Author: Colleen Moody

The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and one of the chief causes of death across the globe. Customized cardiac rehabilitation for patients with specific heart problems can improve cardiovascular function, reducing mortality risk and enhancing quality of life.  Medicare cardiac rehabilitation benefits Cardiac rehabilitation entails exercise, counseling and education, according to individual needs. The Medicare benefit includes standard and intensive programs. If you qualify, Part B covers 20% of the Medicare-approved…

There were close to 66 million people enrolled in some form of Medicare insurance in the United States in 2023, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In 2024, each one of these beneficiaries may be facing cost changes to Medicare Part B.   Most Medicare beneficiaries enroll in Part B when they’re first eligible in order to avoid late enrollment penalties.  Part B (medical insurance) helps cover a portion of the cost for medically necessary outpatient health care services from physicians and other health…

Today in the United States, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women. In fact, it’s estimated that over 297,000 new cases will be diagnosed before the year ends.  The National Cancer Institute reports that women who are 70 years and older have a one in 24 chance of developing breast cancer at some time in their lives, and approximately 45 percent of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer occur in women over age 65.   Fortunately, there are many effective treatments…

As people get older, urinary problems become more common, and they’re often due to changes in the kidneys and bladder. With age, kidney tissue and blood vessels harden and the kidneys filter blood more slowly. The bladder loses its elasticity, and the muscles weaken, making it more difficult to store urine.  Men older than 60 often experience an enlargement of the prostate gland that can block the urethra and prevent the bladder from emptying completely. This condition can cause discomfort, problems urinating, and more serious…

Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening, but there are tools available to help you deal with an incident. AUVI-Q is a brand-name epinephrine injection that physicians can prescribe to treat sudden and severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.  AUVI-Q can be self-administered into your thigh (or you can have someone else administer it for you) by using a pre-filled, single-dose autoinjector. Even if you feel better after administering the shot of epinephrine, you should seek immediate medical attention to ensure that you don’t have an allergic…

Most seniors in the United States have a family physician that they visit when feeling sick or when seeking treatment for an ongoing medical issue. Doctors in the U.S. are required to possess a medical license, have the proper training and hold accreditation from various state boards. Unfortunately, doctors these days are often busy, and healthcare facilities can become short-staffed, especially during health emergencies or during certain times of the year when cold and flu viruses are going around. The good news for seniors is…

Alzheimer’s disease can be a scary diagnosis. Today in the United States, there are around 6.5 million people over the age of 65 who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, but there are medicines that can help slow its progression and improve symptoms.  A progressive brain disorder, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. This devastating disease affects a person’s memory, behavior, social skills, and motor skills. It slowly causes a decline in cognition, typically leading to…

There’s nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. Sleep restores energy, promotes healing and allows the mind to work through stress, all functions that keep you healthy and ready to tackle challenges each day. Sadly, statistics from the National Institutes of Health show that around half of all American seniors suffer from some degree of insomnia. Additionally, sleep patterns change with age. Seniors often find themselves awake at night as they get older. Another problem seniors face in terms of sleep is the change in…

Last year, more than 12.5 million people were enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. Over 4.1 million of these beneficiaries have enrolled in a Medicare Advantage D-SNP, a special needs plan offered in some states to dual-eligibles.  Dual-eligible beneficiaries have access to Medicare benefits for most of their preventive, primary, and acute health care, as well as prescription drugs. As their secondary payer, Medicaid covers long-term care and certain behavioral health care services, and it assists with Medicare premiums and cost-sharing expenses.  You might be eligible…

Since 1965, the United States national health insurance program known as Medicare has been providing beneficiaries with health care benefits, and every year since its beginning, Medicare makes certain changes to services and charges, so all recipients continue to have access to affordable health care services.   Whether you enroll in Original Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan sold by a private insurance company, you may be affected by annual changes.   Every fall, you get an…