Artículos

Feeling sad is a normal emotion we all experience now and again. Sadness is distinguishable from clinical depression. Also known as major depression or major depressive disorder, depression significantly impacts everyday feelings, thoughts, behaviors, sleep, eating habits and work capacity. The spectrum of symptoms across different types of depression ranges from feeling hopeless, irritable, frustrated and worthless to having suicidal thoughts. Physical pain, overeating and digestive ailments may also be symptomatic of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), your doctor may…

Original Medicare does not offer routine dental coverage, such as basic services like cleaning and X-rays. When the Medicare program launched in 1965, dental services and devices were excluded. However, there are exceptions to the dental coverage exclusion, and alternatives are available to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Covered dental benefits Generally, Original Medicare will not pay for routine dental services, treatments, fillings, tooth extractions or replacement structures. If you are hospitalized because of a severe and complicated dental procedure or a related underlying health condition,…

Ever since 1965, the national health insurance program in the United States known as Medicare has been providing health care coverage for people who are 65 and older, or for adults of any age with qualifying disabilities.  While Medicare insurance covers a large list of medical services and supplies, there are out-of-pocket costs that Medicare beneficiaries still need to cover themselves. These can include:  Plan premiums Deductibles Coinsurance  Copayments Supplemental insurance plan costs Prescription drug coverage Late enrollment fees Costs for medical services that aren’t…

Over the years, the home health care service industry has continued to grow as people are getting older and living longer in the United States. Today, many seniors choose to get their long-term medical care at home instead of in a hospital or nursing home. And, having access to short-term health care at home is also vital for a faster recovery from illness, injury, or surgery as patients transition from hospital care to their normal lives.  Home health care services provide the elderly, disabled, or…

End-of-life care, also known as palliative care, is specialized health care that provides support and medical services for patients who are going through life-ending illnesses. Palliative care focuses on the physical comfort of the patient, the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and family members, and everyday tasks that still need to be completed like paying bills or caring for pets or houseplants. Entering hospice (palliative or end-of-life) care is an emotional and stressful time for patients, family members, and their friends, so it’s…

According to a survey conducted in the United States, 90 percent of seniors would rather receive care in their own homes than live in a nursing home. Most of these seniors’ families also prefer paying for trained caregivers to assist their loved ones at home with daily activities, health care, and social needs rather than the alternative.  Some of the reasons the people who were surveyed prefer getting professional home caregiving help include: Better quality of life for the patient Difficulty caring for a parent…

Having a loved one enter hospice care can be stressful, but knowing they are taken care of during their end of life can bring comfort to everyone involved. Hospice can include a range of services, but understanding the details can help you plan ahead.  Hospice care consists of specialized services administered under the following circumstances: You have an illness without a cure, your life expectancy is six months or less, and the objective of your care is symptom management and quality of life rather than…

California is home to a growing population of seniors. According to research published by the Public Policy Institute of California, the Golden State is poised to see a senior population of around 17% by the year 2030. Additionally, it’s believed that some counties in California will see a 166% increase in their senior populations by 2060. Because Medicare insurance is relied upon by millions of seniors across America, including California, now may be a good time to take a closer look at how the program…

If you have questions about Medicare benefits, it’s good to know that resources are available to get answers. Although you can work with an independent Medicare insurance broker to find answers to common questions related to Medicare benefits, you can also reach out to Medicare directly for help. Below, you’ll learn how to contact Medicare as well as some tips for getting the most accurate and up-to-date information about Medicare benefits. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of your contact options and be…

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) are tests that calculate the brain’s electrical activity. These tests are non-invasive and performed by medical professionals who attach electrodes to the patient’s scalp. These sensitive metal discs pick up electrical impulses in the brain and send them through wires connected to a computer that documents the results.  Physicians use the information collected from EEGs to find irregularities in brain activity and to help them diagnose or rule out medical disorders such as: Epilepsy Sleeping disorders Brain tumors Brain damage caused by a…