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Cancer Rates Are Dropping For African American Men & Women

For decades, African Americans have dealt with many systemic inequalities in this country, including unequal access to healthcare, which has led to big disparities in the health of African Americans and Caucasians even today. However, the tides are slowly turning, and almost every marker of health seems to be improving for African Americans. For example, according to a study by the American Cancer Society, African Americans have long had a higher mortality rate for cancer than Caucasians have had, but death rates for African American men and women have actually been decreasing significantly over the last several years.

Cancers That Most Affect African Americans

blur ribbon for prostate cancer — *Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in African American men.*

According to the CDC, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in African American men, and breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in African American women. Each makes up nearly one-third of cancers diagnosed in each gender. Lung and colorectal cancers are the second and third most commonly diagnosed cancers in both African American men and women.

Slow Improvements

Although African Americans still have the highest death rate and the lowest survival rate of any racial group for most cancers, the overall cancer death rate for that group has been dropping. In fact, the death rate for African Americans decreased 25% from 1999 to 2015.

In the American Cancer Society’s report, Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2019-2021, they give numbers on new cancer cases, deaths, survival, screening test use, and risk factors for African Americans. They found:

From 2006 to 2015, the overall cancer death rate declined faster among African American men and women than among Caucasian men and women in the US.
- Rates for African American men declined 2.6% per year vs. 1.6% for Caucasian men.
- Rates for African American women declined 1.5% per year vs. 1.3% for Caucasian women.
Continuous declines in death rates for the past 25 years have resulted in more than 462,000 fewer cancer deaths.
Among men, the overall cancer death rate was 47% higher for African Americans than for Caucasians in 1990, but only 19% higher in 2016.
Among women, the death rates decreased from 19% to 13% over the same period, with the gap nearly disappearing for some age groups.

“Seeing the substantial progress made over the past several decades in reducing Black-white disparities in cancer mortality is incredibly gratifying,” said Len Lichtenfeld, MD, interim chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, in a statement. “This progress is driven in large part by drops in the lung cancer death rate driven by more rapid decreases in smoking over the past 40 years in Blacks than in whites. To continue this progress, we need to expand access to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment for all Americans.”

Closing The Gap

Despite numbers going down, diagnoses of cancer and the cancer mortality rate are still high for African Americans because they often face more risk factors, as well as access to healthcare that is still often unequal – for example, African Americans tend to be screened for cancer less often than Caucasians.

With that being said, though, there are more ways to access quality healthcare now than ever before, which is hopeful. With the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has helped millions of Americans access better healthcare, and the extension of premium tax credits to more households, health insurance is more accessible to everyone. Not only that, but Medicare has been slowly expanding its benefits to cover more and reduce out-of-pocket costs. All of this has helped narrow the gap, along with African Americans themselves taking control and seeking more care, and taking better care of themselves with the better resources available to them.

What Can You Do?

To help prevent cancer, you need to get screened regularly, go to your annual doctor visits, and take your medications! Other things you can do to continue to beat the odds is to adopt a healthier lifestyle that includes exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. You should also make sure you have access to affordable, quality healthcare, which you can do by adding a Medicare Supplement Plan onto your existing Medicare Parts A and B. Remember, Medicare will cover most of your treatments and medications, but Part B will only pay for 80% of your expenses, leaving you to pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket. That 20% can really add up, but if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan, your plan will cover many of these costs.

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so it’s important to compare each one and find the plan that suits your medical needs and saves you money. EZ agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country and can compare plans for you in minutes, at no cost to you. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed local agent, call 888-753-7207. No hassle or obligation.

What To Do If Your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Is Discontinued

Medicare does not cover 100% of all medical expenses, which is why many people choose to purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan. A Medicare Supplement Plan will cover whatever out-of-pocket costs are left after Medicare has paid its part – and if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan, you know just how much money this can save you. That means you’re probably pretty happy with your plan – but what if you get a notice that you need to change your Medicare Supplement Plan because it is getting discontinued? Why would this happen and what can you do about it?

Reasons Your Plan Could Be Discontinued

Typically Medicare Supplement Plans are not discontinued, but it can happen in certain cases. For example, if:

Your insurance company files for bankruptcy
Your insurance company goes out of business
You gave false information when applying for your plan
You fail to make your monthly premium payments

Before your plan is discontinued, you will receive notices, emails, and letters that your plan is ending.

The Next Steps

If you receive notice that your plan is going to be canceled, the first thing you should do is make sure you keep your notice of termination in your records, so you have it when you are looking for a new plan. Also, it is important to note that if you lose coverage due to nonpayment or because you have given false information, you will not have the same outcome as you will if you lose your plan due to something out of your control, such as your insurance company going under.

zoomed in picture of a calendar month — *If you have guaranteed issue rights, then you will have 63 days from when your coverage ends to get a new plan.*

If you lose your plan due to circumstances beyond your control, you have the right to buy a new plan: this is known as a guaranteed issue. Guaranteed-issue rights protect you from having to undergo medical underwriting, or the process by which an insurance company collects information regarding your health history to decide whether to issue you insurance, to get a new plan.

If you do have guaranteed-issue rights, the only thing you need to do is to find a new Medicare Supplement Plan within 63 days from the day your coverage ends. You will need your letter of discontinuation for proof that you have special circumstances, and you can begin shopping for a new plan.

If you lost your Medicare Supplement Plan due to nonpayments or giving false information, you can try to purchase a new plan, but you will not have guaranteed-issue rights, meaning you will face medical underwriting. This could mean denial or increased monthly payments due to pre-existing conditions. However, if you work with an EZ agent, we can find you an affordable rate for a Medicare Supplement Plan by comparing all available plans in your area.

If you are looking for a new plan because your Medicare Supplement Plan is being discontinued, EZ can help. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we can easily compare plans in your area in minutes. We will help you find a Medicare Supplement Plan that fits your budget and meets your medical needs, so you can start saving money. 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.

Growing Older With Congenital Heart Disease

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

Congenital Heart Disease

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

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

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

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

Symptoms of Congenital Heart Disease

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

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

Treatment for Adult Congenital Heart Disease

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

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

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

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

If you have congenital heart disease, it is very important to monitor your condition and make sure that your heart is strong, and there are no clogs or issues with blood flow. Remember, when you see the doctor, you will have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and your 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot, so it’s definitely worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can. Come to EZ and talk to one of our agents: we work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

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

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

What Is Sundowning or Sundowner’s Syndrome?

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

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

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

Sundowner’s Syndrome Symptoms

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

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

Managing Sundowner’s Syndrome

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

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

Medications & Natural Remedies To Consider

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

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

If you are seeking more natural remedies, consider:

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

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

If you are interested in reviewing Medicare options in your area to see if you can find better coverage and save more money, we can help you. EZ can compare all available plans in your area for free- no hassle and no obligation. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Why You Might Have No Appetite Lately

As you get older, you might find that you don’t have as big of an appetite as you once did, and that you eat less than you used to. This is actually a normal part of the aging process, but if you are losing a significant amount of weight because of your loss of appetite, it could mean that you have an underlying issue, such as a stomach virus, or worse, In fact, studies show that a 10% loss of overall body weight is linked to a higher mortality rate just six months after the initial weight loss. This is why it is important to know why you might have no appetite lately, and what you can do about it, so you can live a long, healthy life.

Causes Of Loss Of Appetite

If you have no urge to eat, no sensation of hunger, or are experiencing any bloating, pain, or are nauseated at the thought of food, there is probably a reason behind it:

Medical Causes

There could be a medical reason behind your loss of appetite, including:

Thyroid disorders– Medications that treat hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can cause a loss of appetite.
Dementia or Alzheimer’s– Weight loss and appetite loss are common in Alzheimer’s patients; if you are forgetting to eat, speak to your doctor.
Kidney failure– One of the symptoms of kidney disease is reduced appetite.
Hepatitis– One of the symptoms associated with hepatitis inflammation of the liver is loss of appetite
COPD– Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes changes in hormones that can lead to loss of appetite.
Cancer- Some cancers, particularly ovarian, pancreatic, lung, and stomach cancers will suppress your appetite, along with other symptoms such as fatigue.
Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome– Both of these endocrine disorders will cause loss of appetite.
HIV

Psychological Causes

Your mental and emotional health can take a toll on your appetite as well. Many older adults will experience a loss of appetite when they are stressed or when dealing with other issues such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders

Medications

three pills of different sizes — *Different medications can be the cause of appetite loss.*

A lot of medications can cause appetite loss, or change your appetite. They can reduce feelings of hunger, make you more nauseous, and even change your sense of smell or taste. Medications that can cause a loss of appetite include:

Antidepressants
Antibiotics
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
Thyroid medications
Pain relievers such as codeine

Natural Remedies To Increase Appetite

There are some natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help increase your appetite. For example, did you know that when you eat with other people, you tend to eat more than when eating by yourself? Try eating with friends or family when you can; you can also try the following:

Eat less fiber– Sure, fiber has a lot of health benefits, but eating too much of it can lead to appetite loss, as well as weight loss since it helps you stay fuller longer.
Get more sleep– When your body’s circadian rhythm is regulated, your appetite will be as well. Try to have a regular sleep schedule and see if it helps.
Regulate your temperature – If you live in a hot environment, try to stay cool as much as possible. Heat can decrease your appetite so stay cool by drinking cold liquids and wearing lightweight clothing.

When To Seek Help

If you are experiencing a loss of appetite and it is resulting in weight loss, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Nausea
Bloating
Indigestion
Blood in your stool
Diarrhea
Constipation

It is important to see a doctor so they can determine if there are any underlying causes behind your appetite loss. And if you are taking medication that is resulting in consistent loss of appetite, call your doctor and schedule an appointment to see if there are any other medications you can take.

Not eating as much as you get older is quite normal, but if it starts to seem like an issue, and if you are losing too much weight, or are experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, you should speak to your doctor. There can be many reasons why you’re not feeling hungry; it’s important to find out what’s going on, so you can deal with it properly instead of allowing whatever the issue is to get worse and threaten your health.

Remember, when you see the doctor, you will have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and your 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot, so it’s definitely worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can. Come to EZ and talk to one of our agents: we work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

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

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

Medicare & IRMAA

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

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

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

Life-Changing Events

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

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

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

The IRMAA Fraud Project

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

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

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

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

If you are looking into Medicare options, or have questions regarding Medicare, an EZ agent will gladly help you at no cost. We created our business with the sole purpose of helping people get great insurance while saving money, without worrying about extra costs. We will go over your medical needs and budget, and will compare all Medicare Supplement Plans in your area for free. No hassle or obligation. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207. We will make the transition to Medicare easier and cheaper!

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