Do you know what one of the perks of getting older is? You have the flexibility and room in your budget to split your time between two homes. Many Medicare beneficiaries spend their time on the move, especially “snowbirds” who are looking to escape the cold in one state, and spend their winters in a warmer, sunnier state. This is a common situation, but if you have homes in different states, you want to know that your Medicare Plan will cover you in both states. Navigating Medicare coverage can be confusing, and adding living in two different states to the mix, can make things even more confusing. Fortunately, though, you will still have access to Medicare in both locations, in what capacity depends on several factors.
Is Medicare The Same In All States?
Original Medicare is accepted in all 50 states; there aren’t any state-specific residency requirements for getting treated with Medicare, so no matter where you are based, you can see a doctor in another state, as long as the doctor accepts Medicare assignment. But it is important to note that there are different categories of Medicare acceptance that might affect how much you will pay:
Practicing provider– A practicing provider accepts Medicare assignments, meaning that they agree to accept Medicare reimbursement as full payment for treating you.
Non-practicing providers– These providers accept Medicare patients but will not accept Medicare reimbursement as full payment. This means that they can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount for their services. This extra charge is called an excess charge.
Opt-out provider– These providers choose to opt out of the Medicare program and do not accept Medicare insurance at all. If you see any of these providers, Medicare will not pay anything for the services you receive, leaving you to pay the bill out-of-pocket.
Bridge The Gap
If you’re looking for more coverage, Medicare Supplement Plans are used alongside your Original Medicare coverage to help cover the gaps in Medicare, like the coinsurance that you have to pay out-of-pocket. A Medicare Supplement Plan will provide you with all of your Medicare benefits, no matter what state you are in, as long as you see a doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare assignment. Medicare Supplement Plan G will also cover the excess charges that non-participating providers charge you when you see them.
Any provider who accepts Medicare will accept your Medicare Supplement Plan as well, no matter what state you’re in
Any provider who accepts Medicare will accept your Medicare Supplement Plan as well, no matter what state you’re in. There are currently 10 different Medigap plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each is standardized by the federal government so that coverage remains the same between insurance companies, but prices can vary based on your primary residence location and the plan type you choose.
It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
March is National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, so we want to take this time to look at this type of injury, and raise awareness of the risk to older adults. A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can happen when your head takes a severe blow and your brain hits your skull, causing a concussion or serious brain damage. This type of injury is something that older adults should be especially wary of, because as you get older, falling and hurting your head becomes much more likely to happen than when you were younger. That means it’s important to understand what signs to watch out for, so you can get the appropriate help as soon as possible.
How Common Are Traumatic Brain Injuries?
traumatic brain injuries are more common among people older than 65.
Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, contributing to almost 3 million emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths each year. According to the CDC, more than 54,000 adults died from TBI in 2014.
Anyone can experience a traumatic brain injury, but almost 80% of them happen to men, and they are more common among people older than 65, because older adults are more prone to losing their balance, falling, and hitting their heads.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are several different types and grades of traumatic brain injuries:
Mild concussion – Also known as mTBI, this is the most common type of TBI, accounting for roughly 3 out of 4 TBIs every year. Symptoms include feeling dazed or losing consciousness for less than 30 minutes, and confusion for a day or so.
Moderate TBI– Symptoms include loss of consciousness for over 30 minutes, but less than one day, and confusion that can last for up to 1 week.
Severe TBI– If you lose consciousness for at least one full day, your TBI is considered severe.
Uncomplicated TBI– Your TBI is considered uncomplicated if you receive a CAT scan or brain MRI, and it comes back normal, regardless of the severity of the brain injury.
Complicated TBI– This means that your head CT scan or brain MRI shows changes, such as bleeding in the brain.
Closed TBI– This means that an outside force caused the blow to the head, but it did not penetrate the skull. A closed TBI can still cause swelling of the brain.
Open TBI– Also known as a penetrating TBI, this occurs when a bullet, knife, or something else goes through the skull, damaging brain tissue.
Top Cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries
For older adults, the top cause of a traumatic brain injury is a fall: in fact, falls account for almost half of all emergency room visits, mainly for people 65 and older. These falls generally happen when someone loses their balance or trips over something; if they hit their head when they fall, their brain will experience chemical changes to compensate for the injury.
It is important to do everything you can to prevent falls and protect yourself from traumatic brain injury, which can result in damage to your brain cells. To do this, you should make sure that your home is as safe as possible; fortunately, Medicare will cover a home assessment for you to make sure that you are safe from falls and traumatic brain injuries.
Warning Signs of TBI
As we laid out above, there are different levels and grades of traumatic brain injuries. But whatever the grade of your injury, one of the key signs of a TBI is loss of consciousness after receiving a blow to the head, or feeling dizzy for a couple of minutes. You can experience several different symptoms, and if you do, it is very important that you seek help immediately. Some of the warning signs of TBI include:
Confusion or memory problems
Dilated pupils or blurred vision
Headaches
Behavioral or mood changes
Slurred speech
Sensitivity to light and smell
Nausea and vomiting
Restlessness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Agitation
Sleeping too little or too much
Treatment/Management of TBI
If you suspect you have had a traumatic brain injury, go to the emergency room, or speak to your healthcare provider, who will examine you. You might have to undergo a neurological evaluation, imaging testing, and/or a blood test to look for protein in your blood that would indicate concussion or mild traumatic brain injury.
After identifying a TBI, your doctor will treat you based on the type and severity of the injury. If you have a mild traumatic brain injury, you will only need minimal treatment, which will typically include relaxing and taking a rest from any work or strenuous activity for a couple of weeks. However, if you have a severe traumatic brain injury, you will need hospital care and more intensive treatment such as:
Counseling for emotional support
Surgery to stop any bleeding in the brain
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy, if necessary
It is important to note that the older you are, the slower your recovery will be. And if you have had any prior traumatic brain injuries, it will also take a little longer to recover from your current traumatic brain injury.
Complications Accompanying Traumatic Brain Injury
Unfortunately for some people, there can be complications that accompany a traumatic brain injury. People with traumatic brain injuries have a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, seizures, and epilepsy. Moderate or severe traumatic brain injury can cause permanent brain damage and disabilities, and in some rare cases, can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or movement disorders.
Preventing TBI
A walking assistance can help you with your balance when walking to prevent falls.
Traumatic brain injuries are not always preventable, but there are some things you can do to try to prevent falls :
Assess your medications– Some medications can cause dizziness, which can lead to falls, so it is important to monitor your medications to know which ones make you dizzy or sleepy. Speak to your doctor to find out if it is possible to change your medications to ones that don’t cause dizziness or sleepiness.
Stay active- One of the best ways to prevent falls is to remain active. Keeping your body moving by doing things like yoga or Tai Chi helps build muscle and improve your balance.
Use walking assistance– Walkers and canes can help you to be steadier on your feet if you have issues walking or with your balance.
Fall proof your home– As we mentioned earlier, Medicare will cover a home assessment to make sure that you are safe. They will suggest things like removing any rugs that can trip you, and installing stair handrails and bathtub grab bars. Medicare Part B can also cover any durable medical equipment needed such as walkers or canes, as well as any modifications to your home, such as a ramp for a wheelchair or grab bars.
The older you are, the more likely you are to experience a traumatic brain injury caused by a fall. Some falls can even lead to death if the blow to your head is hard enough, which is why it is really important to make sure that you are safe in your home and when walking. And if you do experience any type of head injury, have your healthcare provider check it out no matter how minor the injury seems at the time.
And in the meantime, take the proper steps to prevent falls by utilizing Medicare and what they offer to make sure that you are safe at home. And while Medicare Part B covers a lot, it will only cover 80% of expenses, leaving you the remaining 20% to pay out-of-pocket. This can be quite expensive, especially if you are living on a fixed income, as many Medicare beneficiaries are. Fortunately, though, you can save money on medical expenses and get extra coverage by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan.
There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on February 10th that it will be expanding Medicare coverage for lung cancer screening. The new coverage will expand lung cancer screening in the private market, extending access to low-dose computed tomography (CT scanning) for Medicare patients, in order to align with current recommendations.
What Is The Expansion?
More people in the United States die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer, so in an attempt to save more people, Medicare will now make it easier to get screened for this deadly disease. Medicare beneficiaries will now have expanded access to low-dose CT scanning, a special type of CT scan screening that uses computers to generate high quality images of the lungs in order to detect abnormalities. Low-dose CT scanning is the recommended screening for lung cancer, and now beneficiaries can get it:
Starting at the age of 50, instead of 55
Even if they show no sign of cancer
If they have a history of tobacco use (20 packs of cigarettes a year)
If they are current smokers
If they are former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years
Why The Expansion?
As we mentioned above, lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the U.S. It is also the third most common type of cancer overall. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2022 there will be:
Around 236,740 new cases of lung cancer (117,910 in men and 118,830 in women)
Around 130,180 deaths from lung cancer (68,820 in men and 61,360 in women)
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the U.S. It is also the third most common type of cancer overall.
Not only that, but lung cancer mainly occurs in older people, with most people receiving their diagnosis at age 65 or older; the average age when diagnosed is about 70. For this reason, it is especially important that Medicare encourages lung cancer screenings to help with early detection, and expands access to them for as many people as possible.
“Expanding coverage broadens access for lung cancer screening to at-risk populations,” Lee Fleisher, MD, chief medical officer and director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality at CMS, said in a press release emailed to HealthPayerIntelligence. “Today’s decision not only expands access to quality care but is also critical to improving health outcomes for people by helping to detect lung cancer earlier.”
The hope is that with this expansion, more people will get screened, so that more cases of lung cancer can be caught early – the earlier cancer is detected, the better the odds of beating it.
It was not all that long ago that talking about women’s bodies and health was considered taboo, and a lot of healthcare was hard to access, or based on superstition. Fortunately, we have come a long way from taboos and superstitions with the help of changing attitudes towards women’s healthcare, as well as medical and scientific advancements. We’ve made incredible strides in the last few centuries and decades, from the first female doctor to the birth control pill – and this Women’s History Month we wanted to take a closer look at some of the key moments in the history of women’s healthcare.
1849: The First Female Doctor
Allow us to introduce you to the first female doctor, Elizabeth Blackwell, who earned her medical degree 173 years ago from New York’s Geneva Medical College, ranking first in her class. And despite facing many obstacles trying to make a living in a male-dominated medical system, she set up a small clinic of her own in 1853, which became known as the New York Infirmary for Women and Children. Then in 1868, she fulfilled a long-held dream when she opened the Women’s Medical College at the infirmary to help train more female doctors, since it was so difficult for women to get experience from their male counterparts.
1896: Menstrual Care
What did women do before the times of disposable tampons and pads? They had to be creative and make their own tampons and pads out of cloth, wool, and paper. But in 1896, that all changed when the first commercial menstrual care product in America was introduced: Lister’s Towels, a cotton sanitary napkin made by Johnson & Johnson. Unfortunately, it was not that successful because women did not want to be seen purchasing them, or anything that had to do with menstruation, for that matter. But then, in 1921, the first successful pad was finally introduced by the Kimberly-Clark company: Kotex.
The first disposable tampon was then introduced in 1933, after being patented by Dr. Earle Haas. That same year Haas sold his design and patent to a Denver businesswoman named Gertrude Tenderich, who founded the Tampax Sales Corporation. And women’s lives got just a little bit easier!
1914: All Hail The First Modern Bra
Before the bra was introduced, women engineered their own devices to support their breasts. They wore bands of animal skins and later wore incredibly uncomfortable corsets to enhance their shape. But that all changed in 1913, when New York City socialite Mary Phelps Jacob tried on a new sheer evening gown and saw that her tight corset poked out from underneath. So she ditched the corset and instead tied two silk handkerchiefs together with a ribbon- inventing the modern bra! In 1914, she patented her design and set up a business selling her bras, which she later sold to the Warner Brothers Corset Company.
1916: The First Birth Control Clinic
Margaret Sanger was most famous for her controversial and tireless advocacy for birth control in America. She saw firsthand the effects of women who were living in poverty having multiple children, the high infant and maternal mortality rates that resulted, as well as the pain caused by deaths from illegal abortions. So Sanger decided to try to change this, opening America’s first birth control clinic in Brooklyn in 1916. In 1921, she founded the American Birth Control League, which later became the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
1960: The Birth of The Pill
In 1960, the FDA finally approved the sale of the first oral contraceptive, the birth control pill Enovid. Within two years, it was being taken by more than a million women in the United States.
Before 1969, mammograms were performed with X-ray machines, which can produce high doses of radiation. Because many people were worried about the effects of being exposed to such high radiation, the mammography machine was invented, and became available around the world. Then in 2000, the FDA approved the first digital mammography unit, followed 11 years later by the approval of the first 3D breast imaging technology.
1977: The First Sports Bra
Can you imagine working out without a sports bra? Well not too long ago, that was your only choice. But in 1977, University of Vermont graduate student Lisa Lindahl got tired of not having any breast support while exercising. So, along with 2 friends, she came up with the idea of sewing 2 men’s jockstraps together, and viola- she came up with the prototype of the first sports bra, the Jogbra!
Women’s health has come a long way from what it was not that long ago. You might even remember the days before the sports bra, easily accessible birth control, or the modern mammogram machine- yikes, all that radiation! Thanks to all of these advances, and the health insurance that covers everything to keep us healthy, you can continue to take care of your health – and Medicare will cover most of the costs.
But Medicare only covers most, not all, of your medical expenses. So if you don’t have a Medicare Supplement Plan, we urge you to look into one, so you can not only save money but get more coverage! Medicare Supplement Plans will cover what Original Medicare does not, saving you hundreds of dollars a year, so you don’t have to worry about medical bills when getting your mammogram, or anything else needed to stay on top of your health. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
With age comes the need to take some extra precautions, especially in your home to keep you safe from falls and other dangers. Falls are a big risk when you’re older, and they can happen in your home if you’re not careful with common hazards like wires or other obstacles. Not only that, but you also need to make sure your home is safe from floods, fires, or potential intruders. Making sure that your home is safe can be expensive, and most people don’t know where to start. Fortunately, Medicare can cover the costs of home safety assessments, with certain conditions.
Different Types of Medicare Home Safety Assessments
There are multiple categories of home assessments that you should consider to ensure that your home is safe for you and your loved ones. These include:
Part of the assessment is to make sure you have a fire extinguisher available in your home in case of a fire.
Fire hazard assessment – Did you know that older adults over age 65 are twice as likely to die in home fires, and people aged 85 and older are four times as likely to die as compared to the general public? This might be because older adults are less able to react quickly to emergencies, and many live alone, and when accidents happen, there might not be others around to help. But whatever the reason, it is important to ensure your home is as safe as possible by keeping it free of electrical and fire hazards. Don’t smoke in your home, and make sure your electrical system can handle the amount of electricity you use. For example, if you have a ventilator or oxygen machine that requires a lot of power, check to see if your home’s electrical system can handle it, so it does not overheat and cause a fire. In addition, be mindful of how you use power strips, and the state of your electrical wiring.
Fire response assessment – In addition to assessing your home for fire risks, you should also assess if you will be able to respond quickly and safely should there be a fire in your home. This means having a clear exit in case of fire so that you will not be stuck inside. If anyone in your home uses a wheelchair, doors need to be wide enough to accommodate them, so you don’t lose any time when fleeing a fire. You also need to check that your smoke detectors have batteries and are in good working order. Finally, you should have fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas; these extinguishers should also be checked and serviced regularly so they will work when you need them.
Home fall risk assessment – 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 falls each year, leading to broken hips, and sometimes death, so this is a very important assessment. Make sure there is no loose carpeting in your home, and that rugs have non-slip pads beneath them and their corners lie flat. You should also ensure that your walkways are clutter-free, any electrical/extension cords are tucked securely away, and your stairs are in good shape, with no loose boards.
Will Medicare Pay For Your Assessments?
Medicare will cover treatment for any injuries if you fall in your home, but it can also cover home safety assessments to help prevent falls. Medicare covers a fall risk assessment as part of your Welcome to Medicare visit; in addition, you might be eligible for a home safety assessment if your doctor orders one after a hospitalization due to a fall.
Medicare will also cover fire risk and response, as well as other home assessments, if you are receiving home health care to make sure you are as safe as possible. It is important to know that Medicare will not cover the bill if a first responder, such as the fire department or an ambulance, comes to your aid unless they transport you to a hospital.
Medicare might also cover durable medical equipment (DME) and possibly some home modifications, such as walk-in tubs and wheelchair ramps: it depends on the DME and the reason for the modifications.
Extra Coverage
While Medicare might help cover the cost of your home assessments, they will only cover them at 80%, leaving you to pay for the other 20% out-of-pocket. This can be quite expensive, especially if you are living on a fixed income, as many Medicare beneficiaries are. Fortunately, though, you can save money on any medical expenses and get extra coverage by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan.
There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
In the United States, more than 60% of cancer cases are diagnosed in people 65 and over. Advanced age is the biggest risk factor for cancer overall, as well as for many individual types of cancer. It is predicted that almost 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, and with such a large number of these diagnoses being among seniors, it is important that all older adults are fully insured, in order to be protected no matter what happens.
After all, it’s no secret that cancer treatments are not cheap – but fortunately, Medicare will cover many of these treatments, and what is not covered by Medicare can be covered by a Medicare Supplement Plan. Whether you are dealing with cancer, or are worried about being diagnosed with it in the future, find out just how Medicare can help you kick cancer’s butt.
Prevention Is Key
According to the World Health Organization, between 30 and 50% of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer; Medicare Part B actually covers a lot of preventive measures to protect you from cancer, such as:
8 smoking cessation counseling visits per year
Mammograms– Breast cancer screenings are covered at 100% every 12 months, and 80% if you require more than one a year.
Cervical cancer screenings– These screenings are covered at 100% every two years; if you need them more often, Medicare will cover them at 80%.
Prostate cancer screenings– The blood test for prostate cancer is covered yearly, but an annual digital rectal exam is only covered at 80%.
Colorectal cancer screening– The blood test for this cancer is covered every year, and colonoscopies are covered every two years if you are considered high risk, or every 6 years if you are not high risk. Part B will cover extra screenings at 80%.
How Medicare Covers:
Cancer Treatments
Cancer treatments can be very expensive because they are ongoing, and can be required for months or years to help you fight your cancer. You will need diagnostic tests like X-rays and CT scans, which are covered at 80% by Part B. In addition, if you need durable medical equipment, like wheelchairs and walkers, Medicare will also cover these at 80%.
Chemotherapy is covered under part A or Part B, depending on if you receive your treatment in a hospital setting or at a doctor’s office; if you choose to have oral chemotherapy treatment, Part B will also cover these costs.
Surgeries
If you need to have surgery, or surgeries, because of your cancer, Part A will cover any inpatient surgeries and hospital stays, as well as any treatments or medications you receive while admitted, at 100%. Then, after you have been admitted to the hospital for three days, Part A will also cover any skilled nursing facility care or home health care services that are required after your hospital stay. This can include rehabilitation center services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing care.
Medicare will pay 100% for hospice care and cover grief counseling for your family.
It is important to know your status while you are in the hospital for these surgeries. If you are considered an outpatient, or under observation, Part A will not cover the costs. Instead, Part B would pay for the costs at 80% of the allowable charges, and you would have to pay 20% after meeting your Part B deductible.
Hospice Care
If it comes to the point that you require hospice care, this type of care is covered 100% by Medicare. Grief and loss counseling for you and your family is also covered by Medicare.
Extra Help
As stated, Medicare Part B, which covers the costs of cancer prevention and treatments, only covers 80% of these costs. This will leave you with the remaining 20% to pay for out-of-pocket, but a Medicare Supplement Plan can help you pay the medical expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare Part B. One of these plans can actually help you save hundreds, or maybe even thousands of dollars each year.
Medicare Supplement Plans can cover your Part A deductible and coinsurance costs, as well as your Medicare Part B copayment, coinsurance, and deductible. There are 10 different plans to choose from, and depending on which plan you choose, you could get anywhere from 75% coverage of your medical expenses all the way up to 100%. Each plan offers a range of coverage at different price points; if you are battling cancer, your best option is to get the plan with the most coverage possible, so you will only have to worry about paying your Medicare Supplement Plan monthly premiums.
Medicare Supplement Plans can help save you money and keep you from stressing over medical bills for your cancer treatments, leaving you with more time and energy to focus on your health. EZ can compare all 10 Medicare Supplement Plans and find the one that will meet your financial and medical needs. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, which makes comparing plans easy, quick, and free – our services come at no cost to you because we just want to help you save money so you can focus on your health. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
