Health

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. 

I'm a big plain greek yogurt and kombucha fan, and the probiotics help keep my gut balanced and healthy! What foods do you eat regularly for gut health?   A nourished GI track can make you stronger, fitter and happier. Check out What to Eat to Improve Your Gut Health if you're looking for ideas on what to eat.

Outside bike riding is an excellent way for people  to exercise, improve one’s cardiovascular health, experience nature which is therapeutic and reduces stress. As well as a great way to meet new friends. As an incentive for adults over the age of 50, I’m looking to organize a group bike club. For those of us who don’t want to be confined to a gym and want to improve our quality of life.Does anyone have any advice, suggestions, recommendations or resources to help me? Thank you.

MAHA (Make America Heathy Again)

Beginning in 2025 my state (Connecticut) has a new law that requires medical insurance companies to cover the cost of cardiac calcium scans. Unsurprisingly, no one involved with my upcoming scan--cardiologist, insurance company, or radiology center--knows anything about this law. It's a state law, and AARP touts its legislative advocacy branch--how would I get them involved to try to attack what appears to be willful ignorance of this law? Thanks.

You are only offered nonsense to buy

 I am sure that the changes to part D planes next year will help a lot of people but not all.My mother will be paying over $1,000 more out of pocket for her medicine due to these changes. Same drugs same insurance but she will be paying $1998.70 out of pocket next year compared to just over $900 this year. One of her medicines that cost her $2 a month for 10 months this year and $142 a month for the last 2 months of the year will cost her $142 all 12 months next year. I feel bad for those with much higher drug costs and I am glad they are getting some relief, but it seems the relief is not coming from the drug or insurance companies or from the government but from people like my mom. Fortunately, she can manage it for now, but some may not be able to. Is this happening to anyone else? 

This video has been categorized as "annual" (or yearly) but I truly believe it should in the least be "monthly", please consider... "Holly Robinson Peete’s ‘Hard Road’ Caring For Dad"  Thank you in advance for considering this improvement.

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.

Building resilience is about more than just bouncing back — it's a skill you can develop to thrive in the face of adversity. The Building Resilience challenge from AARP® Staying Sharp® offers practical tools to help you reframe your thinking, strengthen your mindset, and harness your inner power. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Does anyone know how the $ 2000 'limit' for medications is calculated? With the previous 'doughnut hole' method, the combination of what the insurance company paid and what the individual paid was used to calculate the amount to get you to the 'doughnut hole.'  Once the individual reached the 'doughnut hole,' ONLY what the individual paid was used to calculate the amount needed to reach the catastrophic coverage level.   This article uses the word 'sharing.'  Does that imply that both the insurance company's and the individual's payment(s) will be combined to reach the $ 2000 limit?  Or are we to assume that only what the individual pays counts towards the $ 2000 limit? Thanks.  This could make a significant difference in whether or not to use the extended payment program offered in 2025. Dave

You trust your doctor. He prescribes a test, image or treatment but wants you to sign an ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non Coverage) - So what is your choice on the ABN if you trust your doctor?  I know what I do - but what do you do? Option 1: You want items or services that Medicare may not pay for. Your provider or supplier may ask you to pay for these items or services now, but you also want your provider or supplier to submit a claim to Medicare.If Medicare denies payment: You’re responsible for paying. However, since a claim was submitted, you can appeal to Medicare.If Medicare does pay: Your provider or supplier will refund any payments you made (not including your copayments or deductibles).Option 2: You want items or services that Medicare may not pay for, but you don’t want your provider or supplier to submit a claim to Medicare. You may be asked to pay for the items or services now. Because you asked your provider or supplier not to submit a claim t

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! 5 Actions to Take for 2025 During Medicare Open Enrollment. Tips for choosing a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription plan in a year of historic change. By Kimberly Lankford, AARP. Published October 04, 2024. Be prepared for one of the biggest changes to the Medicare prescription drug program ever: In 2025, out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs will be limited to $2,000 annually. The new cap applies to stand-alone Part D and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans with drug coverage. But the change is rippling down to other costs and coverage. https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/open-enrollment-action-plan.html

I have my go-to recipes, but I’m always in the mood to try something new. What’s the last recipe you tried? If you’re looking for a new recipe, try Baked Eggs, Tomatoes & Chiles (Shakshuka) for your next Sunday brunch. Find more recipes at AARP® Staying Sharp® today, an AARP member benefit.

Really good article here on AARP and how they make 3 times as much money from insurance sales commissions from United Healthcare (yes that one) than they do from member dues.  https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2024-12-11-how-aarp-shills-for-unitedhealthcare/ Everyone here should understand AARP finances and if this post is removed by the moderators then you know they do not want to be honest or transparent with us.  Follow the money