Uncategorized

If you’re a senior with diabetes, you know how important it is to monitor your blood glucose levels throughout the day. Although continuous glucose monitoring devices may be convenient, they aren’t for everyone. Many seniors opt to use traditional test strips instead. Test strips are discreet and can be transported easily, and they are available from a variety of pharmacies and websites. Will your Medicare benefits cover the cost of diabetic test strips? Medicare benefits available under Original Medicare are designed to help pay for…

The first successful kidney transplant was carried out in 1954, and since then, kidney transplants have become the most commonly performed transplant procedure in the United States. Although any type of transplant operation carries risks, modern medicine has nearly perfected the art of renal transplantation. Seniors who undergo kidney transplants have high five-year survival rates. Considerations for kidney transplantation Despite transplant operations being performed more safely than ever, there are still considerations for both seniors and doctors before a kidney transplant takes place. Your overall…

The initial 1965 Medicare program offered health insurance to older adults, primarily to protect retirees no longer eligible for employment-sponsored medical insurance plans. The focus at that time was the high cost of hospital inpatient care, giving rise to Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). The Medicare program automatically enrolled eligible beneficiaries in Part A, offering Part B (medical insurance) as optional coverage for outpatient services like doctor visits. In 1997, Part C, later named Medicare Advantage, emerged as the Medicare managed-care model, integrating Part A…

Original Medicare is made up of different parts that address coverage. Part A is hospital insurance, and Part B is medical insurance. In addition to inpatient hospital care, Part A helps defray your costs as an inpatient in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for short-term stays. Part A benefits also include hospice care and some home healthcare services. Medicare benefits are limited to physician-ordered, medically necessary services and supplies. Inpatient hospital benefits include services and supplies directly tied to your treatment, including a semi-private room,…

Kidney stones can be some of the most uncomfortable and downright painful medical problems you can encounter. In fact, some people have claimed that pain from kidney stones is worse than that of childbirth! Symptoms of kidney stones may include pain and pressure in the lower abdomen along with difficulty urinating or stopping and starting urination. Stones may also cause internal bleeding depending on the shape and sharpness of the stone, so you may experience blood in your urine. If your doctor suspects kidney stones,…

If your physician tells you that you have contracted onychomycosis or tinea unguium, you might panic. But those are just complicated names for a common condition – fungal nail infection. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition are:  Thick nails Brittle nails Nails with white or yellow streaks Flaking on the nail’s surface Yellow spots on the base of the nails You might be more susceptible to toenail or fingernail fungal infections if you’re elderly, have a history of athlete’s foot, have psoriasis,…

Although Original Medicare is a government-subsidized health insurance plan, it helps cover many expenses for those who are eligible. This doesn’t mean that it is entirely free, though. There are several costs associated with carrying Original Medicare coverage.  Medicare recipients have the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan as an alternative to Original Medicare. Understanding your financial obligations can help plan you make the choice that’s right for you.   Before looking at the actual cost of Medicare in 2023, it’s a good idea…

Because life is unpredictable, you can’t predict whether you’ll end up in a hospital emergency room for care one day. Hopefully, that’ll never happen, but in the United States there are over 130 million emergency room visits per year. If you do need emergency care someday, it’s important to know how your Medicare insurance can help cover that visit.  How does Medicare cover an emergency room visit?  If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), your coverage for an emergency…

While wounds are a normal part of life caused by accidents, surgical procedures, cuts, or other types of traumas, they can also be caused by medical conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, obesity, and decreased mobility.  Because aging increases the risk of these common health issues, seniors are especially vulnerable to getting wounds. And as the body ages, wounds can take longer to heal, increasing the risk of serious infections.  To prevent infection and boost the healing process, proper wound care is vital. If you have…

Anxiety is a medical condition that is often misunderstood. Some people believe that anxiety is merely a feeling you get when you’re nervous about something in life. The truth, however, is that anxiety can be a serious medical concern that may rob you of your ability to participate in everyday activities. Many seniors experience severe anxiety due to chemical imbalances, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other ongoing health challenges. What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder? An anxiety disorder can manifest in many ways….