Are you a smoker? Today’s a great day to quit.

November 15

Have you tried to quit smoking, but failed in the past? Do you have a loved one who needs a little extra support to quit? If so, today’s 37th annual Great American Smokeout might give you or your loved one the motivation you need to quit the habit for good.

Quitting is hard, but Medicare can help. Check out BeTobaccoFree.gov, a comprehensive website with up-to-date tobacco-related information. Also, watch our short video about Medicare’s smoking cessation counseling sessions, and talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit. Take the first step toward a healthier life – make a plan to quit today!

Filed under Medicare coverage

Medicare Open Enrollment: More is better

November 13

By Jonathan Blum, Acting Principal Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare

In this season of Open Enrollment, people with Medicare have the opportunity to choose the Medicare plan that best serves their unique health needs and provides them with the greatest value. In determining the value of a plan choice, you should look not only at premiums and cost-sharing but also at what benefits and quality of care that money will buy. This year, I am proud to say that while costs, by and large, have remained relatively stable, the benefits that people with Medicare will get for their premiums continues to grow.

For those choosing Original Medicare, the benefit package continues to grow stronger and provide greater value. For example, EVERYONE with Medicare has access to a variety of preventive services and screenings, most at no cost to them when furnished by qualified and participating health care professionals. This includes things like diabetes and cancer screenings, and a yearly “wellness” visit. During the first 9 months of this year, over 20 million people with Original Medicare received at least one preventive service at no cost.

Beneficiaries may also explore their options beyond Original Medicare, as virtually all people with Medicare have access to Medicare Advantage Plans in 2013, and many of these plans offer extra benefits beyond the comprehensive package offered by Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may offer vision, hearing, or dental coverage, or extend coverage while you travel. And most Medicare Advantage Plans also include prescription drug coverage.

Use this time to decide what benefits are most important in helping you meet your unique health care needs. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to look at all of the health and drug plan options in your area for what will provide you with the greatest value. If you still need help comparing, call 1 800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Only you know what extra benefits and services are most important for you. Just know that no matter how you choose to get your Medicare benefits, you’ll be getting more.

Stay up to date on the latest Medicare news and follow us on Twitter @Medicaregov.

Filed under Open enrollment

Medicare is ready to help you quit smoking

November 13

Every year, more people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer and smoking is the leading cause. Don’t become a statistic – Medicare is ready to help you quit smoking. Talk to your doctor today and cross one thing off your list.

Besides being famous for Thanksgiving, November is also Lung Cancer Awareness Month. While you’re making lists for the upcoming holiday season, make a note to talk with your doctor about quitting if you smoke. Medicare covers 8 face-to-face smoking cessation counseling sessions during a 12-month period. If you haven’t been diagnosed with an illness caused or complicated by tobacco use, you pay nothing for these counseling sessions, as long as you get them from a qualified doctor or another Medicare provider.

Filed under Uncategorized

Get smart: know when antibiotics work

November 13

By: Patrick Conway, M.D., Director and Chief Medical Officer, CMS Center for Clinical Standards and Quality

As we enter flu season, you may seek fast relief when illness strikes, but think twice before asking your doctor for antibiotics. Did you know that if you have a cold or flu, antibiotics won’t work for you? That’s because antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections. Every time someone takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant germs may survive to grow and multiply.

Antibiotic resistance, caused by overuse and misuse of antibiotics, is one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. These drug-resistant bacteria—which were once easily treatable—can now cause significant harm and suffering. When antibiotics fail to work, we get longer-lasting illnesses, need more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and more expensive medications.

If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home, pay close attention to when antibiotics are prescribed. Roughly  2 out of 3 nursing home residents get at least one course of antibiotics each year, yet nearly 27,000 residents end up with antibiotic-resistant infections each year. These infections are often severe, difficult to treat, and lead to more hospitalizations and deaths among people over 65.  If you have questions, please ask your health care provider.

The CDC has marked November 12—18 as Get Smart About Antibiotics Week. You can take several steps to make certain you’re using antibiotics properly:

  • Take antibiotics only to treat a true bacterial infection. It should be for only as long as your doctor prescribed to treat the infection, to reduce your risk of getting the infection again, or to reduce the risk to those around you.
  • Always talk to your doctor before taking an antibiotic to be sure it will treat the infection you have.
  • Never take antibiotics for a viral infection, such as a cold, cough, or the flu. Antibiotics won’t cure your virus, they won’t keep those around you from getting the illness, and they won’t help you feel better. In fact, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do you more harm than good, because you increase your risk of getting an antibiotic-resistant infection later.
  • Not sure if you have a virus, which can’t be treated by antibiotics? Get smart—read this chart!

Antibiotics won’t help you recover from the flu, but keep yourself from catching the major flu viruses in the first place by getting your flu shot! It’s free for people with Medicare, once per flu season in the fall or winter, when given by doctors or other health care providers (such as senior centers and pharmacies) that take Medicare.

Filed under Uncategorized

Medicare covers hospice & comfort care

November 5

Do you care for someone who’s terminally ill? It can be hard taking care of everyday activities while trying to care for someone who’s sick. The comforting news is you don’t have to do it alone. Medicare can help.

Medicare covers care for people who are terminally ill, and we have resources to help you. As part of hospice coverage, your loved one can get the care and support they need. This can include doctor and nursing services, counseling, medical supplies, pain medications, and other services. And, most importantly, hospice can provide much needed comfort while at home.

Remember, you’re not alone – Medicare is here to help. There are resources to help you plan for the future, take care of yourself, and much more.

You can also contact these organizations for additional support:

Filed under Medicare coverage

Diabetes screenings, supplies, and training – Medicare has you covered

November 5

Diabetes affects millions of people – are you one of them? November is American Diabetes Month and a perfect time to find out about the supplies and self-management training that Medicare covers to help you manage your diabetes. Many people with diabetes don’t know that they have it – and Medicare covers screening tests so you can find out if you do.

If you’re at high risk for developing diabetes, Medicare covers up to two fasting blood glucose (blood sugar) tests each year. If your doctor accepts assignment, you pay nothing for these tests. You may be at high risk for diabetes if you’re obese, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes. Talk to your doctor to find out when you should get your free screening test.

If you have diabetes, Medicare covers many of your supplies, including test strips, monitors, and control solutions. In some cases, Medicare also covers therapeutic shoes if you have diabetic foot problems. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for these supplies.

Medicare also covers diabetes self-management training to help you learn how to better manage your diabetes. You can learn how to monitor your blood sugar, control your diet, exercise, and manage your prescriptions. Talk to your doctor about how this training can help you stay healthy and avoid serious complications.

Take control of your health – talk to your doctor today about screening tests and what supplies and training you may need for your health.

Filed under Share the Health

Medicare resources for your loved ones

October 31

More than 66 million Americans care for loved ones who have a chronic illness, disability, or frailties that come naturally with old age. Nobody is in a better position than family caregivers to help loved ones manage their health and health care, like medicines, treatments, diets, and exercise. Only you know what’s most important to you and your loved ones – that’s why we want to be sure you have all the information you need to make the best decisions.

During Open Enrollment – which ends on December 7th – it’s worth your time to review and compare your loved one’s coverage choices. Only you can decide what mix of benefits and costs will work best with your loved one’s needs and budget. Now is the time to look at all of the health and drug plan options in your area. If you still need help comparing plans, call 1‑800‑MEDICARE. 

Looking for more information and support? Our caregiver resources have tip sheets, videos, and practical information for caregivers, including tips on what Medicare covers, planning for the future, and taking care of yourself. You can also sign up for our caregiver e-newsletter, so you’re always informed about Medicare issues that affect you and your loved one. We know you’re juggling a lot, so we put it all in one place to save you time.

For even more information, check out the Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator and the National Family Caregivers Association.

Filed under Uncategorized

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