Articles

Asthma is a fairly common respiratory disorder that affects millions of children and adults across the United States. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 10% of the population will experience asthma symptoms at some point in their lives. Although children are disproportionately affected by asthma, this condition can affect seniors as well. For many people, asthma is a lifelong illness that will require monitoring and treatment well into their retirement years. Why asthma is a big deal for seniors Seniors who experience asthma symptoms may…

Addiction is a health challenge faced by many people in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over one million seniors in the U.S. suffer from some form of substance abuse disorder. Although alcohol is a commonly abused drug across all age ranges, seniors often face concerns revolving around the use of opioids. An addiction to opioids may stem from the use of prescribed painkillers to treat a verified medical condition or injury. In time, some seniors find that they have…

Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, are plans that help beneficiaries pay for some expenses that Original Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover. Some plans help pay for copayments, coinsurance, some deductibles, emergency health care outside the United States, and more.   Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies that are affiliated with Medicare. Each insurer chooses which Medigap plans to sell, but if they opt to sell any plans, they must offer Plan A. There are 10 different Medigap plans: A, B,…

In Florida, there are over 4.6 million Medicare enrollees. Forty-eight percent of those Medicare recipients have coverage through a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, while approximately thirty-two percent have Original Medicare alone. Twenty percent have Original Medicare plus Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap).  Medicare is a federal health insurance program, so every state has the same eligibility requirements for enrollment. You can enroll in Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, and/or a Medicare prescription drug (Part…

Today in the United States, the average age of retirement is 63 years old. However, this number continues to rise over as more people hold off their retirement until their late 60s and beyond.  Many of those who decide to stay at work longer usually remain enrolled in their employer’s group health insurance plan. Even though you may be eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you may consider delaying some parts of enrollment. If you have comparative health insurance coverage through a group, you…

Counseling is a mental and behavioral healthcare treatment solution that millions of seniors find beneficial. Seniors and retirees may discover that they need counseling. Reasons include a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Counseling sessions generally take place in an outpatient setting.  Seniors are able to visit a clinic to work in individual and group counseling sessions to discuss concerns and solutions to mental health matters. Does Medicare cover counseling? Medicare benefits for counseling are available to seniors and retirees…

As of 2022, there were approximately 64 million people enrolled in Medicare health care insurance in the United States. Twenty six million of them were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.  Medicare Advantage isn’t a substitute for Original Medicare insurance, but rather an alternative way for eligible beneficiaries to get their Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage – or Medicare Part C – plans are sold by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that work with the federal Medicare program. Medicare pays the provider a certain amount of money…

Your teeth play an integral role in your overall health. The condition of your teeth can ultimately determine what foods you’re able to eat. This can affect your nutritional intake, mental health, and overall wellness.  Healthy teeth can improve your quality of life.  Unfortunately, whether due to age, wear, oral health concerns or other factors, seniors often find themselves faced with tooth problems like cavities, broken teeth or gum disease. While many of these problems can be corrected, some require the extraction of teeth. When all…

Taking care of your body as you grow older is important, but it’s important to pay attention to our mental health as well. Common mental health concerns that tend to show up with age include depression and anxiety. These conditions can either become chronic or may be situational. If you’re experiencing any changes in your mental health, talk to a medical  professional right away.  Whatever the cause or level of severity, mental health concerns can not only impact your quality of life in what are supposed…

If you’ve missed Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period but you’re still not satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage plan, you may still have an opportunity to make a change. If you qualify to participate in the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP), you may have questions.  Why choose Medicare Advantage? When you become eligible for Medicare, you can either enroll in Original Medicare Part A and/or Part B, or you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan as an alternative. Medicare Advantage plans are sold by…