medicare Archives - Page 36 of 44

Are You Too Old To Donate Blood?

More than 4 million people will require a blood transfusion this year, whether because of cancer, accidents, or surgeries. There is such a high demand for blood to save lives, and a limited amount of

Blood is in such high demand in the U.S. Donate to help save a life. — *Blood is in high demand in the U.S. Donate to help save a life. There is no such thing as too old.*

it. Every day, 44,000 units of blood are used to save lives across the United States. About 38% of the population in the US is able to donate blood, but only 10% donate. Many people who are 65 and older question if they can donate blood because of their age and health risks, and the answer is yes.

As long as you meet the requirements to donate blood, then you can donate. There is no such thing as “too old.”

The Requirements

- At least 17 years old

- Weight is at least 110 lbs

- Good health

8 weeks in between blood donations

You can not donate if:

- You’ve had a blood transfusion within the last year

- You are pregnant or was within the last 6 weeks

- Gotten a tattoo within the last year

- Had Hepatitis when you were 11 or older

- You have a cold, or flu

- Have HIV

- You have low iron

You have lived in or traveled to a malaria-risk country in the past 3 years
The process of donating blood only take 5-10 minutes.

The American Association of Blood Banks used to ban people over 65 from donating blood. In 1978 the rule was dismissed after studies showed that older people who stored blood before surgery did well. “We found over time that individuals who are older do just fine donating blood, as long as they don’t have certain medical conditions that make them ineligible,” said Dr. Ross Herron, the chief medical officer of the West division of the American Red Cross.

There are different variations to donate blood: platelet donation which is small proteins within the blood plasma, or whole blood donation. If you choose to donate, talk to your doctor and make sure you are eligible with good health. A physical will be taken to make sure your blood pressure, and pulse is good. Then the process will only take about 5-10 minutes, followed by a snack to make sure you are not lightheaded before you leave. If you want to consider donating blood or platelets, then go for it! It is something that is always in demand, and saves lives.

Medicare AEP Is Over, What If You Missed It?

Every year from October 15 to December 7 is Medicare’s Annual Enrollment. This is the time you can switch from Medicare to Medicare Advantage, and vice versa. You can also change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.

*Just because Medicare OEP is over, does not mean you do not have other options to help you save money.*

Time flies and things happen, and before you know it, open enrollment has ended. You may have not gotten the chance to look over plans, change plans to meet your needs, or did not have enough time to research your options. But luckily if you missed open enrollment, there are still some options for you to choose from.

Medicare Advantage OEP

Beginning 2019, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. During this period, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, or disenroll from their Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare. If you choose to switch back to Original Medicare, then you can enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan. Do some research to make sure whichever way to choose to go that the network covers your doctors.

Medicare Special Enrollment Period, SEP

If you missed the open enrollment period, you can qualify for Medicare Special Enrollment Period. Here are the circumstances to qualify for SEP:

- Moved out of plan’s service area

- Lost employer-based health insurance

- Used to be eligible for Medicaid and now you are not

- Your plan is ending its contract with Medicare

Moving back to US after living outside of the US

5 Star Plans

In 2010, the Health care Reform Law created a star rating system for Medicare Plans. One star being poor, and 5 stars being the best. Every fall the ratings are updated for these plans. Beneficiaries can enroll in a Medicare Advantage 5-star plan once a year from December 8 to November 30th.

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans can help you pay for Medicare Part B bills that may be hard for you to pay. These plans are sold by private insurance companies, and you can always consider buying one as long as you are 65 years old. There are 10 different supplement plans to choose from, some covering more than others. If you consider buying one outside of the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period (the 6 month period beginning the month you turn 65), then you may be subject to paying more for pre-existing conditions.

Another option you can take is to ask your doctor for the generic, cheaper brand of the precritions you take.

Change Your Drugs

If you missed the chance to find a better plan to cover your prescriptions, then you can always talk to your doctor about cheaper drug options. The Medicare Modernization Act requires that Medicare offer at least two drugs in each category class. What this means is that you can talk with your doctor and ask to take the alternative drug that costs lower.

Missing the Medicare open enrollment period can cause a lot of stress. EZ.Insure offers agents within your region to help you and answer any questions you may have. Our agents are highly trained to provide you the best option for your needs. The agents will provide you with Medicare Supplement quotes from top carriers in your area, and even help you sign up at no cost. To get quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent directly, email replies@ez.insure, or call 888-753-7207. Do not worry if you missed the OEP, we can help you get on the right track.

2019 Top Easy Exercise For Seniors

Physical activity is beneficial for seniors to help prevent a lot of serious health conditions such as heart disease, and a stroke. Physical activity can be any activity that raises your heart rate and builds aerobic endurance. After 4-6 weeks of consistent exercise, you will feel more comfortable doing your work out and carrying on with your day. Regular fitness will help you feel better and help control your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight.

Your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones will become stronger, which is important to continue day to day activities as you continue to age. You should always consult with your doctor when beginning a regime so they can guide you through workouts for your needs.

Benefits

Regular exercise has proven to:

Maintain weight and burn excess calories
Build endurance
Help reduce falls and injuries
Boost mood and quality of sleep
Improve cholesterol levels
Produce optimum heart health, lung, bones, muscles, and vascular system by delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Start Slow

If you have not been physically active, it is important to start slow and gradually build your endurance, and strength. Begin with walking for 5-10 minutes every day if possible, and over sometimes increase it to 30 minutes at a time. Once you are able to go 30 minutes at a time, you can add more challenges.

Check Your Heart Rate

When you exercise regularly, you increase your heart's health. — *When you exercise regularly, you increase your heart’s health.*

Exercise should increase your heart rate to about 75% of the maximum predicted heart rate. A simple way to calculate this is to subtract your age from 220 to get your maximum heart rate. For example, at the age of 70, the maximum heart rate target is 150. When starting to work out, it is safe to start with a low target of about 78-80 beats per minute, and then work your way up after a couple of weeks.

Remember to always start slow and safe with exercises such as walking, or swimming, and then over time add more challenges to your routine, such as balance, flexibility and resistance exercises.

If you experience any form of chest pain/tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or faintness during or after your exercise, stop immediately. Do not continue any exercises, and notify your doctor.

New Year, New You, How To Get Started

It is officially 2019 and time to set some resolutions you intend to keep this year. First thing you should do is reflect on last year, then reflect on what you would like to change or do differently. This year set a goal on what is important to you and what you would like to change both physically, and mentally. Your new year’s resolution should be a priority so it does not get brushed under the rug after a short period of time. There are a number of different goals that are attainable for seniors to strive for this year. It does not take a lot of effort, just some time and motivation. Here are some resolutions that you can think about and take on!

Eat Healthier

This year make it a goal to try to eat more vegetables, and less sugar. Start off by making at least one meal a healthier one and add vegetables to others. Incorporate whole grains, fish, and healthy fats into your diet. Instead of reaching for a piece of pie after dinner, try a piece of dark chocolate or some fruit. They are satisfying and yummy alternatives.

*You can learn to use technology so you can connect with friends anf family more often.*

A healthy diet will help you live longer and stronger.

Learn How To Use New Technology

Technology is always changing and evolving. It can be hard for some seniors to learn new gadgets, and social media outlets. This year try to take on something new, whether Facebook, or a smartphone. These outlets will help you stay connected to family and friends, and battle social isolation. If you need help figuring it out, ask family or friends.

Be Active

This resolution is one of the most popular ones every year. It is a good resolution to do, but the importance is to stick to it because it is often abandoned early. Start out slow and easy with something as simple as walking for 15 minutes. Yoga, and aqua aerobics are awesome workout routines that help stretch you and are low impact on your joints. Exercise will improve your blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, and increase your endurance.

Visit Your Grandkids More

Nothing is better than spending time with your grandchildren. The unconditional love you receive from them increases your mental health, and increases your life’s quantity and quality. This year try to stay connected with your grandkids on a regular basis. This will strengthen your bond, and keep you close. Make a date to see them at least once a week if you can, whether in person or via video chat.

Pick Up A Hobby

Pick up an old or new hobby this year. If there is a hobby that you used to love doing but lost the time for it, then get back to it. You can paint, knit, collect things, repurpose old things, etc. Whatever you would like to take on, consider it this year. It can be relaxing “me time” that you enjoy doing everyday.

Brain Games

In order to stay sharp and keep your brain strong, you must keep it as active as possible. Your brain needs a workout just like your body does. Crossword puzzles like sudoku, and brain teaser games can improve your cognitive skills, and reduce memory loss. You can do these kind of brain games, or try to learn new things like a new language. Try to keep your brain active this year so it can improve over time.

Try something new this year that will improve your life. Start out small and do not try to make drastic changes, otherwise you will give up. Have some fun this year, pick up a hobby, and increase your physical and mental health. Stay happy, and healthy this year.

2019 Medicare Deductibles & Copays Are Out

This past October, the CMS released the new rates for Medicare deductibles and copays for 2019. It is important to review the new rates to determine if it is affordable for you and your situation. If you can not afford the raised rates, then now would be the time to make some budget changes, or consider a Medicare Supplement plan. Most, if not all, Medicare Supplement plans will cover the deductibles and copays.

The New Rates

- Medicare Part A Hospital Deductibles have gone up $24 from 2018. It is now $1,364.

- Medicare Part A Deductible for a Skilled Nursing Facility for days 20-100 have gone up $3 per day since last year. The cost is now $170.50 per day.

- Medicare Part B Deductible has gone up $2 from 2018. It now costs $185.

- Medicare Part B Premiums have gone up $1.50 from 2018. Premiums will be $135.50 a month.

Annual income rates have increased; if your income was greater than $85,000 single or $170,000 couple, then you will face additional costs for Medicare Part B premiums. About $2.10 more a month.

*2019 Medicare premiums are going up based on income.*

The day before the Medicare rates were announced, the Social Security Administration had its own announcement. The Administration set a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, COLA, to 2019 social security benefits. Thanks to the “hold harmless” provision, almost 2 million Medicare beneficiaries will not have to pay the full Part B monthly premium payments of $135.50. Hold harmless is the guarantee that a Medicare beneficiary receives limiting how much their Part B premiums can go up. The premiums can not be greater than the increase in their Social Security benefits. However, this only applies to 3.5% of Medicare beneficiaries. So what are the rest to do?

Plan Ahead

*If you can not budget the new Medicare premiums for 2019, then a Medicare Supplement can help.*

Even though the costs have increased only by a couple of dollars a month, the $2 can add up throughout the year. It can change the budget for a lot of people, and some will be struggling to fit it into their budget. If you are one of these people who worry how you are going to pay these extra costs, then looking into a Medicare Supplement plan would be beneficial. There are 10 different kinds of Medicare Supplement plans that you can look into. Most of these plans will pay the deductibles and copays, and offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not offer.

Researching and comparing the different kinds of Medicare Supplement plans can be frustrating. EZ.Insure offers highly trained agents in your region that specialize with Medicare Supplement plans. They can go over your needs with you, compare plans, and provide you with quotes instantly. To get a quote enter your zip code in the bar above, or contact an agent by calling 888-753-7207, or emailing replies@ez.insure. We make the process easier for you, so you do not have to stress or miss an important detail.

Mutual of Omaha Plans To Sell Medicare Advantage Plans in 2019

In 2019, Mutual of Omaha, an Omaha-based insurer will begin selling Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage. They have partnered up with Lumeris, a St. Louis company that will handle the health provider networks, and healthcare solutions.

The Kaiser Family Foundation recorded that one in three Medicare recipients are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. They project the number to rise to nearly 41 percent by the year 2027.

Omaha is introducing Medicare Advantage Plans in 2019. — *Omaha is introducing Medicare Advantage Plans in 2019 to provide options for seniors.*

The Plan

James Blackledge, the Mutual Chairman and CEO said “Our entrance into the Medicare Advantage market represents a significant step forward for Mutual of Omaha as we strive to respond to customer needs and offer a meaningful suite of senior health solutions. We’re confident that our collaboration with Lumeris will lead to better health outcomes for our Medicare Advantage customers.”

Mutual started in 1909, and has been one of the first providers of Medicare Supplement plans. But recently Medicare Supplement plan sales have been declining, while Advantage sales have increased.

Lumeris has over 10 years of experience with Medicare Advantage plans, even starting their own called Essence Healthcare, which has about 65,000 members in the St. Louis area. They have built a value-based model to provide seniors with better health for a lower cost while providing a better patient and physician experience. The company functions to help other medical providers deliver better care and financial outcomes by its value-based care model.

*The idea is to create more plans so that Medicare beneficiaries can save money, and receive better care.*

“Our new initiative with Mutual of Omaha is exciting because it enables both of our companies to build on our successes while remaining laser-focused on what matters most—delivering the highest quality care to seniors,” said Lumeris Chairman and CEO Mike Long. “This new partnership also leverages each company’s unique strengths to benefit the larger healthcare ecosystem. Together, we will make a deeper, more meaningful difference in the lives of patients and providers.”

Hopeful Future

The alliance between the companies will allow Mutual of Omaha to continue to lead in the senior health market. Mutual will provide Medicare Advantage plans, while Lumeris will evaluate markets, and establish networks.

A Mutual executive vice president, Brad Beuchler said that the plans will have narrow networks. The networks will be limited as to how many physicians, hospitals and care providers to choose from. This way there will be reduced costs while improving efficiency and medical outcomes.

The multiyear agreement is expected to be ready by Medicare open enrollment October 15, and the plans taking effect January 1, 2019. This will hopefully provide better healthcare quality with lower costs for seniors.

Tag: medicare