Health

There are numerous activities to keep your brain stimulated, my top ones are:  Sudoku, reading in all kinds of genres, writing limericks, Zumba ( learning new dance steps ), trying out new recipes, playing Mexican Train ( dominos ), playing card game Quiddler, crocheting, making bookmark/ friendship bracelets out of embroidery floss, socializing and exercising.   How do you stimulate your brain?

FROM THE ARTICLE: How Enrollees Feel About Their Medicare Advantage Plans. By Teresa A. Keenan, AARP Research & Laura Mehegan, AARP Research.Published April 08, 2025. An AARP Research study of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries 66 and older shows high satisfaction rates among those who identify themselves as being in very good or excellent health — although those who self-identify as being in poor or fair health express less satisfaction with their plan. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/health/coverage-access/medicare-advantage-enrollee-views/

Hello all, seems AARP are not the advocates they claim to be. With a perfect driving record and over ten years of loyalty to the auto insurance program, my new documents were just delivered. A 33% increase in my policy premiums? Every one with the Hartford Auto program better read their new policy documents carefully. Let me guess what the AARP response will be. Auto premiums are set by the insurance companies and we have no control over that. What's the point of supporting AARP then?

Looking to spice up your next dinner recipe? Our new recipes, infused with bold Latin American flavors, offer wholesome, nutrient-packed meals that are as delicious as they are nourishing. Featuring ingredients like lean meats and fresh veggies, each dish is bursting with vibrant spices and seasonings like sazón — adding a perfect touch of warmth and depth to every bite. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more recipes with healthy ingredients.

My physician has prescribed Wegovy for increasing adverse heart related conditions which continue to deteriorate. I have AARP Preferred Part D drug plan and was denied despite showing my Calcium Score being 191 along with elevated heart rate, angina, dyslipedemia and many other heart related symptoms in addition to a BMI of 34, sleep apnea and elevated risk of stroke. With this drug proven to improve my chances of improving my health and prevent a stroke or heart attack, why to I get denied coverage? Do I have to experience an adverse heart event to be approved?

12.7 % in Arizona averaged husband and wife.  Wasn't expecting such a high increase.  We do not have the Plus plan or whatever that is discounted in the early years.  That plan basically phases out the discount for add ons that we chose not to take.  So this is just straight G coverage only.   For those that have been in the plan longer, (this is our first rate increase), what were you seeing over the years.  Anyone know where there this is a historical table?  

It's been 2 months now and there are 3 known claims that are not showing up and 1 claim that is showing up but it's still in process more than 60 days later. I called UHC medicare advantage and they said they haven't gotten the claims. I called both providers to verify they filled within a week and shows pending insurance. UHC representative called my providers to ask them to resubmitt the the claims. That was 2 weeks ago and still not showing as claims. Can someone please explain why this may be happening? 

Research shows that clutter may ramp up stress levels. Get 4 tips to declutter your mobile devices in this insightful article. You can also explore ways to deal with this common problem in the Digital Declutter challenge also available to AARP members on Staying Sharp. Find more health tips at AARP® Staying Sharp® today.

A mere 19% after 12.7% last year.  This is not what I expected based on what I knew when I signed up.  Posting this here as reference as a follow up to my post on the 2024 increase.  

I recieved a letter in mid june 2020 stating that UHC had sent me a check for $522.68 for overcharges on my drugs purchased through OPTUMRX and my local pharmacy that has never been cashed. They included a form to have OPTUMRX and UHC re-cut a check for the $522.68 and it was sent on july 1,2020. They said that once it was recieved, it would be processed and re-issued in 7 - 10 business days and I should recieve it in 30 days thus I should have recieved by mid-august. It is now mid-september and still no check, just a runaround when I inquire when check was sent and when i should recieve. I have now contacted the Attorney General in the State of Nebraska's medicare fraud division to file a formal complaint. I had UHC- AARP medicare complete HMO and was getting all my statements to my current address thru December 2019 when I moved my coverage to Humana medicare HMO. As of today, September 15, 2020, I have not recieved the refund check for the overcharges on the OPTUMRX perscriptions.

 I thought AARP was supposed to watch out for seniors but am starting to think it is a scam. I had to join AARP to take out the UHC Plan G+ in Sept 2024 and was paying $147.29 and rec’d a letter today saying my premium is going up to $166.66 starting in Sept 2025. Who is advocating for us? I am already penalized for being a widow who lives alone with no other person in my home having UHC.  Does UHC always jack up the premiums after your first year to this extent? I will be 68 in June with no chronic health issues.

FROM THE ARTICLE: What happens when my Medicare premiums are higher than my Social Security check?You may find your benefit payments zeroed out — and that you owe money for Part B. By Linda Dono, AARP. Reviewed by Stephen Richardson. Published April 10, 2025. More than 100,000 people who have close to the 10-year minimum amount of work necessary to receive Social Security benefits can find themselves with a Medicare Part B premium bigger than their monthly Social Security payment.The result? They won’t get a check. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/social-security/faq/high-medicare-premiums-smaller-check.html

Have you ever felt like doing some yoga, but your mat wasn’t on hand? Practicing on the beach or at the park can be challenging when you don’t want to get covered in dirt and sand. The class is a Standing Only Yoga Flow, designed to be low impact with a focus on our breathing and mobility. Enjoy this slow flow and we'll take your time with it. As we are standing throughout the practice, there is more focus on balance and active poses. Stay engaged and enjoy 3-6 breaths per yoga pose.  We close with guided affirmations for the mind, body and soul. If you are in the Atlanta area join me for this free class! register below! Atlanta Beltline

Under the Biden Admin, the cost of insulin was reduced to $35 a month.  Under the same policy, the cost of the drug Eliquis was scheduled to be reduced in Jan 2026.  Will this reduction still be implemented or has the Trump Admin taken away this much needed relief from high priced medicines?

Strong relationships and lasting social bonds not only boost emotional well-being but also support cognitive health. Take our quiz and check out our content on building and strengthening lasting friendships. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

I am searching for a Medicare Part D plan that includes Wegovy or another semaglutide in their 2025 formulary for a diagnosis of pre-diabetes.  After weeks of intermittent searching I have found NO useful information from any source.  The MyMedicare plan search tool doesn't help.  The clock is ticking on the enrollment period.  I'm hoping someone in this community may know any of the following:a Part D plan that includes Wegovy or other semaglutide in their 2025 formulary;for which diagnoses Wegovy or other semaglutide is covered in that plan;at what level of coverage;whether pre-approval is required.Any links to useful sites or documents would be also be much appreciated. Thanks for your help!

Do you have a recommendation for a product that helps with bloating?

Given the current litigation and press about United Healthcare and their propensity to delay and denial care, how can AARP continue to support this company?

Hail, Hale NaniMany of the residents at the last nursing/rehab facility that I attended (marking my sixth month recovery from intestinal surgeries) had strange habits. One woman spoke gibberish to her imaginary friends while she obsessively stroked every hair of her beloved, bedraggled dog-eared teddy bear. Another woman devoted much of her time methodically embracing two stuffed animals from The Lion King, Simba and Kiara. She didn’t talk to them. Instead, she groomed them with precise strokes.I, on the other hand, was proud to have more constructive things to do: checking a few news websites, following the baseball playoffs, watching thrillers on Netflix, and reading historical romance novels.But last week I had an epiphany.  At one point in my stay at Queen’s hospital, I was blessed with two stuffed animals; one represented courage and the other, gratitude. Occasionally I latched onto them with the fervor displayed by the two women who doted on their stuffed animals. I am not a

Courteous Strangers Assist me during my RehabilitationThis past week, a stranger kindly lifted me when I was having trouble maneuvering out of a low-seated chair at a restaurant; many people helped me when I tried to keep open a door to enter and exit a restroom. One fellow even raised my uncooperative shorts that perversely enjoyed being stuck at half- mast after I had almost finished my routine in the men’s room.I greatly appreciated Chris, a nurse at 720 Puahi Queens Medical Center. He anticipated my needs, whether it was making the bed, finding late-night snacks, or getting the doctor to sign a couple of prescriptions. Whenever he heard about how soon I’d go home, he told me my status. I could always count on Chris to handle me confidently, gently, and graciously.  He is a true mensch, as we say in Yiddish. Give him the highest honors at your facility.

Over the past year we have had our auto insurance through AARP and the Hartford, paying $2,497 for two vehicles. It is renewal time and our Agent tells us that The Hartford has decided to increase their rates across the tri-county area in south Florida. Our renewal policy increased $690 annually. This, in spite of our clear driving record. My agent also tells us that it is a strategy the company has taken to reduce risk. They know that X% will drop them and switch to another company. They also know that Y% will continue with them and pay the higher rate, offsetting the lost revenue. So the insurance company, in the end, is able to maintain revenue with a smaller customer base and thus reduce their exposure to risk. Great plan for the company unless the value of X turns out greater than expected. Although I think the Hartford is a top notch company I am one of the X's and am switching to another well regarded company with similar coverage, including accident forgiveness, payin

  I recently was interested in buying a $100,000 LTC policy funded by my IRA and was told that I needed to wire the $100,000 before the insurance company would send my my contract and benefit information. Is this normal? They are a well known company but I just couldn't imagine sending the money without a contract.

Stress can harm the body and brain. A recent study found that chronic stress was linked to a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment. Watch this video to learn ways you can help manage de-stress. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health tips.               7 Simple Stress Busters to Try Today

Renew Active has fixed its website, so supplement holders no longer have to log in to their UHC account and do two-factor verification just to see which gyms are available to them. UHCrenewactive.com now has a drop-down menu where you pick your fitness network (e.g. Advantage or supplement).  Yay!  Plus the interface on the Renew Active site is massively easier to use than the one accessed by logging in to my UHC account. Supplement holders now have an easier time finding gyms, and people with Advantage plans can see what gyms would be included if they switch to a UHC supplement, or change to an Advantage plan that includes premium gyms. None of this brings back Club Pilates or Stretch Lab, of course, but at least I can look for gyms without wanting to tear my hair out.  And people can be informed customers when choosing a UHC supplement or Advantage plan. Unfortunately, it's not working on my Firefox, but it does work on Chrome.

 We paid for Medicare PART A or Medicare Hospital Insurance during our working years via a payroll tax currently at the rate of 1.45% for the employee and matched by the employer.  This is on all earned income.  But this Trust Fund is running out of money.  So what are we to do for this portion of Medicare to preserve it - probably the only solution is to up the payroll tax rate for those working - but also perhaps it is to review these benefits and cut back on them when we can.  Medicare Advantage plans already do this so perhaps it is time for traditional Medicare specifically  Medicare Part A to become more managed-care-like or at least make sure that the medical need is there under Part A Medicare. What else could we do?  Cut doctor pay even more?  Cut payments to hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities?   Each part of Medicare is different - in what it covers and how it is funded - so it is best to take each part and discuss