Health

Can meditating make you feel happier? Research suggests it can. By calming and quieting the mind,  meditation may help to enhance contentment, broaden your perspective, and improve overall quality of life. Try this practice to help bring more balance and joy to your day. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Why are we always limited to $2,000.00 in the checking and savings accounts according to the Social Security Administration and Medicare? It is very hard for me to pay bills, food, and other items I need for my medical issues without bumping bills. Not only that since I was discharged from the second Health and rehab center on November 12, 2024, I went home that day. I have had to make arrangements for home health care. This is ongoing now. I have finished updating my checkbook from June 2024 to Now. I have also gone through all the most current bills and have organized them so that I can have them listed and review when My funds are in the checking account.  Does AARP know of any Financial advisor or an attorney, who could come and talk to me about what else I can do to pay these bills? I have also been threatened with possible foreclosure by my mortgage company, which caused me to pay a large amount of my social security funds.  I made a large payment to the mortgage c

Since I am moving, I need to switch Medicare C plans. Will the Part D out-of-pocket limit be reset to $2,000 when I switch to a new plan, or does the prior value carry over? Will the $450 drug deductible I paid to first plan be applied to new plan's out-of-pocket limit?

 I received a phone call from 978-802-3052 claiming to be United Healthcare AARP wanting to speak to my dad.  I am his POA, and my cell number is listed on the account.  It was a voice activated survey, and I said I would not answer the questions.  Then I turned around and called the number back, and they said 2 names are associated with this number. Is this (dad's name)?  Mom is also associated with the number for UHC AARP, so it seemed like they really were from UHC AARP.  The questions only asked for dad's birth year which is public information.  Everything else was health oriented about his pain level, days of exercise, mental well-being, ability to meet needs, etc.  Weird thing is, dad has had dementia for years, and the questions did not make sense for a person with dementia.  At the end of the call, it said, if you have any questions, call UHC at 800-523-5800. That is the UHC AARP Med Supp customer service number. I called and spoke t

FROM THE ARTICLE: Congress Faces March 31 Deadline to Extend Medicare Telehealth Coverage.Benefit for home-based care begun during the pandemic will expire without lawmakers’ action. By Susan Milligan, AARP. Published February 27, 2025. Unless Congress acts before March 31, millions of Medicare patients who have been able to use telehealth as part of their medical care since 2020 will lose coverage for the pandemic-era benefit starting in April.The coverage has been a boon for those who have difficulty getting to an office to see a doctor, including older adults living in rural areas or with mobility problems. Caregivers strapped for time to transport their loved ones also have benefited. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2025/medicare-telehealth-coverage-deadline.html

Between  January 01 and March 31 every year, a beneficiary can CHANGE their Medicare Advantage Plan. Look for the heading of Medicare ADVANTAGE OPEN ENROLLMENT at this site -Medicare.gov - Medicare Open Enrollment 01/01 - 03/31  So if you don’t like the MA plan you have now, your can change to another MA plan during this period.    

  Do you routinely monitor and verify your Medicare usage on your Medicare Summary Notices ?  If for no other reason than to verify the charge is yours?

Being happy not only feels good but also can benefit the brain. Explore simple ways to add happiness to your daily life — from connecting with others to practicing kindness — in the Pursuit of Happiness challenge. You’ll discover what you can do on a regular basis to help create more joy in your life. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Whoa, just like that it’s time for Fitness Friday again! This standing belly fat blast workout with fitness expert Denise Austin will strengthen your core and back in the comfort of your own home. I did it yesterday and it's a good one!   With AARP Rewards, you’ll also score points for your workout! Get started today.     Did you like this workout? Hit reply and let us know what you thought!

Is it something we’re born with, or can we develop it? Learn where confidence comes from, and how can you take steps to strengthen it. Watch this TED Talk to learn more. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

A morning walk not only perks you up — it sets the tone for an energized day. Get your steps in early, soak up the natural light, and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Plus, the sunlight can help regulate your circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep at night. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

IRA drug caps are why your drug part D premiums increased.  AARP makes billions of dollars selling products from UnitedHealth Group, the nation’s largest insurer. And insurers made out like bandits in the IRA — the new “negotiations” (read: price controls) on pharmaceuticals help pad their bottom lines, as does the extension of enhanced Obamacare subsidies in the law, paid for by raiding the Medicare program.  AARP always claims that policy, not politics, dictates its stances. But when the organization’s tax filing with the IRS admits that “gross revenue of AARP and its affiliates … are considered in employee compensation,” and royalties, primarily but not exclusively from UnitedHealth, constitute over 60 percent of the organization’s revenue — and growing — each and every AARP employee has thousands of reasons to toe the UnitedHealth line, in the form of their paychecks.

Digital distractions are everywhere — constant pings keep us busy and pulled in every direction. Take five minutes to watch this video and learn about different meditation styles that may help reduce distraction, ease stress and enhance positive thinking. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

  Here is the situation:     1. I know someone whose sole income is just about $1200 per month from Social Security     2. Her health is bad:   she only has  (had) Medicare   3,   She was recently approved for Medicaid.    She was told that she would no longer have Medicare, and that she would no longer be billed monthly for Medicare, because she was now entitled to receive care under Medicaid.   4.  She was receiving about $90 a month in SNAP benefits, but those benefits have been cancelled because she is now on Medicaid.   5.  Finally, will  her change in status affect her ability to receive reduced heating billing because of her low income? My big question:  who is qualified to explain these things in a manner which is understandable?   I want to advise her about who she can talk to about her situation.  It is often impossible to find someo

I am currently collecting data for my dissertation research, recruiting participants aged 60-79 that reside in the U.S only. I would appreciate your help in sharing with your networks, or submit the screening survey if you fit the inclusion criteria, below!To be considered for participation, please complete the following screening survey:https://cuchicago.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6g0qJHZueeH0kMm ***Exploring Intrinsic and Extrinsic Barriers to Exercise Among Sedentary Older Adults with Mild-to-Moderate Depression: A Socioecological PerspectiveAre you between the ages of 60-79? I invite you to be part of my exciting research study!I am currently a Doctoral Candidate working on finishing my PhD.Share your experiences and insights as we delve into understanding the world of staying active and embracing new routines.Your input could help illuminate the relationship between exercise and depression. Your participation in this research can make a difference!To be considered for particip

Taking care of your heart can support brain health. Managing blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, staying active, eating nutritious foods, and reducing stress all work together to keep both your heart and brain healthy. Learn more about supporting your health and wellness. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Good morning!   I just turned 64 and am trying to get some information about Medicare.  I will be eligible next year but have no idea where to go to find out what to expect in way of premiums, etc.  My husband is still working and we have insurance through his company, can I stay on his work policy and pass on Medicare until I need it? If someone knows where I might find this information, I would appreciate the help! Best regards!Jenny 

I hope I'm in the correct area to post this.  I will be 64 in a few weeks and I am starting to freak out over Medicare.  I have no idea how to find out what my premiums will be.  I'm a big time planner and want to get info before I need it.  Also, since my husband is still working, will I have to take Medicare or can I stay on his plan? Thanks in advance! Jen

 No more resolutions that disappear as quickly as the winter snow. This year, take the time to write down your goals — big or small — and start working toward them. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

First time posting here and let's see if this comes out right... I am based in the US but spend about half of the time travelling in other countries.  Any recommendation on insurance plans that can supplement US-based Marketplace plans for emergencies when I travel?  I guess the cheaper base plans typically do not cover things when one is out of town. Thanks.

    I hope all those that voted for DJT & Republicans are happy now that you thought they would lower prices for you. DJT just rescinded Biden's EO to lower prescription drug prices for all of you. You have been scammed.  https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/hours-into-presidency-trump-rescinds-attempts-to-lower-prescription-costs-rolls-back-some-aca-rules/

Mental health therapists and counselors in my area are overworked and overloaded with patients. Especially since the covid pandemic. This means it’s nearly impossible to find a mental health professional to help those of us who are not in immediate crisis and/or harm. As someone who has clinical depressions, ADHD, and anxiety disorders, I haven’t been able to see or speak to a therapist in over 2 years. My last counselor relocated and no one is able to take new patients. Are there any online therapists that accept Medicare or provide reasonable rates for those who need it?

Last year i ended up in a GA hospital while visiting family. I live in New York State and had Blue Cross Medicare Supplemental Insurance at the time. The original hospital ER sent a bill to Medicare and Blue Cross. The hospital for the last 11 months has said the secondary payer has not paid the bill and want me to pay it. After numerous hour long conference calls in the spring I discovered the problem. The hospital (or Medicare) had sent the wrong hospital name and address for the bill. The hospital had been taken over by a large regional hospital, but this had happened 2 years before I was there. For the first few months the hospital claimed they had not received the original Blue Cross check but later they admitted they had it. It was decided among all parties that a corrected form would be sent by the hospital to Blue Cross and then Blue Cross would send a new check and void the old one. I am now told, months later, that form was never sent and my account has not been fully paid. I

Eating well is one of the six pillars of brain health, and it starts with the contents in your kitchen. Keep your pantry filled with olive oil, beans and whole grains, and spices — especially if you’re following the Mediterranean Diet. These staples will make healthy cooking easier and more enjoyable. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

..... you are increasing the radon gas level in your house. I have monitoring equipment, and I've done testing with it. Even with an average residential exhaust hood, heavy natural gas use can double your average ambient radon gas level in your house. Radon comes along for the ride when you use natural gas. My monitoring rig is in the back of my house, almost one hundred feet from my range top and stove. I can see, easily, that using natural gas, even with an exhaust hood, will increase your chances of getting certain cancers that may be caused by radon gas. I don't like electric ovens and range tops, but I may switch from gas in the next year. Do your own research.