Health

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 😁

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! 9 Surprising Things Your Hands Can Tell You About Your Health. These surprising health clues are within your grasp, if you know how to recognize them. By Beth Howard, AARP. Published July 24, 2024. Hands are, by definition, pretty darn handy. But one of their hidden talents is divulging potentially subtle health problems that need a doctor’s attention. Here are nine things your hands and fingers may be trying to tell you. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2024/what-hands-say-about-health.html

Tired of the same old meals? Explore diverse recipes with healthy ingredients, like our budget-friendly quick lentil salmon salad. Not a fan of salmon? We have recipes for everyone, including meat lovers, vegetarians and those with a sweet tooth. Expand your cooking repertoire today! Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more delicious recipes.    

31% over last year. ($800) No tickets or accidents. Perfect credit. Disappointed in Hartford and the AARP.  Enough said.

I don't understand the big deal about the new hearing aid directive. AARP should be fighting for hearing aids to be covered by Medicare. Since we need the hearing aids as we age, it is insane for Medicare not to cover this. Why is AARP silent on this topic but make a big deal for over the counter ones. Just another way to take advantage of the aging population. 

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! 64 Medicare Prescription Drugs That Are Getting More Affordable. The coinsurance rates for certain Part B medications are being lowered temporarily. Here’s why. By Rachel Nania, AARP. Published July 03, 2024. Some people with Medicare will pay less for their prescription medications from July 1 to September 30, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced.   The agency identified 64 drugs — used by more than 750,000 Medicare enrollees annually — whose prices have risen faster than the rate of inflation. Under the prescription drug law passed in 2022, the coinsurance rates for these medications will be adjusted to match the inflation rate, meaning some people with Medicare could pay less out of pocket through September. What’s more, the makers of these drugs will face penalties for the price hikes in the form of a rebate to Medicare. https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-

 Is AARP involved in any work or discussions with Congress to eliminate the Doughnut Hole in Medicare?  It costs seniors, who are quite vulnerable, money that we can not afford to lose. Congress MUST eliminate this sinkhole that we seniors can not afford to pour money into.  I write to my elected officials constantly, yet no one does anything to address this abomination of a rule.

From early life, a healthy brain relies on relationships. Whether it’s with lifelong friends or new neighbors, staying socially connected can have unexpected benefits. Research indicates that social connection and engagement may reduce the risk of dementia and support better brain function. Read this article to better understand how social connection may support cognitive function. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

To: United Healthcare, Optum, the South Carolina Department of Insurance, AARP, BBB, Current & Prospective Future Enrollees in AARP UHC Medicare Advantage Plans I am writing to make the entities above aware of the experience that my wife and I have had with United Healthcare (UHC) and Optum over the past 3 ½ years relative to their Medicare Advantage Plans. To say the least, it has been a VERY frustrating and disappointing experience.   When I retired in January 2021, my wife and I enrolled in one of the AARP United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans offered in South Carolina, where we live. I retired as an executive with over 40 years in the managed healthcare industry, so I am very familiar with Medicare Advantage plans and how they are supposed to work. (The company from which I retired is not currently licensed in the state of South Carolina). My prior Group Plan coverage terminated on January 31, 2021. As I have said over and over again to representatives

I'm coming up where I'll be adding Medicare part B soon.   One of my concerns is that I'm on Trelegy and it's a bundle without having a prescription plan.  I've been considering Blue Cross Blue Shield's advantage plan to get the prescription coverage.  I'd appreciate any advice people can give.   Thanks!    

from Yoga Journal:just Google this:“Yoga for Seniors: A Sequence to Help with Your Mobility”Try this practice, which emphasizes joint health and offers movements that can be incorporated into your daily life, to help maintain or improve mobility and stability for healthy aging. ++++And, of course, have any exercise routine first approved by your doctor, even if it is gentle exercise from something like Yoga or Tai Chi… also good for seniors - Tai Chi. Can also look up under "Gentle Yoga"

"Power Couple Finds New Ways to Stay Fit After 50"  This is one of my favorite AARP health and fitness videos! hth

Would you like a healthy life style that promotes a lower carbon footprint.  Cycling, whether traditional or ebikes, has amazing physical and mental benefits.   In Portland OR the number of seniors on bikes is amazing and growing all the time.  Look at the Netherlands' bike population.  Young to old, all on bikes and living healthier and long. Come on, you'll love it!

To: United Healthcare, Optum, the South Carolina Department of Insurance, AARP, BBB, Current & Prospective Future Enrollees in AARP UHC Medicare Advantage Plans I am writing to make the entities above aware of the experience that my wife and I have had with United Healthcare (UHC) and Optum over the past 3 ½ years relative to their Medicare Advantage Plans. To say the least, it has been a VERY frustrating and disappointing experience.   When I retired in January 2021, my wife and I enrolled in one of the AARP United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans offered in South Carolina, where we live. I retired as an executive with over 40 years in the managed healthcare industry, so I am very familiar with Medicare Advantage plans and how they are supposed to work. (The company from which I retired is not currently licensed in the state of South Carolina). My prior Group Plan coverage terminated on January 31, 2021. As I have said over and over again to representatives

LOL - what’s the world coming to ?  But I guess crime has been around as long as civilization -     APNEWS 06/27/2024- Justice Department charges nearly 200 people in $2.7 billion health care fraud schemes crackdown   

My regular health care provider (an MD) is on vacation. I got to a very large practice that is part of a large hospital and the family medicine department is spread out over about 6 different locations in various towns. The Nurse Practitioner I saw was angry when she came into the room. I have never met her before. She proceeded to be angry (about something) during the visit but I tried to let it go. At one point she said I was going to need an ultrasound and said "You are going to need bloodwork before you get the ultrasound because of your age. Younger people don't need it". I was wondering why she put it that way. I was waiting for her to explain..and you need it because of your age because..., but she didn't. So it was then that I asked her why because of my age did I need it but a younger person didn't. She did answer but answered in a manner where she was annoyed I had asked.  But it was more than that. She was simply angry about something and taking it out on

If you don’t have access to a local gym, don’t despair. Even if you do, sometimes the weather keeps you stuck at home. What to do? Staying Sharp offers a collection of exercise videos and aerobic workouts that you can use to stay fit from the comfort of home. Explore AARP® Staying Sharp®  for more brain health tips and resources.

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE! By Kimberly Lankford, AARP. Published June 14, 2024. Medicare has never been a family plan, in contrast to employer-sponsored health insurance. Each spouse pays separate Medicare premiums, and married couples don’t get a discount. If both spouses are enrolled in Medicare Part B, they each pay $174.70 a month in 2024; more for couples with high incomes. https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/does-marriage-affect-medicare.html