7 Free and Important Medicare Benefits for 2019

Take advantage of Medicare preventative screenings and services in 2019. 

Here's an update on some no or low cost preventive tests and services available for Medicare Part B recipients under  Medicare's Medicare Advantage Plans.  

In most Medicare Advantage Plans , the free services include various exams, lab tests, and screenings. Also included are vaccinations and programs for health assessment, as well as counseling and education to guide you in caring for your own health and well-being. 

Here are the 7 Medicare benefits for 2019 :

1.   Flu shots -- once a year. Pneumonia shots are also free.

2.  Diabetes screening -- once a year, or every six months for those at risk.

3.  Cholesterol screening -- once every five years. This also includes test for lipid, lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels.

4.   Bone density measurement -- once every two years or more if you have certain medical conditions or meet certain criteria.

5.  Mammogram screening once a year for  all women with Medicare, 40 and older.  Medicare covers one baseline mammogram for women, 35 to 39.

6.  Prostate cancer screening -- once a year. Annual PSA (prostate specific antigen) and a digital rectal exam -- available to all male Medicare enrollees age 50 and older. Under medicare, you pay 20% of the Medicare  approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies for the digital rectal exam. Your Medicare Advantage Plan or your Medigap may cover a portion of all of the 20% and/or deductible.

7.   Colonoscopy -- once every two years for people at high risk, once every 10 years for others, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy.

These services are mostly free because they re viewed as preventive steps and can effectively reduce the need for  more intensive treatment or hospitalization. 

Please take advantage of them. Leave your comments below. of call (773) 614-3201 for a free consultation.

Type 2 Diabetics Can Buy Life insurance

The diabetes epidemic continues to garner headlines, with the emergence of Type 2 diabetes among young people the most alarming. 

The greatest increases in numbers of total cases of diabetes in industrialized countries are, however, occurring among elderly people. 

This is because of the aging of the overall population as well as a greater absolute increase in the prevalence of diabetes among elderly people than among young people. 

Diabetic Population in the U.S.
People 65 years and older will make up most of the diabetic population in the United States in the next 25 years. 

More alarmingly, the proportion of the diabetic population 75 years or older is projected to exceed 30% in the United States in the next 50 years. 

Most Common Form of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, the pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. 

But, over time, your pancreas isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal. Type 2 is treated with lifestyle changes, oral medications (pills), and insulin.

When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

• Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
• Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

Control Type 2 Diabetes
Some people with Type 2 can control their blood glucose with healthy eatng and being active. 

But, your doctor may need to also prescribe oral medications or insulin to help you meet your target blood glucose levels. 

Type 2 usually gets worse over time - even if you don't need medications at first, you may need to later on.

High Risk Groups
Some groups have a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.

Nevertheless, this condition does not prevent you from acquiring life insurance. Protect you loved ones. Don't be without life insurance. If you live in Illinois, call me at (773) 614-3201 to get a personally designed policy.

Easy Way to Get Extra Help with Your Prescription Costs

Even though the AEP (Anuual Enrollment Period) is over, you can still get help with your prescription costs.  

In times like these, every dollar counts. Some people qualify for big savings on their Medicare prescription drug costs and don't even realize it. 

In fact, if you receive Medicare, you may be eligible for the Extra Help, which could save you about $4,000 per year on your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments.

Many People Quality and Don’t Know-It

To qualify for Extra Help, you must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. 

To find out if you qualify, Social Security will need to know the value of your savings, investments, real estate (other than your home), and your income. We will also need information about you and your spouse, if you are married and living together.

Even if you were previously turned down for Extra Help due to income or resource levels, you should reapply. If you qualify, you'll get help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums, co-payments, and deductibles. To qualify, you must make less than $17,655 a year (or $23,895 for married couples). 

Even if your annual income is higher, you may still qualify for partial extra help. Your resources must also be limited to $13,640 (or $27,250 for married couples). Resources include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but not your house or car.

How to Apply for Extra Help

To get through the Extra Help process, call me at (773) 614-3201 and I'll help you with the process. It will take only a few minutes. 

Once you are determined to be qualified, you can choose either a Medicare prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan for your savings.

Make sure you aren't missing out on these easy savings. The sooner you call, the sooner your savings begin.

Any comments? Leave them below.