Health

I'm 62 and currently on COBRA while I look for a new job. My wife is 69 (retired) and was covered under my ex-employers plan, she currently has Medicare Part A only. I know the COBRA coverage covers my wife as well but I'm not clear if she's REQUIRED to sign up for part B immediately or we can wait until I get a job (or I retire) I greatly appreciate any info/pointers  that clears this up for me! Darrell

 I was watching a video that discussed the pros and cons of both Medicare supplements and Advantage Plans (MAPs). On the topic of networks, this person said, as an example, that the Mayo Clinic is not in-network for many MAPs. I looked on the Mayo Clinic web site and found a Commercial Insurance Plan Contracts document for the Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester, Minnesota. That document says, "Mayo Clinic providers and hospitals are contracted with the organizations listed below". Included in that list is something that says, "UnitedHealthcare - Medicare Advantage (select plans)".  Question: Is the AARP UHC PPO MAP one of the "select plans" that are contracted with the Mayo Clinic?

Treating hearing loss can help you stay socially connected as you age — which has profound benefits for health and well-being. Avoiding hearing loss, or treating it if it happens, is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Read this Special report, which explains that hearing is integral to brain health and well-being. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

Challenge yourself to take the next step to add healthier habits into your life. There’s no better time than the present — start the Fit & Fun challenge from AARP® Staying Sharp® . Each week, you'll dive into a new aspect of fitness and health, from mastering the essentials of stretching and flexibility to optimizing your sleep and nutrition. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

 I started Medicare this year. Our modified gross adjusted income in 2022 was 6 thousand over into the next IRMAA category so we have to pay extra. I received the letter about this on September 15 and it says I have 60 d to appeal. Well, this year my wife and I are making a bit more than 2022 so no reason to appeal now. BUT next year we both retire and will have a substantially lower MGAI and certainly low enough to eliminate the IRMAA charge.So--no reason to appeal now but the letter says if I don't appeal within 60 days, we better have a good reason to appeal later. Does this just mean appealing this year? I plan to appeal next year when we are both retired.They reassess every year depending on our taxes 2 years past, right? So eventually, we will naturally lose the IRMAA charge...but I would rather not wait 2 years. Do I have this right?? Thanks!

CBD oil is legal in all 50 states because it is made from the hemp plant. CBC oil does not contain mind altering THC chemical found in cannabis. I recently discovered the value of taking a few drops of CBD oil under my tongue prior to going to bed. As a result of using about 5 mg., I go to sleep quicker and have less pain due to arthritis next day.  I was wondering if other AARP members are using CBD oil for their health? For those who do use CBD oil, what has been your results?

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Is Your Doctor’s Age Bias Making Your High Blood Pressure Worse? The undertreatment of hypertension in older adults could have serious health consequences. By Kimberly Hayes, AARP. Published October 10, 2024. Older adults are more likely than younger people to have high blood pressure and suffer from serious health conditions that can be caused or worsened by hypertension, such as heart disease and stroke. But research suggests that high blood pressure in older patients often isn’t being treated as aggressively as it should be.  A Harvard study found that more than 70 percent of older Americans who need more intensive treatment for high blood pressure aren’t receiving it, and some health experts say they think age bias could play a role in those decisions. The assumption by doctors that high blood pressure is inevitable after a certain age, and concerns about side effects of lower blood pressures on older people,

Gain fresh insights on ways to cope with change while maintaining peace of mind. Explore a series of challenges that focus on building the foundations of mental wellness through managing emotions, increasing resilience, discovering mindfulness and pursuing happiness. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

How do you feel after volunteering? It can be a deeply rewarding experience that positively impacts your life. Learn about the benefits of volunteering when you explore AARP® Staying Sharp®.

Whether it's those stiff knees in the morning or a nagging ache after a long day, arthritis can make even the simplest activities feel like a challenge. But here’s the good news: many seniors are discovering an unlikely hero in their wellness toolkit—cannabis! https://seniorsavvycannabis.substack.com/p/easing-arthritis-pain?r=4ct8jb

When it comes to Medicare, one of the most misunderstood topics is the Part D late enrollment penalty. This penalty can be a costly surprise for those who didn’t sign up for Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) when they first became eligible. Fortunately, with the right information and planning, you can avoid this penalty altogether. In this detailed guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about the Medicare Part D penalty, how it works, and the steps you can take to avoid it.What Is Medicare Part D?Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered to people with Medicare. It helps pay for prescription medications, which are not covered under Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Part D plans are sold by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and they can be standalone plans (if you have Original Medicare) or included in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).Having prescription drug coverage is important for many Medicare beneficiaries, particularly

As the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches, it's time to carefully consider your Medicare options. One common question that beneficiaries face is whether to stick with Original Medicare, enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, or consider a Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) plan. With so many choices, it’s essential to understand the differences, especially when it comes to out-of-pocket costs, coverage flexibility, and long-term financial planning. Let's take a deep dive into what makes Medicare Advantage different from Medicare Supplements, and explore which option might be right for you.What Is Medicare Advantage?Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), offered through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and often include prescription drug coverage (Part D), along with additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing.The appeal of Medi

As we approach the next enrollment period for Medicare, it’s crucial to be aware of the upcoming changes in both Medicare and prescription drug plans. These updates can significantly impact beneficiaries, so staying informed will help you make the best decisions for your healthcare coverage. Below, we’ll cover what’s changing, how it might affect you, and what to keep an eye on for the future.Changes to Medicare in 2024Part B Premium and Deductible AdjustmentsOne of the first things people often ask about is whether Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles are increasing. In 2024, the Medicare Part B standard premium will rise slightly, as is typically the case year over year. The exact increase will depend on final announcements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Historically, these increases are aligned with rising healthcare costs and inflation. Deductibles for Part B will also see a minor uptick, which will apply to outpatient services such as doctor visits,

I have been on AARP UHC Advantage since May 2022, when I first became eligibile. I would like to switch to AARP UHC Medigap plan G during Open Enrollment. Is that allowed? How do I go about it?

Hello All,I am Krishna and 81 years old. I did not enroll in Medicare at age 65 as I was working and covered by the employer's insurance plans. I worked with three companies in these 16 years and one company does not exist in USA now. I am working with the current employer for the past 8 years. All through this period, my wife and I were covered by employer's insurance plans. I am planning to retire next year and opt for Medicare. Do I have to pay a penalty for late joining? I remember reading a clause that says if I have creditable insurance coverage for two years before joining Medicare, the penalty does not apply. I do not remember receiving any forms of separation from previous two companies. Will someone clarify what will be my position? Thank youKrishna Kandala

Hi All, My wife and I have had the AARP UHC Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP) for about 4 years now. We have been relatively happy with the service and coverage. The dental plan has caused a few problems which we have overcome. I had some minor surgery that was initially denied. But the reason for the denial suggested some miscommunication. The doctor's office resubmitted the claim and I never heard anymore about it. But most (if not all) I hear about MAPs is horror stories about poor service and denied claims. Are there no good experiences, are there no successes, are there no benefits, are there no good reasons to choose a MAP? Is it all that bad? Just asking. 

I understand the AARP Community Guidelines, but I have to question why a discussion such as the disrespect, physical and mental assault of Tyreek Hill cannot be a discussion? This was all-out racism, based on Miami-Dade County body-worn camera videos released, imo. But, others may view it differently, so I'd like to have opinions. So my question is how can we discuss this safely if not on AARP? I get it; leave politics out of it; but please give us a space to discuss major issues, please?

I have  a general question about how AARP UHC’s Community-rated Medicare Supplements actually work, with regard to premiums. I’ll ask by example. For purposes of this question, assume that any enrollments I refer to are under guaranteed issue rights OR that the enrollee fully meets underwriting requirements for acceptance at “regular” pricing. 65-year-old Carol and 70-year-old Laura are both female non-smokers that live in single-member households in the same zip code. They both enroll in the same AARP UHC Medicare supplement in October 2024. I know that they will have the same BASE premium, and that differences in their net premiums will be due completely to differences in discounts (especially the age-based discounts). My question: If Laura instead enrolled in that same plan in October 2019, when she was 65, would her BASE premium in October 2024 still be the same as Carol’s? I guess what I’m really asking is, are people who enrolled in different years considered

I have been trying to get UHC to provide me my Medicare Supplement rate for 2024. I have called customer service to see if there is any document outlining the rates for 2024 but it is like pulling teeth. The people in the UHC customer service center are very hard to understand and I have had no luck getting any info from them or an email with the details. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. 

Hi everyone! If you’ve ever been curious about how cannabis could support your wellness journey—whether it’s for managing pain, sleep, or just general questions—I’m here to help. I’m offering free 15-minute consultations for anyone who wants to learn more. It’s a friendly, no-pressure chat where you can ask anything about cannabis—whether you’re a beginner or already familiar. I’ll help guide you through any concerns or questions you might have. Interested? Just reply here or reach out, and I’ll send you all the info to book a time. Looking forward to chatting with you! https://seniorsavvycannabis.substack.com/p/curious-about-cannabis

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Medicare Open Enrollment: Everything You Need to Know. When it starts and ends, how to choose a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan and why it’s important to compare your options this year. By Dena Bunis and Kimberly Lankford, AARP. Published September 22, 2022.Updated September 18, 2024. Every October, Medicare gives its more than 67 million beneficiaries a chance to review coverage and make changes for the coming year. While experts say too many enrollees overlook this opportunity, evaluating your options this year is especially important because of big changes coming to Medicare in 2025. https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2022/open-enrollment.html

Hello, this is been an on going issues with me now for several months. I am over 65, not on Medicare, and I had insurance through my employer. When my work was discontinued, I signed up for COBRA to continue my existing insurance for the last 3 months of 2023. Even though the statement from COBRA and Cigna both state this is the same insurance I had when I was employed, Cigna is only paying as secondary and not covering me as the primary. They are saying that I am "eligible" for Medicare so they will only pay as the secondary even though they know I do not have Medicare. I only continued the insurance for 3 months to continue the year with same insurance until I signed up for Medicare in 2024. How can I get help with this because nowhere in any of the documents was it stated that the purchaced COBRA insurnace thru Cigna would be Secondary. I am being giving the run around by Cigna and no one is helping (not my previous employer nor COBRA). I am at the mercy is Cigna and they are not bu

Will be turning 65 this Nov and I need help in choosing the plan...united/,humana?? I am still active healthy, playing tennis, pickleball, fishing, gardening, outdoors....don't drink or smokeI need vision and dental--as usual- had cataract surgery 2 yrs ago and might need to go for a check upI heard about the Healthy choice program-- free $$$ for food and etc Any info will be helpful. Thanks

For those who just want to stay informed - kind of dry reading but informative. CMS.gov 04/01/2024 - Final CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet The above is kind of technical. CMS.gov Part D Improvements The above gives added details on the changes to Part D plans for 2025 CMS.gov - 04/04/2024 - Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F) Tells more about changes happening in the Medicare Advantage part of Medicare and Part D plans whether a MAPD (Medicare Advantage with included Prescription Drug plan) or PDP (free standing prescription drug plans)   

https://seniorsavvycannabis.substack.com/p/how-cannabis-can-help-seniors-with