This month’s topics include:
Home Health Care
Diabetes & Dementia
Losing College Roommate to Dementia
Killed by COVID Isolation
Medicare Open Enrollment 2022 Outlook
Pleasing Your Husband
Medicare That Works Everywhere
Chicken & Root Vegetables
Gorilla’s with the virus
Please forgive me if this month’s newsletter seems a bit morose. One year ago this month I lost two very good friends. I never understood the “anniversary reaction” until now. These situations have most likely impacted my perspective on a number of things.
Recently a number of clients have asked specific questions about nursing home benefits, home health care and memory care. Medicare includes coverage for medically necessary professional services. While I am always happy to answer questions, you may also want to
check out these links.
It has been known for many years that type 2 diabetes increases your risk for strokes and heart disease. More recent studies have shown that diabetes also increases your risk of dementia.
One study found, earlier onset of diabetes equates to a greater risk of developing dementia. Years of type 2 diabetes may lead to dementia. One reason is related to the effects that diabetes has on the heart, as heart health is related to brain health. Heart disease and elevated blood pressure are both associated with strokes that, in turn, can lead to dementia.
Losing a Friend to Dementia
Linda is in her 60s, which once sounded old to both of us. We met when we were 18, during our first week at college at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. We were thrown together at a party, when her date had an asthma attack and my date rushed him to the ER. We never saw the guys again, but Linda and I would remain friends for the next 50 years.
At first, I didn't recognize the signs of dementia – mostly, her uncharacteristic silence during a lively lunch gathering, as if someone had turned down the dimmer switch on her sparkly personality. I chalked it up to fatigue.
When the conversation turned to aging, she leaned over, whispering, "I don't know the year I was born, but I was never very good at math." I froze.
https://www.nextavenue.org/dementia-losing-friend/
Killed by COVID Isolation
On March 12, 2020, when the coronavirus hit, I was told that for the foreseeable future I would no longer be allowed to visit my 91-year-old mother. Effective immediately. I couldn't explain to Mom why she wouldn't see me the next day, or the next or the one after that. She would have been frightened. My daily visits served as anchors, connecting her to life.
Before COVID there were 10 aides to take care of patients on a floor. After COVID there was only 1 aide for 60 patients.
We sat together in silence until I noticed her eyes closing. "Mom, maybe I should leave and let you get some rest," I said quietly.
She looked at me intently, and then said, "Be with me."
I see now that during those few hours we had together, my mother had taken every bit of energy left inside her and gifted it to me, a present wrapped in her rosy cheeks, the dark amber molasses of her voice, and her abiding love. She burned brightly like a flame for me, like autumn leaves do before they fall. The next day she died.
Medicare You Can Use Anywhere
Have you ever bought something you knew you needed but later discovered you can't use it? Either it doesn't work the way you thought it would, it doesn't fit, or you need another piece to make it work. You know, like the notice "batteries not included" that you completely missed
when you bought it.
In the case of Medicare insurance, you may find that the policy doesn't work exactly the way the agent explained it. Perhaps you have a "surprise" billing and have to pay MORE than you thought for a test or treatment. More common is the "We don't take that insurance here" rebuttal. The agent TOLD you that it can be used anywhere but neglected to mention that your policy can be used "anywhere the insurance carrier tells you to use it".
Medicare Open Enrollment 2022
Open Enrollment starts October 15 and ends December 7. You can change your drug plan if you want. Medical underwriting is not required.
What happens if my drug plan formulary no longer covers my brand name drug?
Ask your doctor for permission to substitute a generic equivalent. Search the formulary of other plans that may carry that drug. Ask your plan to ask for an exception.
You may also ask 1800 MEDICARE for permission to change to a different plan.
Expect an update and preview of the 2022 drug plans in the next newsletter.
LATE ARRIVAL - The Medicare Plan Finder has gremlins. When looking for Xiidra (a $600 solution for dry eyes) something odd happened. Several plans showed the copay as $59 even though the pharmacy was not on the preferred list and the medication was not covered by their formulary.
If you run your own reports, be aware some of the pricing for brand names without a generic equivalent may be WAY OFF.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Root Veggies
Root vegetables will be appearing in stores in the next few weeks. What could be easier than a sheet pan supper?
If you thought 2020 was one for the ages, 2021 came along and broke new ground. Yes, the “virus” is still with us and has morphed (as viruses do) into new variants.
The vaccines work but you can still get sick, but supposedly not sick enough to be admitted to the hospital or die. The vaccines work but you can still infect others, including a gorilla. The vaccines work but you may need a booster. The vaccines work but you still need a
mask.
CV cave syndrome is a real thing.
Makes me want to say, “I’ll think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.”
If you want to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan, or change your plan, you should act quickly. Apply no later than 9/20 for a 10/1 effective date; apply 10/10 for an 11/1 effective date; apply 11/15 for a 12/1 effective date, and 11/20 for a 1/1/2022 effective date.
Please share this newsletter with your friends. Referrals are always appreciated. Introduce them to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/georgiamedicareplans
Take care,
Bob Vineyard
Georgia Medicare Plans
bob@bobvineyard.com
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