Articles

For over one and a half million people in the United States, rheumatoid arthritis is a condition they live with daily. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the cells lining the joints. It’s a progressive and chronic disease that has no cure. Fortunately, there are prescription medications that help control symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling. And treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can help stop the progression of damage to joints, cartilage, and bone.  These days, many health care providers prescribe Orencia infusions for…

Life insurance is an important safeguard that can offer financial protection for your loved ones after you pass. Although seniors are living longer than ever these days, the fact is that no one knows when an accident will happen or when an unforeseen health concern will strike. A sudden departure can leave your family struggling to pay bills, and it may impact the long-term future of minor children in your family as well. Purchasing life insurance is usually done through an independent insurance provider, but…

Original Medicare benefits first became available in 1965, and since then, tens of millions of American seniors have taken advantage of Medicare coverage to help pay for healthcare costs. Medicare benefits provide coverage for doctor visits, clinical diagnostic testing, surgery, hospital care and a range of other healthcare expenses. Medicare coverage is designed to be affordable for seniors and those individuals who qualify under the age of 65 due to certain disabilities. Although most plans and coverage options require a monthly premium and annual deductible,…

Medicare benefits were designed to provide seniors and other qualifying individuals access to affordable health insurance. Tens of millions of seniors across America rely on Medicare coverage to help cover the cost of things like doctor visits and prescription medications. Although Medicare benefits cover many medical expenses, the use of Medicare benefits does include some out-of-pocket costs. Premiums and deductibles under Original Medicare Original Medicare includes separate parts that work together to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage. Medicare Part A, the inpatient benefit, supplies coverage for…

Original Medicare provides healthcare coverage to seniors over 65 in the United States, and many individuals under 65 with qualifying disabilities. While the program covers a multitude of healthcare services and equipment, Medicare benefits do have limits. Some coverage limitations are based on the types of services and supplies you require and whether Medicare considers them medically necessary. What does “medically necessary” mean? When it comes to obtaining a coverage determination for a medical service or product, Medicare requires that the item be of medical…

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, eating right and getting plenty of exercise are the keys to staying fit and feeling good. If you’re over the age of 65, seeing your doctor for a wellness visit can also contribute to a longer and more active life. If you’re eligible for Medicare due to age or a qualifying disability, you will have coverage for an annual wellness visit with your primary doctor.  What is a wellness visit? When you’re sick or hurt, you probably…

Medicare health insurance, governed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is a federal program. Although it is administered by individual states, the core benefits of inpatient care, outpatient care and prescription drug coverage are consistent throughout all 50 states. Costs can vary based on the plan you choose, the services you require, and the providers you visit. Some Medicare benefits kick in only after an annual deductible has been met. Your costs to access Medicare benefits In terms of coverage, Medicare benefits…

Is smoking bad for your health? Yes, and most people know that it is. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to quit. For many people who smoke, it can seem impossible to fight the addiction alone. This is mainly due to nicotine, one of the substances found in tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars.  When smokers consume products that contain nicotine, it alters the balance of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. By disrupting the balance of these two vital chemicals, a smoker’s mood and concentration are…

Many seniors in the United States take advantage of Medicare benefits exclusively to help pay for healthcare needs, but others still have access to private health insurance. Whether through a previous employer, a spouse or some other source, secondary insurance in addition to Medicare benefits can be very helpful. Many seniors find that they aren’t quite sure how Medicare coverage works with secondary insurance. How Medicare defines payers Medicare divides payment sources into payers. Medicare insurance is one payer, and each other source is a…

Kaiser Permanente, often referred to simply as Kaiser, is a managed care group that operates a number of hospitals and medical offices in addition to providing health insurance products. Kaiser was founded in 1945, and today, it operates as three separate and distinct entities: the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Permanente Medical Groups. Medicare benefits with Kaiser Kaiser is a provider of Medicare Advantage plans, but Kaiser health plans are only available in select states, including Hawaii, Virginia and Georgia as…