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Celiac Disease & Medicare

Many of us have friends or family members who follow a gluten-free diet, and Celiac disease might be the reason behind it. Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. If you have Celiac disease, eating gluten will trigger an immune response in your intestine, which can often be painful, causing diarrhea, bloating, constipation, weight loss, fatigue and more. Unfortunately there is no cure for this condition, but because May is Celiac Awareness Month, we want to shed light on how older adults with Medicare can get help if they are struggling with this disease. There are currently limits to what Medicare will cover in regards to Celiac disease, but fortunately, there is now a proposed legislation that would make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to get treatment.

Celiac Disease Explained

a field of wheat — *People who have celiac disease have to avoid eating gluten, which is a protein found in wheat.*

Celiac disease, as mentioned, is a sensitivity to gluten. It affects 1 in 100 people worldwide, and it is estimated that almost 3 million Americans might have it without even knowing! People with Celiac disease might develop nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition because their body limits the absorption of nutrients. There is no cure for the disease other than to avoid eating gluten, which can be hard for many people without doing extensive research or getting help from a registered dietitian.

The Medicare Nutrition Therapy Act

Currently, Medicare does not allow beneficiaries to access help from nutritionists for Celiac disease; only diabetes and renal disease qualify for medical nutrition therapy under Medicare Part B. So, unfortunately, this means that many older adults do not have access to a registered dietitian who can explain to them what they can eat and should avoid. However, a new bill that has been introduced in Congress, the Medicare Nutrition Therapy Act, is aiming to change things and allow beneficiaries to get treatment from registered dietitians.

“The only treatment for Celiac disease is the diet. And the person that’s best trained to help that patient navigate a gluten-free diet is a dietitian,” says Anne Lee, EdD, RDN, Instructor in Nutritional Medicine at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University in New York.

She says providing insurance coverage is the right thing to do, “because it ensures better healthcare for our patients. Many patients can’t afford the additional cost of a dietitian visit on top of the physician visit, on top of the cost of the gluten-free food, on top of the additional costs of just having Celiac disease.”In addition, the current Senate version of the bill would allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and psychologists to refer patients to nutritionists. This would mean that Medicare beneficiaries would not have to rely on their primary care physician to refer them. Making it easier for older adults to get consultations with a dietitian is extremely important, as a regulated diet is currently the only treatment available for those with Celiac disease.

Medicare Supplement Plan Coverage

If you have an autoimmune condition such as Celiac disease, you should consider a Medicare Supplement Plan, because you will need as much coverage as possible to help cover the cost of treatment. Seeing a registered dietitian can be costly, but a Medicare Supplement Plan can help with medical expenses so you will not have to worry about how to pay for your treatment.

Currently, Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement Plan on the market because it offers the most coverage, but there are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans that can be tailored to your needs, each with different coverage options at different price points. If you are interested in a Medicare Supplement Plan, EZ can compare plans in your area at no cost. Our licensed agents are ready to help you save money and get you the most coverage for your buck. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207. No obligation.

Medicare & Hearing Aids

May is ‘Better Hearing and Speech’ Month. Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Studies have shown that older adults with hearing loss can become depressed, and have a greater risk of developing dementia or other types of cognitive decline. Because of this, it is important to get checked regularly so you can catch hearing loss early on, treat it with a hearing aid, and hopefully reduce your chances of cognitive decline. Currently, Medicare covers only certain things pertaining to hearing loss and hearing aids, but there are some changes under way.

Medicare Coverage

a caucasian doctor looking at a caucasian man's ear. — *Medicare will cover hearing exams, but generally will not cover hearing aids, unless they are BAHAs.*

With age comes many health issues, including hearing loss, which is also known as presbycusis. We begin to lose our hearing as we age because of changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve, which eventually make it hard to tolerate certain sounds or hear what others are saying. When it comes to getting checked for hearing loss, Medicare Part B will only cover exams for hearing issues as recommended by a doctor. It does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fittings. As with most covered medical expenses, Medicare will only cover 80% of the cost of a hearing exam, leaving you to pay the remaining 20% out-of-pocket.

While Medicare Part B does not cover traditional hearing aids, it does cover bone-anchoring hearing aids (BAHAs), because they are considered durable medical equipment. BAHAs are actually prosthetic devices, which are implanted surgically to help transmit soundwaves through bone conduction, stimulating the cochlea.

A Proposed Medicare Bill

Medicare Parts A and B unfortunately will not cover hearing aids, but there is currently a bill in the works in Congress that would allow them to be covered. HR 3 was passed by the House in 2019; if signed into law, this bill would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription prices, and would also allow hearing aids to be included in those negotiations.

the top of Congress building — *There is a couple of bills in motion that are trying to get hearing aids covered under Medicare.*

This bill has not yet passed the Senate, but there is another bill, currently sponsored by 9 Senators, which would allow Medicare to cover more services related to hearing. The Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act has been endorsed by The American Academy of Audiology (AAA), the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), who are all encouraging members to reach out to legislators to support the bill.

Getting More Coverage

If you need more coverage than you currently have with Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement Plan can help with coinsurance, copays, and other things not covered by Medicare. Depending on which plan type you have, you could end up saving hundreds of dollars a year. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plan types to choose from, each with different coverage options and prices.

Losing your hearing can be inevitable as you age, and it is important that you seek help and get hearing exams regularly to catch it. Medicare does not currently cover the cost of hearing aids, but don’t lose hope that the bills currently in Congress will pass! In the meantime, if you sign up for a Medicare Supplement Plan, you will be able to purchase a hearing aid on your own with the money that you save.

If you are interested in finding an affordable Medicare Supplement Plan that will cover your medical bills and will fit in your budget, EZ can help. Our agents are highly trained and work with the top-rated Medicare Supplement Insurance companies in the country. They will be able to compare plans in minutes for free, and help guide you to your best option.

To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Home Blood Pressure Monitors?

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

High Blood Pressure

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

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

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

Home Blood Pressure Monitors

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

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

What Medicare Covers

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

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

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

Medicare Supplement Plan Coverage

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

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

How to Identify Melanoma & How Much Does Medicare Cover

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

Melanoma Survival Rates

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

a graph with different lines — *The higher the melanoma stage, then the lower the survival rate.*

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

ABCDEs of Melanoma

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

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

Risk Factors

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

You have a higher chance of developing melanoma if you:

Are older
Have fair skin
Have a history of sunburn
Use tanning beds often
Are exposed to sunlight often

Diagnosis & Treatment

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

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

Medicare Coverage For Screenings & Treatment

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

Prevention & Extra Coverage

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

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

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

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

Does Medicare Cover A Hip Replacement?

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

Hip Fracture Risk Factors

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

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

Hip Replacement Surgery

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

There are two different types of hip fractures:

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

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

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

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

How Much Will Medicare Cover?

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

Medicare Supplement Plans & Hip Replacements

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

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

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

Can Your Insurance Company Cancel Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

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

Providing False Information

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

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

Failure To Pay

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

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

The Insurance Company Goes Bankrupt

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

Can You Switch Plans?

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

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

Tag: medicare

Celiac Disease & Medicare

Celiac Disease Explained

The Medicare Nutrition Therapy Act

Medicare Supplement Plan Coverage

Medicare & Hearing Aids

Medicare Coverage

A Proposed Medicare Bill

Getting More Coverage

Does Medicare Cover Home Blood Pressure Monitors?

High Blood Pressure

Home Blood Pressure Monitors

What Medicare Covers

Medicare Supplement Plan Coverage

How to Identify Melanoma & How Much Does Medicare Cover

Melanoma Survival Rates

ABCDEs of Melanoma

Risk Factors

Diagnosis & Treatment

Medicare Coverage For Screenings & Treatment

Prevention & Extra Coverage

Does Medicare Cover A Hip Replacement?

Hip Fracture Risk Factors

Hip Replacement Surgery

How Much Will Medicare Cover?

Medicare Supplement Plans & Hip Replacements

Can Your Insurance Company Cancel Your Medicare Supplement Plan?

Providing False Information

Failure To Pay

The Insurance Company Goes Bankrupt

Can You Switch Plans?

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