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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…

TRICARE is a government health care program that covers health benefits for military personnel in the U.S. Armed Forces, those who have retired from the military, and the dependents of military personnel and retirees.   You may be eligible for TRICARE enrollment if you are: A uniformed service member or a dependent of one  In the U.S. Army, Air National Guard or Reserve, or are a dependent of someone who is  A survivor of a deceased eligible sponsor The former spouse of an eligible sponsor A…

Surgery of any kind can be a big deal, but back surgery tends to be one of the most intensive types of surgical procedures. Seniors may require back surgery for any number of reasons, including to correct herniated discs, repair damage caused by a degenerative condition or remove spinal tumors. Back surgery often requires a lengthy recovery period, and some seniors will need ongoing physical therapy and medicinal support during recovery from back surgery. Medicare benefits for outpatient back surgery Although back surgery isn’t a…

In the United States every year, doctors perform over half a million vasectomies. Men choose to undergo this common surgical procedure as a permanent form of birth control. A vasectomy is done by surgically sealing off both of the vas deferens (tubes that transport sperm from the testicles), so the sperm can no longer reach the semen. Without sperm in the semen, an ovum can’t be fertilized, but men can still achieve orgasm.  Vasectomy procedures carry minimal risk, are non-invasive, and are done in outpatient…

Most seniors today hate the idea of losing their independence, and they work hard to maintain it for as long as possible. But for many, giving up the keys to the car and asking for help to get around will be inevitable at some point.  If you rely on driving yourself to and from important medical appointments or to complete daily chore, you should be aware of some common health conditions that could hamper your ability to drive, temporarily or permanently, such as: Impaired vision…

Chronic pain has many causes, including injuries and illness. For seniors, however, the effects of aging can lead to conditions like chronic lower back pain, even in cases where no injury or disease is present. Over time and with wear, the spine and its connective tissues may experience degeneration. In addition, the supportive discs that cushion the vertebrae may become thin and offer less protection. When this occurs, nerve damage due to pressure may result in severe pain that radiates from the back down the…

Vitamin B12, cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for your central nervous system, red blood cells and DNA synthesis. Generally, a balanced diet provides the amount of vitamin B12 your body needs, but proponents of vitamin B12 supplements tout the boost in health benefits. Cyanocobalamin is the name of the synthetic pharmaceutical version.   The National Center for Health Statistics conducted a survey showing that 12.4% of adults take vitamin B12 supplements. Your doctor may recommend vitamin B12 injections if you have a deficiency since intramuscular shots can…