Get Free Medicare Assistance With EZ

Making the transition from private health insurance to Medicare when you turn 65 can feel overwhelming. You might feel confused and like you just don’t know where to begin. For example, what plan should you go with? How can you save the most money? Will you have enough coverage? Unlike with employer-based insurance, which your employer researches for you, you have to do all the research into choosing a Medicare plan on your own. But it doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you can get free assistance, guidance and services from an EZ agent. And the bonus of working with EZ? Unlike with other companies, when we say our services are completely free, we mean free – there are no hidden costs!

blood pressure machine with container in front of it with pills next to it
First, you will need to figure out what your specific needs are regarding your health.

Figuring Out Your Needs

Medicare can be confusing for people who are not familiar with it, but it can be broken down to be easier to understand. The two main parts of Original Medicare are Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A covers your hospital costs completely once you meet your deductible, and Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, including doctor visits, lab work and treatments. Unlike Part A, though, Part B only covers 80% of qualified medical expenses; that means you have to meet your Medicare Part B deductible and pay your premium, as well as a 20% coinsurance each time you use medical services. 

Now that you know what Medicare covers and what it doesn’t, you need to think about your healthcare needs. Do you need more coverage because you have a chronic health condition that requires constant observation or medications, such as diabetes or heart disease? Or do you just need preventive checkups? If you fall on the more comprehensive side (which many older adults do), you might need to look into a Medicare Supplement Plan to help cover additional costs not covered by Medicare alone. One of our highly trained agents can help you with this by going over your health history and medical needs. 

Figuring Out Your Budget

If you are retired or reaching retirement, as many Medicare beneficiaries are, you might be living on a fixed income. This means that you need to be smart with your spending and look for the best ways to save money. Before you look at your medical expenses, sit down and go over your finances and figure out your living expenses for the year, including groceries, rent/mortgage, car insurance, utility bills, medications, and any other extras. 

Once you have done this, it’s time to budget for Medicare costs and choose a Medicare Supplement Plan that works for you. There’s no need to do this alone! One of our agents can go over your needs, and will help you figure out your annual medical expenses, including the cost of your medications based on Medicare’s drug tier pricing. 

Figuring Out How To Save

stack of money rolled up with a rubber band on it
The best way to save is to buy a Medicare Supplement Plan that will help cover medical costs.

Medicare Supplement Plans can help you save hundreds of dollars each year, so you can worry less about your finances. An EZ agent will go over your medical needs and budget, and find a Medicare Supplement Plan that will save you money while filling the gaps that Medicare does not cover. There are 10 different plans to choose from, all with varying coverage and prices, and choosing one will give you peace of mind knowing that your medical expenses will be covered for the cost of a low monthly premium.

If you are interested in free assistance with navigating 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, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207. We will make the transition to Medicare easier and cheaper!

Men’s Health: Medicare & Prostate Cancer Screenings

It’s a scary statistic, but every 15 minutes, an American man dies from prostate cancer. According to cancer.org, approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. That means, for every 8 men you know in your life, 1 could be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that likelihood goes up the older they are. The average age for diagnosis is 66, with around 6 cases of prostate cancer in 10 being diagnosed in men who are 65 or older. June is National Men’s Health Month, so take this opportunity to learn more about prostate cancer, and get screened when it is recommended by Medicare! Medicare will cover prostate cancer screenings, as long as you follow the guidelines. 

Prostate Cancer

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but it occurs when the prostate gland, which is below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum, grows at an abnormal rate or to an abnormal size. There are 2 types of growth:

prostate with a red tumor on it and green viruses around it
Malignant growths on the prostate can be life threatening.
  • Benign growths- the prostate gland grows to squeeze the urethra, which it surrounds. These growths are usually noncancerous and rarely a threat.
  • Malignant growths– Cancerous growths that are life threatening.

A biopsy is required to determine which type of growth it is. 8 out of 10 tumors are found to be small and harmless, but if the growth is cancerous, the cells can begin to grow out of control and spread to other organs. 

Risk Factors

  • Age over 55 (peak age 65-74) years
  • Ethnicity: prostate cancer is more common in African Americans
  • Genetic/family history
  • Poor diet containing high amounts of fat
  • Smoking 
  • Drinking alcohol 
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Hormonal changes

Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer

There are a number of different symptoms of prostate cancer. The 5 main warning signs include:

  • Bone pain
  • Compression of the spine
  • Painful urination
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Blood in urine or semen

    illustration of a man holding his lower back while hunched over
    Pain in the lower back is a warning sign of prostate cancer.

Other signs of prostate cancer include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs
  • Anemia
  • Loss of bowel control

Diagnosis & Treatment

The word cancer itself is scary, but if prostate cancer is diagnosed early, most men can expect to live a normal life. Screening is the best way to detect prostate cancer, and is recommended for men who:

  • Are between 55 and 69 years of age
  • Are African American
  • Have a family history of prostate cancer

If cancerous cells or tumors are found, treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the age of the patient and their overall health. In the earlier stages, doctors will monitor the cells closely; for more advanced stages, treatment includes:

  • Surgery to remove the prostate gland
  • Radiation therapy
  • Cryotherapy to freeze and kill the cancerous cells
  • Drug therapy such as chemotherapy, which spreads throughout the body and destroys cancer cells. 

Medicare Coverage

Medicare will cover prostate cancer screenings every 12 months for men 50 and older. There are 2 types of exams:

  • Digital rectal exam – the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. 
  • blood sample being put on a test

    PSA blood test – measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.

Original Medicare will pay 80% of the yearly digital rectal exam, and 100% of the cost of the PSA blood test. Medicare will cover both inpatient and outpatient cancer treatment; Medicare Part A will fully cover inpatient hospital visits, but Medicare Part B will only cover 80% of costs for outpatient treatment. In order to get full coverage, you will need a Medicare Supplement Plan.

Most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will survive, as long as they catch it early on with annual screenings. If you are interested in a Medicare Supplement Plan to help pay for the cost of annual screenings and any treatments needed, EZ can compare plans in minutes for you. Our licensed agents will go over your needs and budget and find the plan that checks all of your boxes. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Home Blood Pressure Monitors?

Nearly 70% of people aged 65 and older have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure is a major health risk that can lead to multiple problems, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and even death. Monitoring your blood pressure is important for preventing serious conditions from occurring or getting worse. Medicare will cover blood pressure checks done at your doctor’s office, but does it cover home monitors?

High Blood Pressure

scale with blue measurement tape over it.
You can lower your blood pressure by exercising and losing weight if you are overweight.

Blood pressure is the force of blood as it flows through the arteries. As you age, blood pressure rises due to the narrowing and stiffening of your arteries. You can also develop high blood pressure because of your lifestyle or from taking certain medications. There are lifestyle modifications that can help lower your blood pressure, including:

  • Exercising at least 150 minutes each week
  • Losing weight, if you are overweight
  • Eating less sodium, no more than 2,300 milligrams a day
  • Avoiding alcohol and smoking

Home Blood Pressure Monitors

There are 2 different types of blood pressure monitors that you can use at home:

  1. Blood pressure cuffs– these are what you typically see in the doctor’s office. The pressure cuff goes around your upper arm and fills with air to squeeze your arm and stop blood flow through the artery. You then have to listen to the blood flow with a stethoscope (just like a nurse or doctor does).
  2. Ambulatory blood pressure monitors (ABPMs) – This device is a cuff you wear on your arm continuously for 24-48 hours. 

What Medicare Covers

Medicare generally does not cover home blood pressure monitors; it covers blood pressure monitoring done by a healthcare professional, with a few exceptions. Medicare Part A covers blood pressure monitoring during an inpatient hospital stay. Medicare Part B covers blood pressure checks at your doctor’s office, and might pay for a home blood pressure monitor if it is deemed medically necessary in the following situations:

blood pressure monitor
Your doctor can recommend a home blood pressure monitor in order to get a better read of your blood pressure.
  • Your doctor has recommended you use an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) because they suspect you have received an inaccurate reading in their office. Many people experience “white coat syndrome, ” meaning that they get nervous in a doctors office and their blood pressure rises. Others might experience “masked hypertension,” meaning their blood pressure is lower in the doctor’s office than it normally is. The ABPM will allow you to track your blood pressure readings in 24-hour cycles in the comfort of your own home.
  • You are on kidney dialysis in your home. Taking blood pressure readings during dialysis is important: high blood pressure causes chronic kidney disease, and can decrease the kidney’s ability to flush toxins from the body. 

If it is deemed medically necessary, Medicare Part B will pay for 80% of blood pressure cuffs, and 80% of the rental cost for ambulatory blood pressure monitors. You will be responsible for the remaining 20% out of pocket. Make sure the monitor is from a Medicare-certified medical equipment supplier; other suppliers will charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, leaving you to pay the difference. 

Medicare Supplement Plan Coverage

If you are unable to pay the 20% of medical expenses that Medicare does not cover, a Medicare Supplement Plan can help. Medicare Supplement Plans will cover out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, coinsurance and more, so that you can save on healthcare costs. If you are in need of extra coverage for services that Medicare only partially pays for, a Medicare Supplement Plan might be right for you. There are 10 different plans to choose from that offer different levels of coverage at different price points.

An EZ agent can compare plans in minutes and find you one that is affordable and that meets your needs, both medically and financially. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207. No hassle, and no obligation. Just free guidance to help you save money.

How to Identify Melanoma & How Much Does Medicare Cover

May is National Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so there is no better time to shine a light on this type of cancer, including how to identify it, and how to protect yourself. Melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancers, is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. Detecting melanoma early is crucial to increasing your chances of survival; in fact, the 5-year survival rate for patients who receive an early diagnosis and get treated immediately is 98%, meaning 98 out of 100 people will survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis. The risk of melanoma increases with age, with an average diagnosis age of 65. Because this potentially deadly cancer affects many people 65 and older, knowing how Medicare covers detection and treatment is also important.

Melanoma Survival Rates

Melanoma survival rates are based on a 5-year time frame. The “5-year survival rate” refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is diagnosed. The later the stage that the melanoma is diagnosed at, the lower the chances of survival past 5 years. This is why it is important to keep track of any changes in your skin or moles. The average survival rates for each stage of diagnosis is as follows:

a graph with different lines
The higher the melanoma stage, then the lower the survival rate.
  • Stage 0: The 5-year relative survival rate is 98%.
  • Stage 1: The 5-year survival rate is 90-95%. If a sentinel node biopsy shows any signs of melanoma in the lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is roughly 75%.
  • Stage 2A: The 5-year relative survival rate is approximately 85%. If a biopsy shows any signs of melanoma in the lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is around 65%.
  • Stage 2B: The 5-year relative survival rate is around 72-75%. If a biopsy shows any signs of melanoma in the lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is lowered to 50-60%.
  • Stage 2C: The 5-year relative survival rate is around 53%. If a  biopsy shows any signs of melanoma in the lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is lowered to 44%.
  • Stage 3: The 5-year survival rate is around 45%. It’s higher if the melanoma has spread to only one lymph node, but if it spread to more than 3 lymph nodes, then it is lower.
  • Stage 4: The 5-year survival rate for stage 4 melanoma is around 10%. 

ABCDEs of Melanoma

Skin cancer generally affects the skin on the neck, hands and face. It starts out on the outer layer of the skin, eventually spreading to deeper skin levels and other parts of the body. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and has distinct features that are easy to learn and remember by using the ABCDE rule:

  • A for Asymmetry- Most cancerous moles are asymmetrical; if you were to draw a line through the middle of it, one half would not match the other.
  • B for Border– The border, or edges of the mole or spot is irregular, uneven, scalloped, or poorly defined. Common moles are generally smoother. 
  • C for Color– Another warning sign of melanoma is a mole that is different colors, including tan, shades of very dark brown or black. As the mole grows, shades of red, white, or blue might appear.
  • D for Diameter– Moles or spots that are wider than a pencil eraser should also be checked. 
  • E for Evolving– If the mole changes color, shape or size, this could be a warning sign of melanoma.

Risk Factors

legs in a tanning bed
If you used tanning beds in the past, then you are at a higher risk of developing melanoma.

You have a higher chance of developing melanoma if you:

Diagnosis & Treatment

In order to check if a mole is cancerous, your doctor may order a biopsy, or removal of the skin lesion. In the event that the test results come back positive for melanoma, there are various treatments that could follow:

  • Surgery- cutting out the lesion
  • Chemotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy- drugs administered followed by exposure to a light source to destroy cancerous cells.
  • Radiation therapy- using beams of high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy
  • Chemical peel- using a chemical solution to dissolve the top layer of the skin.
  • Targeted therapy- use of drugs to attack cancer cells.

Medicare Coverage For Screenings & Treatment

Cancer screenings are important for early diagnosis and improving a person’s chances of surviving. Fortunately, Medicare covers these screenings, as well as treatment for cancers including melanoma. Medicare Part A will cover cancer treatments that involve inpatient hospital stays. Medicare Part B will cover cancer screenings, and if you are diagnosed with cancer, Part B will cover further assessment and the above mentioned forms of treatment as long as they are deemed medically necessary by a doctor. Part B will only cover 80% of these expenses, leaving you to pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket. 

Prevention & Extra Coverage

magnifying glass looking at a mole on someone's arm
The best way to prevent melanoma is by checking yourself regularly.

Your best defense against melanoma is to be aware of it! Always check yourself and take note of existing moles or lesions that grow or change, including new ones that pop up. If in doubt, get it checked, and if you have already been diagnosed with melanoma, follow up regularly with your doctor after treatment. 

If the 20% out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare are too much for you financially, you should consider a Medicare Supplement Plan to help. For the price of a low monthly premium, a Medicare Supplement Plan will cover out-of-pocket expenses, such as coinsurance and copays. There are 10 different plans to choose from, so you are sure to find one that suits your needs financially and medically. 

To get free instant quotes on Medicare Supplement Plans, simply enter your zip code in the bar above. Or to speak to a licensed EZ agent in your area, call 888-753-7207. We will compare all the available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area and find a plan that will help you save money throughout the year. No hassle or obligation.

Does Medicare Cover A Hip Replacement?

As you age, your bones can begin to deteriorate, making hip fractures much more likely. In fact, according to the CDC, more than 300,000 adults 65 or older – 80% of whom are women – are hospitalized for hip fractures each year. What’s more, complications from a fractured hip can be life-threatening in older adults especially if a fracture is left untreated. Hip fractures can be painful and hard to recover from, but surgery (hip replacement) and time will help get you back up and walking again. But how much of this is covered under Medicare?

Hip Fracture Risk Factorsskeleton of the hip with red around the hip bone

With age comes weaker bones, as well as an increased risk of falls. About 95% of hip fractures result from a fall. You are more likely to experience a hip fracture if the you have the following risk factors:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Medications that can make you drowsy or dizzy
  • Malnutrition
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, overactive thyroid, dementia, stoke or Parkinson’s
  • Being inactive
  • Previous hip fracture 
  • Tobacco and alcohol use

Hip Replacement Surgery

illustration of a femur bone
Often times when you fracture your hip, you will need to replace the femur bone.

There are two different types of hip fractures:

  1. Femoral neck fracture- the femoral neck is below the ball part of the ball-and-socket hip joint in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone).
  2. Intertrochanteric region fracture– this region is below the femoral neck, where the femur bone juts out.

After experiencing either of the hip fractures mentioned above, you will need to have surgery. There are 3 different types of surgeries to repair hip fractures:

  1. Hip repair using screws- metal screws will be used to hold together the broken bone.
  2. Partial hip replacement– the doctor replaces the head and neck of the femur with metal.
  3. Total hip replacement– the upper part of the femur and the cocker in the pelvic bone will be removed and replaced with artificial parts made of metal or a hard plastic. 

After surgery, you will need to stay in the hospital for a while, and will then need to undergo  physical and occupational therapy.

How Much Will Medicare Cover?

If you do experience a hip fracture and need surgery to treat it, Medicare will cover a lot of your expenses. Medicare Part A will cover the surgery as well as the time you have to spend in the hospital afterwards. Medicare Part A will also cover some of the physical therapy you receive in a skilled nursing facility. Part B will cover any the tests that you will need before surgery, such as lab tests and MRIs, as well as any outpatient physical therapy you receive afterwards. 

Medicare Supplement Plans & Hip Replacements

money with a calculator next to it

While Medicare does cover hip surgery and physical therapy, you will still be responsible for some out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Part B only covers 80% of approved expenses, so you will be responsible for the 20% coinsurance that Medicare does not cover. You will also have to pay Medicare Parts A and B deductibles and copays. 

Depending on your financial situation, the Medicare Part B coinsurance could become a burden. Medicare Supplement Plans can help cover some of these costs. With one of these plans, all you will have to worry about is paying a low monthly premium; you will not have to worry about other Medicare expenses. There are 10 different plans to choose from, so you are sure to find one that suits your financial and medical needs.

A hip fracture can happen to anyone at any time. If it does happen to you, know that you don’t have to struggle to pay for surgery and therapy to get better. EZ.Insure can find you a Medicare Supplement Plan that will offer you great coverage, as well as peace of mind. Our agents are knowledgeable about all Medicare Supplement Plans and can compare all the available plans in your area in minutes. We will find you an affordable plan that will save you hundreds of dollars throughout the year. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with one of our licensed agents, call 888-753-7207. No hassle and no obligation!

Can Your Insurance Company Cancel Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

A Medicare Supplement Plan can save you hundreds of dollars each year. These plans are sold by private companies to help cover the healthcare costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. They offer great benefits and savings, and can be especially helpful for older adults who are on a fixed income. But here’s a question: can you lose your Medicare Supplement Plan? It is rare, but yes, your insurance company does have the right to cancel your Medicare Supplement Plan under certain circumstances. 

Providing False Informationcaucasian hand with a pen in it signing a paper

When you apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan, you have to provide your personal information, and in some cases, your medical history to the insurance company. If you provide false information, your insurance company can cancel your Medicare Supplement Plan. For example, if you are a smoker and lie about your tobacco usage, the moment the company finds out that you lied, they can retroactively cancel your plan. 

In order to avoid this, make sure you are as honest as you can be on your application, and if anything changes over the years, make sure to contact your insurance company and let them know. Being transparent with them means you will not risk losing your Medicare Supplement Plan.  

Failure To Pay

Things happen and situations change. Maybe your income has been reduced for some reason, or maybe some unexpected expenses have come into your life. Either way, you might fall behind on your Medicare Supplement Plan payments. If this happens, you will receive notices of delinquent payment from your insurance company; if you still do not pay, they will cancel your plan due to nonpayment. 

To avoid this situation, be sure to make your payments on time. If you do have some financial difficulties, notify your Medicare Supplement Plan insurance company. Many companies will work with customers who are dealing with financial hardship. You can discuss your options with them and you might be able to work something out to keep your plan.

The Insurance Company Goes Bankruptbankrupt spelled out in tiles

Insurance companies are businesses, and they can go bankrupt. If your insurance company goes bankrupt or becomes insolvent, your plan will be canceled. Fortunately, even if this happens, you will still have guaranteed-issue rights, which means you will have 63 days after coverage ends to apply for another Medicare Supplement Plan. If you apply for a plan after the 63 days, you will face medical underwriting, which means an insurance company can use your pre-existing conditions to either raise the price of your plan, or deny you coverage. 

Can You Switch Plans?

If you want to switch Medicare Supplement Plans to get more coverage or lower monthly premiums, you can, but the best time to do so is during the 6-month Medicare Initial Enrollment Period open to you when you turn 65, or if you lose your plan due to your company going bankrupt. These are the only times you can get a plan with guaranteed-issue rights. Outside of these times, you can still switch plans or sign up for a new plan, but you will be subject to medical underwriting.

If you are looking to switch plans or are in the market for a new plan, EZ.Insure can help. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we are able to easily compare plans in your area in minutes. We will help you find a Medicare Supplement Plan that meets your financial budget and medical needs, so you can start saving money. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with a licensed EZ agent, call 888-753-7207.

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