroke. To prevent or control heart disease, it is important to keep an eye on your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels. Stick to a healthy diet focused on vegetables and fruits, and avoid consuming too much sodium and unhealthy fat. Be sure to exercise, as well as reduce (or quit) smoking and drinking, because both increase blood pressure.

It is no secret that women live longer than men do, but unfortunately a longer life can also mean more health problems. Women are also genetically more prone to suffer from certain health conditions like arthritis, due to hormonal changes and the elasticity of their joints. Because there are so many health conditions that can affect women, it is important to make sure that you are properly insured. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, and Part B covers 80% of other medical expenses – the other 20% will come out of your pocket. If you have a degenerative disease such as arthritis or heart disease, it is important to seek consistent treatment; this can become costly, but a Medicare Supplement Plan will pay for these costs.

There are a variety of Medicare Supplement Plans that provide different levels of coverage at different price points. If you are interested in getting more information about Medicare Supplement Plans so that you can save money on your medical bills, EZ.Insure can help. We will connect you with an agent who will assess your needs, compare plans in minutes, and find ways to help save you hundreds of dollars. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207.

Prevent Heart Disease With Medicare Screenings

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), heart disease has been the leading cause of death for Americans ages 65 and over for the past several decades. One in four deaths is contributed to some form of heart disease, meaning any kind of condition, such as heart rhythm disorders, coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure, that can lead to heart attack or stroke. The best way to prevent heart disease is to know your risk. Fortunately, because heart disease is so common – and deadly – in people aged 65 and older, Medicare offers multiple free screenings to help prevent it.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare Part B covers an annual cardiovascular disease risk reduction visit with your primary care physician. You do not need to show any signs or symptoms of heart disease in order to get screened. As long as your doctor or other health care provider accepts Medicare assignment, you will not pay anything for this screening. During the screening, your physician might:

Encourage aspirin use if the benefits outweigh the risks and:
- You are a man age 45-79
- You are a woman age 55-79
Check your blood pressure
Encourage a healthy diet

Once you get the initial screening, your doctor may advise further screenings, tests, and treatments. Medicare Part B also covers:

Aneurysm Screenings- Aortic aneurysms thin out areas in your arteries, which can weaken them. Medicare pays for a free screening for aneurysms as long you meet the following conditions: you have a family history of aortic aneurysm, or are a man between the ages of 65 and 75 who has smoked 100 or more cigarettes in his lifetime
Cholesterol Screenings- Having high cholesterol leads to build up in your arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the heart. Medicare covers one free cholesterol screening every 5 years. Any additional tests will not be free.
Medicare will only cover a cardiac stress test for people with known heart disease and symptoms.
Cardiac Stress Testing- During this test, your doctor will monitor your heart while you run or walk on a treadmill. They will also examine your heart with an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), or imaging (pictures of your heart taken after you are injected with a radioactive tracer). **Medicare will only pay for the stress test for those with known heart disease and symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. You will pay 20% coinsurance for this test.

For follow-ups after your free screenings or any outpatient services, Medicare will pay 80%, and you will pay the remaining 20% coinsurance out-of-pocket. If you are hospitalized or need surgery, Medicare Part A will cover your inpatient hospital stay as well as any skilled nursing care.

Paying The Medicare Coinsurance

If you are experiencing any symptoms that could be related to heart disease, or would simply like to get screened for heart disease, get yourself checked! Medicare will pay for one free screening related to heart disease. If there is an issue, or you have to seek further care for heart disease, Medicare will only pay 80% of the costs for visits, tests, and more. These costs can add up. Fortunately, Medicare Supplement Plans help pay for the 20% out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover. Having one of these plans can help you better budget for and save money on medical expenses.

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans. Each offers their own added coverage at different price points. They all help pay for any unexpected costs, and any further care management costs. EZ.Insure wants to protect your heart and your wallet by helping you find the right Medicare Supplement Plan for your needs. We will compare plans and guide you through the whole process, while answering any questions you might have. To get instant free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Medicare & COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is most common among individuals 65 and older. It is especially common among women age 65 to 74 years old. This disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and anyone with COPD has a significantly increased risk of severe illness or death from complications from the flu or respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.

When it comes to those suffering from COPD, life expectancy is determined by multiple factors such as history of smoking, and other conditions that might add further complications. While most patients with COPD can live with the disease for many years, they will need to constantly manage and treat this chronic condition. For older Americans, this continuous management can be costly, but fortunately, Medicare covers screenings and treatment up to a certain point.

What Is COPD?

For the over 30 million Americans who are living with COPD, every day can mean a struggle to breathe. COPD, a group of progressive lung diseases, such as emphysema, slowly destroys air sacs in the lung, causing air flow blockage and breathing-related problems. The disease develops over a long time, and the most common cause of it is smoking tobacco.

Because the disease is progressive, there is unfortunately no cure for COPD. However, treatments can help ease the symptoms and lower the chances of complications, while improving quality of life. If not treated, COPD can cause heart problems and worsening respiratory infection.

COPD Symptoms

caucasian woman with short blonde hair holding her chest with one hand. — *Some COPD symptoms include shortness of breath and tightness in the chest.*

The symptoms of COPD come in stages. Early symptoms include occasional shortness of breath, a mild recurrent cough, and a frequent need to clear the throat. But if the symptoms are not treated, they can get progressively worse. Worsening symptoms include:

Shortness of breath with little exertion, such as from going up a flight of stairs
Tightness in the chest
Wheezing
Frequent colds, flu, or other respiratory infections
Chronic cough
Lack of energy

In the later stages of the disease, symptoms include weight loss, and swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs. If you are suffering from COPD, it is important to seek immediate medical care if you have trouble catching your breath, feel confused or faint, or have bluish or gray fingernails or lips.

Medicare COPD Coverage

There is no single test for COPD. Diagnosis is based on assessing the symptoms mentioned earlier, a physical exam, and diagnostic test results. To help diagnose you, Medicare Part B will cover a lung cancer screening with Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT). Medicare will cover this screening once a year if you:

Are 55 to 77 years old
Have a history of smoking at least 1 pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years
Are a current smoker or have quit smoking in the last 15 years
Are asymptomatic (don’t have signs or symptoms) of lung cancer
Get a written order from your doctor

As long as you meet all of the above criteria and your doctor accepts Medicare assignment, Medicare Part B will cover 100% of the screening.

If you have already been diagnosed with COPD, Medicare Part B will cover a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help manage your COPD. This program should help you breathe better and improve your quality of life. Medicare Part B will completely cover the pulmonary rehabilitation program as long as you have a referral from your doctor.

pink piggy bank — *Medicare Supplement Plans will help pay for the 20% Medicare does not cover, which will help you save more money.*

Getting More Coverage

Other expenses related to COPD treatment and management might only be covered 80% by Medicare, leaving you with 20% coinsurance to pay out-of-pocket. But you can save money on these expenses with a Medicare Supplement Plan, which will pay your 20% coinsurance for COPD coverage, as well as all other Medicare-covered conditions.

It can be overwhelming to review your options and go over all 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans, but that is what EZ.Insure is here for. EZ’s dedicated agent will compare all available plans in your area and review all of your options. We will provide you with quotes for free, and find a plan that fits your needs and budget, while helping you save hundreds of dollars a year. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with one of our agents, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Did you know that senior citizens over the age of 65 make up 14% of all chiropractic patients in the US? As people age, they can experience a loss of mobility due to bone and joint deterioration. This can lead to aches and pains that are felt throughout the body, especially the lower back. Some seniors experience frequent falls, which can be deadly. Approximately 9,500 deaths of older Americans each year are due to falls, and more than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or older. One of the treatments recommended by doctors for all of these issues is to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic visits might be recommended by your doctor, but are they covered under Medicare?

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a treatment system that is meant to help align your muscles and bones. Chiropractors will manipulate your spine by adjusting you with their hands. They do this in order to assess, diagnose, and treat health issues affecting the nerves, muscles, bones and joints, as well as to improve spinal motion.

Medicare Coverage

The only chiropractic service covered by Medicare is manual manipulation of the spine (spinal adjustment), if it is considered medically necessary. It is usually considered medically necessary if you have been diagnosed with a condition known as spinal subluxation, meaning that the bones in your spine are separated or have shifted out of position.

skeleton of the spine — *Medicare will only cover visits for the manipulation of the spine.*

Spinal adjustments are covered under Medicare Part B. With Medicare Part B, you can go to the chiropractor as many times as you need, as long as your visits are considered medically necessary. Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved rate for a spinal adjustment to treat subluxation. You will pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket, after you have met your Medicare Part B deductible.

It’s important to know that Medicare does not usually cover other services or tests that are ordered by a chiropractor. This includes x-rays, massage therapy, and acupuncture. The exceptions to this rule are acupuncture for lower back pain, and x-rays that have been ordered by your physician (not your chiropractor) to diagnose spinal subluxation.

Save More With A Medicare Supplement Plan

Chiropractic care can be beneficial, and sometimes even necessary to help ease your pain and save you from a bad fall that could lead to a broken hip or worse. But extra medical expenses can be difficult to fit into your budget when you’re living on a fixed income, even if it is just the 20% Medicare coinsurance. A Medicare Supplement Plan is a great way to save money on costs that Original Medicare does not cover. There are 10 different plans to choose from, and each will help you pay your 20% out-of-pocket costs; some even offer coverage for more services than Original Medicare.

If you are interested in learning more about these plans, an EZ agent can assist you. Our licensed agents will explain each plan’s coverage and costs, and will help you determine which is the best one to suit your specific needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to an agent, call 888-753-7207.

Preparing For Medicare Open Enrollment: 2021 Medicare Supplement Plan Rates

Original Medicare offers great health benefits for people ages 65 and older, but there are some expenses it does not fully cover. Medicare Part B covers 80% of most medical costs, leaving beneficiaries to pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket. These out-of-pocket costs can add up, which is why many Medicare beneficiaries buy a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans pay for what Original Medicare does not, and can end up saving you hundreds of dollars each year. CMS has announced that Medicare Part B costs are going up next year, but luckily the costs for most Medicare Supplement Plans will remain the same, with only a few changing. Find out just how much you can save before Medicare Open Enrollment is over!

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?

older caucasian man with a button up on and a caucasian woman with lab coat checking on him. — *Medicare Supplement Plans cover costs not covered by Original Medicare such as help with nursing facility costs.*

Medicare Supplement Plans are supplemental insurance policies sold by private insurance companies. They help pay for things that are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans, each with different levels of coverage. Some costs that might be covered include:

Parts A and B deductibles
Coinsurance or copays for parts A and B
Part B excess charges
Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
Hospital costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
Health-related costs when traveling outside the U.S.
Blood (first 3 pints)

How Much Are Premiums?

The exact amount for monthly premiums can vary by individual policy. Insurance companies can set these rates in three ways:

Community rated- Monthly premiums are the same for everyone that purchases a plan, regardless of their age. Your premium is not based on your age.
Issue-age rated- Monthly premiums are based on the age you are when you first purchase the plan (younger buyers will have lower premiums). Premiums do not increase as you get older.
Attained-age rated– Monthly premiums are based on the age you are when you purchase the plan: the younger you are, the lower your premium will be. Your premium will go up as you get older.

2021 Price Changes

There will be changes to prices in 2021 for some Medicare Supplement Plans; these changes will mainly be to deductible amounts and out-of-pocket limits. Medicare Plan G, the only plan that has a high-deductible option (since Plan F is no longer available, unless you purchased it before January 1, 2020), will see a rise in its deductible amount. For 2021, the deductible for these plans is $2,370.

Medicare Supplement Plans K and L have out-of-pocket limits. This is the maximum out-of-pocket amount that you will have to pay for covered services. After you reach the limit, your plan will pay for 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. For 2021:

Plan K’s out-of-pocket limit is $6,220
Plan L’s out-of-pocket limit is $3,110

Finding The Best Plan

The best things about Medicare Supplement Plans are that you will save money on out-of-pocket Medicare costs, and that you will not be held back by network restrictions. With a Medicare Supplement Plan, as long as you see a doctor that accepts Medicare, you will be covered by your plan. If you are interested in looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan, EZ.Insure will explain all of them to you and compare plans within minutes. We will assess your health and financial needs, discuss all the options, and guide you in the right direction. Our goal is to help you find the best plan and save you the most money, which is why our services are free. To get instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207.

Tag: Medicare Help

Seniors: Don’t Put It Off, Get Checked for Kidney Disease!

Warning Signs Of Kidney Disease

You are at high risk for kidney issues if you have:

What Does Medicare Cover?

What Will I Pay?

Medicare Supplement Plans

3 Diseases That Affect Older Women More Than Men

1. Arthritis

2. Osteoporosis

3. Heart Disease

Prevent Heart Disease With Medicare Screenings

Medicare Coverage

Paying The Medicare Coinsurance

Medicare & COPD

What Is COPD?

COPD Symptoms

Medicare COPD Coverage

Getting More Coverage

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Medicare Coverage

Save More With A Medicare Supplement Plan

Preparing For Medicare Open Enrollment: 2021 Medicare Supplement Plan Rates

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?

How Much Are Premiums?

2021 Price Changes

Finding The Best Plan

Business

About Us

Individual

Insurance News