medicare Archives - Page 15 of 44

If You Have Diabetes, Watch Out For Symptoms of Lipohypertrophy

Diabetes is a very common condition in the U.S., affecting around 34.2 million Americans – and about 26%, or 14.3 million of them, are adults 65 and older. Diabetes can lead to other more serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, but it can also cause issues that are not as serious, but that should be identified and taken care of as soon as possible. One of these conditions is lipohypertrophy, which causes a lump of thickened tissue under the skin. You might be wondering what this is, if it will go away, and how serious it is, so let’s take a look at this often overlooked side effect of diabetes.

What is Lipohypertrophy?

Lipohypertrophy is a lump of thickened tissue that develops in the fat layer of your skin and occurs regularly around injection sites for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In fact, up to 62% of people with type 1 or 2 diabetes can develop lipohypertrophy.

Causes & Risk

These lumps occur when diabetes patients constantly inject insulin into the same spot. And while it’s natural to be concerned if you see a lump develop on your body, don’t worry, the lumps are not malignant. With that being said, there is some cause for concern, because if you are injecting into these lumps, your body might not be absorbing all of the insulin you are injecting, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Some risk factors that can increase your chances of developing lipohypertrophy include:

Being older and/or having a higher body mass index (BMI)
Incorrectly injecting your insulin
Using the same injection site each time rather than rotating several sites
Reusing needles

A 2020 study involving 1,227 people taking insulin for type 2 diabetes showed that structural changes in aging skin might put people older than 65 years at a higher risk of developing these lumps.

Symptoms of Lipohypertrophy

The lumps that can form at injection sites vary in size and appearance. The main symptom of lipohypertrophy is the raised skin/lump, but there are other symptoms that can occur:

Thicker skin
Discomfort, but not pain (which is why many people do not notice and continue injecting into the same site)
Inflammation
Skin that is hot or warm to the touch
Bleeding or bruising
Itchiness

Treatment/Prevention

a person injecting a shot into the stomach — *One way to prevent lipohypertrophy is by rotating the injection sites.*

Rotating your injections sites is the most important preventive step you can take, and the best way to treat any lumps that develop is to avoid injecting at the site. Changing where you inject your insulin can help reduce the size of the lump or even help it disappear. When injecting, you should stick to your stomach, upper arm, upper glutes, and thighs: the American Diabetes Association notes that the body absorbs insulin fastest from the abdomen, less quickly from the arm, and slowest from the glutes and thighs.

And if the lump or lumps do not go away, there are medical or cosmetic solutions for getting rid of them: you can take steroids to minimize the lump, or get liposuction to remove the thick skin. Removal is not necessary since the lumps are not dangerous, but you do have the option to do so if you are uncomfortable with their appearance.

If you are concerned about a lump that has developed and want to make sure it is due to thickened skin or from injecting in the same spot, visit your doctor so you can get examined. This is important because lipohypertrophy can interfere with how your body absorbs your insulin, which can be dangerous: if your sugar levels get too low or too high, it can lead to a stroke or death.

If you’re on Medicare, seeing a doctor and getting treated for these lumps will be covered, but you will still have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot. 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 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.

CMS Announces Huge Increases to Medicare Premiums for 2022

The federal government has finally announced Medicare premiums for 2022, allowing beneficiaries a little over 3 weeks of budgeting time before the end of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Medicare premiums are usually announced in late October or early November, but it has taken longer than normal to release the numbers this year, with officials blaming the pandemic and uncertainty over a new Alzheimer’s drug for the delay. So what kind of an increase can Medicare beneficiaries expect for the new year?

Medicare Part B Premiums

Unlike Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Medicare Part B (medical insurance), which covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and medical equipment, has a monthly premium that increases each year. This year, there will be a 14.5% increase in Part B premiums, far outpacing an earlier estimate of 6.7%, which will take premiums for beneficiaries in the lowest income bracket from $148.50 a month to $170.10 a month. Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) insist, though, that this increase will not be a burden on beneficiaries.

“Most people with Medicare will see a 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their 2022 Social Security benefits—the largest COLA in 30 years. This significant COLA increase will more than cover the increase in the Medicare Part B monthly premium,” CMS said in a statement.

“Most people with Medicare will see a significant net increase in Social Security benefits. For example, a retired worker who currently receives $1,565 per month from Social Security can expect to receive a net increase of $70.40 more per month after the Medicare Part B premium is deducted.”

Medicare Deductibles

Medicare Part B Deductible

The Medicare Part B annual deductible will also see a big increase next year. It will increase by $30 from last year’s amount, making it $233 in 2022. That’s a 14.8% increase!

Medicare Part A Deductible

Medicare Part A does not have a monthly premium, but it does have an annual deductible; for 2022 it will be $1,556, up $72 from this year’s $1,484.

white round pills falling out of a bottle laying sideways — *The cost of the new Alzheimer’s drug, Adulhem, is the cause for the increase in Medicare premiums.*

Why the Delay and Why the Huge Increase?

CMS has said that part of the increase in premiums and deductibles is due to the uncertainty over how much the government will end up paying for the new Alzheimer’s drug, Adulhem. The drug, which was approved by the FDA in June, is the first Alzheimer’s medication in nearly 20 years and is estimated to cost about $56,000 a year per patient. That means if Medicare beneficiaries have to pay 20% of the cost of the drug, they would be facing $11,500 in out-of-pocket expenses just for this one medication. Medicare is still assessing whether they should cover the drug or not, and is hoping to have a decision by the spring. For now, Medicare is deciding on a case-by-case basis.

“The increase in the Part B premium for 2022 is continued evidence that rising drug costs threaten the affordability and sustainability of the Medicare program,” said Medicare chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in a statement.

These jumps in Medicare rates are the largest increases we have ever seen, so we understand that you’re worried about budgeting and being able to afford your medical expenses. The best way to better prepare for the 2022 rates is to find an affordable Medicare Supplement Plan – and the best way to do that? Speak to an EZ agent! We work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can help find a plan that will save you money in the new year – maybe even hundreds of dollars. Let our agents take the stress off you and help you budget for the new year by comparing plans and finding ways to help you save money. And because we want to help you save more, our services are completely free- no obligation or hassle. 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 Top 6 Things Medicare Beneficiaries Pay For Out-Of-Pocket & How You Can Save More Next Year

Did you know that out-of-pocket costs top the list of considerations when picking a Medicare plan? In fact, based on a report by eHealth, around 29% of Medicare beneficiaries say finding a plan with affordable out-of-pocket costs is the most important thing to them, while 27% say affordable premiums are most important, and 26% cite coverage for their preferred doctors and hospitals. So, if you’re like most Medicare beneficiaries, and are living on a fixed income, you’re looking to save as much money as possible. Before the Medicare AEP is over (December 7), make sure to review the following top 6 out-of-pocket costs you can expect next year, so you can choose the plan that will save you the most money.

1. Premiums

You will have a monthly Medicare premium to pay:

Part B premiums for 2022 have not been released yet, but for 2021, they were $148.50/month, and you can expect next year to be slightly more.
There generally is no monthly premium for Part A if you worked 40 quarters or 10 years. If you worked less than that, you can expect to pay a monthly premium ($471 per month for 2021).

2. Deductibles & Coinsurance

Deductibles are the amount you will pay out-of-pocket before your coverage begins and Medicare starts paying for your medical services. For each benefit period, you will need to meet a Part A deductible (for 2021 it was $1,484); you will also need to meet a Medicare Part B deductible each year, which was $203 in 2021.

You will also be responsible for Medicare coinsurance:

Part A: After 60 days in a hospital, Medicare charges a coinsurance per day for days 61-90. After 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, you will have to pay coinsurance each day for days 21-100. After 100 days, you pay all costs out-of-pocket.
Part B will only cover 80% of your medical expenses, after you meet your deductible. This leaves you to account for the other 20% out-of-pocket.

3. Prescription Coverage

illustration of a white prescription bottle with a blue cross in the middle and blue circle around it — *Prescriptions can cost a lot of money if you have chronic conditions, but you can save if you compare plans.*

If you have a Part D plan, your monthly premiums will be based on which plan you purchased, and your prescription drug coverage costs will depend on which formulary your medication is in. Different prescription drug plans will place medications on different tiers, so your drugs might cost more or less depending on which plan you choose.

4. Late-enrollment Penalties

You are supposed to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, and if you miss the deadline to enroll, you will face a late enrollment penalty. You can expect to pay:

Part A: You will pay 10% of your monthly premium for twice the number of years you were eligible but did not enroll in Medicare.
Part B: You will pay 10% of your monthly premium multiplied by the number of years you went without Medicare after you were initially eligible.

5. Non-covered Services

You need to budget for common medical needs that Medicare does not cover, such as routine eye care, dental care, and hearing aids.

6. Medicare Supplement Plan

Many Medicare beneficiaries purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan because it covers the Part B coinsurance (the 20% of medical expenses you owe out-of-pocket), amongst other services. These plans are relatively affordable, saving you money on your out-of-pockets expenses for a low monthly premium. There are 10 different plans to choose from, so you can pick the one that meets your specific medical needs and budget.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a very important time when you can look for a plan that better suits your needs, and save some money. The AEP is coming to an end, so now is the time to think about your budget, review the out-of-pocket costs mentioned, and find ways you can cut down on costs, such as by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan. If you need help comparing plans, EZ can help – we will provide you with an agent who will compare plans in your area for free. 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 local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

What Happens When the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends?

Did you take advantage of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and review your plan, or even change it for next year? Great! The AEP is your opportunity to save some money and maximize your medical benefits for the new year. But what happens once the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is over? When does your new plan’s coverage begin? And what happens if you don’t like your new plan? What if you missed the AEP altogether?

Your New Plan Begins…

january 1 on a calendar — *If you made any changes, then your new plan will begin on January 1.*

The Medicare AEP ended December 7, so now you are unable to make any changes to your Medicare plan until next year. If you did decide to change your plan before the AEP ended, your plan will not begin until January 1st. What does this mean for the plan that you have decided to drop? Don’t worry, your current plan will continue to cover you until the new plan kicks in on the 1st of the new year.

But What If…

You Are Unhappy With The Plan You Chose?

If you choose a plan and then decide that you’re not happy with it, you do have options. Specifically, if you chose to enroll in Original Medicare and buy a Medicare Supplement Plan alongside it, you have the option to change your Medicare Supplement Plan to a different one that better fits your needs within 30 days of your enrollment. After 30 days, you will be subject to medical underwriting and might have to pay more because of pre-existing conditions. Remember, there are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that is right for you – simply speak to one of our agents, who will help you compare them all.

You Missed The AEP?

If you missed the AEP, you will have to wait until the next AEP to switch plans, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which will allow you to sign up for a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, or change plans outside of the AEP. A few situations that might make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period include:

You moved out of your plan’s service area.
You moved into, out of, or still live in a skilled nursing facility, or another institution such as a long-term care hospital.
You left your employer-based or union-based health insurance.
You’re moving back to the United States after living outside the country.
Your plan is losing or ending its contract with Medicare.

In addition, during the Medicare General Enrollment Period and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31, you can drop your Medicare Advantage Plan (if you have one) and return to original Medicare.

Work With A Medicare Agent

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Medicare coverage. You will need to review all available plans in your area and find one that fits your budget and your medical needs as much as possible for the new year. And if you missed the AEP, don’t worry: you don’t have to be trapped in a plan that isn’t right for you.

If you are looking for a plan, know that you have options, and that you don’t have to go it alone – EZ.Insure can help by providing you with a licensed agent to compare plans for you. Our agent will compare all available plans, review your specific needs, and find the perfect match that will provide the right amount of coverage, while saving you money. Our services are free and there’s 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 local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Under the Weather? Know the Difference Between Covid-19 and the Flu

Winter is coming, and so is the annual flu season. It might have been easy to forget about this seasonal virus, since Covid-19 has been the main focus in America for almost two years now, but it hasn’t gone anywhere, and experts are predicting a pretty severe flu season this year. So if you wake up one morning this winter with symptoms like a stuffy nose, fever, and cough, you’ll have to consider whether you might have a case of the flu or of Covid, since both are contagious respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms. If you are feeling under the weather, it is important to differentiate the symptoms of these viruses, so you can get tested for Covid if need be, and get the proper treatment.

The Difference Between the Flu Virus & the Covid Virus

As stated earlier, the flu and Covid are both contagious respiratory viruses, but they are caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, usually influenza A or influenza B, while Covid-19 is caused by a coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2; this is a novel coronavirus, meaning it has not been seen in humans before now. Because our bodies were never exposed to this virus before 2019, we have not built any antibodies to fight it, which is why the outbreak of this virus has become a global pandemic.

While the flu cannot turn into Covid, and Covid cannot turn into the flu because they are two different viruses, it is possible to be infected with both at the same time. It’s important to remember that both Covid and the flu can result in severe illness and complications, especially for older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant people. Covid-19 can result in long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs, and the flu can lead to complications such as inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissue, and can even lead to multi-organ failure.

How Are These Viruses Spread?

Both the flu and Covid spread in similar ways: droplets of small virus particles from a sick person that are transmitted to another person through talking, coughing, sneezing, etc. You can also transfer the virus by touching a surface with germs on it and then touching your face, although most experts believe that Covid is mostly spread through respiratory droplets. Covid-19 spreads more easily than the flu and can cause more serious illness in some people.

How Long Is the Incubation Period?

calendar up close — *Flu symptoms can occur 1-4 days after infection, while Covid symptoms will probably appear around 5-14 days after.*

It tends to take longer after infection for someone to experience symptoms of Covid than it does with the flu. If you are infected with the flu, you will most likely experience symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection, while if you are infected with Covid, your symptoms will probably appear around 5 days after infection; in some cases, symptoms will not appear until 14 days after infection. Symptoms will vary from person to person, so if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, confusion, headache, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, it is important to get tested for Covid.

How Long Are You Contagious?

If you are infected with either Covid or the flu, it’s possible to spread these viruses before experiencing any symptoms. People with the flu are contagious for one day before they show symptoms; older children and adults appear to be most contagious during the initial 3 or 4 days of their illness, but remain contagious for a week. If you are infected with Covid, you could be contagious for a longer time than if you have the flu; it can also take longer to show symptoms, and you could be contagious earlier than 1 day before symptoms begin.

Similarities & Differences Between Covid & Flu Symptoms

Similarities

Many respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms: when bacteria or viruses get into your respiratory system, the whole system, including your airways, lungs, and blood vessels, is affected, resulting in similar symptoms for a head cold, the flu, and Covid. Some symptoms that both Covid-19 and the flu share include:

Fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Chills
Headache
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle pain and body aches
Fatigue (extreme tiredness or lack of energy) and weakness
Nausea or vomiting (more common in children than adults)
Diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Both illnesses can result in pneumonia, and both can be asymptomatic, mild, severe, or even fatal, depending on the person.

Differences In Symptoms

While both viruses often have similar symptoms, there are some key differences to help identify each. Specifically, the flu will usually come on suddenly and appear anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection, while Covid symptoms can be more gradual and can develop 2 days after you’ve been infected, or not show for up to 14 days after infection. You can also look for the following differences:

Type of cough– The flu will produce a mild, dry cough, while Covid’s is also dry, but more severe, and can leave you short of breath.
Unique symptoms– Covid will cause unique symptoms that are not as common with the flu, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, repeated shaking with chills, and new and sudden loss of taste or smell.

If you are wondering if you might have a common cold, the main difference between a cold and these other viruses is that a common cold will cause a phlegm or mucus-filled cough, while with Covid or the flu the cough is normally dry.

Treatment

The flu and Covid are treated differently, depending on your symptoms. There are oral antiviral medications available for the flu, but antivirals for Covid are still in the testing stages. If your illness is severe, you might need to go to the hospital and possibly be put on a ventilator to help you breathe.

There are vaccines available for both Covid and the flu, which can help prevent infection, or at least help lessen symptoms and usually prevent hospitalization.

What To Do If You Experience Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, there are a couple of steps that you should take, including:

Staying home– If you have a fever, it is important to stay home in order not to spread the virus, whether it is Covid or the flu. Even if you don’t have a fever but have other symptoms, try to refrain from going out.
Calling your doctor– You can call your doctor or Telehealth doctors, and notify them of your symptoms. Your doctor will write you a prescription to get tested for Covid, and schedule a testing appointment for you.
Getting tested– If you don’t want to call your doctor, you can schedule the testing yourself at any testing center or some drug stores. Some tests are completely free whether you have health insurance or not.
Seeking medical attention– If your symptoms do not go away or are severe, seek medical attention right away, whether at an urgent care or hospital.

Medicare services will cover testing and vaccinations for the flu and Covid-19 at no cost to you! These are just some of the services covered by Medicare, but it’s important to remember that not everything is covered. You will have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot over the year, 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 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.

Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplement Plans are an undeniably great way to save money on the medical expenses you incur throughout the year. Having one can help you save hundreds of dollars, especially if you have a chronic condition that requires a lot of medical attention. One important question, though, is if Medicare Supplement Plans are accepted by all doctors, since seeing a doctor who does not accept your plan could mean a huge bill that you have to pay out-of- pocket. And if you’re living on a fixed income, that’s the last thing you need! Find out just how Medicare Supplement Plans work with all doctors.

How Medicare Supplement Plans Work

illustration of hand on a calculator with paper and money stack in the background — *Medicare Supplement Plans will cover the 20% coinsurance that Original Medicare does not cover.*

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans; each plan offers different coverage and rates. You’ll pay a monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement Plan, and in return, the plan pays most of your expenses that are not covered by Medicare Parts A & B. For example, if you have a $4,000 ambulance bill and have already met your annual Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the bill. This leaves you to pay the remaining 20%, $800, out-of-pocket. But if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan that covers Part B copayments and coinsurance, it will pay the remaining $800.

In general, all Medicare Supplement plans cover at least part of:

Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles
Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up)
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
Part B excess charges
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
Blood (first 3 pints)

Some will cover:

Foreign travel emergencies (up to plan limits)

Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?

Now onto the really important part! You should be aware that not all doctors accept Medicare Supplement Plans, so before you purchase one, make sure that your doctor and other providers will accept it. Fortunately, though, 95-96% of doctors and hospitals will accept Medicare Supplement Plans: the general rule is that if the doctor accepts Medicare assignment, they will automatically accept your Medicare Supplement Plan, regardless of your insurance company.

The important thing is not to fall into the trap that some people fall into, and assume that all doctors accept Medicare. Some do not, and those who don’t accept Medicare will bill you up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount, and you will have to pay for all of their services out-of-pocket.

If you are interested in finding out if the doctors or providers you see accept Medicare, speak to an EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can make sure that the doctor you want to see is covered, so you don’t end up with any extra or unexpected fees. We will also compare all available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area and find the one that is right for you. No obligation, and no hassle. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.