BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee SilverSneakers® Program Splits from YMCA
SilverSneakers® announced on Tuesday, September 17, that the Tennessee State Alliance of YMCAs decided to leave the SilverSneakers® network effective January 1, 2020, citing financial disagreement.
The alliance apologized, stating, “Seniors are a vital part of our membership, and we apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause. Tennessee Ys are committed to continuing to serve seniors in our community.”
SilverSneakers® is a Medicare fitness program that allows eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to gyms, fitness centers, and classes. Many of these often take place within YMCAs, offering not only physical fitness benefits but also a social atmosphere.
Eligibility for the program is simple – anyone who is age 65 or older and has a private Medicare plan that includes the SilverSneakers® benefit can join.
Watch this brief video to learn more about Medicare fitness programs:
The news that SilverSneakers® may not cooperate with Tennessee YMCAs anymore may be detrimental to seniors who made use of that benefit. If you’re one of those people, what should you do next?
What to do if You’re Losing Your YMCA SilverSneakers® Benefit
If you have SilverSneakers® but are no longer going to be able to visit a YMCA with your membership, all hope is not lost! There are a few steps you can take:
Pay for your own senior YMCA membership ($59/month in Middle TN. Prices range based on location)
Find a plan that has Silver & Fit® instead (another Medicare fitness program that is very similar to SilverSneakers® but still works with YMCAs as of September 2019)
Silver & Fit vs. SilverSneakers
Other Gyms You can Visit with SilverSneakers ®
Tivity Healthcare, the company that operates the SilverSneakers® program, wants to make it clear that there are still over 350 facilities in the state of Tennessee that SilverSneakers® members can use. Planet Fitness, Gold’s Gym, Anytime Fitness, and Workout Anytime as well as a variety of community centers are still part of the SilverSneakers® network in Tennessee and may be a great option for you.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness locations across the state of Tennessee offer benefits like massages, tanning, and even discounts on travel and Reebok products. Most locations have long hours, and some are open 24-7. Many of them also have free WiFi!
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s gym locations offer group exercise classes, personal training, and more. Group exercise classes include Yoga, Zumba, Mixed Martial Arts, Group Cycle, and High-Intensity Interval Training.
Anytime Fitness
Different Anytime Fitness locations offer different equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, cycles, stair climbers, rowing machines, weights, kettlebells, etc. They also offer different classes like Zumba, cardio, yoga, and additional services like tanning, private showers, wellness programs, and personal training.
Workout Anytime
Workout Anytime locations have high-quality equipment from Matrix Fitness, which has received rewards for innovation. They also have high-quality polypropylene, antimicrobial flooring that is beautiful, comfortable, and clean.
If you decide that you would rather stick to a YMCA membership and do not want to try out some of the other SilverSneakers® locations options, a licensed agent can help you find a plan that includes Silver & Fit® instead.
Silver & Fit® is similar to SilverSneakers® and includes a digital resource library, home fitness kits, community activities, and several different fitness classes at various fitness centers in Tennessee.
Silver & Fit® locations across major cities in Tennessee are listed below:
To find a plan that includes Silver & Fit®, call 844-431-1832 or send us a message. We’ll connect you with a licensed agent in your area who may be able to help you make the switch.
Private Medicare plans like Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements can cover a lot of benefits, but they generally don’t cover everything. Ancillary insurance products like separate dental plans, heart attack insurance, and life insurance are all important too.
Depending on what Medicare plan(s) you have, ancillary insurance products might be necessary to provide you with the comprehensive coverage and peace of mind you need.
What Are Ancillary Insurance Products?
What Are Ancillary Products? | Medicare Plan Finder
Our ancillary insurance definition is any insurance product that is beyond the scope of traditional health insurance or is not included in your healthcare plan. One of the most common ancillary products is life insurance – but ancillary goes far beyond that. Ancillary private health insurance can help you cover the healthcare needs that your Medicare insurance does not cover.
Here are some of the ancillary products that our agents sell:
You might think, “wow, do I really need all of those?” You might not – but if you do, you might be able to bundle your benefits. For example, you might be able to find a combination dental and vision plan, or a combination heart attack and stroke plan. Whether or not you need any of these products can depend on your finances, your genetic probability of contracting certain conditions, and what types of plans are available in your area.
Ancillary insurance products are never meant to replace your current health insurance. They are additional products that supplement your existing coverage.
What are examples of ancillary services?
The term “ancillary services” refers to medical services that are not typically provided by your primary care physician. It could mean a service provided by a specialist for your critical illness, a therapist for your long-term disability, etc. Some of these services might already be covered by your disability insurance, Medicaid, or another health plan – but many are likely not covered.
Here’s a list of ancillary services to consider when deciding whether or not you need ancillary insurance:
Ambulance care
At-home preventative care
Audiology
Behavioral health
Chronic care
Heart monitoring
Home healthcare and private nurses
Home medical equipment
Hospice
Infusion therapy
Lab tests
Medical daycare
Mobile services and testing
Orthotics/prosthetics
Radiology
Rehabilitation of any kind
Specialized imaging
Transitional care
Ventilator services
Dental, Vision, and Hearing
Three of the most common types of ancillary insurance plans are those for hearing, vision, and dental coverage. Original Medicare will only pay for some of your very specific dental, vision, and hearing costs.
Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B ancillary services are limited to what your primary physician or hospital staff can do. For example, if you schedule an annual wellness visit with your primary physician and they perform a quick hearing and eye exam, that visit is still covered under your Medicare Part B. Additionally, if you have a medically necessary jaw surgery or receive face tumor treatment in a hospital, most of the related dental work falls under your Medicare Part A. However, if you end up needing more dental, hearing, or vision care, it won’t be covered by Original Medicare.
Private vision, hearing, and dental insurance can help you cover your costs and help you stay on top of your healthcare. Some Medicare Advantage plans include all of these benefits, so before you select an ancillary product, check to see if there is a Medicare Advantage plan in your zip code that makes sense for you.
Short-Term Care
A short-term plan will cover you for up to a year for a temporary injury or illness. For the most part, long-term care is included in your Original Medicare. Short-term care, however, is always an add-on option through a qualified ancillary insurance plan. If you’re concerned about short-term care, let your insurance agent know. They will help you decide whether Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, or another ancillary product will be best for your short-term care needs.
Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke
Medicare parts A and B, respectively, will cover your hospital stays and doctor visits relating to cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. Some policies are as simple as large payments upon diagnosis.
Others may include annual payouts based on costs, even including loss of income, childcare, travel to facilities, home health care, rehabilitation/therapy, and any other out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not cover.
If you feel comfortable, it helps to disclose your and your family’s medical history when speaking with an agent. That way, the agent can determine whether an ancillary plan for cancer, heart attacks, or strokes is right for you.
Hospital Indemnity
Ancillary hospital indemnity policies are the best, cheapest way to save your piggy bank in the event of an extended hospital stay.
The average cost for one night in the hospital is between $1500-$3000. Your Medicare plan will help cover most of that, but not all, and does not include additional procedures and prescription drugs.
You’ll send in a claim stating what your copayment was, and your carrier will send you a check for a percentage of that amount. This will be especially beneficial if you foresee any medical procedures that will require an extended hospital stay.
Life & Final Expense
Final expenses are any costs associated with funerals, burials, and sometimes medical bills for your final hours. You can buy a final expense whole life plan, meaning the policy lasts for your entire life, or a final expense term life plan, which lasts for a set number of years.
Final expense policies help to reimburse your family members for expenses surrounding your death. You must appoint a beneficiary to receive the reimbursement when you purchase your policy. You will have the ability to change your beneficiary after your policy has been active for a year.
Life insurance is different from final expense because it insures additional finances. For example, it can help your family pay off your mortgage or other debts after you pass. If you don’t already have life insurance, it’s best to invest as soon as possible, because costs will increase as you age.
How Ancillary Benefits Work
Your ancillary insurance carriers could be the same as your carriers for other insurance plans, or they could be different. For example, carriers who sell auto and home insurance are likely also to sell life insurance. Additionally, carriers who sell Medicare Advantage plans are likely to sell other individual health benefit plans.
Even if you have Medicare, ancillary plans provide voluntary benefits and do not fall under Medicare laws. You can enroll in ancillary products during any time of the year (unless you are enrolling through your employee benefits package, in which case your employer might have an enrollment period).
Ancillary billing will be completely separate from your Medicare coverage. If you are still employed, some ancillary benefits can be employer-contributory, meaning your employer agrees to pay part of your premium.
Many ancillary products, like cancer insurance plans, pay by lump sum. With our cancer example, you would receive a lump sum cash benefit upon diagnosis. Keep in mind that a product like that may not be available after you’ve already been diagnosed. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, ancillary products can and will put you through medical underwriting and can deny you for preexisting conditions.
The Advantages of Ancillary Benefits
When you start looking through all of the available Medicare health plans, you may discover that while many of the available plans could work for you, they aren’t perfect. Additional benefits for Medicare beneficiaries can be hard to come by, especially if you live in an area that does not have many plan options to choose from. Some Medicare plans do offer additional rider insurance (extra health benefits), but they might not be exactly what you need.
That’s why ancillary services insurance may be a good idea. If you can’t find a good Medicare Advantage plan that covers all of your additional medical concerns, like dental, vision, hearing, cancer, heart attack, etc. – ancillary might be the route to go. You will still need coverage for healthcare, so make sure you stay enrolled in Medicare. Then, you can add whichever ancillary products make sense for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ancillary Insurance Products
Discussing Ancillary Insurance Products With an Agent | Medicare Plan Finder
You may have many questions about ancillary products, insurance coverage, and costs, including:
Q: Why aren’t these ancillary benefits included in my Medicare plan?
A: Each individual who has enrolled in Medicare has different healthcare needs. You can select a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplemental insurance plan that fits your needs, then select any additional ancillary products separately.
Q: Why didn’t my agent discuss these with me sooner?
A: If an agent visited with you to discuss Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Supplements, they likely were not legally allowed to discuss ancillary plans with you. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has specific rules in place to protect you. If you’d like to discuss ancillary insurance products, your agent will need to come back another day.
Q: How much do these products cost?
A: Costs for ancillary plans vary depending on your needs and what the policy covers. Your agent can discuss any details and help you find the right fit.
Q: So how do I get ancillary insurance?
A: If you are employed, your employer may or may not provide ancillary plans. The best way to get information about ancillary benefits is to speak to your agent.
Get the Ancillary Plans You Need Today
We have insurance agents available who can help you select from the available Medicare Advantage plans for 2020 as well as other ancillary products. Speak with a licensed & local agent today by calling 844-431-1832 or contact us here.
Call Medicare Plan Finder | Medicare Plan Finder
28-Day Healthy Living Challenge
Welcome to the Medicare Plan Finder Healthy Living Challenge. As you age, it can become easier and easier to form unhealthy habits. We’re here to help you break those habits and live your best life!
In this 28 day health challenge, you can turn your life around and start a new healthy lifestyle. Making healthy choices should not be one-time decisions. Start by making small changes (like following this calendar), then look for other ways to live healthier.
28-Day Healthy Living Challenge | Calendar | MedicarePlanFinder.com
Set your health goals
Cut out a bad habit
Invest in a reusable water bottle
Join a gym or create a workout space in your home
Eat a healthy breakfast
Pick an inspiring book to read
Develop a healthy eating shopping list
Try a new healthy recipe
Invest in a multivitamin
Schedule your annual wellness visit
Go for a walk
Try something new
Practice good posture
Get screened for genetic health conditions
Work on your morning routine
Get out of the house
Start journaling to reduce stress
Drink only water
Practice deep breathing and meditation
Start cutting out caffeine
Splurge on a spa day or massage
Read the labels on the food in your pantry
Declutter and deep clean your home
Brush your teeth for a full two minutes, and make it a habit
Wash your hands for a full 20 seconds, and make it a habit
Spend time outside, but don’t forget the sunscreen
Schedule your regular dental and vision appointments
Reflect on the Healthy Living Challenge and assess your health goal progress
Day One: Set Realistic Health Goals
Start the Healthy Living Challenge by talking to your doctor or taking the time to sit and think about your health. What can you improve on? What needs to change? Think about your weight, your diet, your blood test results, your daily habits, etc.
Remember that to start a new healthy lifestyle is to do more than eat your vegetables and exercise – you also have to keep a rounded diet, exercise safely, engage in social activities, reduce stress, drink plenty of water, and more. Set goals like getting your cholesterol back to a healthy level, losing a few pounds, or drinking eight glasses of water per day.
S.M.A.R.T stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.
Day Two: Cut out a bad Habit
On the second day, think about your daily routine, and cut out a bad habit. It can take a full 28 days to break a habit, so it’s a good idea to think about this early.
The habit could be anything from sitting on the couch for too long to overworking yourself. Or, it could be something like eating too much sugar or staying up too late.
Cutting out your bad habit can be one of your S.M.A.R.T health goals. Take day two of this Healthy Living Challenge to really focus in on that one bad habit and think about how you can put an end to it.
Everyone’s water needs can be different, so be sure to check with your doctor before taking our medical advice. The amount of water you need each day can depend on your individual healthcare needs.
Day Four: Join a gym or Create a Home Exercise Space
Creating a home exercise space can be as simple as buying a yoga mat and a few ten-pound weights, or as complicated as investing in equipment such as a treadmill. Alternatively, join a gym! If you have a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare fitness program, such as SilverSneakers® or Silver and Fit®.
Day Five: Cook a Healthy Breakfast
Too many of us eat unhealthy breakfasts or skip the meal altogether. It’s easy to eat unhealthy, especially in the morning, when you’re tired and rushing to get on with your day. However, sometimes preparing a healthy meal is just as easy as pouring a bowl of sugary cereal.
Consider focusing on superfoods in the morning, like a handful of blueberries coupled with a kale and tomato omelet. Or, start by making small changes like reaching for less sugary cereals in the grocery aisle and replacing your white bread toast with whole wheat.
Day Six: Pick an Inspiring Book to Read
Sometimes all that you need to take charge and start a new healthy lifestyle is a motivating book. We found the following healthy aging books available on Amazon:
Build a grocery list that you can take with you every time you visit the grocery store. This grocery list can help you stay on track and prevent you from grabbing unnecessary items like sugary desserts. Add items like 2% milk instead of whole milk, lean chicken breasts instead of fatty steaks, and wheat bread instead of white bread.
Click to download the list that we’ve started for you. Use the blank spaces to fill in the other items that you need.
Day Eight: Try a new Healthy Recipe
Now that you have a start to your grocery list, take a look at some healthy recipes that you can make with your healthy ingredients (you may need to add a few items to your list). We found these cookbooks on Amazon:
If you’ve had a blood test recently, talk to your doctor about your results and find out if you lack any crucial vitamins. Then, ask your doctor if you should be taking any supplements or multivitamins. You can usually get multivitamins over the counter at any pharmacy or grocery store. Taking a multivitamin is an easy positive step you can take towards better health.
Day Ten: Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit
Have you been attending your annual wellness visits with your doctor? Medicare covers an annual wellness visit for all beneficiaries. This visit is your chance to ask your doctor about any possible health concerns you have, and to request tests and screenings for various illnesses that you’re worried about. Remember, it’s always best to get ahead of your health and start healing before your symptoms worsen.
Day Eleven: Go for a Walk
Getting your daily exercise does not necessarily have to mean an intense cardio workout. Especially as you’re getting older, you have to be careful about over-exerting yourself and getting hurt. Today, go for a walk around your neighborhood or at a local park. Even a one-mile leisurely walk can lift your spirits and boost your metabolism. Consider taking your grandkids to the park for even more fun!
Day 11: Go for a walk!
Day Twelve: Try Something new!
Trying something new, no matter what it is, can positively alter your mood and motivate you to make the most of your days. While there is certainly value in having a daily routine, think about new things that you’ve always wanted to try. It can be a physical, mental, emotional, or social task! Consider trying yoga for the first time, taking yourself out to a new restaurant, or taking a painting class.
Day Thirteen: Practice Good Posture Today
You could be hurting your back every day without even knowing it. Pay extra attention today to the way you sit, stand, and bend over to pick things up. Practice always bending with your knees instead of your whole back, and practice straightening your shoulders as you sit and stand.
If you notice pain or discomfort, consider visiting a chiropractor. Medicare covers spinal manipulation when necessary, and some Medicare Advantage plans may cover other chiropractic services.
Day Fourteen: Get Screened for Genetic Health Conditions
If you didn’t already talk to your doctor about this, think about getting some genetic tests for familial health conditions. About one in every three people develop some form of cancer, and some of those cases are hereditary. The best way to beat cancer is to stop it before it develops and spreads.
A genetic test is the first step in determining whether or not you might need to prepare. The new myPath melanoma test is a popular one that your Medicare plan may cover.
Day Fifteen: Work on your Morning Routine
While it may seem small, your morning routine can impact your entire day. If you’re someone who has “bad” morning habits like sleeping in too late or skipping breakfast, use today to come up with a plan to adjust your routine and develop healthy habits. Try things like starting a morning workout regimen or opening the blinds before you go to bed so that the sun gets you out of bed earlier.
Day 15: Work on Your Morning Routine
Day Sixteen: Get out of the House Today – Go Shopping or see a Friend
A lot of adults can get into the habit of getting home from work and sitting on the couch for hours. Retired adults sometimes go a full day or longer without even leaving the house!
If that sounds like you, make an extra effort today to leave your house and do something. Your effort can be as small as going to the grocery store and running errands, or as large as spending all day with a friend. Figure out what works for you and make it happen today.
Day Seventeen: Start Journaling to Reduce Stress
If you’ve been feeling stressed or depressed lately, one great way to lift your spirits is to start journaling regularly. If you don’t have one, buy a journal or a notebook today and jot down notes about how you’re feeling, why you’re feeling that way, and what you’re going to do to try to fix it. Some people find happiness in just writing about what they did throughout the day!
If journaling is not helping or if you have a more serious mental health issue, please know that you CAN get the care you need. If you have Medicare, many of your treatments and appointments may be covered.
If this is an emergency, please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
Day 17: Start journaling
Day Eighteen: Drink Only Water Today
Did you buy that water bottle on day three? Today, focus not only on drinking at least eight glasses of water but also not drinking anything else. That means no juices, no alcoholic beverages, no coffee – none of it.
If you’re worried about cutting out caffeine, you may be surprised to find that the effects of drinking all that water can eliminate your caffeine withdrawal. Sticking to only water can also help you lose weight, reduce your appetite, and even increase your focus.
Day Nineteen: Practice Deep Breathing and Meditation
In this crazy world, it’s easy to get caught up in the stressful moments and forget to sit back and breathe. Spend some time today sitting and reflecting. Turn off your phone and the TV, find a comfortable place in your home, and allow yourself to reflect on whatever is stressing you out.
Practice deep breathing exercises and meditation. If you don’t care for yourself emotionally, you run the risk of your health declining physically.
Day Twenty: Start Cutting out Caffeine
Whether coffee, tea, soda, or something else is your caffeinated guilty pleasure, it might be time to cut back. Coffee and tea are healthy in small doses, but too much can lead to anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, and high blood pressure.
If you drink more than one cup of a caffeinated beverage per day, or even if you only drink one but want to cut back, make today your first step. Drink one cup instead of two, or switch to decaf in the afternoon.
You may have learned from day 13 that posture is incredibly important, and you might not even realize that you hurt your posture. Use day 21 of this Healthy Living Challenge as an excuse to treat yourself to a nice massage or a day at the spa. Alternatively, schedule an appointment with your chiropractor!
Day Twenty-two: Read the Labels on the Food in Your Pantry
Common pantry items like canned soup and vegetables and pastas are often diet staples, but they could be doing more harm than you think. Canned soups are a great example. On the basic level, they are healthy…but they contain more sodium than you could even imagine! Use today to read the labels on the food items in your pantry and recognize what you could be putting into your body. You may decide to think twice the next time you’re shopping for those items!
Day Twenty-three: Declutter and Deep Clean Your Home
Whether you’re too busy, too tired, or just don’t feel like doing it, chances are there is at least one room in your home that could use some tidying. You probably haven’t thought of cleaning as a health-conscious activity, but decluttering and cleaning can prevent trips and falls, can improve the air quality in your home, and might even uncover some items you can sell for extra cash. If you can’t do it yourself, ask family for help or pay a cleaning service to come in and help you out.
Day 23: Deep Clean Your Home
Day Twenty-four: Brush your Teeth for a Full two Minutes
Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for a full two minutes, twice per day. How long do you brush your teeth, and are you reaching every tooth? Some electric toothbrushes come with built-in timers, or you can put a kitchen timer in your bathroom to keep yourself honest. Healthy teeth lead to improved overall health, so this is crucial.
Day Twenty-five: Practice Really Washing your Hands for a Full 20 Seconds
People make the same mistake with hand washing as with teeth brushing. Every time you wash your hands – whether it’s after using the bathroom or before you eat – the CDC recommends that you wash thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to lather every part of your hands with antibacterial soap before you rinse.
Day 25: Wash your hands for 20 seconds
Day Twenty-six: Spend Time Outside Today – Don’t forget the Sunscreen!
Spending time outside increases your Vitamin D intake, elevates your mood, improves your concentration, and can even help you sleep at night. However, even if it’s winter and you don’t feel the sun, you are still exposed to it and should wear sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen isn’t only about protection from burns; it also protects you from general sun exposure that leads to wrinkles and discoloration.
Plus, sunburn does more than just make your skin red and itchy – it can lead to skin cancer! Protecting your skin from the sun is more than just a good idea, it’s necessary for your health. Be sure to apply sunscreen every time you expect to be outside for more than a few minutes.
Day Twenty-seven: Schedule your Dental and Vision Appointments
Dental and vision appointments tend to feel less important than general doctor visits, because you may not notice that you are developing cavities or that your eyesight is worsening. Be sure to keep up with your annual (or bi-annual) dental and vision appointments.
Day Twenty-eight: Reflect on the Healthy Living Challenge and Assess your Goal Progress
Congratulations! You’ve made it through our 28-day Healthy Living Challenge. Moving forward, your goal should be to turn everything you did this past month into long-term habits. Drink eight glasses of water every day, get outside as much as possible, go for walks, and eat healthily. Find creative ways to reduce stress, declutter, and socialize with your friends, family, and neighbors.
For day 28, think about the S.M.A.R.T goals that you started with. Did you meet your goals, or at least make progress? What do you need to do next? If you need to follow up with a doctor, but you don’t have the coverage you need, maybe your next step needs to be reaching out to an insurance agent.
Do you qualify for Medicare? You can try to get a Medicare plan by yourself, but it doesn’t cost anything to meet with an agent, and there is never any obligation to buy. Your agent can help you assess your needs and pick the plan that works best out of all your available options. Just call 844-431-1832 to schedule your appointment.
This is only the beginning. Congrats on starting the path to a healthier you!
Mother’s Day Health Tips to Share with Your Senior Mother
Your mother has dedicated her life to caring for you, and as she ages, it’s time for the roles to reverse. The best gift any mother could ask for is for her children to be wonderful, caring adults! As you plan to celebrate this Mother’s Day with your mother, consider giving the gift of your support throughout the rest of her life.
Healthy Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day
Whether your mom is at home, in a living facility, or a hospital, you can still enjoy a beautiful Mother’s Day with her. If the weather is nice and she is able, take her for a walk! Sunshine strengthens the bones and the immune system and reduces stress while inducing feelings of happiness. You can also take her to a healthy brunch. Skip the sugary, syrupy pancakes and take your mom to a place where she can enjoy some fresh fruit with oatmeal or yogurt or opt for eggs and toast.
Top Women’s Health Concerns
Even if you don’t want to think about your mother’s aging and her health on Mother’s Day, think about selecting a day to discuss these topics with her. The top concerns that aging women face are:
Look for symptoms of these ailments in your mother, and educate her on what to look out for. Certain things, like breast swelling, brittle bones, muscle pain, and memory loss can be easy to spot. Depression is one of the ailments that is hardest to notice, especially when you don’t see a person often. Some people are really good at hiding their depression symptoms. When you don’t see your mother for a few weeks or even months, she might act like her normal self around you and then go home and sleep all day because she’s mentally exhausted. Keep your mother’s spirits up and help her fight depression by ensuring that she is engaging in hobbies and activities, keeping some sort of a social life, and keeping some sort of responsibility, like keeping a garden or a pet, or even just keeping the house clean.
Top Aging Women’s Health Tips
The best things your mother can do (and you, too!) as she ages are:
Eat healthy
Stay smart about medications
Manage existing health conditions
Get screened
Stay active
Eating healthy is always easier said than done as we are tempted by the snack aisle in the grocery store and the beautiful pastry display at Starbucks. Remind your mother to enjoy everything in moderation and keep superfoods like leafy greens, berries, and avocados in her diet.
Pay close attention to her doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions regarding medications. Help your mother avoid being one of the statistics for senior opioid abuse. On the same token, make sure your mother is taking her medications and properly managing her preexisting health conditions. Help her out by purchasing vitamins and supplements that she can take, making sure she is comfortable at home, and watching her sugar intake.
Seniors are likely to avoid trips to the doctor because they don’t have an easy way to get there or they simply forget to book their yearly appointment. Some don’t want to pay for it – but guess what? Medicare covers one yearly wellness exam at no cost to the patient. This is a good time for your mother to ask questions and a good time for her doctor to perform or schedule screenings for common ailments. Those screenings are usually covered, too, so there’s no excuse!
Lastly, make sure your mother is regularly taking walks and engaging in household chores to stay active.
Get Support While you Take Care of Mom
Providing care for a loved one is no easy task, but you are not alone. Caregiver support groups throughout the country can answer your questions, give you advice, and allow you to interact with other caregivers just like you. Consider reaching out to the Family Caregiver Alliance, a group that has worked since the late ’70s to support people like you. You can also reach out to the Caregiver Action Network. They are located in D.C. and spend a lot of time advocating for caregiver rights and laws.
We’ve put together information on caregiver networks and some of our own advice for taking care of your loved ones, here. We specialize in Medicare plans, so if your mother or someone else you know needs help finding a plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to Medicare Plan Finder. We work with all of the major plans so there is no bias and you are never obligated to buy. If you are the “Power of Attorney” for your mother, we can speak directly to you about her healthcare plans.
We hope you enjoy a beautiful Mother’s Day this year and we hope to speak with you soon regarding your or your mother’s care.
Take Advantage of Medicare Wellness Exams and Preventative Benefits
Medicare offers many benefits at zero cost to recipients, but many of the 59 million Americans enrolled are either not aware of all the Medicare wellness benefits or are simply not taking full advantage of all of these offered services.
For example, in 2014 only around 14% of Medicare recipients received the freeMedicarewellness exam covered under Medicare Part B. This exam, known as the Annual Wellness Visit, or sometimes known as the acronym AWV, is covered at zero cost to recipients.
What is Included in Medicare Wellness Exams?
Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months, you are eligible for a zero cost yearly* Medicare wellness exam. The purpose of this wellness visit is to work with your doctor to identify any risk factors to watch, as well as to develop a plan for staying healthy.
*Keep in mind that the AWV is available every twelve months. For example, if your first AWV is June 2, you cannot recieve your next one until June 2 of the following year. If you make your appointment for June 1, you may not be covered.
During the wellness visit, your doctor, nurse practitioner, or another health care professional will review things like your health history, take measurements such as weight and body mass index (BMI), and will help develop a preventative care plan tailored for you.
Some items that may be reviewed during your Medicare Wellness Visit include:
A Health Risk Assessment (HRA) questionnaire
Review of personal medical history and family medical history
Measurements including height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure
Assessment for any cognitive impairment and mood disorders
Review of any difficulty you may be having in performing day-to-day tasks
Your health care provider may also help you establish a plan for potential risk areas including fall prevention, nutrition, weight loss, and tobacco cessation.
What is not Included in your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)?
It is important to know that the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit covers a specific set of wellness services and is different than an annual physical, which is not covered by Medicare. It is also important to note that any additional services performed during your Medicare exam may result in an additional copay or deductible cost.
For example, Mary is 68 years old and visits her doctor a few days after her birthday, as she does every year for her free Medicare wellness exam. During the visit, Mary mentions that her right foot has been bothering her, and after further examination, her doctor orders a blood test to check for gout.
In this scenario, Mary’s wellness visit is still free, but she may pay a copay for the additional foot examination as well as the blood test.
Medicare Wellness Exam vs. Annual Physical
The annual wellness visit is not the same as the yearly physical you may be familiar with. For a typical physical, your healthcare provider will perform a hands-on, head to toes exam including lung, abdominal, and neurological exams. Medicare exams are different.
The Medicare annual wellness visit includes similar assessments but does not include any exams that require the healthcare provider to physically examine you. During your wellness visit, your provider may schedule additional preventative screenings, or may further examine any issues you are having.
What to Bring to Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
One of the main purposes of the annual wellness exam is to identify any potential health risks and develop a plan to manage them. So, you will want to share your family and personal health history with your provider in as much detail as possible.
Some things to bring include:
Medical and immunization/vaccination records
Detailed personal and family health history
Detailed list of medications and supplements including dosage and frequency
Full list of health care providers you are currently seeing
Other Medicare Wellness Benefits
In addition to the annual wellness exam, there are a number of additional services, screenings, and vaccinations covered at no cost including:
Alcohol screening
Bone mass measurements
Cardio screening
Colorectal screening
Diabetes screening
Hepatitis screening
HIV screening
Lung, prostate, and cervical cancer screenings
Medicare Vaccine Coverage and the Medicare Flu Shot
Medicare Part B also covers some other Medicare wellness benefits like preventative vaccines, including yearly flu shots. Ask your doctor about getting your flu shot during your Medicare exam.
However, Medicare does not provide maintenance coverage for other vaccines including Shingles, Tetanus (Tdap), and Meningococcal. These vaccines and additional immunizations are typically covered under Part D prescription drug plans.
To ensure you are covered for these vaccines and other prescription medication, you can add a Part D plan to Medicare Parts A and B, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D coverage.
Other Ways to Make the Most of Your Medicare Plan
Find Doctors in Your Plan Network
Some carriers have doctor and hospital search engines so you can see which doctors are covered under your plan. ZocDoc is a great non-affiliated doctor search website as well. If you continue to use a doctor that is outside of your plan, you’re wasting potential savings that you’ll receive if you visit a doctor who is within your plan’s network.
Use Generic Drugs
The same goes for pharmacies and drugs. Your coverage is likely much higher for generic brand prescription drugs, so ask your doctor for a generic version when he gives you a prescription. Your coverage includes mail-order prescriptions as well. Mail-order is often cheaper because there are fewer labor costs! Plus, you can buy bigger supplies.
Know Your Additional Benefits
Some Medicare plans include discounts and freebies like gym memberships, massages, nutrition classes, support groups, and even LASIK surgery. Some even provide “rewards” in the form of discounts if you stay healthy.
Get More Benefits with Medicare Advantage
There are many Medicare preventative services that Original Medicare covers, but do you need more?
A Medicare Advantage plan is a private Medicare plan that includes your Part A and Part B benefits and can extend your coverage to include more things like:
A Medicare Advantage Plan and Part D prescription drug coverage can help cover you for these additional costs and help you live the healthiest life possible. Our agents can help you understand all of your plan options and enroll you in a plan that fits your specific needs and budget. If you interested in arranging a no-cost, no-obligation appointment, fill out this form or call at us 844-431-1832.
Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year, there are over 31.4 million outpatient doctor visits due to the flu virus in the United States.
Anyone can get the flu, even the healthiest of people, which is why it’s important to take the necessary preventive measures. Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. If you’re eligible for Medicare, you probably wonder, “Does Medicare cover flu shots?”
High Dose Flu Vaccine
Doctor’s Appointment | Medicare Plan Finder
With age comes beauty…and a weakened immune system! If you are 65 years or older, you are considered high risk for developing influenza.
The high dose flu vaccine is a great option for Medicare eligibles because it contains the three flu strains that are most likely to cause the flu. Plus, it contains four times the flu virus antigen than a regular flu shot. Research shows that the high dose flu vaccine leads to 25% fewer cases of the flu than the standard flu shot.
High Dose Flu Vaccine vs Regular Flu Shot
The regular flu shot is recommended for those six months or older while the high dose flu vaccine is designed specifically for those over the age of 65. Both vaccines take approximately two weeks to build immunity in the body. The peak of flu season is January through March but can start as early as October and extend as far as May, so it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Flu vaccines are completely safe and have weakened viruses, meaning the flu shot cannot cause the flu. The high dose flu vaccine and the regular flu shot can both cause side effects, but, side effects may be stronger with the high dose flu vaccine. Getting any flu vaccination is the first step to protecting yourself against the flu.
Flu Shot Side Effects
The risk of developing side effects from the vaccine is higher in a high dose flu vaccine rather than the average flu shot. These side effects can include pain, swelling or soreness at the injection site, and headaches or muscles aches. These side effects may be less than ideal.
However, seniors and Medicare eligibles can have significantly higher complications from the flu. The phrase “better safe than sorry” certainly applies, because .
Flu-Related Complications
The flu can lead to several complications. These complications can range in severity, but should always be taken seriously.
Minor complications include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, body ache, and vomiting.
More severe complications include pneumonia, dehydration, muscle inflammation, and sinus infections. Plus, the flu can worsen long-term health conditions like heart failure, asthma, and diabetes.
Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?
Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, preventive services, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment. Flu shots are considered a preventive service, so Medicare will cover 100% of the cost for one flu shot per year.
The Part B deductible does not apply to this service, so as long as you are enrolled in Medicare and the doctor or clinic accepts Medicare, you are fully covered.
Medicare Advantage plans are required, at a minimum, to provide the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and B). This means that if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, your flu shot is fully covered, too.
The premiums and deductibles may vary per plan, however, if the plan has a deductible, a flu shot may not apply.
Where to Get a Flu Shot
If you don’t know where to get a flu shot, the CDC has a free resource to locate flu shot providers in your area. To get started, click here. Enter your zip code beside the red arrow. We used 37209, which is our corporate headquarters’ zip code in Nashville, Tennessee. Then click “Go”, which is beside the green arrow.
Flu Shot Finder Step 1 | Medicare Plan Finder
The next page lists the flu shot providers in your area complete with address and contact information. Call the providers with any questions about how to get your flu shot.
Flu Shot Finder Step 2 | Medicare Plan Finder
Let Us Help You Find the Right Medicare Plan
Getting an annual flu shot is just one of many ways to practice a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for coverage beyond Original Medicare that will help you become the healthiest version of you, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a perfect fit!
A MA plan can provide vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Plus, some may offer fitness classes like SilverSneakers®! Our licensed agents are highly trained can help you find the perfect plan that fits your needs and budget. Call us at 844-431-1832 or click here to get in touch with an agent!
Contact Us | Medicare Plan Finder
This blog was originally published on November 6, 2018, by Kelsey Davis and updated on August 30, 2019 by Troy Frink .
