Health

Your brain's health and vitality are crucial for your overall well-being. Discover seven top nutrients for brain health and find out which foods to include in your diet. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

A couple months ago I went through AARP to get a quote for long term care insurance.  I was directed to Agua Fria Financial Group that offers a New York Life package.  It all sounded fine until I was told that in order to go through the application and review process I would have to pay for the first month of coverage.  I could live with that, but then I was told by the rep that "All I need to be able to email you your application is your routing and account number you want the initial premium to come out of for you Long Term Care application."  They would take no other form of payment. It may be a perfectly reputable firm, but I find it odd that in these days of so many seniors being defrauded by giving out their bank accounts that an AARP recommended company would require that.  Does AARP know that Agua Fria is requiring bank account info up front, and that there is no guarantee that I would pass the review process, potentially losing the cost of a month

[Tuesday 9/3/24] Any OTHER pre-diabetic folks out there?  🤔 Thanks,Nicole  👵  (Healthy Living Forum)

  Do you know the answer?   Can a person get Medicare benefits WITHOUT being eligible for any of the programs covered by Social Security - Retirement, Disability or Survivors Benefits?  

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! 7 Medicare Changes You’ll See in 2025. Expensive medications? You’ll save thousands. Dementia or mental health care? More options. By Kimberly Lankford, AARP. Published August 26, 2024. You can thank the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for some of the biggest Medicare changes in the past few years — including a welcome reprieve from the high costs of prescription drugs. https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/medicare-changes-coming-in-2025.html

Recently I came upon an 86 year old beneficiary that was paying over $ 800 a month for her MediGAP plan.  The beneficiary had had this plan since 1st signing up for this coverage along with Medicare Part A & B.  Unreal, right - yes, but it could have been taken care of many years ago IF only the beneficiary was aware of the problem and the solution. This beneficiary was still on one of the MediGAP plans that had been discontinued from new sales many years ago.  So needless to say, those remaining in this plan were now older, most likely sicker and fewer in number.  So, that is part 1 of the higher premiums. The state where she lived had also passed some laws during past years concerning coverage under MediGAP plans - the state expanded the choices of MediGAP plans to those less than 65 years old and Medicare eligible because of a disability - this makes premiums higher in every plan affected because it is adding more risk to the insurer.  So that’

We often lose touch with people we care about, but it’s never too late to reconnect — and it’s beneficial. Maintaining social connections can help you avoid loneliness and isolation, which are linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia and early death. With smartphones and social media, staying in touch is easy. Thinking about a friend you haven’t talked to in a while? Reach out today. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

  I may have to have a large portion of the top of my ear removed due to skin cancer. Will Medicare cover reconstruction surgery afterward? I know I'm going to have major issues with missing half my ear. 

On the serious side, a friend from Nashville sent me this: Air Quality Alerts are in effect for multiple Middle Tennessee counties on Monday for ground-level ozone.Those with respiratory and/or cardiovascular health ailments will want to limit time outdoors. Dangerously hot weather returns to the Midstate this week. Several days have a chance of hitting 100 + degrees in Nashville. With the humidity rising, “feels like temperatures” will be a few degrees higher, as the heat index likely well above 100-105 + degrees. Dangerously hot weather On the ‘less’ serious side, the CERTIFIED MOST ACCURATE 7-Day Forecast & Daily Planner...TELLS A SLIGHTLY SKEWED STORY.....(obviously from another week)....LOL!CERTIFIED MOST ACCURATE LOL! .....(obviously from another week) So next time you’re being a bit too hard on yourself...(or to loved ones)...remember,....even the best ‘experts’ make mistakes too! In the areas experiencing the dangerous heat waves....be sure to limit

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! LISS Cardio: A Joint-Friendly Workout With Great Health Benefits for Older Adults. Low-intensity steady-state exercise gives HIIT, high-intensity interval training, a run for its money — at a slower pace that makes sticking with it easier. By Michael Schroeder, AARP. Published August 23, 2024. No pain, no gain? Go hard or go home? More like slow and steady wins the race. At least that’s the case for many — if not most — older adults looking for an exercise routine they’ll actually stick with to boost cardiovascular and overall health. Experts say low-intensity steady-state (LISS) cardio ­— which could be anything from brisk walking or biking to swimming — could be that answer for many age 50 and older. Plus, the more relaxed, steady approach typically sidesteps risks ranging from joint sprains, strains and bone fractures to exercise-induced heart attacks linked with jumping into higher-intensity activity. https://

Eat well. Exercise regularly. Your daily actions add up, and following six key habits can support brain health. Learn more about incorporating these habits into your daily routine. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

I'm posting this for my 87 year old Mother, who's a AARP member :).  She had been using a G6 CGM for a few years and switched Endocrinologists.  Her new doctor recommended a G7 Dexcom sensor and my Mom has only been having problems inserting the sensor.  It's recommended for the back of her arm, but she cannot hold the device and press the button to get it to activate.  She has my Alzheimer's father try to help, but he doesn't really understand, doesn't want to hurt her and also cannot press the button.  She was told she could try her belly, which she had been doing with the G6, but even that didn't work.  I'm curious to know if others (more elderly) have similar challenges and what may or may not have worked.  We were told that the G6 will eventually be discontinued so they won't want to put her back on that. I've asked if there's another supplier, like Libre, that she could try.  My Mom's ready to give it up alltogether and go back to nothing,

 I currently have the AARP UHC Plan G Medigap Policy. I have been hit with some hefty increases over the first year and a half of having the policy over 17%. If it wasn't for a previous condition I would most likely switch companies or plan. My wife is now coming up to Medicare and we have to get her a policy. I know a lot more now and was researching plans and history of rate increases. Most states have a website with a database to research rate price increases over time. When I went to our website in Florida to research I found that UHC does not show any rate increase history since 2017. All you see is asterisks. The reason that is noted is they do not show this information because of trade secrets. Amazing that they are hiding this information from consumers trying to research who to pick when the state has to approve it and is public knowledge. Example Mutual of Omaha shows their rate increase history.  remember once you sign up you can't get out of a plan unles

Hi. I have Kaiser Senior Medicare Advantage and am enrolled in the Silver & Fit free gym membership program offered under that plan. I am having issues getting Silver & Fit to add the gym nearest me to their list of locations for me even though that gym tells me they participate in the program. I find this very odd. If others here are enrolled in Silver & Fit, can you share notes on your experience with the program, in particular if you’ve had similar issues accessing a gym facility near you?Thanks so much for anything you can share. 

I cannot find a forum to discuss issues related to the governance of the USA and the election we're soon having. Is it I who can't find it? Or is it AARP that isn't providing it? If the latter, shame on AARP!

$450 for a prescription that other providers sell for $11 to $16? This is price gouging on a scale that sent Martin Shkreli to jail. I've got a new job and with it, new insurance, a high-deductible policy with an HSA for the first time. Under my old policy, I had been making $25 copayments for 90-day supplies of my one prescription. I had no idea what it might cost without coverage. When I refilled it for the first time under my new policy, CVS Caremark (my new insurer's only supplier of 90-day refills) called to authorize the sale at $450. I would not be eligible to make a $30 copayment until my deductible was satisfied. I was shocked, but I concluded that this must be the regular price for my prescription, a price I had never paid in full before. So, I agreed. Only later did I think to look at other prescription drug providers, even if my insurance would not cover them. For the same prescription, CostPlusDrugs.com would charge $16, delivered. Amazon Pharmacy would charge $11 with fre

I am 68; less healthy than I used to be; and worth less than I used to be.I did have Wisconsin Badger Care and Medicare a, b, and d.Recently, I did a renewal and I am NO LONGER eligible for Badger Care because my assets (less than $3,000) are 'too high'.Now I have NO dental or eye coverage.THIS seems ludicrous.  As we age our eyes and teeth and hearing worsen.  It's a given!I want to write to whom ever I can in local (state) government but - need to know who.I can manage but I can't imagine the 1000s of people that are affected by this.Seniors who have paid a life time of 'dues'.Help.

As a result of all the changes taking place next year because of the Inflation Reduction Act and other rule changes, it is gonna be MOST important to review your Part D and Part C plans for 2025 so that you are assured they meet your health needs in the best possible ways in 2025. The new plans will be available around the 1st week in October for open enrollment between Oct 7 and December 7.   Premium hikes as a result of these changes are expected - get more; pay more.  In fact, some or all of the zero premium Part D plans might just go away.  There will be formulary changes, so check your medication needs against the newest list from the drug plans.  You can also do this on the Medicare.gov site.  Tier classifications might change on the meds you are taking, so check that too as well as any special considerations like “prior approval” (PA) or “quantity limits” (QL) or step therapy (ST).   Your total out of pocket will change ( $ 2000 for 2

I understand healthcare costs have increased, however to dupe citizen's into buying a supplemental healthcare plan then changing the terms of agreement and increasing the monthly premiums mid-year sets a precedent that is fraudulent. As a company who puts their name behind an insurance career, I hope you will re-evaluate your allegiance with United Healthcare. 

Even if you don’t garden, you can enjoy fresh produce this summer. Many communities have farmers markets where growers sell their produce. Some grocers partner with local farmers to stock fresh items. Plus, some farmers offer “pick your own” opportunities during peak harvest times. Wherever you shop, find plenty of healthy recipes here. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

We all know sleep is beneficial. But do you know why? Or how to prioritize it and overcome barriers to a good night’s rest? Take our new sleep challenge and read up on why sleep is a cornerstone of good health — including brain health — and how you can make it your superpower. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Health and Wellness Apps: Considerable Use Among Older Adults But Room to Grow. By Brittne Kakulla, AARP Research. Published July 26, 2024. While many Americans age 50-plus say they’re reasonably tech savvy, many aren’t leveraging the full value of apps that can improve their physical and mental well-being. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/health/prevention-wellness/health-app-users/

Today I received my new premium notice breakdowns with due dates and noticed the premiums were $200 higher!My Policy is set to renew this week and according to the declarations page, they raised my dwelling coverage $177,000! When I called to get an explanation of why, he went into a canned sales pitch about how high construction costs are to rebuild! The new dwelling they have for me is the current market price!!!Also, there was NO prior notice of the raise.I just filed a complaint with NYS Dept of Insurance.Check your Policy!

If you are still working at 65 and have delayed signing up for all the parts of Medicare because you have Employer Group Coverage,  some changes ahead may disqualify your plan.  Then the late enrollment penalty would apply because the employer plan no longer meets the equal to better (credible) benefits offered in Medicare.    Kiplinger.com - A Medicare Upgrades Could Disqualify Your Private Plan What a mess - somebody just forgot about this when writing all the new Part D rules.     

💥June 10, 2021💥 ASK FOR A HELP TIP FORUM Hey All! Been spending way too much $ on battling the nasty smoke smell from my wonderful neighbors who luv to smoke indoors although they have been told by office not to. The apartment buildings are over 30 years old and trust me, way too many holes for smoke to be shared. 😱 I am very allergic to this smoke. 😭 Anyone else? If yes, how do you either cancel out or reduce your exposure? Lol, I plan on moving to be nearer to my only child but until this happens, over it. 😤 It feels like I have returned to work, no longer retired with my frequent need to use air fresheners designed for smoke removal. 🙄 Way too hot to leave my window open (Studio Apartment with one window). Lol, trying to stay out of jail for killing my neighbors. 🤣😂 But some days it is tempting!!! Thanks all, Angela 😁