How to Enroll in Medicare 

Reaching retirement age means starting a new chapter in your life, and for many seniors in the United States, it also means you can begin taking advantage of Medicare benefits. Started in 1965, Medicare is an insurance program provided to Americans age 65 and older as well as some people who have qualifying disabilities under 65. It helps to pay for a range of medical services, including visits with your doctor, hospital admission, diagnostic testing and more. For many seniors, enrollment in some parts of…

Does Medicare Cover Screenings for Skin Cancer? 

Your skin is an organ within an overarching system that includes hair and nails, which protects your internal environment. By regulating body temperature and generating sensory information, such as pleasure and pain, skin helps you respond appropriately to your external environment, removing your hand from a hot surface, for example. Because your skin has massive exposure to infection, injury and disease, it is highly vulnerable to damage. Skin conditions may involve only the top layer, such as warts and age spots, while others indicate conditions…

How Much Does Medicare Cost When I Turn 65? 

When you turn 65, you are eligible for the Medicare program, a relief to retirees losing employer-sponsored health insurance plans. However, Medicare coverage comes with costs that may include premiums, coinsurance and copayments. Each part of Medicare has a cost-sharing component.  What does Part A (hospital insurance) cost? At age 65, if you or a spouse paid taxes into the Medicare system for the required duration, usually 10 years, you are eligible for Part A with no premium. Check your Social Security account online to…

Does Medicare Cover All Adult Vaccines? 

The medical community recommends specific vaccinations to reduce your risk of preventable diseases and severe illness. You may also need vaccinations required for employment, school and travel. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for approval before a vaccine is available for public distribution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assures the public that vaccination safety is a priority, reviewing safety information and monitoring adverse reactions. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advises the CDC on who…

Does Medicare Cover Cancer Screenings? 

Under normal conditions, cells grow and divide while the body rids itself of abnormal cells. Cancer results from a disruption in the cell turnover process when new cells grow uncontrollably and abnormal cells do not go away. You may question the need for undergoing medical tests when you feel well, but some cancers are initially asymptomatic. If a screening reveals the presence of cancer, you can begin treatment right away. Early intervention, while a tumor is small and has not metastasized (spread), has the most…

How to Get Started With Medicare 

Taking your health seriously is something that people of all ages should do, but health and wellness tend to become a stronger focus with age. It’s no secret that health problems often become magnified in both intensity and frequency with age. The body also has a harder time coping with things like injuries as we get older. The good news is that seniors today live longer lives overall compared to previous generations in large part due to advances in medical science and technology. Prescription drugs…

Does Medicare cover heart valve repair surgery? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2.5% of Americans have valvular heart disease. The condition is more prevalent in people born before 1943. Treatment varies with the level of severity. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to manage the symptoms. In severe cases potentially leading to heart failure or cardiac arrest, you may require surgery.   How does your heart valve affect function? Your body is composed of hundreds of cells executing a myriad of functions to maintain life….

Does Medicare Cover Xyrem? 

The balance between sleep and brain function can be delicate. While many people face occasional insomnia or mild sleep issues, some seniors experience chronic, moderate to severe issues that disrupt their daily life. Chronic disorders such as narcolepsy can be detrimental to physical, mental, emotional and social health on an ongoing basis. Narcolepsy can also affect your ability to live and work independently, so it’s important to talk to your doctor to discuss treatment options.  What is narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that commonly…

Does Medicare Cover an Upper GI? 

Digestive concerns are common among seniors. Your diet, medications, and other medical conditions can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Side effects of GI problems can range from mildly irritating to life-threatening. For most seniors, GI concerns require a visit with a family physician to be checked out. If your doctor is unable to easily diagnose or treat a GI condition, you may be sent to a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who treats GI concerns exclusively. These doctors have special training to identify…

Does Medicare cover cardiac rehab? 

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…