medicare Archives - Page 40 of 44

Importance of Personal Hygiene

Good personal hygiene can make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself, both physically and mentally. As you age continuing to be social is an important part of keeping your mind as young and healthy as possible. A part of being social is making sure that you are keeping up with your personal hygiene. As we age personal hygiene becomes even more important. Things as simple as washing your hands with soap and water consistently will protect you from catching viruses that your body might have been able to fight off previously.

*Washing your hands is the best way to avoud bacteria from entering the body.*

Taking care of your skin is critical as we become older because it becomes more thin and fragile, making it easier for germs to invade the body. The skin is the body’s defense system against infection, which is why it is important to remove bacteria by washing your hands and moisturizing to ensure a healthy quality of life. Professionals say that as you age you should bathe at least once a week to maintain hygiene health.

It can be hard to remember smaller things in relation to personal hygiene as you age, and you might need some help when it comes to keeping up with your hygiene. Help can be anything from assistance from a relative, or setting up routines and reminders that keep you on track. If you find yourself struggling with personal hygiene, it is important to pinpoint why exactly what is whether it be a physical issue or a mental one.

Factors that can lead to poor personal hygiene are:

Memory Loss-When experiencing memory loss, seniors can often forget whether they have completed a task or not. . Some seniors may think that they showered not too long ago when in reality it could’ve been days ago. A way to keep yourself on track would be to hang a calendar in your bathroom. This way you can mark off when you do shower so that even if you forget you have it written down and can check any time you want.

Depression

A lot of seniors will go through depression as they age and their health declines. Depression can lead to less interest in your appearance, and can eventually lead to isolation from friends and family. If you find yourself distancing yourself from the people and things you once loved you should consider talking to someone. Talk to your doctor about the way you have been feeling and considering getting help with your depression. This can help you get back to the people and things you loved so that you can continue to live a normal happy life.

Weakened Senses

Aging can lead to weakened senses of hearing, eyesight, and smell. The senses of smell and taste diminishes over time, which is why seniors are often less disturbed by bad smells. This is often why you might find yourself putting on more perfume than you used to. The recipe for the perfume has not changed, your sense of smell may have just gotten weaker. This can sometimes cause an overwhelming smell for the people around you. To make sure you are not overdoing it with perfumes, put it on and remember the number of sprays you use, then ask someone close to you if your scent is too strong. If it is use less sprays next time, if it is not you are on the right track and will always know you smell great regardless of what your nose cannot pick up anymore.

Mobility Issues

Physical challenges can lead to health issues due to the fear of falling. If this is the issue, it is important to seek assistance from a loved one if possible, an in-home care agency, or a nurse. Consider installing handrails, grab bars, non-slip adhesives, or a shower stool in the shower in order to stay safe if you have poor balance. Make sure to have everything ready before bathing such as shampoos, washcloths, and a towel. Always ask for help or assistance if you cannot do it alone to in order to avoid any serious falls or injuries.

Do not feel embarrassed to ask for help, your family and friends want you to be as healthy as possible, and are most of the time always willing to help.

When it comes to oral hygiene, make sure to visit your dentist every six months or more to check for gum disease. Make sure your dentures are checked and fit properly if you have them. Brush your teeth twice a day and switch to an electric toothbrush for ease. Use mouthwash at least once a day in order to reduce bacteria in your mouth as well as prevent gum disease.

Safe Yoga Moves For Seniors

Yoga can improve your overall quality of life and is good for all ages, especially seniors. It can help combat stress, fatigue, and pain, and help seniors to feel younger. Yoga increases flexibility, and maintains balance as you age. These exercises will help seniors cope with aging and as long as it is done in a safe manner, yoga can be the best form of exercise for seniors to strengthen joints and muscles while helping them to relax.

Mountain Pose

A low impact move that helps improve posture and balance while reducing back pain.

Stand with your feet together and hands down at your sides. Press your toes into the floor and squeeze your thighs. With each inhale, lengthen your spine and each exhales release your shoulders away from your ears. Continue this for 5 to 10 breaths.

Cobbler’s Pose

This position is great for opening up your hips and stretching your hip flexors.

Sit down on the ground and bring the soles of your feet together while opening the knees out to the sides. Bring the balls of your feet close to your body and fold forward for a deeper stretch and hold for 5 to 8 breaths.

Bridge Pose

This pose focuses on strengthening your leg, hips, and lower back muscles. It also opens your shoulders, heart, and chest which keeps your spine flexible.

Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and knees bent. Make sure your legs are hip-width apart. Place the palm of your hands onto the floor and tighten your core and quad muscles. Lift your hips and spine up and hold for 30 seconds then release until your back is flat on the floor.

Tree Pose

The tree pose can help reduce the chances of a fall and is great for balancing and building strength. It helps with leg and abdominal strength and hip mobility.

Stand with feet together and palms at your heart. Place one foot on the opposite inner thigh, at your ankle, shin or above the knee is fine. Put hands together in praying motion towards your chest, Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other leg.

Bird Dog

This pose is perfect for tighten abs and back muscles which is important as we get older.

Kneel on the floor and stretch one arm forward with the opposite back leg out as well. Pull your belly button towards your spine and then switch sides after a couple of seconds. Switch sides and repeat 5 times.

Sphinx

Opens up the upper back, keeping it strong and opens up the heart.

Lie down on your stomach and place your forearms on the mat. Press into your arms and draw your shoulder blades together and down your back. Lift your stomach in and up and stay for 5 breaths. Repeat 4 more times.

Low Lunge Pose

Opens up your hips and releases tension in the body, while providing balance.

Stand with feet hip-width apart and arms at your side. Step your right foot forward and bend your right knee until it is directly over your ankle while your left knee is on the ground. Arms up in the air and breathe for 30 seconds, then return to standing position and repeat with the opposite leg.

All of these yoga poses are a great start for seniors who are beginners. It is easy to do and will help tighten muscles, build strength, provide flexibility and balance, and improves concentration. It is always important to consult with your doctor before performing any physical activity so you do not get hurt or cause any harm.

The Importance of Relationships & Social Interaction For Seniors

As we age, it becomes harder to make new friends or socialize with current friends that might have moved away or have severe medical issues. The older we get, the less energetic we become and would prefer to sit at home in front of the TV or read. The less socially active we become, the higher the risk of depression or isolation.

In a scientific study, it was found that older adults with more social engagement developed mental and physical limitations more slowly over time. Those with little to no social engagement developed mental and physical limitations at a quicker rate. Social interactions offer many benefits for older adults, from reducing the risk of dementia to boosting your immune system.

Having a close relationship with family can increase senior's mental health. — *Having a close relationship with family can increase senior’s mental health.*

Support System

Staying socially active will allow you to have a stable support system of friends that know what you’re going through. When you are going through a rough time, having that support system can make a problem more bearable. You can talk about your problems, receive feedback and advice, and help cope with the issue better. Your friends can offer you a shoulder to lean on, acknowledge your emotions, provide motivation, and shed some light on the situation.

Improves Physical Health

Complications can happen from lack of physical activity such as muscle and bone loss, changes in weight, poor circulation, and lower stamina. Remaining socially active can potentially reduce the risk of these issues as well as heart problems, and can lower blood pressure.

When you have more options to be social, you tend to leave the house more whether to meet up with friends for a meal, a walk, or another small get together. Walking, going up the stairs, and carrying bags are simple physical activities, but they are a positive step and have a positive impact on your health. On top of getting more physical activity your immune system will also likely be healthier seniors tend to eat more when they are around others and a healthy appetite leads to a healthy immune system.

Spending time with friends and other people your own age can also help you remember to get your recommended health screenings. When you are around people going through similar changes that come with age they are more likely to keep you on track. If all of your friends are talking about getting their health screenings you are more likely to remember and schedule one of your own due to group mentality. If your friends find out about a new drug, exercise, or disease to look out for you are more likely to take an interest than if you pass a flyer or briefly hear about it from a stranger. This will help you stay on top of your health, because the people around you are trying to stay on top of theirs.

*Getting outside for a walk with friends can boost morale.*

Maintains Mental Health

Interacting with friends and family can reduce your risk for mental health issues such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and poor cognitive function. You can have a structured activity like a book club thats allows you to talk about a new book every month, or just get together with your family and friends to talk about the good old days. The important thing is that you keep socially active to keep your mind sharp You need to find a way to keep your mind engaged in a social setting, not just on your own. Studies show that strong social connections will drop the chances of cognitive decline by 70%.

Friends can give you self-confidence, and help you to try new things which can add some fun to your life. It gives you a sense of belonging, reduces stress levels, and keeps you connected to the world around you.

Ways to Remain Socially Active

One of the best ways to remain socially active is to join a gym, which can help you meet others and help you stay physical.

Volunteer in your community or visit a senior care center and participate in activities to meet people with similar interests, to help you build a stable support system.

Take a class, learn a new language, learn different cooking styles, and/or take up a new hobby.

Maintaining relationships and staying social is important as you age to help you stay active and mentally healthy. Always find ways to stay stimulated and connected to the world in order to not fall into isolation and decrease in physical health.

Protect Yourself, Know How to Spot Medicare Card Scams

Starting in April 2018, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services will be issuing new Medicare ID cards to Medicare beneficiaries. As stated on their website, www.cms.gov, the new cards issued will not have the beneficiary’s social security number on them anymore to “prevent fraud, fight identity theft, and keep taxpayer dollars safe.”

Instead, the new cards will have 11 randomly generated numbers and uppercase letters. This new ID is called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier.

Due to these changes, there is a rise in scams, because scammers know it is easy to scare seniors into giving up their information.

The government has warned people to keep an eye out for scams when they are choosing between plans. Regional director of AARP Foundation, Amy Nofziger stated that “criminals will always use current events to confuse and victimize unsuspecting consumers, and this applies to the Medicare open enrollment period.”

*Scammers will pretend to be the IRS to get your information.*

These criminals will pretend to be a Medicare representative. They will ask you to verify your social security, birth date, Medicare number, and address, in order to receive a new card. They will then use your social security number to open credit cards, apply for loans, or file fake tax returns.

It is important to know that there is no cost for a new card. Medicare will never ask you for personal information to receive one. You will not have to do anything to get a new card. To protect yourself, it is crucial to be aware of the tactics these scammers are using.

Phone Calls

Because social security numbers are being removed from cards, scammers will be calling even more than usual.

A legitimate agency would not call anyone to ask for their social security number in order to issue a new Medicare card. There are no “official Medicare agents,” because Medicare does not have any sales reps.

Medicare will usually mail you unless you call or email them. Nofziger added that Medicare will never call and ask you for personal information like bank accounts or credit card numbers.

If someone calls you trying to sell you insurance, scare you about disabling your benefits, or charging you a fee for the new card, then they are a fraudster.

Refunds

Scammers will tell you that changes have entitled you to a refund in order to get your information. Medicare does not call or ask for any information. Medicare will send you a check directly with an explanation of the refund if you are owed any money.

Part D Plan Requirement

Medicare prescription plan, Part D, is not a requirement to have Medicare. Scammers will call you and tell you have to join a Part D plan if you want to keep your Medicare benefits.

Be aware of these scams, and if you are contacted by a scammer claiming to be from Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS, you can report it at www.ftc.gov.

*Identity theft can happen to anyone and cause a lot of stress.*

Other Scams To Be Aware Of

Some other scams to familiarize yourself with are the different scams on the internet. These can come in the form of an email, an illegitimate website, or on social media. Scammers will send you an email pretending to be your bank or the IRS asking you to update or verify information. Banks and the IRS will never do this, so if you see it, do not respond and make sure to call your bank or the IRS first.

One of the newer tactics used by scammers is social media like Facebook where they will message you with an enticing offer to invest in something. Or a scammer will have made a fake account of one of your current friends, and message you asking for money due to an unfortunate event. If your friend is in need, do not wire them any money before calling them and confirming it is actually them and they are in need of help.

Protect yourself

Be wary of dating website scams, this is common for seniors. A person you might have met on a dating website will talk to you and then over time create a scenario where they need your help financially here and there. Do not fall for these scams, as it is only an attempt to get money from you without any intention of a relationship.

Whenever you log onto the internet, make sure to practice internet safety. Do not take the “bait” from scammers whether through email, FaceBook, dating websites, or sweepstakes promising big winnings. Create a strong password for everything, and do not share it with anyone. Make sure to verify whoever it is you are speaking with over the phone even if they claim to be relative or friends. Contact any company over phone if you received an email or message asking for information, and never provide your information unless you know the website you are on is legitimate. These tips will help you avoid scams and give you a sense of security.

Mental Health Is Just As Important For Seniors

If a mental illness goes untreated, it can have a serious life impact on a person, leading to depression and even death. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that depression is the number one cause of disability around the world. In order to battle this, it is important to seek professional help and utilize Medicare coverage for any of your mental health needs.

*Mental health affects seniors 65 and older. It is important to seek help before it worsens.*

The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that about one in five adults deal with some form of mental illness each year. About 20% of adults 65 and older in America are diagnosed with either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders such as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and/or certain phobias. Medicare covers a large variety of these mental health illnesses within hospital inpatients and outpatients.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Medicare Part A covers services in either a general hospital or a psychiatric hospital when admitted as an inpatient. If you are in a psychiatric hospital, Part A coverage is limited to 190 days of services during your lifetime.

Medicare will pay for approved inpatient stays during your benefit period. Once you are admitted to the hospital, the copayment is $0 until you reach 60 days. After that, your benefit period ends and you begin paying a copayment of $335 for days 61-90 of each benefit period. After the 90 days, you will have to pay $670 per “lifetime reserve day” for each period (up to 60 days in your lifetime). After that, you will pay for all costs.

There is a lifetime limit of 190 days for inpatient psychiatric hospitals. For example, if you go to the hospital for psychiatric care in April and stay for 80 days, once you leave, that period is considered done and over. Now if you have to re-enter a hospital again for treatment in September, it is considered a new benefit period. You can keep starting a new benefit period at anytime and it will be covered until you have reached 190 days totaled between all the visits. The inpatient deductible for each benefit period (every time you start a new hospital stay) is $1,340 in 2018.

It is important to know that you will also still pay your 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services received from providers while in hospital inpatient.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Doctors help explain what is covered and what you can do. — *Talk with your doctor and find out how they can help and what is covered by your Medicare.*

Medicare Part B covers outpatient psychiatric services that are considered a substitute to inpatient care. The visits covered are those of psychiatrists, clinical social workers or licensed alcohol and drug counselors, clinical psychologists, and others. If you meet certain requirements, and a doctor says it is necessary, Medicare will cover you for individual or group psychotherapy, family counseling, and psychiatric evaluation.

Medicare can cover occupational therapy that is part of your mental health treatment as well as individual patient education about the condition you are diagnosed with.

When it comes to payment, you will pay the 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the services from doctors who accept Medicare assignment. The Part B deductible will apply, which is $183 in 2018. If the services are provided in a hospital outpatient clinic, you may have to also pay a copayment.

Medicare Part B covers at no cost to you one depression screening every year, as long as the doctor accepts Medicare assignment. The screening has to be done at the corresponding doctor’s office or primary care that can provide follow-up treatment and referrals.

Ask Questions

Some recommendations by your doctor may not be covered by Medicare and will have to come out of pocket at full cost. So make sure to ask questions about the condition you are diagnosed with and whether Medicare will cover it.

If you have any questions regarding Medicare, and you are seeking coverage for mental health, EZ.Insure can help. We offer you your own highly knowledgeable agent for your region, to go over all the plans and what they offer. We provide you with quotes and will help you sign up, free of charge. Contact us through email at replies@ez.insure, call 855-220-1144 to get a quote, or enter your zip code in the bar above. We promise to help as much as we can to provide you with the most affordable plan.

Traveling Outside of the US? Consider a Medicare Supplement for Coverage

Retirement is the perfect time to begin traveling and enjoying your freedom. Original Medicare will cover your medical needs while traveling within the United States and American territories- Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Medicare’s network of doctors and hospitals are large around the U.S. However, the moment you decide to travel internationally, Medicare will not cover you in case of an emergency or other medical needs you might have. This is when a Medicare Supplement will be useful, because it will save you money and give you the coverage you need while abroad.

What a Medicare Supplement Plan Covers

Medicare Supplement plans cover travel bills outside of the U.S. — *Medicare Supplement can prepare you for any medical bills accrued while overseas.*

Standard Medicare Supplement plans C, D, F, G, M, and N provide foreign coverage. These plans will cover emergency care during the first 60 days of your trip, and pays about 80% of the charges. For example, Medicare Supplement Plan F will be cover up to $50,000 in foreign medical bills. In order to begin coverage for these plans, you must meet your $250 deductible first. This coverage of $50,000 is available to you every time that you travel outside of the U.S. and its territories, it is not just a one time deal.

During your Initial Enrollment Period there is no underwriting, meaning you will not have to worry about pre-existing conditions used against you for pricing. This bonus is something to think about and consider, especially if you do have major pre-existing conditions. Having these benefits while outside of the country will protect your wallet and your health. It is always better to be safe and protected than pay thousands out of pocket later. Not to mention, Medicare Supplement plans will cover more than just international travel medical fees. These plans will help reduce costs of copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that Original Medicare does not cover.

Need help?

It is better to travel and actually have fun without this worry in the back of your mind. Accidents can happen, even if you are careful, which is the reason this coverage is essential to have when outside of the U.S. If you are considering traveling outside the U.S., interested in a Medicare Supplement plan, or just have questions regarding what is offered and the difference between all the plans, EZ.Insure can help. EZ.Insure has highly trained and knowledgeable agents in Medicare Supplement plans. An agent will be able to assess your situation and find you the most affordable Medicare Supplemental plan that suits your needs. To get a quote, you can enter your zip code in the bar above, email replies@ez.insure, and call 855-220-1144.

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