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Cardiac Rehabilitation & Medicare

According to the CDC, 21.7% of adults aged 65 years and older have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD); not only that, but a full 12% of those 60-69 have experienced heart failure, and that number rises to almost 20% when looking at people over 80. To help this large number of seniors with serious heart issues, Medicare covers cardiac rehabilitation programs to aid in recovery after heart surgery, heart failure, or a heart attack. These programs are meant to improve quality of life for those with heart disease, and reduce risk factors to prevent heart problems from worsening, but it seems that far too few Medicare beneficiaries are taking part in them. If you are dealing with heart issues, you should know about these programs and what criteria you need to meet in order for Medicare to cover your treatment, so you can make the most of your recovery.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Explained

pink kettle bells with sneakers in the background — *The cardiac rehabilitation program will help seniors exercise and work towards a healthier lifestyle.*

There are 2 types of cardiac rehab programs typically prescribed to patients who have suffered a heart attack, been diagnosed with a heart condition, or had surgery on their heart: general cardiac rehab and intensive cardiac rehab. Each program is offered at the hospital by healthcare providers or a special rehab team, who will customize a plan to help you make better lifestyle choices, manage your heart condition, and prevent any new issues.

These programs usually include:

Exercise – Because exercise helps maintain a healthy heart, a large portion of these programs is dedicated to moving your body. Over time, the exercises given to you by your team will grow in intensity to challenge you and improve your health.
Education on healthier lifestyle choices – Your team will talk to you about following a heart healthy diet, how to reduce stress, and more.
Counseling – Your rehabilitation program can include counseling to help you deal with issues that have come up during your illness, as well as help you change your behaviors for the better.

These programs are extremely beneficial, and can help you improve the quality of your life, as well as lengthen your life. Unfortunately, though, many Medicare beneficiaries do not seek help or utilize any of these cardiac rehabilitation programs: one study found that only around 10% of patients 85 and older participated, compared to around 32% of those 65 to 74. They also found that participation among women was lower than among men, which is disappointing considering that women are more likely than men to have heart disease, and that it is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.

“Cardiac rehabilitation has strong evidence demonstrating its lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits, and Medicare Part B provides coverage for the program,” lead study author Matthew D. Ritchey, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, said in a news release. “The low participation and completion rates observed translate to upwards of 7 million missed opportunities in this study.”

Medicare Coverage For Cardiac Rehabilitation

black and white picture of a man holding his chest — *If you had a heart attack in the past 12 months, or experience chest pain, then Medicare will cover rehabilitation.*

As a Medicare beneficiary, you have access to cardiac rehab coverage through Medicare, as long as you meet certain requirements. Medicare Part B covers these programs if you have had at least one of the following conditions:

A heart attack in the last 12 months
Coronary artery bypass surgery
Chest pain
A heart valve repair or replacement
A coronary angioplasty (a procedure to open a blocked artery)
A coronary stent (a procedure to keep an artery open)
A heart or heart-lung transplant
Stable chronic heart failure

For general cardiac rehab, Medicare will cover up to two one-hour sessions per day and a total of 36 sessions; if deemed medically necessary, Medicare might cover an additional 36 sessions. For intensive cardiac rehab, patients are eligible to receive coverage for up to six one-hour sessions per day and a total of 72 sessions; however, these sessions must be completed over an 18-week period.

Medicare will pay for 80% of the Medicare-approved amount of this program, which leaves you responsible for the remaining 20%, as well as for meeting your annual deductible.

Saving Money

Medicare requires that you pay a 20% coinsurance for each qualified medical expense you incur, but there is a way that you can avoid these expenses and save money: Medicare Supplement Plans will pay for the coinsurance and then some, depending on the plan. There are 10 different plans to choose from, so there is sure to be one that meets your medical needs, as well as fits your budget. We know that being on a fixed income means that saving money is a must, and a Medicare Supplement Plan is a great way to help you save money throughout the year.

Not sure where to begin? EZ.insure can help you save the most money possible by comparing all available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area – and to help you save even more money, we offer our services for free! Our highly trained agents will assess your needs, compare plans, and find the one that is best for you. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.

Don’t Get Trapped With The Wrong Medicare Supplement Plan, Use EZ

It happens more often than you think: Medicare beneficiaries looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan work with an insurance agent who only wants to make a sale, and they end up with a useless or overpriced plan. While we’re definitely not saying you shouldn’t work with an agent – there’s a lot you need to know when looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan – we are saying it’s important you work with the right agent. The best way to find the right plan for your specific needs is by working with EZ; with us, you won’t have to worry about being steered wrong, because our agents are not only knowledgeable, but we genuinely care about helping you – and our services are always free!

We’ve Seen It Time & Time Again

hands holding 2 pieces of paper with a calculator next to the hand — *Sometimes people will buy a Medicare Supplement Plan to cover their needs, but then receive a large medical bill in the mail.*

We’ve seen it all before: people often come to us disheartened because they worked with another agent and ended up with a Medicare Supplement Plan that is actually too expensive for them, or that doesn’t have the coverage they need. For example, we recently helped a new client who had purchased Medicare Supplement Plan K on the advice of their former agent, who had said it was the right choice for them. It was only after they received an unexpected $1,000 bill from their gastroenterologist that they learned Medicare Supplement Plan K only covers 50% of Medicare Part B coinsurance, unlike other plans which cover it 100%, like Plans A,B,C,D,G,M, and N. Fortunately for the client, they were within the time frame of their Open Enrollment Period, and we were able to find them a better plan without them having to go through medical underwriting.

We’ve Got You Covered

You should be aware, though, that even if your Medicare Open Enrollment Period has passed, you can still switch your Medicare Supplement Plan, with a little help from EZ. You have the option to change your plan at any time, the only difference is you might have to go through the underwriting process – but don’t worry! This doesn’t mean that one of our agents won’t be able to find you an affordable plan. Unlike other companies, we can deliver this promise because we work with the top-rated insurers in the country, and we can compare plans to help you find the perfect one for you, no matter what plan you got stuck with before!

Our Promise To You

The whole reason we started EZ.Insure is that we got sick and tired of seeing innocent people get taken advantage of. We wanted to change the game by offering our customers highly-trained agents who will compare all available plans, as well as be totally transparent with you; that’s why we always allow you to see all the plans they have access to, while they explain the benefits, costs, and coverage options of each plan, so you can make an informed decision.

We know there are a lot of insurance agents out there, but it’s important not to trust the wrong people to help you, because this can end up costing you a lot of money. At EZ, our main goal is to get you the best plan possible; we’re not looking to make a quick buck off of you, which is why our services are always free! We will assess your needs, compare Medicare Supplement Plans, and sign you up at no cost to you. Finding the right plan will help you begin saving more money, and relieve some of the stress of worrying about medical expenses. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so make sure you work with the right agent to get the right one for you. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Hair Loss Treatment?

It’s inevitable: as you age, your body will go through some major changes. Your metabolism will slow down significantly, which could lead to weight gain, your skin will get thinner, meaning you’ll get colder than you used to due to decreased circulation, and so on. Another very common physical change that most older adults deal with is hair loss; in fact, by age 60, about 60% of women suffer from some degree of hair loss, and many men are nearly bald. While this is a normal part of aging, it can be embarrassing, and you might want to seek treatment to help with your hair loss. Many of the most effective treatments can be very expensive, but is it possible to get Medicare to cover them?

What Causes Hair Loss?

four different kinds of medications next to each other on a table — *Different medications can contribute to hair loss.*

Did you know that every strand of hair on your head has a lifespan anywhere from 2-5 years? In addition, each hair follicle has a cycle of active growth, transition, and rest; if you are beginning to lose your hair, that means the follicles are remaining in the rest cycle, which can be caused by disease, medications, or your genes. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss, known as male or female pattern hair loss, but the following medications and medical conditions can contribute to hair loss. Medications include:

Blood thinners
Vitamin A supplements
Some arthritis medications
Antidepressants
Gout medications
Heart medications
Blood pressure medications
Birth control pills

Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include:

Thyroid disease
Lupus
Cancer
Alopecia areata
Scalp infections like ringworm
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Untreated STIs, specifically syphilis

Hair Loss Treatments

If you experience hair loss or baldness because of the medications you are taking, speak to your doctor about possible alternative medications that will not have this side effect. For other types of hair loss, treatments include:

Laser therapy
Hair transplant surgery
Medications
Wigs or hairpieces

Your doctor might propose one or more of these treatment options.

What Medicare Covers

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover treatment for hair loss; for example, if you choose to get hair transplant surgery, Medicare will not cover any of the costs. Medicare Part B will only cover medically necessary treatment for any underlying disease or condition that might be causing your hair loss, but will not cover any specific treatments for the hair loss itself. As in all cases, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of treatments and medications for these conditions, and you will be responsible for the 20% coinsurance that Medicare does not cover.

Preventing Hair Loss

non smoking sign — *To help prevent hair loss, you should avoid smoking.*

There is no foolproof way to prevent hair loss, but there are some precautions you can take to help slow it down. You can:

Use a topical treatment like minoxidil
Massage your scalp
Avoid hairstyles that tug on your hair follicles
Avoid smoking
Make changes to your diet. A diet high in antioxidants can help reduce stress on your hair follicles, and help keep your hair from falling out.

If you are concerned that your hair is getting thinner or that you are balding, it is important to seek help from your doctor. Your hair loss might be hereditary, but it could also be due to medications you are taking, or caused by an underlying disease you are unaware of. Your doctor can run some tests and if they do find that you have a health condition, they can treat it – and this treatment will be covered by Medicare Part B.

While Medicare Part B covers most necessary treatments, it only covers 80% of expenses; If you are looking for more coverage, especially for the 20% coinsurance you are responsible for, a Medicare Supplement Plan might be your best option. One of these plans will not only cover the coinsurance you are responsible for, but will also cover other things that Medicare does not. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, and EZ can compare all available plans in your area for free. We will find a plan that meets your specific needs and saves you hundreds of dollars. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Everything You Need to Know About Renewing Your Medicare Supplement Plan

Are you thinking about purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan, or have you already signed up for one? Great choice: while Medicare covers most of the medical services you’ll need, there are still out-of-pocket expenses for beneficiaries, including a 20% Medicare Part B coinsurance and Parts A and B deductibles. This can add up to a lot of money, so having a Medicare Supplement Plan to fill the gaps in Original Medicare is definitely the way to go! But if this is your first time dealing with one of these plans, you might be unsure exactly how they work: are they like individual plans in that you have to choose a new one every year? Do you have to renew your plan or does it renew automatically? Do the rates go up? Can you change plans if you aren’t renewing it? Fortunately, there are simple answers to all of these questions!

green check mark — *When your Medicare Supplement Plan renews, you are approved regardless of your health status.*

Guarantee Renewable

When it comes to renewing your Medicare Supplement Plan, there’s actually nothing you need to do except pay your monthly premiums: these plans renew every time you pay your premium, and there’s nothing you need to do annually to renew them. And not only that, but the plan cannot drop you: Medicare Supplement Plans are what’s known as “guarantee renewable,” so you can keep your plan for as long as you like, regardless of your health, your location, or any other factors that can change in your life.

Rate Increases

One thing that many Medicare beneficiaries are unaware of is that the rates for Medicare Supplement Plans typically increase every year. Your insurance company will notify you of any rate increases 30-45 days before the new rates go into effect, so look for any information as the end of your plan year rolls around; if you find that rates are increasing too much for you, you do have other options.

Changing Medicare Supplement Plans

If you’re unhappy with the price of your plan, or if your circumstances change and you find you need a different level of coverage, you have the option to change your Medicare Supplement Plan under certain circumstances. You can switch plans:

plan a scratched out, plan b scratched out, and plan c left — *If your plan doesn’t suit your needs, EZ can find you a better plan that does.*

During your 6-month Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
If you lose your plan through no fault of your own.
Within 30 days of enrolling in your current Medicare Supplement Plan. You have a 30-day “free look period” to test out your plan and make sure it’s right for you.

If you want to switch plans outside of these circumstances, you will have to go through the underwriting process and answer some health-related questions, such as:

Do you have diabetes with major complications?
Have you had a heart attack in the last year?
Have you been diagnosed with major heart conditions or cancer in the past 2-3 years?

If you have any health conditions like the ones asked about above, you could be denied coverage, or be charged more for your premiums.

If you are looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan, or want to change your current plan, come to EZ.Insure and speak to one of our knowledgeable agents. We understand that you want to find great coverage at an affordable rate, especially if you’re living on a fixed income, so we’ll compare all available plans in your area to find the right one for you. We work with the top-rated Medicare Supplement Plan insurance companies in the country and can find you a plan that could save you hundreds of dollars each year! To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Can I Have A Medicare Supplement Plan & A Medicare Medical Savings Account?

As a Medicare beneficiary, you have options when it comes to filling the gaps in your coverage, including Medicare Supplement Plans and Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSA). Both can help you save money on your medical expenses, and you might be wondering if you can have both at the same time, since you are probably looking to save as much money as possible! Unfortunately, depending on the circumstances, you might not be able to have both at the same time; to better understand how you can get optimum savings, you first have to understand how these two plans can save you money in different ways, which is a better fit for you, and how you can make them work together.

How A Medicare Medical Savings Account Works

Medicare Savings Account plans are two things: a special bank savings account and a type of high-deductible Medicare Advantage plan. Here’s how they work:

The plan will deposit money it receives from Medicare into a bank account for you each year.
You will be able to manage the money in the account and use it for qualified medical expenses before you meet your high annual deductible – essentially, you’ll be paying 100% of your medical costs upfront from the account until you reach your deductible. You should be aware that your deductible could be more than what you get in your bank account, so you should be able to cover the difference.
Once you meet your high deductible, your plan will cover 100% of qualified expenses.
You can choose to see any provider that accepts Medicare patients.
Plans cover dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care, which Original Medicare does not.
There is no premium; you continue to pay your monthly Part B premium to Medicare.
The money you withdraw will be tax-free, and the account might accrue tax-free interest. The money rolls over each year.
You may not deposit your own money into the account, and you will be penalized if you withdraw it for anything other than qualified medical expenses.
In most cases, you cannot have other insurance that would cover medical costs before you meet the MSA’s yearly deductible, but there are certain circumstances when you can.

What Medicare Supplement Plans Cover

hospital bed — *Medicare Supplement Plans can help cover hospital bills, and any other medical bills.*

A Medicare Supplement Plan is a more traditional way to cover gaps in your Medicare coverage; these plans are offered by private insurance companies and work like individual health insurance. There are typically 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans on offer, depending on the state you live in; each offers a different level of coverage at a different price point. These plans cover some medical costs that are not covered by Medicare, including the 20% Part B coinsurance you are responsible for. Depending on the plan, it can help cover the costs of:

Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 hospital days after Medicare benefits are used)
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
The first three pints of blood for a medical procedure
Part A hospice care coinsurance
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Part A deductible
Part B excess charges
Foreign travel emergencies

How A MSA & Medicare Supplement Plan Work Together

If you already have a Medicare Medical Savings Account, you cannot buy a Medicare Supplement Plan. However, if you already have a Medicare Supplement Plan, you do have the option of joining a Medicare MSA plan; in this case, you will be responsible for paying your premiums, as well as meeting your MSA plan’s deductible. You should be aware that, if you drop your Medicare Supplement Plan while you have a MSA, you might not be able to get your plan back; however, if it is your first time joining a MSA Plan, and you have had the MSA plan for less than a year, you can get your Medicare Supplement Plan back.

If you, like many Medicare beneficiaries, are living on a fixed income, you know how important it is to save as much money as you can on necessary things like medical expenses. While you might be tempted to get a MSA, you should first look into a Medicare Supplement Plan, since they offer a broader range of coverage. You’ll have 10 plans to choose from, and if you decide to add an MSA at a later date, you can still do so! If you’re not sure where to start, come to EZ: we can compare plans and their costs, as well as go over your budget and medical expenses in order to find a plan that meets your specific needs, while saving you money. To get free Medicare Supplement Plan quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.

How To File A Complaint With Medicare

As a Medicare beneficiary, you are protected by certain rights, and if your rights are violated, you can file a complaint. Filing a complaint, which we should note is not the same as filing an appeal, is an easy process, but first you have to know what your rights are in order to determine if they were violated, and then you need to know what steps you should take to make things right.

Your Medicare Rights

When you enroll in Medicare, you will have rights that are guaranteed by the government, which will protect you whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage Plan, a Part D plan, or a Medicare Supplement Plan. You have the right to:

Confidentiality and privacy
Be treated with dignity and respect
Be protected from discrimination
Receive health care services that you can get and need under the law
Get Medicare-covered emergency care
Be protected against unethical practices

If at any time you feel like any of these rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint.

The Difference Between An Appeal & Complaint

An appeal and complaint are not the same thing. You’ll need to file an appeal if Medicare is refusing to fully pay for services that you received: for example, if you see your doctor and they order tests to be done that are not covered by Medicare, you will get a bill in the mail; if you believe the service should have been covered under Medicare, you can file an appeal.

On the other hand, a complaint is necessary when you feel like any of the aforementioned rights were violated. You can complain if you:

Feel like a doctor, hospital, or facility discriminated against you or treated you poorly.
Are unhappy with your quality of care.
Are unhappy with the quality of your durable medical equipment.
Have an issue with your plan, such as difficulty getting an answer to your questions from your insurance company’s customer service department.

Filing A Medicare Complaint

person holding a phone dialing on it — *If you feel like your rights were violated, you can file a complaint by contacting the appropriate agency, depending on the situation.*

The procedure for filing a complaint varies depending on the situation. To file a complaint against a doctor, hospital, or facility, including those regarding unsafe conditions, abuse, or professional conduct, you need to:

Contact the state agency responsible for overseeing the facilities and practice.

If you are filing a complaint based on quality of care, you should:

Contact Medicare in order to get connected with your local Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO). These are private, mostly non-profit organizations, staffed by health care professionals, and contracted by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to help Medicare beneficiaries with grievances about the quality of their Medicare services.

If you are filing a complaint about durable medical equipment, you need to:

First contact your durable medical equipment supplier. They will then have 5 days to notify you that they received your complaint, as well as 14 days to report the results of any investigation they conduct.
After you hear back from the supplier, you should contact Medicare to report the issue at 1-800-MEDICARE.

As a Medicare beneficiary, you are entitled to quality medical services, safety, privacy, professional courtesy, and care without discrimination. If you experience anything at a doctors office, hospital or facility that violates your rights, you do not have to accept it – you can file a complaint to the proper department and make your voice heard! And remember: your rights apply to all forms of Medicare, including plans regulated by Medicare, such as Medicare Supplement Plans. If you have a plan and are not happy with your company’s customer service, or if you feel that your insurance company is not taking your rights seriously, it might be time to look for a new one. EZ works with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and we will compare quotes and find a plan that saves you money, provides the coverage you need, and is with a company with excellent customer reviews and ratings, so you get the best all around. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-753-7207.

Tag: medicare