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Dental implant procedures are becoming more and more common, even among seniors. Getting a dental implant requires oral surgery to place the titanium post(s) into the bone mass where the root portion of the missing tooth was. Then an extension of the post (an abutment) is installed, and finally, an artificial tooth, or crown, is placed on the abutment.  A dental implant procedure can take up to several months because of the healing process, but the result is a tooth that looks and feels like…

According to government statistics, seniors are living longer and relying more and more on home health care services. Home health care is quickly gaining popularity among seniors because it’s more cost effective and it lowers their chances of getting life-threatening infections while under care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.   Getting health care at home also promotes aging in place and living a more independent, high-quality life. And these days, most seniors want to remain in their homes for as long as they can. …

Medicare Extra Help is an assistance program for prescription drug expenses. It’s managed by the U.S. federal government, and it subsidizes Medicare beneficiaries who have, or need, Part D coverage and who meet the income and asset limits set by the Social Security Administration.  If you qualify for the Medicare Extra Help program, it can help you with many financial issues concerning your Medicare Part D coverage, such as the following: It eliminates a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty if you don’t enroll during a…

If you’re one of the 30 million-plus Americans coping with diabetes, there’s good news. Medicare pays for many diabetes-related services and supplies. Coverage is split between Medicare Part B medical insurance and Part D drug plans depending on the type of care you require. Let’s review what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to make the most of these important Medicare benefits.  Medicare Part B Coverage for Diabetes Services and Supplies Medicare encourages diabetes management with comprehensive coverage for most needs.  Part B pays for supplies…

Getting your health care from doctors you know well can be reassuring, especially during your senior years. Because seniors tend to have more chronic health conditions than younger people, it’s vital that they visit their physicians consistently. Statistics show that people are more likely to make and keep, appointments when they are with doctors who are familiar to them.   Seeing a primary care physician is typically the first phase of a patient’s health care. These are the doctors who have an important role in diagnosing,…

Medicare wasn’t meant to be confusing, but it’s grown in complexity since it was first established. Original Medicare, still the program of choice for many seniors, consists of Part A and Part B benefits that work together but cover different services.  What is Medicare Part B?Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. After the deductible, it helps pay for inpatient hospital bills, as well as hospice care and stays in skilled nursing or rehabilitation facilities. When you sign up for Medicare benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in…

You may have heard of Medicare or Medicaid, but have you heard of a D-SNP? A D-SNP is a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. This plan is for those that qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, therefore they are referred to as being ‘dual eligible’. A D-SNP is a type of Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans allow for bundling of coverage. MA plans are required to include Original Medicare Parts A and B, but most plans include additional benefits. D-SNP benefits cater to individuals…

Paying for prescription drugs can be costly, especially if you take multiple medications on a regular basis. Even if you only get prescribed medications every now and then, the out-of-pocket cost of some drugs with no insurance can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.  Many seniors find this out the hard way as they encounter chronic health problems with age.Thankfully, Medicare offers a cost-saving option in the form of Medicare Part D. Part D is the prescription drug benefit of Medicare. It…

One of life’s most important milestones is signing up for Medicare health insurance. Every year in the United States, around one million new beneficiaries begin their Medicare coverage. Today, there are just under 64 million Medicare recipients, accounting for about 18 percent of the population in this country.  Whether you’re new to Medicare this year, or you’re doing your research for your upcoming enrollment, you need to know some of the basics of your coverage. It’s also important to keep up with the annual changes…

Finding a doctor you’re comfortable with can make office visits more pleasant, but it can also encourage patients to address health concerns early, when detection and treatment can lead to the most positive outcomes. Trust takes time to build, though, and once you find a physician you like, you might hate the idea of losing that connection when you change insurance. When you sign up for Medicare, one of your first concerns about getting new coverage may involve the doctors you’ll be able to see….