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MEDICARE NEWS
Your Guide to Changes in Medicare, Social Security, and Health.
Is There a Free Shingles Vaccine for Seniors? Here’s What You Should Know
Is There a Free Shingles Vaccine for Seniors? Here’s What You Should Know
January 2023
Medicare Drug Costs to Be Capped at $2,000 a Year in Inflation Reduction Act
Medicare Drug Costs to Be Capped at $2,000 a Year in Inflation Reduction Act
August, 2022
CMS May Use 2022 Savings to Lower 2023 Medicare Part B Premiums
CMS May Use 2022 Savings to Lower 2023 Medicare Part B Premiums
June 2022
How to Help Seniors in Your Community Who Live Alone
How to Help Seniors in Your Community Who Live Alone
April 2022
Photo courtesy of Pexels
Aging is a normal experience in life. And while you age, it's like being a child with a conscience. You need help with almost everything, movement, cooking, self-care, and even company. Luckily, many seniors get help from friends and primarily relatives. If you are lucky, they invite you to move in.
Unfortunately, this isn't the reality for every senior. Some might be fortunate to get a nurse or an assistant, but others aren't so fortunate. Due to unavoidable circumstances like death, financial situation, and working locations of loved ones.
Luckily, we have people like you willing to help older adults when no one else is around. C&C Financial Insurance lists a few tips and tricks that will help you through the whole experience.
Encourage socialization
Heart Matters magazine points out that socializing is the main way of combating loneliness. Encourage them to make friends and create conversation. Social life in a senior can be achieved through:
●Engaging in activities around the community
●Taking them on little trips for exploration
●Invest in medical tools that will improve socialization, like getting a hearing aid
●Work on their mobility through exercise and taking walks
●Encourage them to get a roommate
●Help the nurture existing relationships
●Encourage them to take up a hobby that will help them socialize
Be keen on any signs of depression
Research shows that 11 million adults aged 65 and over live alone. And due to the loneliness that comes with being alone and isolated, one is prone to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
It's crucial that you are always looking for signs of depression and ways to deal with it.
●Help them find mental health care services covered by Medicare.
●Do not mistake it with sadness - physical pain such as severe headaches, or arthritis is a common source of depression among elders.
●Health issues can cause depression.
●Insomnia can be a sign that they are depressed.
●Depression in older adults is often ignored, so it might be misdiagnosed.
●Focus on physical symptoms.
●Learn about the differences between depression and dementia.
●Be on the lookout for any changes, such as changes in their day-to-day activities.
●Be supportive
●Make the depression experience more manageable and easy for them.
●Help them manage stress with stress management techniques like mindful breathing and improving their diet.
●Talk to them about their experience and feelings.
Day-to-day ways you can show you care
As seniors grow older, simple things become so much harder for them. Helping with these activities will significantly impact both your lives. Here are some ideas that will help:
●Help them clean their space; you can do this by yourself, or let them do simple activities to get their physical fitness in check.
●Provide financial help; this can be done by recommending a financial advisor to help them make financial decisions. Put them in touch with the pros at C&C Financial Insurance so you can be sure the senior’s Medicare is working for them in every way possible.
●Also, simple tasks like calculation of financial details. For instance, they want to sell their home. You can help them by calculating an estimate on how much they'll get from the house before hiring an agent
●Provide emotional support; this applies to seniors who lost a spouse or family. Also, this is also applicable to those experiencing loneliness and isolation.
●Be gentle with any contact initiated.
●Take them out once in a while.
●Consider getting them a pet.
●Be mindful of how the experience affects you.
●Offer them a sense of security.
●Consult a professional whenever necessary.
Conclusion
Take care of yourself to provide the best care for a senior in need. Ensure that the experience of taking care of a senior is beneficial to both of you.
Don't let medical bills rob you of your retirement goals. Contact C&C Financial Insurance today for your free Personalized Medicare Evaluation at (267) 733-7277!
For more information about services mentioned in this article visit http://ElderFreedom.net
What are State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs?
What are State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs?
February 2022
If you need assistance with your Medicare Part D costs, an SPAP may be an option for you. What are State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, and are you eligible for one?
Does Medicare Cover Respite Care?
Does Medicare Cover Respite Care?
January 2022
Being a caregiver for a loved one receiving hospice care can be difficult. Respite care can give you a chance to rest and recharge, but does Medicare cover it?
Am I Eligible for Medicaid?
Am I Eligible for Medicaid?
August 3, 2021
Medicaid is Medicare's sister program, designed to help those with a financial need get health care coverage. But eligibility isn't always that straightforward. Here's what you need to know.
Understanding Medicare Part D’s True Out-of-Pocket Limit
Understanding Medicare Part D’s True Out-of-Pocket Limit
June 21, 2021
Medicare Part D’s True Out-of-Pocket limit is the gateway between the donut hole and catastrophic coverage. What does that mean for beneficiaries?
What Certifications & Training Does a Medicare Sales Agent Need?
What Certifications & Training Does a Medicare Sales Agent Need?
April 20, 2021
Trust is essential in any relationship, especially one with someone who's supposed to help you find a Medicare plan. Luckily, agents who sell Medicare plans must complete specific certifications and trainings!
3 Accounts That Can Maximize Your Medicare
3 Accounts That Can Maximize Your Medicare
March 16, 2021
Medicare can be complex, but there are three programs that are worth creating accounts for that will help you get the most out of your coverage.
How Does Prior Authorization Affect Medicare Coverage?
How Does Prior Authorization Affect Medicare Coverage?
February 16, 2021
Prior authorization can influence the care and coverage you receive through Medicare, but it influences different parts uniquely.
Understanding Your Medicare Advantage MOOP Limit
Understanding Your Medicare Advantage MOOP Limit
January 19, 2021
A major benefit of most Medicare Advantage plans is their maximum out-of-pocket limit. Here’s what you need to know about the Medicare MOOP limit for your plan.
HOW AND WHEN CAN I CHANGE MEDICARE PLANS?
HOW AND WHEN CAN I CHANGE MEDICARE PLANS?
August 31st, 2020
If you don't love your Medicare plan or need to change for whatever reason, when are you allowed to make that change and how do you switch plans?
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN ENROLLING IN MEDICARE
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN ENROLLING IN MEDICARE
July 20, 2020
When you're getting ready to enroll in Medicare for the first time, it can be intimidating. Let us help guide you through the process!
CMS ANNOUNCES LOWER COSTS FOR INSULIN IN 2021
CMS ANNOUNCES LOWER COSTS FOR INSULIN IN 2021
June 11, 2020
On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, CMS announced that insulin costs will be capped in 2021 for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. What does this mean moving forward?
HOW YOUR INCOME AND IRMAA AFFECT YOUR MEDICARE PREMIUMS
HOW YOUR INCOME AND IRMAA AFFECT YOUR MEDICARE PREMIUMS
May 4, 2020
Depending on certain factors, you may pay a different Medicare Part B or D premium. One of these is the Medicare IRMAA, which is based on your annual income.
CMS ANNOUNCES EXPANDED TELEHEALTH BENEFITS FOR COVID-19 OUTBREAK
CMS ANNOUNCES EXPANDED TELEHEALTH BENEFITS FOR COVID-19 OUTBREAK
March 18, 2020
As the public and government work to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, Medicare will be expanding its coverage of telehealth services to encourage beneficiaries to stay safe at home for their health care needs.
Here’s how to appeal higher Medicare premiums
Here’s how to appeal higher Medicare premiums
March 2, 2020
While the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B is $144.60 this year, some beneficiaries pay as much as $491.60.
If your income is different from what the Social Security used to determine whether you’re subject to those surcharges, there is a process for asking the agency to reconsider.
DOES MEDICARE COVER HOME HEALTH CARE?
DOES MEDICARE COVER HOME HEALTH CARE?
January 27th, 2020
Sometimes, in our health journeys, it may be necessary to look into home health care services. What are these services, and does Medicare cover them?
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO ENTERING A NURSING HOME?
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO ENTERING A NURSING HOME?
December 9, 2019
Moving into a nursing home can be a massive decision. Here are the general steps you should take for moving into a senior care facility.
YOUR FORMULARY: KNOWING WHAT’S COVERED
YOUR FORMULARY: KNOWING WHAT’S COVERED
November 5, 2019
When considering a Medicare Part D drug plan’s affordability, don’t forget to review its formulary. Here’s what you should know.
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MEDIGAP PLAN C AND F IN 2020?
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MEDIGAP PLAN C AND F IN 2020?
September 5, 2019
In 2020, Medicare Supplement Plans C and F will start to be phased out. What does this mean for plan holders and future Medicare enrollees?
UNDERSTANDING YOUR MEDICARE EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING YOUR MEDICARE EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS
August 6, 2019
It can be difficult to keep track of how you use your Medicare plan and what it covers. That’s where your Medicare Explanation of Benefits comes in handy.
3 Common Medicines You Should Never Mix
3 Common Medicines You Should Never Mix
June 10, 2019
Americans take medications each day, either prescribed or over-the-counter. The chemistry behind these pills is complex, and taking multiple drugs at once can make for dangerous combinations. In fact, one in six seniors take dangerous combinations each day!
Medicare Is not Going Bankrupt
Medicare Is not Going Bankrupt
May 2, 2019
Claims by some policymakers that the Medicare program is nearing “bankruptcy” are highly misleading. Although Medicare faces financing challenges, the program is not on the verge of bankruptcy or ceasing to operate.
WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN DISCUSSING MY WILL?
WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN DISCUSSING MY WILL?
May 2, 2019
Writing your last will and testament may not be the most fun topic to discuss, but getting your final wishes written down is essential. Here’s when you should start the discussion.
DOES MEDICARE COVER GENETIC TESTING?
DOES MEDICARE COVER GENETIC TESTING?
April 4, 2019
Medicare’s coverage of genetic testing is fairly limited. When it does cover these tests, they can make a huge difference in one’s health care planning and knowledge. When are those circumstances?
Time is running out to switch or ditch your Medicare Advantage Plan
Time is running out to switch or ditch your Medicare Advantage Plan
March 18, 2019
Because you only get one shot to make a change, be sure you know what you're signing up for if you choose another plan.
If you want to return to original Medicare, which consists of Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (outpatient coverage), you'll also need to sign up for a stand-alone Part D
4 Ways to Cover Health Care Costs in Retirement
4 Ways to Cover Health Care Costs in Retirement
March 5, 2019
Medicare isn’t a perfect shield against unexpected health care costs in retirement. Indeed, health-related expenses accounted for three of the top five financial shocks cited in a recent survey of retirees.1
When Should You Take Social Security?
When Should You Take Social Security?
March 5, 2019
Taking Social Security benefits before you reach full retirement age may not be in your best interest.
We’ll cover Social Security benefit eligibility and factors to consider when deciding when to take Social Security.
The strategies for maximizing benefits can get complex—talk to your financial planner if needed.
What Does MACRA Mean for You?
What Does MACRA Mean for You?
March 4, 2019
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) made some significant changes to Medicare. Here’s what they are and how they affect Medicare beneficiaries and their coverage.
How Medicare Benefit Periods Work
How Medicare Benefit Periods Work
March 4, 2019
Medicare covers many of the costs associated with inpatient care facilities up to a certain point. Understanding benefit periods is important to knowing your coverage.
Understanding Part D of Medicare and your True Out of Pocket Cost
Understanding Part D of Medicare and your True Out of Pocket Cost
February 27, 2019
Medicare Part D’s True Out-of-Pocket limit is the gateway between the donut hole and catastrophic coverage. What does that mean for beneficiaries?
