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In case you already have Part A and Part B Medicare, then you’ll be covered for the treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis which you get as in-patient under Medicare Part A, whereas Medicare Part B will cover your examinations, visits to the doctor, & other services you get as an out-patient.

Your final costs will be subject to the allowable charges of Medicare & you’ll be accountable for any coinsurance, copayments or deductibles essential during the treatment. If you wish to cover them entirely, do check out Medicare Supplement Plans. Remember that more often than not, Medicare won’t cover alternative medicinal treatments or supplements under Medicare Part A Or Medicare Part B.

With Traditional Medicare, you might receive coverage for some outpatient medications for psoriatic arthritis that are suggested by your physician (like infusions & injections), along with medications which are a component of a skilled nursing service or an in-patient hospital stay. But, it doesn’t cover prescriptions medications which can be taken at home. Save money at https://www.medicareadvantage2019.org/bcbs-medicare-advantage-plans-for-2019 for 2019 advantage plans from blue cross.

For getting additional coverage for prescription medications, you might want to consider purchasing an exclusive Part D Prescription Coverage which can go with your Traditional Medicare, or pick Medicare Advantage policy that also includes coverage for prescription drugs. Make sure that you go through the formulary for the prescription medications which you take regularly.

Note that formularies could change at any given moment; Medicare will inform you about this if required. Again, if you don’t have a Medigap plan, you’ll need to cover coinsurance, copayment, & deductibles based on your selected plan.

With Medicare Advantage coverage, you are eligible to enjoy all the benefits of Part A & Part B Medicare (the only exception being hospice care that can be covered via Part A Medicare). A number of plans might also offer coverage that’s beyond traditional Medicare, like wellness facilities or prescription drugs for helping seniors stay active & battle their disorder more effectively.  Enjoyed our blog post? Feel free to share it with your loved ones or even friends on any of the popular social networks.

1. Cancer

Cancer, undoubtedly, is among of the most serious diseases which affect not only elderly folks but also those from younger age groups. According to research conducted by CDC, almost 21 percent of women & 28 percent of men who’re 65 or above have been diagnosed with Cancer.

Cancer that’s in its initial stages can be treated. But, there’s no guaranteed method for curing cancer entirely as of now. Although you can definitely minimize the side effects of the medications and other suffering resulted due to the illness.

Knee pain, joint pain, weakness & sore throat are some common side effects of medications used for curing cancer.

2. Arthritis

Arthritis is another common health issue among senior citizens. An inactive lifestyle is a common reason for the disease in most. A few symptoms which might indicate a person is suffering from arthritis include ankle pain, joint pain, & knee pain. Consulting with your doctor while the disease is in its initial stages might help you eliminate the pain associated with arthritis. Doing workouts may be challenging for some people, however, a light workout is necessary for keeping your joints and bones functioning properly and ensuring the disease doesn’t stop you from doing your day to day tasks.

3. Alzheimer’s

It is estimated that 1 out of 9 individuals who’re 65 or older suffering from the disease. Alzheimer’s disease can affect the health of both the sufferer as well as their loved ones. So, it’s crucial that you handle the condition patiently, communicate freely about it, & also seek medical help whenever necessary.

4. Osteoporosis

A person suffering from Osteoporosis may experience bones that are brittle & weak. Even though treatment might help, you won’t be able to cure the condition completely. Hence, you must be able to identify the condition as soon as possible in order to start the treatment immediately. Most people show no signs of Osteoporosis till they suffer a bone fracture. Prolonged knee pain might be an indication that your bones require help. Also, seniors must wear ankle and knee braces to avoid collapsing and falling.

About Medicare Supplement Plans:

Are you a Medicare policyholder? Are you looking for an additional coverage which can help you pay for the out of pocket expenses which your Medicare policy doesn’t cover? If yes, then a Medigap plan or a Medical Supplemental Plan can be a perfect choice for you. A Medigap policy can cover the remaining 20 percent amount which Original Medicare doesn’t cover. These can include deductibles, co-insurances and/or co-payments.

Age-associated macular degeneration is likely to occur whenever a part of your retina called as macula suffers any type of damage. Even though this condition may be one of the primary causes of vision loss amongst senior citizens, it is possible to prevent it by making some changes in your day to day life. Experts suggest the below-mentioned tips for elderly folks who want to prevent age-associated macular degeneration so that their eyes stay in the best possible shape.

Leafy vegetables

Dark leafy veggies for example broccoli, Swiss chard, kale, and spinach play a crucial role in ensuring healthy eyes. Elderly people need to add dark green leafy veggies in their meals every now and then.

Avoid smoking

Studies have indicated that smokers can be 4-times more likely to suffer from age-associated macular degeneration as compared to non-smokers. As a result, elderly are addicted to smoking need to make every possible effort so as stop smoking.  The 2019 advantage plans from United Healthcare can save time and money.

Take supplements that have been approved by your doctor

Supplements offering elderly folks with essential minerals as well as vitamines are likely to do wonders when it comes to the health of their eyes, particularly in the event they are not able to get the required nutrients through their day to day diet. Seniors can also consider consulting with their family physician or doctor before deciding on any such pills or supplements.

Exercise on a regular basis

Among the major benefits which are offered by consistent workouts is that it can minimize the probability of age-associated macular degeneration. An in-home care facility is likely to assist them in finding the workout programs which they are able to enjoy. Yoga, water aerobics, rope jumping are just a few examples when it comes to exercises which can enhance the eyesight of an individual.

Do not skip your eye examinations

With the help of regular eye examinations, seniors are able to identify any potential eye problems when they may still be in their initial stages which can ensure a faster recovery period. Seniors who are 60 years or older need to take eye tests without fail as it is essential to maintain a proper health of their eyes thus preventing the development of age-associated macular degeneration along with other similar disorders.

Medicare can help seniors who’re 65 & above cover these tests on an yearly basis excluding any deductibles and other out of pocket costs. However, they can cover these additional costs using Medicare supplement plans.

Eating healthy meals is very crucial for elderly folks. When you eat an adequate amount of nutritious foods, you’re likely to become stronger, maintain an appropriate weight, & also considerably minimize their odds of serious health issues like diabetes and heart disorders.

Foods for Maintaining Proper Health in Elderly Folks:

Salmon

Fresh fish such as salmon can be beneficial for elderly people. It contains plenty of omega-3 fats & allows them to protect the health of their heart. Elderly who do not want to eat salmon could try other alternatives such as trout, mackerel, oysters and anchovies.

Yogurt

Yogurt that contains low fat can make an ideal snack for the elderly as it contains plenty of calcium that’s essential for your bone health. Besides, yogurt is a healthy source of probiotics that are known to enhance the digestive mechanism of older folks. Providers offering in-home care services for elderly suggest Greek yogurt since it’s packed with calcium & has less sugar as compared to low-fat yogurt.

Whole Wheat Bread

Along with providing more fiber as opposed to refined bread, products of whole wheat bread include more vitamins B & E, iron, copper & magnesium than any other form of bread.

Spinach

Spinach contains plenty of vitamin B6, magnesium, as well as other necessary minerals. This green leafy vegetable can help seniors enhance their eyesight, blood pressure, bone density, quality of sleep, etc.

Berries

Berries are known to be a rich source of antioxidants that play a key role in boosting the health of your heart & might also help you lower the odds of infections along with a few types of cancer. You can consume in their natural form or even toss them in Greek yogurt, the health benefits are likely to stay unaltered.

Carrots

Not only are carrots packed with plenty of vitamin A, but seniors who consume this food on a regular basis are also less likely to develop a disease like Alzheimer’s as compared to others. A 7″ carrot offers you the daily suggested dosage of vitamin A. You might also consider having a bag full of small carrots nearby you so that you can snack on them as required.

About Medicare Supplement Plans:

Elderly who’re 65 and above automatically become eligible for Medicare as well as Medigap plans ( Medicare Supplemental Plans). While Medicare is a healthcare program by the federal government, Medigap is a supplementary coverage offered by private firms that can be purchased in order to cover the costs which Traditional Medicare doesn’t pay for including deductibles, co-insurances, and co-payments.

 

Common symptoms of sleep apnea in seniors:

According to experts, most individuals don’t even realize they’ve sleep apnea since it typically only occurs while you sleep. Among the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is frequent or loud snoring, although not everybody who has a snoring problem has the condition.

A few other signs of sleep apnea might include:

Headache during the morning period

Weak memory/weak concentration

Waking every now and then in the night for urination

A sore throat or dry mouth (during morning period in particular)

Depression etc.

Factors which could increase the odds of developing sleep apnea might include:

Increased body weight with a BMI that’s above 25

Gender (sleep apnea is more common among men as compared to women)

Age

Family history

Neck size that’s larger than normal

Hypertension

Ways to diagnose sleep apnea:

Your doctor could make a diagnosis of your sleep apnea taking into consideration your family and medication history, lab test, etc. Your sleep examination could be conducted at a certified center for sleep apnea.

Treatment options:

Sleep apnea that is mild in nature might be treated with some easy changes in your daily lifestyle or by using a simple mouthpiece. Seniors with moderate to a serious form of sleep apnea, on contrary, might require CPAP or breathing devices. Some individuals with the condition might be able to get relief through a surgery.

Does Medicare Cover Sleep Apnea for Elderly?

Your doctor might suggest you to take a test to study your sleep patterns in the event you are showing signs of OSA, also called as obstructive sleep apnea. If this is the case with you, your Part B Medicare will cover your sleep study as long as you are eligible for Medicare coverage.

However, you’ll still be required to cover 20 percent of the costs required for the tests. If you want to cover the entire costs, do check out Medicare Supplement Plans.

In case you are diagnosed with OSA, you might receive a 90 day trial of your CPAP treatment through Part B Medicare. If a Medicare-approved physician confirms that the treatment is proving effective for you, the coverage might even be further extended since it would be medically essential. Again, if you don’t have a Supplemental or Medigap Plan, you would need to pay for Part B eductibles along with the remaining 20 percent of the allowable charges.

Get a quote for a humana advantage plan at https://www.medicareadvantage2019.org/humana-medicare-advantage-plans-2019

Excessive belly fat increases the odds of falls since it alters an individual’s center of gravity. Folks suffering from this problem are likely to have a center of gravity that’s greater as compared to others. Experts found that individuals who’re 65 & above with belly fat faced 37% more probability of falls. Stomach fat might also increase the probability of other conditions such as dementia, stroke, & heart ailments. For 2019 to save money get a supplement plan for unexpected health issues.

Knowing the size of your waist:

In order to know your waist size, simply stand up straight, exhale & use a soft tape in order to measure your belly. Make sure the tape is placed around 2-inches above the hip bone. For men, a waist that’s 40-inches or less should be a safe indication while in women, it must be 35-inches or less. Also, you must note that stomach fat might happen even in people with an average weight since visceral fat tends to accumulate inside your abdominal wall.

Ways to reduce the size of your waist:

Communicate with your doctor in regards to any medical issues or medicines which make you feel weak, dizzy, or hinder your body balance. Wear shoes that fit you well.

Check your hearing to identify hearing loss if any.  Ensure you maintain an active lifestyle. Try a variety of fall prevention workouts. Discuss any concerns you might have in regards to falling with the physician.

The bad news is, as of now, there is no quick and easy way for reducing your stomach size (in spite of what you might have heard or seen on the television or web). Reducing visceral fat needs some changes in your day to day routine as well as your diet.

Additional Tips for a Flat Belly:

Minimize the intake of sugar

Sugar comprises fructose and glucose. When you consume a lot of processed sugar, it puts unnecessary load on your liver which transforms it into excess fat. Also, you need to pay close attention to drinks which contain excessive sugar.

Sufficient sleep

Quite a few studies have shown that insufficient sleep can lead to unnecessary weight gain. Thus, it’s crucial that you get no less than 8 hours of sleep each night. People who sleep for 5 hours or less each night face increased the risk of fat gain.

Inactivity can be harmful

Activities such as jogging or walking along with light strength training workouts (instead of those that target a specific muscle group) can be more beneficial to reduce stomach fat in seniors.

About Medigap Coverage:

If you’re finding it tough to pay your out of pocket costs not covered under Traditional Medicare, do check out Medicare Supplement Plans which can help you cover deductibles, co-insurances and co-payments which Original Medicare policy doesn’t cover.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is among the most popular spices that are widely used in India & the countries in the Middle East.

Seniors suffering from arthritis can take advantage of this powerful natural supplement just by some adding it in their drinks & food in powdered form. Nevertheless, so as to experience actual improvements, it might be wise to intake a curcumin supplement which is slightly more concentrated. Curcumin, which is the primary ingredient in turmeric is recognized to fight arthritis symptoms among seniors. Get a 2020 supplement plan to stay healthy.

2. Ginger

Just like turmeric, ginger packs plenty of anti-inflammatory properties. The truth is, ginger can be just as powerful as any other OTC anti-inflammatory medication in regards to relieving pain, according to a number of studies.

Ginger that is freshly grated can be added as an additional ingredient while making tea or you can even consider adding dried ginger to beverages & food items. Alternatively, you can purchase ginger capsules in case you don’t like the taste of ginger.

Ginger can be ideal for elderly with arthritis, however, people who’re on blood thinners or have issues related to gallbladder need to avoid it since it might not go well with these medicines & worsen gallbladder problems.  https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/

3. 3. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper encourages your body’s pain receptors whilst reducing substance P – a chemical which allows nerves to transmit pain signals towards your brain.

The good news is, a topical application of cayenne pepper can be just as effective as its oral form.

A number of creams that are known to offer relief from arthritis pain contain capsaicin which is a key component found in cayenne which offers great anti-inflammatory and pain relieving benefits.

Besides, you can easily make your own homemade capsaicin cream just by adding cayenne powder to an olive or coconut oil.

Does Medicare pay for the treatment of arthritis?

Part B Medicare might cover office visits to a Medicare-approved doctor. However, people without Medicare Supplement Plans will still be required to pay out of pocket expenses like Part B coinsurance & deductible.

Part B Medicare may be able to cover arthritis if it’s a chronic condition. Normally, the coverage will only be applicable in case you’ve 2 or more chronic issues.

In case the treatment comprises a stay in the hospital, then Part A Medicare will normally cover the services and treatment as the hospital in-patient. But you’ll have to pay the deductible for Part B before Medicare starts covering your service as an in-patient. Also, coinsurance might be applied after you have paid your deductible & don’t have a Medigap coverage.

Can I Delay The Registration Of Medicare Part D? Pt 1

If you apply for Medicare’s right, especially if you are in good health, you may be wondering how much coverage you need for medical care. Enrollment in Original Medicare for many people will be automatic if they are eligible. However, registration for Medicare Part D will not be automatic. You may wonder if it makes sense to postpone the Medicare Part D registration (optional prescription drug coverage) till a time when you really need the benefits.

Before deciding, you should read the following concerning the enrollment process of Part D of Medicare and how this affects the financial planning of your medical care.

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare program has four parts: Part A (i.e. hospital insurance), Part B (i.e. medical insurance), Part C (i.e. Medicare Advantage Program) and Part D (i.e. prescription drug coverage). Original Medicare will not cover prescription drugs, except in very limited circumstances (e.g. generally Medicare Part A covers the prescription drugs you get as part of your inpatient treatment, and Part B may cover certain drugs, such as injections you received in a doctor’s office). The daily medications you can take at home – for example, the treatment of chronic diseases or for the treatment of a disease, they are not insured by Original Medicare.

Under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, Congress approved Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, but did not include it in Original Medicare plan. Medicare Part D prescription drugs are offered by private insurance companies under contract with Medicare. To get this optional coverage, you can buy a separate Medicare prescription drug policy to supplement your original Medicare benefits or get your original Medicare benefits via a Prescription Drug Policy of Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage policies include the benefits of Part A and B, with the exception of hospice care which is still covered in Part A plan. Medicare Advantage policies often include additional benefits, such as routine dental services, and most include the coverage of prescription drugs.

If you enroll for part D of prescription drugs of Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage policy for Medicare prescription drugs, you may pay a separate premium to the company that provides the policy to you (although some Medicare Advantage policies have premiums of $0). You must continue to pay your monthly premium for Part B. You may have co pays, co insurance, and deductibles with your coverage. It is important to keep all of these costs in mind when evaluating the Medicare Part D registration.

Even if you are healthy now and do not take any prescription medication, you should be aware that if you choose not to enroll in Medicare if you first qualify for Medicare, you may suffer a late enrollment penalty should you need this coverage in the future.  When is the registration period for Medicare Part D?

The first Medicare Part D application begins when you qualify for Medicare for the first time or when you are 65 years old. You can enroll in Medicare during the initial enrollment period or during the annual election period that takes place each year. In some cases, you can register during one of the special elections periods (SEP).

Relocating to a new location can be quite stressful especially if you are a senior citizen. So as to ensure the process of moving goes smooth for everybody who’s involved, it’s necessary for you to take sufficient time to prepare for the big day. Careful planning can also reduce the odds of injury while avoiding any damage to your belongings.

Know your options

Before you start with the moving process, it’s essential to consider all the options available for you. Taking a professional assistance can be necessary in case you’re moving by yourself. Even if you’ve assistance from your family members, renting a moving truck service can be a good way to save some cash.

Go through everything carefully

While hiring a professional moving service, ensure their license is updated and that they’re permitted to work in region where you want the service to be. Also, it is essential that your appointed service has a decent amount of feedback from former clients in order to avoid an unnecessary headache.

Plan beforehand

Planning well ahead is a crucial step of every moving process. Remember that the process of relocating is likely to take some time. Hence, it’s important that you take this aspect of moving into consideration & plan things accordingly.

Make sure that you have adequate time for packaging as well as transport to the new location, even if you’re being assisted by a professional.

Break the process into small tasks

Relocating might overwhelm not only seniors but also young people. So, we suggest you break the process into multiple small assignments. When packaging, begin with a single room & plan accordingly. Avoid overcomplicating the process or trying to finish up too much within a single day as it might only add to your frustration.

Being a senior citizen, relocating isn’t that easy, however with the right mindset and planning, the process is likely to become a lot easier.

About Senior Medicare Supplement Plans:

More and more seniors are opting for the best 2020 Medicare Supplemental plans these days. This is mainly because they’re intended to cover the costs which are not covered by Medicare program including deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments. Thus, seniors needing constant medical assistance can save a decent amount of cash by enrolling in any of the available Medigap plans.

Dehydration

According to a Harvard report, dehydration is a primary cause of lightheadedness. You might suffer dehydration due to heat, sickness or not drinking sufficient fluids. Dehydration lowers your blood pressure that cuts down the volume of blood which reaches your brain.

A few additional symptoms of dehydration, according to Mayo Clinic are fatigue, extreme thirst, irregular urination, confusion, etc.

For mild dehydration, 1- 2 glasses of plain water may be adequate. You may even drink some orange juice. However, if the dehydration is severe, electrolytes or a visit to a doctor may be required.

Negative effects caused by medicines

In case you’re in-taking new medicines, check if you experience lightheadedness or dizziness due to them. Also, even in the event, you’re taking the drug for a while, it might still lead to these ill-effects. Normally, certain drugs might cause negative effects in case they cause urination that’s too frequent, or lower your blood pressure. Either way, you must consult with your physician about minimizing your dosage or substituting the drug entirely.

Reduction in blood sugar level

If the blood sugar level is too low, our body tends to use a minimum amount of energy possible so as to retain the sugar which it already has. Meaning less energy gets transmitted towards your brain, causing lightheadedness. Initially, you can try drinking your favorite fruit juice in order to see whether the issues resolves by itself. If you see a pattern, it may be best to communicate with your physician about examining your blood sugar volumes.

Remeber: In case you’re experiencing dizziness the moment you wake up, it could be a sign of morning hypoglycemia.

Balance Issues

A number of balance issues may lead to dizziness in seniors. Major factors which may lead to this problem include:

vertigo & other inner-ear disorders

eye issues (glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, etc.)

arthritis

numbness in legs & feet

heart or blood circulation problems

chronic issues, for example, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

intaking different types of medicines

Stroke or Heart attacks

Stroke or heart attacks are another major causes for lightheadedness in senior citizens. In case you think you may be suffering from a similar condition, call 911 to the earliest. At times, lightheadedness can be the lone symptom of stroke or heart attack among seniors, particularly if it shows no signs of improvement.

A few other symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, nausea or not being able to breathe, pain in arm, jaw or back.

Additional symptoms of stroke include weakness, unnatural headaches, trouble walking, numbness, changes in eye vision, etc.

About 2019 Medicare advantage Plans:

Seniors eligible for Medicare should definitely consider Supplemental or Medigap Coverage if they would like to cover expenditures that are not covered under Traditional Medicare. These includes co-payments, co-insurance & deductibles.