Medicare's Drug Plans Are Predicted To Increase Dramatically!

Seniors beware! Today in Kaiser Health News, it has been forecast that millions of  Medicare drug plans are suppose to double their current premium cost in the coming up year or so .

The new changes that will be made to  Medicare drug plans will be premiums increasing by 10 percent on the top plans (AARP's MedicareRX Preferred, Humana Enhanced Plan and etc.,), which are used by 70 percent of the senior population.  It has been predicted on Oct, 1, 2010 seniors will be able to witness the biggest monetary changes of their current Medicare drug plan benefits since it first became available in 2006.  For more information please visit : http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gD01qKtv_G4uYY1cffFO-KWYRHYwD9IDRNIG0

Therefore seniors, please make sure to pay very close attention to your formulary benefits.  If the additional cost becomes burdensome, please look into contacting these organizations for assistance if you live in the New York City area:

1. Elderly Pharmaceutical insurace Coverage Progam (call 311 for more information)

2. RX HOPE

3. Partnership for Prescription Assistance

4. Benefits Check Up

5. NeedyMeds.com

6. National Association of Boards of Pharmacies (NABP)

7. National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD)

BE AWARE: Health Care Credit Card Scams!

This morning I found a very interesting and disturbing article featured on Kasier Health's website "Regulators Probe Allegations Of Fraud In Health Credit Cards" by Michelle Andrews.  This article shedded light on  people especially seniors/retirees are getting coned into getting credit cards at their health care offices to assist with costly medical bills. However, the irony is that patients are paying double sometimes triple the amount they actually owe the medical institution do to faulty billing.  Currently, New York Attonrey General Andrew M. Cuomo is constructing an investigation into the health-care lending industry based on hundreds of complaints received from people getting credit cards for medical treatment.

Just Say No To Health Care Credit Cards!

To read more on this article visit this link: http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Features/Insuring-Your-Health/health-credit-cards.aspx
  http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Features/Insuring-Your-Health/health-credit-cards.aspx

The Eldercare Locator

The Eldercare Locator is a very beneficial website for both seniors and their caregivers.  This site is a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides essential information on senior services nationwide. 

Created in 1991, the Eldercare Locator connects folks who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. It extends from older individuals needing help with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, this site points people in the right direction.

Call the Eldercare Locator toll-free at 1-800-677-1116.

For calls after normal hours of operation:
After hours, a message recorder is available for the caller to leave a name and telephone number.  Calls will be returned the next business day.

For TDD/TTY Services:
Access your local relay service or dial "711" for your relay operator.  Instruct the Relay Operator to connect you to the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

For non-English or Limited English Speakers:
Full language line service for 150 languages is available when you call the Eldercare Locator.

Summer Fun Just for Seniors!

New York City is such an exciting place to live especially during the summer months.  Now that the days are longer and the weather is nice, there are tons of activities for Seniors to take advantage of that won't brake the bank.  Provided below is a list of venues that are easily accessible on public transportation and will be loads of fun.  So venture out, get some fresh air, and take advantage of New York City summer entertainment!


Classic Harbor Line Cruise Chelsea Piers, 646-336-5270

This company offers creative ways to experience the beauty of New York City with sunset sails on swift schooners, afternoon tea cruises on a 1920s-style yacht, holiday-themed cruises, and other tours that combine ambiance, comfort, and spectacular views.

Get on the Bus! All over Manhattan

See the city like the locals do on two scenic city bus rides: the M5 from Greenwich Village to Riverside Drive, passing Chelsea, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center and Central Park South; and the M4 from Madison Avenue through Harlem to the Cloisters ($2, schedules and information 718-330-1234).

Harlem Meer East side of Central Park from 106th to 110th Streets, 212-860-1370

Catch a fish in the newly stocked Harlem Meer (pond) at the north end of Central Park (fishing poles and bait are provided free of charge by the Dana Discover Center on 110th btwn Lenox and 5th).

Wildlife Conservation Society Zoos and Parks All over New York City

Experience animal attraction at Wildlife Conservation Society zoos in Central Park ($8 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children, 212-439-6500), the Bronx ($15 adults, $13 seniors, and $11 children, 718-367-1010), Prospect Park in Brooklyn ($6 adults, $2.25 seniors, $2 children, 718-399-7339).

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 1000 Washington Avenue, 718-623-7200

Stop and smell the roses (and the orchids and the violets and the tulips and ...) at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and learn about botany and garden lore at special exhibitions in the conservatory.

Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Avenue, 718-351-1611

Go back in time at Staten Island's Historic Richmond Town Restoration ($5 adults, $4 seniors, $3.50 children 5-17).

South Street Seaport Fulton & South Streets, Pier 17, 212-SEA-PORT

Experience New York's maritime past at the South Street Seaport, a living history museums that also boasts upscale shops and restaurants (browsing is free, museum admission $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $4 children).

Wave Hill West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, 718.549.3200

Explore the greenhouses and gardens of Wave Hill, a 28-acre former estate overlooking the Hudson River in the Bronx (free during the week and Saturdays before noon, otherwise $6 adults, $3 students and seniors 65+).

Sixth Avenue Antiques Market Sixth Avenue, from West 24th to 27th Streets

Browse for bargains at the famous Sixth Avenue Antiques Market, between 24th and 27th Streets (weekends only). Other markets include the famous fleas at Columbus Avenue and West 76th Street (Sundays only) and the weekend market on Houston Street between Sullivan and Thompson.

Union Square Greenmarket 14th to 17th Streets, between Union Square West and Union Square East

Taste the Big Apple at its sweetest at the Union Square Greenmarket, where you can sample fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, cider, and much more.

The Morgan Library 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, 212-685-0008

See exquisite collections housed in a jewel of historic architecture at the Pierpont Morgan Library ($12 adults, $8 students/children/seniors, children under 12 free).

Queens County Farm Museum 7350 Little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park, NY, 718-347-3276

Go back to a simpler time at the Queens Country Farm Museum, a historic homestead and farm where you can take hay rides, feed the farm's sheep and goats, and participate in special holiday events like wreath-making workshops and Easter egg hunts.

Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences 75 Stuyvesant Place, 718-727-1135

Enjoy workshops, lectures, and exhibitions on natural and cultural history at the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences, also known as the Staten Island Museum, located just two blocks from the Staten Island Ferry terminal ($2 adults, $1 students/seniors).

HOT TOPIC: How Seniors Can Stay COOL During the HOT Summer Months

Summer is now here along with its hot temperatures and humidity.  Therefore, it is very important for all of us to stay cool and hydrated especially the elderly population.  Below is a listing of things to do in order to stay safe and cool during these extremely warm summery months to come:

• Keep air circulating with fans; take cool sponge baths.
• Go to an air-conditioned building if possible. Older adults can visit their local senior center, library, or mall.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing.  If going out, wear a hat.
• Drink lots of water and don't wait to get "thirsty".
• Avoid alcohol.
• Limit physical activity and direct exposure to the sun.
• Check with your health care provider about how the warm weather may affect your prescription drugs.
• Contact your health provider if you experience prolonged heat-related symptoms, or if those symptoms significantly affect the ability to care for yourself.

Very hot intense weather can also cause dangerous strain on the heart, exacerbate respiratory impairments like asthma or emphysema and a range of other medical conditions, and also affect the ability to manage chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.  For more information about services for the elderly, call NYC, Department for the Aging at 311 or 212-New-York outside the five boroughs.

Health Care Related Topics/Issues You Would Like To See On Blog

Spring is in the air, and I would love to hear what topics or issues you would like to see featured. Just simply comment to this posting and your request will be headlined as one of the upcoming "Today's Hot Topic". I can't wait to see your feedback!

TODAY'S HOT TOPIC - Alternatives For Senior Living

Being a Senior this day and age definitely isn't an easy task like the "Good Old Days" . There are so many more things to think about besides where's the next vacation spot. Instead, majority of their time is spent making sure they are budgeting properly do to the current cost of living, which eventually causes for some drastic life changes. The most emergent change that first comes to mind is senior living accommodations.

I know some folks reading this off the bat will say, "hey there are tons of retirement centers, nursing homes, and other services out there so what's the big deal". Well, this issue is a very big deal. A lot of us need to put our feet in their shoes and see how difficult it is to actually step outside our comfort zone. Plus, they really have to downsize in order to efficiently reside in their new quarters, giving up tons of mementos.

At different stages in a Senior's life, residential needs become more demanding. Therefore, the intentions of this post is to address alternatives for "Senior Living" besides the typical retirement centers and depressing nursing homes.

After visiting http://www.alternativesforseniors.com/ , I didn't know myself that there are so many options out there for seniors to choose from based on their needs. Unfortunately, this information isn't really publicized or readily accessible so this population can obtain it easily.

Alternativeforseniors.com has some really beneficial residing features. For instance, you have the ability to chose from a listing of Housing Options (Independent Living, Senior Apartments, Assisted Living, Alzheimer's Care, Nursing/Rehab Centers, and Continuing Care Retirement) and Care Options (Adult Day Care, Home Care, and Hospice Care), which are broken down by state. The really great part about this site is that all the information provided is FREE! They also have additional resourceful information that Seniors can benefit from a great deal, and I plan to address those topic in future posts.

However, if you know anyone that can benefit from this information please help me spread the word. If you need any additional assistance or have questions please feel free to contact me at wynn_healthcarecounts@yahoo.com .

TODAY'S HOT TOPIC - Everlasting Insurance Company Headache

Lately, I have been hearing a lot of talk from family, friends and coworkers regarding their difficult experiences dealing with Insurance Companies. Many have been burden at great lengths trying to find the "correct" person to speak with regarding benefits. However, I guess they aren't alone because on the average majority of folks have issues trying to find out the simplest things regarding their benefits. So, one may wonder what could be the possible solution to this problem.Well, below I have a couple of tips found at http://www.foreighborn.com/ that may help break the communication barrier between you and your insurance company:

How to Get the Most from Your Health Insurance Plan

You will get the best care if you:

• Stay informed; read your health insurance policy and member handbook. Make sure you understand them, especially the information on benefits, coverage, and limits. Sales materials or health insurance plan summaries cannot give you the full picture.
• See if your health insurance plan has a magazine or newsletter. It can be a good source of information on how the plan works and on important policies that affect your care.
  Talk to your health benefits officer at work to learn more about your health insurance policy.
• Ask how the health insurance plan will notify you of changes in the network of providers or covered services while you are part of the plan.

Taking Charge of Your Own Health Care

• Ask your doctor about regular screenings to check your health. Discuss your risk of getting certain conditions. What lifestyle choices and changes might you need to make to lower your risks or prevent illness?
• Ask questions and insist on clear answers.
• Ask about the risks and benefits of tests and treatments. Tell your doctor what you like and dislike about your choices for care.
• Make sure you understand and can follow the doctor's instructions. You may want to bring another person along or take notes to help you understand things.

Keeping Records

• Write down your concerns. Start a health log of symptoms to help you better explain any health problems when you meet with your doctor.
• Set up health files for family members at home. This will help you to monitor care. Include health histories of shots, illnesses, treatments, and hospital visits. Ask for copies of lab results. Keep a list of your medicines, noting side effects and other problems such as other drugs and foods that should not be taken at the same time.

How to Get Care When You Need It

• Learning what you can expect from your health insurance plan and how it works are key steps to getting the care you need. Ask these questions:
  1. When are the offices open? 2. What if I need care after hours?
  3. How do I make appointments? 4. How quickly can I expect to be seen for illness or for routine care? 5. If I need lab tests, are they done in the doctor's office or will I be sent to a laboratory? 6. Will most of my appointments be with the primary care doctor? 7. Will nurse practitioners or physician's assistants sometimes give care as well? 8. Is there an advice hotline?
• Some health insurance plans have toll-free phone services that help members decide how to handle a problem that may not require a doctor's visit.
• Find out how your health insurance plan provides care outside the service area and what you must do to get care. This is especially important if you travel often, are away from home for long periods, or have family members away at school.

What If You Have to Go to the Hospital?

The time to find out what rules your plan has on hospital care is before you need it.

Planned Hospitalizations

Unless it is a medical emergency, your health insurance plan or primary care doctor will probably have to give advance approval (pre-admission certification) for you to go to the hospital. Otherwise, the cost of your hospital care may not be covered. Ask these questions:

• What hospitals are part of the health insurance plan network?
• Is there a limit on how long I can stay in the hospital?
• Who decides when I am to be discharged?
• Will needed follow up care, such as nursing home or home health care, be covered by the health insurance plan?
• If I have a serious medical problem, will the plan provide someone to oversee care and make sure my needs are met?
• Ask how your plan handles getting a second doctor's opinion on whether surgery or another treatment is needed. Are second opinions encouraged or required? Who pays?
  

Emergency or Urgent Care

If you have a true medical emergency, you should go to the nearest hospital as fast as possible. It is important for you to know what kinds of medical problems are defined as emergencies and how to arrange for ambulance service, if needed. Most health insurance plans must be told within a certain time after emergency admission to a hospital. If the hospital is not part of the plan network, you may be transferred to a network hospital when your condition is stable. Ask these questions:

• How does the health insurance plan define "emergency care?" What conditions or injuries are considered emergencies?
• How does the plan handle "urgent care" after normal business hours?
• How do I get urgent care or hospital care if I am out of the area?
  How do I let the plan know and how soon after I get the care?

"Urgent care" is for problems that are not true emergencies but still need quick medical attention. Check with your health insurance plan to find out what it considers to be urgent care. Examples may include sore throats with fever, ear infections, and serious sprains. Call your primary care doctor or the plan's hotline for advice about what to do. The plan may also have urgent care centers for members.

What If You Are Dissatisfied with Your Care?
Getting the best care and services means understanding how your health insurance plan works, what your rights are, and how to complain if you need to. You have the right to get copies of test results as well as medical information about yourself. If you are in a managed care plan, you can ask to change your primary care doctor if you are unhappy with the relationship. You may also be able to switch plans during open enrollment.

Most health insurance plans have an appeals process that both you and your doctor may use if you disagree with the plan's decisions. If your plan refuses to provide or pay for services, you can complain or file a grievance about any decision you feel is unfair-or you can appeal it. You can contact the member services division of your plan for more information or to complain. Use your plan's complaint process fully before taking other action. Be sure to keep written records of:

• All correspondence with the plan.
• Claims forms and copies of bills.
• Phone conversations-the date and time, the people you speak with, and the nature of each call.