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A Comprehensive Help Guide for Seniors 50+
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Medicare & Health Issues
(Or My Bones Ache A Little More These Days!)
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“There are people who strictly deprive themselves of each and ever eatable, drinkable and
smokable which has in any way acquired a shady reputation. They pay this price for health.
And health is all they get for it. How strange it is. It is like paying out your whole fortune for a
cow that has gone dry”
- Mark Twain's Autobiography
Most seniors think that Medicare is a complicated topic and I have to agree with them! The
confounded politicians recently got involved in it and now it’s become a zigzag map that leads
to all kinds of frightful destinations. But. I’ll try and cover the ABC’s of it all, including the
prescription drug plans. And, I’ll do my best to avoid being too boring about it.
The Basics
We all know about Medicare, but knowing about it and understanding it are two different
animals. The program is from the federal government (need I say more?) A health insurance
program for those 65+ and older, and certain disabled people under age 65. To be eligible, you
must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the USA and eligible for benefits from Social
Security.
Medicare Part A
There are two parts to Medicare, Part A and Part B. This one is basically hospital insurance and
helps to pay for in-patient care.
Medicare Part B
This part helps pay for doctors, some preventative services, outpatient hospital and emergency
room services, medical equipment and supplies, lab work, X-rays, physical therapy, ambulance
services and a number of other services and supplies that are not covered by Part A.
The good news is that Part A is free, but Part B is voluntary and costs around $77.50 a month
(at this writing). Part B pays 80% of services covered after a $120 deductible (which now goes
up every year).
Non- Coverage In Medicare
Medicare won’t help you with outpatient prescription drugs, private hospital rooms, hospital
telephone and TV, routine physicals, most dental care, dentures, routine foot care, hearing
aids, eye care, acupuncture, health care outside the U.S. or cosmetic surgery.
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Action Step #2
Find out exactly what is covered in your area by
Medicare. Visit the Medicare Coverage Database at
www.cms.hhs.gov/med
And, get the government to send you a free copy
of the “Medicare & You” handbook. This will give
you the very latest information and updates for the
current year. Call 800-633-4227.
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A Senior Moment
Supplemental Health Care is a smart purchase.
This Medigap policy is designed to fill in the gaps of
health care expenses. The trick is that you have to
get it at the time you apply for Medicare services.
A company can’t reject you for any policy it sells
nor charge you more than anyone else your age.
You have 6-month window after enrolling in
Medicare Part B for the first time.
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Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits
I guess you’ve noticed that the most expensive, ongoing expenditure in your health care
program is the cost of prescription drugs. Even though Medicare covers 40 million elderly and
disabled Americans, more than 10 million are without any form of prescription drug coverage.
There are new benefits that occurred in 2005 when Medicare was revamped. Here’s what you
can expect from what is now titled Medicare Part D.
Beginning in 2006, Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for a drug plan or join a private health
plan that covers drugs. Under the Medicare plan, you’ll be charged a $35-a-month premium, or
$420 per year. After paying $250 deductible, insurance will cover 75% of your drug costs up to
$2,250.
After that amount is incurred in total drug costs, Medicare will pay nothing more until you’ve
paid $3, 600 out of pocket, meaning you’d be stuck for $2,850 more out of pocket in addition to
the $750 already paid. Then there is that $420 annual premium (the $35 p/month).
Not so good, huh? Well, you can thank the Congress and Administration for this. We are the
only industrialized nation in the world, and the only superpower to boot, that doesn’t offer its
citizens a good, affordable health drug prescription program.
But, have no fear. I believe this will change dramatically when seniors start using their power
to vote in legislators that are more concerned with citizens, especially senior citizens, than with
big drug companies.
Catastrophic Coverage
After you’ve paid out $3,600, you will pay 5% of the cost of each prescription. Medicare picks up
the other 95%.
Limited Income Subsidies
Starting in 2006 people eligible for Medicaid and Medicare will pay no premium or deductible
and have no gap in coverage. You pay only $1 per prescription for generics and $3 for brand
names drugs. Co-pays are waived for those in nursing homes.
If your income is below the poverty level; under $14,400 for individual and $19,500 for couples,
then you’ll pay for prescriptions on a sliding scale.
All of the changes I’ve mentioned have already taken place as of this writing. You’ve already
gone through the growing pains and made the changes for benefits, which went into effect in
2006. It was a nightmare deciding on programs and choosing options.
The government couldn’t have made it more incomprehensible if they had tried.
Coming In 2010
Medicare will start testing competition between private health plans and the government. The
experiment will involve 2 million seniors in six cities for six years. Affected seniors may have to
pay 5% more a year to stay in Medicare if private insurers offer cheaper coverage.
My Head Is Spinning
I don’t know about you, but my head is spinning with all the options and convoluted programs
offered for health coverage in this country. Thankfully, there is a national program that offers
free one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare. It’s called SHIP (State
Health Insurance Program). This state directed program is great! It is available in all 50 states
plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Specially trained counselors offer information and assistance for Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap,
long-term-care insurance and preventative care. They have direct access to state and federal
Medicare information.
They can take you by the hand through the maze and help you make informed choices; from
eligibility issues, selecting policies, prescription drug plans, help for those on limited income (all
of us) and even steer us clear of the fraud and abuse that occurs in Medicare.
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Action Step #3
Contact your local SHIP organizationy. Some
states will have a different name for the SHIP
program. Just ask for your state health-
insurance counseling program and you’ll be on
your way to clarity and reason.
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I could write another 100 pages about the issue of health insurance coverage. It’s that much of
a labyrinth of options and red tape. It’s unfortunate that this issue, so vital to our peace of
mind as we enter our senior years, can’t be more understandable in its conception and
implementation. Perhaps that is something for the future. Remember, we have clout. If we start
to demand that the system respond in a more helpful and systematic way, we can get changes
in the way our government health programs function.
The major point is that eventually, you will be affected health-wise, and the sooner you
educate yourself to the options and plan for your needs, the better.
The above action step (#3) is an excellent way to get started today. You can ask questions of
these folks and start getting a handle on exorbitant health-related costs.
Medicare Fraud
We’ll be talking a lot about the “bad guys” in this book. Unfortunately, seniors are the most
vulnerable people in our society and crooks take advantage of them on a massive scale. If
nothing else, I want to arm you with the proper defenses to fight back and protect yourself and
your assets. In Medicare, it’s a common problem to find seniors and the Medicare program itself
scammed out of billions of dollars through fraud.
This affect all of us in higher costs, premiums and, in some instances, diminishes the quality of
care provided.
Make sure that you
(1) receive the service or product for which Medicare was billed. Check your statement to
(2) make sure your doctor ordered the product for you and look to see
(3) if the service or product was relevant to your diagnosis or treatment.
If you don’t know the answers to these three basic questions, ask your doctor.
If you suspect fraud, here is the Medicare Fraud Hotline to call: 800-447-8477.
All of us need to become conscientious seniors and play “cop” concerning fraud. We can be an
army of detectives looking out for our own interests in the process.
Next, treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Never give out your number over the phone
unless you initiated the call. If it is lost or stolen, report it immediately.
Don’t accept any free medical equipment or services in exchange for your number. Nothing is
free in this field of medical care. Crooked providers could bill Medicare for these services or
equipment and you may never even know about it, or receive the equipment.
When you hear someone tell you they “know how to bill Medicare”, especially for an uncovered
item or service, be wary. It’s almost always a scam and you should report it right away.
The Feds have come up with a list of the biggest scams:
1. Double Billing (Paying for the same thing twice)
2. Charging for services never performed
3. Performing inappropriate or unnecessary services
4. Offering something “free” in exchange for your Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance
number
5. A supplier completing a “Certificate Of Medical Necessity” form for a doctor.
Keep an eye out for these Top 5 big scams. They happen all the time and make victims of us all!
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A Senior Moment
How do you compare? The typical American
over age 65 takes an average of 6
prescription drugs.
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Other Resources
Get a benefits checkup! The National Council on Aging offers a free Benefits Check Up Rx
program. It’s a wonderful online, confidential and personalized report of public and private
programs that help us save money on some or all of our prescription drugs. They look into your
eligibility for over 260 programs, which cover more than 1,450 prescription drugs.
In this chapter, I’ve touched on the issue that will affect every senior sooner or later. Our
health care is of such importance that I wanted to start you on the road to dealing with it
today (when you’re fresh and have just started reading this book).
I know it’s a dull subject but, unless you tackle it now, you’ll have confusion and uncertainty
later on. The time to confront these health insurance and health care issues is not when you’re
ill, or incapacitated. Then, it’s much harder to make progress and get organized.
We’ll have to come back to this issue of health again. Let’s be honest, our bodies have been
fantastic machines that carry us through the adventure of life but, as we age, it needs more
and more care to keep running. That’s life!
As you progress through “The Senior Sourcebook”, you’ll find some wonderful assistance and
practical programs for taking care of the only body you’ll ever have. In the process, you’ll
achieve longevity and vibrant health that our ancestors could only dream of.
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The above is an extract of a chapter from the ebook "The Senior Sourcebook".
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Here are the contents of the book:
Introduction
Senior Guide to Computer Literacy
Medicare & Health Issues
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part B
Non- Coverage In Medicare
Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits
Limited Income Subsidies
My Head Is Spinning
Medicare Fraud
Other Resources
Home Sweet Home
Making Your Home Senior Friendly
Remodeling Resources for Seniors
Household Helpers
Senior Living Choices
Retirement Communities
C.C.R.C.
Senior Living Helps
Alternatives to Total Care
Nursing Homes
NURSING HOME CHECKLIST
What You Don’t Want To See
Advocates for Residents
Far, Far Away
Choose Carefully!
Senior Finances
Retirement
Savings Resources
Financial Planners
10 Questions To Ask Your Financial Planner
Financial Planners Resources
Legal Eagles For Seniors
The Taxman Cometh
Thy Will Be Done
Choose An Executor
Will Resources
Living Trusts
The Three Types Of Reverse Mortgage Loans
Why I’m Wary
Reverse Mortgage Resources
Down & Dirty Debt
Medical Debt For Seniors
Bankrupt Basics
Medical Cost Resources
In Conclusion
Living The Life
Living Fully As A Senior
Driving Around
Driving Resources
No More Automobile? No problem!
Utility Bills
Volunteering
Other Employment Resources
Safety
Long Distance Grandparents
Resources For Far-away Grandparents
Afterword
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Did you know that in the USA alone, someone turns 50 every seven seconds. Yes, the baby-
boomer generation is alive and kicking and the senior population reaching 65 and up will
double from 35 Million to well over 70 Million in the next two decades!
So what does that mean to you?
It means plenty. In the words of our author, "Unlike any generation before them, they will live
longer, look and feel younger, have more options and better support systems than any 'elderly'
group of people since the dawn of civilization."
This means that seniors will demand more and better information. Retirement for these
healthy, vibrant people may be non-existent and play time and travel are a given.
They do more, have more and want to keep it. They require access to sophisticated medical
and dental care. They have more money and need state of the art advice to grow it. Above all
else, they have more questions than answers.
That's where "The Senior Sourcebook" comes in. This comprehensive guide covers everything
from Medicare to Financial Planning. You won't believe what is jam-packed inside the pages.
Just take a look:
- Senior Guide to Computer Literacy
- Medicare & Health Issues
- The Basics
- Medicare Part A
- Medicare Part B
- Non- Coverage In Medicare
- Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits
- Catastrophic Coverage
- Limited Income Subsidies
- Medicare Fraud
- Making Your Home Senior Friendly
- Remodeling Resources for Seniors
- Household Helpers
- Senior Living Choices
- Retirement Communities
- Alternatives to Total Care
- Nursing Homes
- Senior Finances
- Retirement
- Savings Resources
- 10 Questions To Ask Your Financial Planner
- Choose An Executor
- Creating a Will
- Living Trusts
- Reverse Mortgages
- Medical Debt For Seniors
- Basics of Bankruptcy
- Medical Cost Resources
- Volunteering
- Employment Resources
- Grandparenting
- and much, much more
Whether you are fast approaching the senior category, are already there or have parents who
can use your help there is something for everyone in "The Senior Sourcebook."
You won't find a better source for all things senior anywhere! If you have parents who are
ready for assisted living, find the answers here.
Need to write or update your will? Get some guidance about creating it or consider a living
trust. You'll find it all inside the digital pages.
Are you trying to sort out the Medicare puzzle for your parents? Discover the details here in
easy to understand language anyone can decipher.
As we mentioned in the beginning of this message, someone here in the USA turns 50 every
seven seconds. Be prepared. Get the answers to all those questions.
More importantly, get the answers to all the questions you don't even know to ask.
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This book retails for $17. However, I will give you special bonus - you get the following 4
additional ebooks absolutely free.
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Do you have "Maximum Memory Power?"
If you had to think about that answer you are not using your memory to
its fullest potential.
You've probably lost car keys or mis-placed an item on occasion. The
worst case scenario is forgetting a name, especially when the person is
someone you should know!
Well, there is relief in site. Learn how set the wheels in motion and
increase your memory skills.
Research on diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of
dementia, has indicated that keeping our minds active and positive may
delay the onset of those diseases in some people.
Almost anyone can improve their use of that powerful filing system
between our ears. That will help you improve
almost every area of your business and social life!"
Don't Worry - Be Happy!
Yeah, right!
Seriously, are you happy. . .truly happy?
If you feel that your happiness is a fleeting thing that you can't really
put your finger on then you probably need a happiness boost.
If you are not experiencing enough happiness in your life, you are
missing out on so much. Did you know that your degree of happiness
can have an impact on your overall health and well being?
It's true. Happy people live longer.
If you'd like to learn how to increase your happiness quotient you just
need to know how and "How to Be Happy: A Complete Guide to Rational
Living" is just the ticket!
Happiness is not just a state of mind that comes and goes on a whim.
Happiness can be learned.
"Old-timers Disease Is No Joke"
It's a good bet that you, like the rest of us, have forgotten something
then jokingly said, "it must be old-timers disease."
What do you do when it hits close to home and it's no longer a laughing
matter?
With more than 18 million known cases of Alzheimer's Disease world
wide the odds are that you have had some contact with
someone who is close to this horribly degenerating disease. It may be a
victim or a family member of a victim.
Maybe you even suspect that one of your loved ones is exhibiting early
stage symptoms of Dementia and/or Alzheimer's Disease and
you'd like some answers.
Get all those haunting questions that slip into your thoughts day and
night answered once and for all.
Understanding Incontinence
If you suffer from this condition there is good news on the horizon.
Do you find yourself avoiding public outings?
Are you becoming a hermit, trapped at home rather than subject
yourself to public humiliation if you have an episode of accidental
leakage?
Do you find yourself terrified to sneeze, cough or fearful of a simple drive
over a bumpy road?
If so, you need to know that you can end the embarrassment once and
for all!
Discover what one woman learned when she finally ended the denial
and faced her problem head on.
She shares her experience and discovery in a candid discussion of a
hidden problem that is far more prevalent than you realize.
Her message is simple. You CAN end the suffering and embarrassment
once and for all!
Take the first step and find out how you, too, can take back control of
your life.
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Yes, for $17 you get all these 5 ebooks:
The Senior Sourcebook
+
Maximum Memory Power
+
How to be Happy
+
The Complete Guide to Alzheimer's Disease
+
Understanding Incontinence
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Immdediate Download
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Only $17
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8 weeks Money Back Guarantee!
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Your purchase through PayPal is fully secure.
Your purchase is also fully guaranteed - if for any reason, you are not satisfied with your
purchase, you can ask for full refund of your purchase. You can even keep these ebooks.
With this iron-clad guarantee, what have you got to lose?
Go ahead and click on the PayPal buy button.
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Immdediate Download
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Only $17
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P.S. In the famous words of Dylan Thomas, “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage
against the dying of the light.” Grab your copy of "The Senior Sourcebook" today!
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Proudly brought to you by Jacob Gan PhD (Michigan)
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