Health

Just started water aerobics and it's working wonders for strength and balance 

Anyone know why UHC has dropped this plan in 2025?  I just got established with my doctors on this plan & I am really angry that I will most likely have to find new doctors. What UHC plan is similar to this that will be offered in 2025?thank you.  

 Both me and my wife are taking Victoza injection for type 2 diabetes treatment. Victoza was covered by Part D plans in my area (zip code 27526) since 2020 when we first enrolled in Medicare. Now when we are shopping for Part D plans for 2025, none of the 19 Prescription Drug plans cover Victoza? This is due to Biden's bill which limits the maximum drug cost to $2,000 in 2025. In order to keep the cost down all the insurance companies will stop covering name brand drugs for diabetes treatment. Premiums will go up more than inflation for Part D as well to cover the $2,000 cap.AARP should have advocated to make sure that insurance companies cover all the drugs they were covering during 2024 for 2025 and onwards. Want to know anyone else in similar situation as we are and what they are doing about drugs not covered during 2025 Part D plans.

  I am thinking of changing current UHC Medigap Plan G to another Insurer company for Plan D or G.  Wondering what is involved - is it only questions about health.  Thank you.

Do all companies provide Renew Active with Plan G Medigap Insurance?

  Many 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 asha

 TO: AARP Bulletin Editor Member Services For a number of years, correct as years, I have contacted AARP Senior Management regarding the extreme high cost of Long Term Care Insurance. Request was their direct evolvement in providing lobbying to secure financial assistance to those that are self-funding the Long Term Care Insurance. The TransAmeruca LTC policy in CT monthly premium cost is:  $905.67 The requested financial assistance would be State and Federal US Income tax and/or credits based upon the LTC premium cost. The policy owners have adopted the personal responsibility to fund a portion of their LTC health care rather than having Government taxes fully support with Medicare or Medicaid. To date, I never received any type of reply from the AARP Senior Executives or anyone else in the AARP organization. Your assistance is requested to raising the visibility of the extreme cost ( monthly premium of $905.67 ) of Long Tern Care Insurance and securing G

All: I was just reading the Oct 2024 AARP Bulletin Article pgs 24-25: What you'll pay out of pocket on Medicare by Brandy Bauer. In 2 of the 4 scenarios, with Original Medicare your out of pocket expenses are less than if you have Original Medicare plus part D plus Medicare Supplement. This does not make sense that you would pay less out of pocket if you have the 2 extra coverages. Please explain.

Lots of changes are happening in Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug Plans for 2025.  Notices of change are beginning to go out before open enrollment begins the middle of October. Don’t just look at the premiums - look at the details of the plan and just make sure you have one that meets your needs be that meds on a formulary, its price or pre-qualifications of getting it or a network provider - doctors and hospitals - or even your MA deductible limit and of course, premiums.. Remember IF your specific Medicare Advantage insurer or plan disappears from your geographical area for some reason, this might open up a guaranteed period for you. It is just real important that you review everything for this 2025 policy period because of all the legislative and CMS rule changes that have gone into place for the up and coming year.  As with all insurance products - expand the benefits and everybody share in the cost of coverage. In addition, Part B premi

Hi, I am going to be turning 64 this October. I have been receiving medical insurance through my STBX's former employer, but that situation has gotten tenuous since we are close to getting divorced. I am too young for medicare, but will need insurance. Does AARP have any health care plans that will cover me? After all, not everyone waits to retire at 65/66. Thank you.

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