Category: Health Care

If you’ve held a stable job for your professional career, it’s most likely you haven’t been required to think much on your health insurance. However, when you retire, it’s a whole new world full of options you need to be sure you understand.

Find out about Your Existing Health And Wellness Benefits

The very first thing to do is learn everything about your existing medical insurance coverage benefits and how they change in retirement. Larger companies may sponsor workshops that help you plan for insurance as you transition into retirement. Smaller companies may work with benefits advisors who also offer this sort of training or who may have other information you can leverage to make informed decisions as you move forward.

Discover Your Options

If you are retiring prior to age 65, you can’t be rejected for insurance protection for pre-existing conditions due to the Affordable Care Act. When you’re age 65, most are eligible for Medicare. And with Medicare there are many choices to make. It’s important to learn all you can about the various parts of Medicare and your options for dealing with them.

As you evaluate your options, be sure to incorporate your approximated healthcare expenses into your retirement budget plan. Just how much should you plan for? It depends on your insurance coverage protection. Usually, financial strategists suggest setting aside $10,000 per year per individual to cover out of pocket costs, dental, and so on,

Talk to a “Medigap” Insurance Specialist

Medicare is limited in its protection. “Medigap” insurance fills in where Medicare leaves off. Such insurance may be a part of your retirement benefits with your employer but for most individuals, you’ll need to talk with a specialist to secure this added protection.

We’re here to help. As you have questions we can help you find answers and connect you with resources to help you. Please reach out so we can help you explore your options!

A recent study from the Brigham Young University (BYU) has found that regular exercise is able to safeguard the brain from the negative effects of longtime stress. The study has suggested that the hippocampus – the area of the brain which deals with memory – strengthens if you exercise regularly. Put simply, it appears that regular exercise reduces the effects that stress has on your brain.

You see, well-functioning and healthy brain cells are able to easily transmit messages via your neurons, with your memories becoming more vivid and strong when your neurons are able to transfer these messages more quickly. However, as you become stressed and your brain tissues inflame and/or swell up, the speed of these neurons slows down, meaning that your memory becomes poorer and poorer with time.

However, when you perform cardiovascular exercise, you are increasing the rate at which blood flows around your body. This also affects your brain, meaning that more blood flows to your brain during exercise. This, put simply, strengthens your hippocampus and causes your memory to improve. The exercise can even increase the size of your hippocampus, making it even better and more efficient than it was before!

Exercise and mood

It’s a well-known fact that exercise triggers feel-good hormones such as endorphins, meaning that you naturally feel happier and less stressed after exercise. Although anti-depressants may aim to achieve similar effects which limit depression and anxiety, exercise is just as good (and often better) than taking antidepressants alone. Not only does exercise tend to release more endorphins than anything found in a pill – you’re also getting fitter, healthier, and a better memory while you’re at it too!

Emotions and memory are undoubtedly linked, with your most emotional moments having much stronger memories attached to them. It’s probably easier to recall moments of great sadness, joy, and anger in your life than it is to recall moments of boring mediocrity.

Anxiety is a condition which means that your body is constantly prepared for “fight or flight”, with a never-ending sense of fear and dread remaining over you whatever you do. This leads to a form of chronic stress, something which BYU’s study claims will make your brain’s synapses more effective. Fortunately, exercise is the best (and most natural way) to relieve general anxiety while also improving your brain’s memory and functioning. Studies have shown that when stress-prone people exercise, their brain tends to no longer be impacted negatively by their stress levels.

How much exercise do you need to improve your memory?

You don’t need to be a gym rat in order to improve your memory; you just have to make an effort! At least 150 minutes of exercise every week is enough to improve your memory and keep your brain healthy, and 150 every week is relatively easy to fit in across a week. If you can’t handle this much straight away, start small and go harder in time. At the end of the day, any exercise is better than no exercise.

It also helps to make exercise as fun as possible so that you don’t dread it as much. For example, listen to your favorite playlist or podcast while you run, or perhaps clean your house while dancing around and learning some new moves… whatever you can do to make it bearable. Your body and your brain will thank you!

Are you looking to improve your memory and ensure that your health stays optimal as you get older? If so, you may also have life insurance on your mind, as well as other insurance-related questions. If this sounds like you, give our team a call today and you’ll receive top-tier advice from some of the best insurance specialists in the country.

You may wish to do some international traveling during your golden years, but you may find yourself being charged ludicrous amounts for travel insurance due to your age. Here we offer you some advice on getting the best travel insurance policies as a senior citizen!

What coverage do senior travelers require?

You need to review your health before you purchase medical travel insurance, as you’ll definitely be asked about it. You also need to take into account any strenuous activities you may be undertaking during your time abroad, as well as the amount of time you will be away for. The costs for senior travel insurance will vary from country to country and provider to provider, so be sure to shop around. Generally speaking, your Medicare or other US-based health plans will not have any power abroad, so be sure to take this into account.

What are the travel insurance requirements for those who are 65 or older?

If you are 65 or older, your senior travel insurance plan should include emergency evacuations, repatriation of remains, hospital room and board expenses, ambulance service expenses, trip interruption or delays costs, loss of luggage or personal effects cover, and accidental death coverage. Many of these things are required for regular travel insurance too, but seniors have some additional risks that need to be taken into consideration due to their age and potential health problems.

Finding the right travel insurance plan for seniors

The majority of travel insurance providers will provide basic plans for seniors, with some also covering them under their normal plans. Age is a significant factor in calculating premiums, so be sure to check which age bracket you fall into for a particular company.

You’ll also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers the country(s) you’ll be traveling to, and be sure to keep in mind that some travel insurance providers offer higher deductibles or reduced maximums too. The 3 main types of travel insurance are emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation insurance, and 24-hour telephone assistance – be sure to assess which aspects you require the most.

As with buying regular travel insurance, it can be very useful to use an online comparison site in order to assess the different plans available to you. This allows you to weigh up the pros and cons of each plan, taking the costs and fees into account.

Recommendations for Senior Travel Insurance

From experience, we can immediately recommend Atlas Travel Medical and GlobeHopper Senior. These companies offer excellent customer service to seniors, as well as benefits which some other plans lack.

Atlas Travel Medical, for example, has maximum benefit sums of $1,000,000 up to age 70, $50,000-$100,000 up to age 80, and $10,000 for those who are 80 or over.

GlobeHopper Senior is set apart by its superior benefits, such as non-emergency medical evacuations, felonious battery benefits, and inter-facility transportation arrangements.

Whatever insurance provider you choose to go with, it’s important to choose senior travel insurance which protects you while you’re abroad. For more advice on the topic, get in touch with a member of our team today.

Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of America’s population. By 2020, seniors will make up 16% of the U.S. population. As our nation continues to age, we’ll require more medical care and better access to medical services.

If you’re a senior, you know firsthand the specific medical needs that come with aging. So do geriatricians. As they specialize in helping seniors live healthy and balanced lives, they are the right medical professional to seek as you age.

If you have concerns with challenges listed below, it may be time to seek the help of a geriatrician…

 1. Frailty— It’s a nearly unpreventable part of aging, however frailty– defined by signs that include sudden weight loss, muscular tissue loss as well as weakness– could affect your capacity to live on your own. A geriatrician can help protect against or deal with frailty as well as creating a treatment strategy if necessary.

 2. Persistent medical problems— Managing multiple medical conditions is challenging. Joint inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, amnesia and mental deterioration when combined can be detrimental to quality of life. Geriatricians understand how these conditions evolved as well as ways to manage them concurrently.

 3. Numerous medicines— If you have multiple medical conditions, you’re probably managing them with more than one medicine. Geriatricians understand how medicines work together in a senior’s body. They also help to manage prescriptions to reduce negative side effects.

 4. Psychological challenges— Aging naturally features some degree of cognitive decrease & memory loss. Nonetheless, some senior citizens deal with less common conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, that need proper treatment. Geriatricians can differentiate the typical indicators of old age versus more major ailments.

 5. Caregiver assistance— Seniors may eventually require assistance with day-to-day tasks such as showering, toileting, clothing as well as simply eating. They might depend on family to care for them or hire outside help. A geriatrician can assist you– and also your family members– in deciding when it’s the right time to employ the help of a home health assistant or move to a caring nursing center.

If you’re ready to work with a geriatrician, ask your current health care professional for a recommendation. You can also look at these other resources:

http://www.healthinaging.org/find-a-geriatrics-healthcare-professional/

https://doctor.webmd.com/find-a-doctor/specialty/internal-medicine-geriatrics

Heart disease is a significant issue for women… And many women disregard the symptoms and signs of cardiovascular disease… or don’t know what they are. At least 1 in 4 women don’t know how serious heart disease is.

Decrease your risk by being informed…

It’s important to understand that heart issues can affect all ages. Symptoms and signs to look for consist of:

• Extended chest and also upper body discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in the back, neck, or jaw
• Anxiety, weak point, wooziness, as well as nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the arms or shoulder region
• Difficulty breathing

Keep Talking With Your Doctor

Of women surveyed, 63% confessed to cancelling doctor visits. 45% said they cancelled their doctors appointment because they wanted to lose weight before being seen. Heart disease is something that is dangerous and requires immediate intervention. Working with your doctor is important. Regardless of how you feel about your body image, start consulting with your doctor as soon as possible to being tracking your health.

Be Proactive

A surprisingly high variety of medical professionals report they do not go over cardiovascular disease with their patients. It is very important you work with a doctor who understands women’s health issues and how serious cardiovascular disease is for women. Regardless, do not wait for your physician to bring up heart disease. Know the signs and symptoms and also organize your health and wellness.

If you like seeing information on health and wellness, please call us with any type of insurance coverage related inquiries today.

Savings are always welcome, especially for seniors living on a retirement income. For annual healthcare spending, small savings can add up. Get the most from the golden years while maintaining a quality lifestyle. Reduce annual spending with these 7 tips for saving on healthcare:

1. Take advantage of cash discounts

According to the AARP, many medical practices offer discounts of 10% or more for customers paying with cash. Ask about discounted medical tests and exams.

2. Limit Emergency Room Visits to Emergencies

Ambulance transport and emergency room care can become expensive utilized frivolously. For minor injuries and other non-emergencies, urgent care facilities offer an affordable alternative. Additionally, wait times and the length of visits may be shorter than for hospitals.

3. Call a Nurse

Today a number of telephone resources are available for speaking directly to a registered nurse. This can help reduce visits to the doctor, saving time and money. The nurses offer guidance for home care, making an appointment with a physician, or seeking immediate treatment.

4. Choose the Generic Medication

From cough medicine to prescription drugs, the generic label is always more affordable than the name-brand. Ask about generic alternatives to prescription and over-the-counter medications. Other discounts may be available by filling prescriptions at large retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart. Generic medication programs are available at some retailers helping save more on medication.

5. Get a Discount Card

Options for prescription drug savings cards are available. Some offer discounts of 80% or more on prescription medication, helpings people save thousands annually. Ask a pharmacist for more information

6. Compare Prices

Pharmacies may charge different rates for medications. Prior to filling prescriptions, contact local pharmacies to compare rates. Save the drive by asking your regular pharmacist to match or beat competitor pricing.

7. Utilize Your Network

Health insurance carriers work with local medical agencies to offer discounted rates for treatment. Receive treatment from a medical professional outside the network and pay up to 20% more, according to the AARP. Medical offices performing elective treatments often defer to the out-of-network rate. Ask about costs and network coverage before agreeing to a medical procedure or receiving treatment. Ask your health insurance carrier to recommend options for treatment within the network.

Saving and planning for successful retirement are active endeavors. Save more by making smart decisions about medical treatment and prescription drug service. Health coverage can vary, contact an agent to update your policy today and start saving.

During Hurricane Harvey thousands of rooftop evacuations were performed, some on live television. Those rescued took whatever they could grab and left the rest behind. In the chaos of the storm, this often meant prescription medications. Those living in hurricane-affected areas may one day be the person rescued. Prepare with a plan to get emergency prescription medication.

Texas law permits pharmacists to dispense 30-day supplies of medicine in case of emergency. In the aftermath of Harvey, local and federal responders created mobile medical facilities for dispensing medications and limited care to affected communities. These operate within the worst-hit areas, and outside offering care to stranded motorists and other evacuees. The American Red Cross is also an active participant in disaster-relief efforts, creating access to prescriptions through a network of volunteer medical staff.

Inspect all medication for water or other damage. Medications can become hazardous if exposed to water and other elements. Consult a professional for advice on questionable medications.

In Hurricane Harvey, floodwaters rose quickly. Many were caught off-guard due to controlled flooding and rapid rainfall. Plan ahead with a list of resources for obtaining medical care and prescription drugs during an emergency:

• Community centers and designated storm shelters often have charity and medical staff on-site. They are authorized for dispensing prescription medication and immediate medical care.
• RxOpen.org lists American Red Cross shelters and pharmacies in the are. Maps are available with updated open/closed status for each pharmacy listed.
• The National Cancer Institute offers direction for locating cancer treatment care during emergencies. For more information visit Cancer.gov or call 1-800-4CANCER.
• Medicare recipients can call 1-800-MEDICARE for information on prescription drug access, dialysis, and other medical needs

Storms form quickly and can be unpredictable. Prepare ahead of time. Plan for medical care during an emergency and never miss a dose. Our insurance agents are always on the lookout for great topics to help save money and live better. Call anytime for answers for an insurance quote, or answers to insurance questions.

For people taking prescription medications costs are a priority. Those facing increased costs may turn to methods such as taking half-doses or skipping altogether to get more from prescriptions. Health is important. There are ways to save on prescription medication while taking the doctor recommended dose.

Ask a Doctor

Ask a medical professional whether generic or more-affordable options are available. In many cases there may be less-expensive alternatives. Switching from a name-brand prescription medication to a generic can save up to thousands per year or more.

Ask About Aid Programs

Many pharmaceutical companies have assistance programs for qualifying Medicare recipients. An estimated two million Medicare recipients taking prescription medication qualify,

There are 12 million people today, or about one in three people who have Medicare coverage taking advance of this cost-saving method. An estimated two million more qualifying people have yet to take advantage.

Qualifying recipients for full assistance pay reduced rates for generic and name-brand prescription drugs. Limits set at $3.30 for generic medication and $8.25 for name-brand help prescription drugs become affordable. Partial qualification reduces medication cost by 85%. Aid depends on income and revenue.

Qualifiers

For single people, an income cap of $13,820 limits participation. For married persons, $27,600. Relatives living in the home may affect income considerations. Savings accounts, stocks, and bonds count toward income and resource levels. Assets, gift amounts, and some other sources remain separate. These programs help people save thousands each year.

Register for Aid

For those interested in applying, three options are available:

• Find an application and detailed instructions online anytime at socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp.
• Request for SSA-1020 over the phone, or apply by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213
• Ask for aid and assistance in-person at a local SSA office.

Applications are easy to fill out. Instructions are available online or by asking an SSA representative. Bring a social security card, drivers license or similar, and bank information including account balance, assets, and investments. The Social Security Administration reviews applications with replies generally sent in a month.

Check back often for more information on prescription medications, wellness, and ways to save money. Topic suggestions are always welcome. Contact an agent anytime for all insurance-related questions.

Feeling sluggish in the afternoons? It’s a common issue. While mornings are usually high energy, the mid-afternoon slump sets in around 3 pm. Caffeine and sugar may be tempting for a quick boost but the reward is short-lived. The energy boost from coffee, sweets, or energy drinks comes at the cost of healthy sleep patterns. Stay healthy and sleep well. Here are 5 ways to improve daily energy levels:

1: Take a (Short) Nap

Sleepy? Take a short nap! For people with the option, a nap can help improve energy levels and even cognitive function. According to the National Sleep Association, even short naps can boost energy levels. They claim naps of twenty-thirty minutes increase performance while leaving nighttime rest unaffected. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society published findings that older adults may want to consider sixty minutes of rest. According to the study, adults who napped, but did not over-nap, scored higher for cognitive function than adults who did not nap or napped too long.

Medical Information Today came to similar conclusions during a study on sleep and senior health. Their study drew parallels between rest and mental performance. Researchers compared elderly adults who napped and those who either didn’t at all or napped excessively. The elderly adults who did not nap or took longer naps were more likely to have lower cognitive ratings. The group who took naps for thirty to ninety minutes after lunch scored higher.

2: Take a Walk

Spending ten minutes walking or climbing stairs can boost your energy, even more than a cup of coffee! The University of Georgia studied sleep-deprived adults. Those who completed ten minutes of simple exercise daily score higher than those turning to caffeine. 10 minutes of walking is much healthier than a can of soda!

3: Eat Dark Chocolate

Feeling good can be tasty! A study by Northern Arizona University found that eating dark chocolate can improve memory. The study demonstrated improved brain scans after consuming chocolate consisting of 60% cacao or more. Improve basic cognitive wellness with a delicious dark chocolate snack.

4: Eat Nuts and Seeds

Success through trail mix. Nutrition-dense nuts and seeds help prevent the variations in blood sugar affecting energy. Nuts and seeds are great sources of protein and may contain healthy omega-3 fats aiding brain function. Combine nuts and dark chocolate for an energizing (and delicious!) snack.

5: Get Outdoors

Not enough time in the day for a walk? Spending a moment outside and enjoying the air can boost energy levels. If the outdoors are out of reach, white noise apps and other options exist for listening to nature sounds. An interesting note: Individuals tend to prefer water sounds 6x more than white noise.

Have interesting insurance topics to share? Insurance topics impact health, finances, and more. Call for answers to any insurance question!

For the first time in five years monthly Medicare costs are expected to go down. Prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D should become more affordable in 2018 helping millions of Americans.

The expected monthly cost of coverage will dip $1.20 per month to a reduced amount of $33.50. The equated to a 3% annual savings for prescription drug coverage. This comes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

This is good news for the 43 million adults over 65 enrolled in Medicare Part D. CMS attributes this decrease to lower bids by pharmaceutical companies, driving the costs for premiums down.

The actual amount Medicare Part D recipients will pay out-of-pocket will vary. Recipients select a medication program available in their area. Actual costs will depend on program deductible and co-pay, and the medication.

Income is also a factor. Adults age 65 and older 150% below the federal poverty level – $18.090 annually in 2017 – may be eligible for the Part D Low-Income Subsidy.

CMS should release actual costs for 2018 premiums in September. Open registration for Medicare begins October 15 and closes December 7.

We’re always looking for great information about insurance topics that may impact your health and your wallet. If you have any insurance-related questions please call us.