Health Archives - Page 15 of 37 - Empower Medicare Supplements

Medicare for Acupuncture

March 14, 2025April 14, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Coverage for Acupuncture

Suffering from chronic lower back pain? While this is a frustrating situation, the good news is that Medicare Part B may cover acupuncture treatments for you. Acupuncture has long been known for its benefits of relieving muscle pain and tension and has become an increasingly popular choice for treating lower back pain. As long as you meet certain requirements, your Medicare plan may cover as many as twenty treatments in a single year. This is a great option to possibly provide needed pain relief.

What is Acupuncture?

The practice of acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and is thought to have originated in China. The treatment involves applying thin needles to various points along the body. These points are determined by a map of meridians throughout the body thought to be energy (Qi) pathways. Many experts believe that this works by stimulating the central nervous system; however, there are many different theories about the specific mechanisms of it. It is usually considered to be a safe treatment. The risks and side effects associated with acupuncture are rare, provided that a trained and licensed acupuncturist is providing the service.

Providing Relief

Many studies have confirmed that acupuncture can be an effective short-term solution for lower back pain. Because of the aid it provides in managing pain, it may also help decrease the need for pain medications. Depending on the situation, acupuncture may also be used in combination with other treatments. Always talk to your doctor about the best comprehensive approach for your lower back pain.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare may cover acupuncture for chronic lower back pain only, provided that the pain has lasted for at least twelve weeks. You may receive up to twelve treatments within a 90 day period. However, if the condition is improving, Medicare may approve an additional 8 treatments. Medicare does not cover lower back pain associated with surgery or pregnancy.

Acupuncture may be just what you need to find relief from chronic lower back pain. With the opportunity to receive treatment and avoid or minimize the need for pain medications, this is a great option to consider. You should consult with your doctor if this is an approach you are interested in.

Restorative Yoga

March 14, 2025April 13, 2021 by Cali Naughton

A Gentle Approach

Restorative Yoga offers a gentle and more accessible approach to yoga while providing benefits such as easing muscle tension, relieving stress, and improving sleep. It is a slow quiet practice that focuses on relaxation, deep stretching, and opening your mind to a meditative state. It provides a great option to those unable to keep up with the physical demands of more traditional yoga practices. This style of yoga utilizes many props such as blocks, blankets, straps, and bolsters. Through restorative yoga, you can alleviate muscle strain and fully relax into the poses.

Origins of Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga was first introduced by B.K.S. Lyengar. His goal was to create a form of yoga that provided deep stretching and relaxation while fully supporting the body to avoid any strain. Unlike traditional forms of yoga where it is common to flow from one pose to another after short periods of holding, restorative yoga will have you holding a single pose for ten minutes or as long as thirty minutes. This allows a slow gentle opening of the body while also challenging the mind to be still. This form of yoga really deepens the meditative aspect of yoga. You may find that the biggest challenge during this practice is in fact the quieting of your mind.

Health Benefits

The deeper relaxed stretches of restorative yoga will help to alleviate stiffness and tension throughout the body. Over time you will find an increase in your flexibility and you will become more in tune with your body. Restorative yoga has a tremendous impact on mental wellness. The meditative aspect of it helps to relax the mind and relieve stress and anxiety. After committing to a regular practice, you will likely find that you are sleeping better and feeling more at ease throughout the day. This is because restorative yoga helps to calm the sympathetic nervous system which controls the fight-or-flight response and instead activates the parasympathetic nervous system which allows for relaxation and regulation of our heart and breath rate. In turn, we begin to bring balance back into stressed, tired, or overworked bodies.

How to get started

There are several options to get started. You may be able to find a local restorative yoga instructor offering classes in your city. Many instructors are now offering classes online through various video platforms. If budget is a concern, you may be able to find pre-recorded videos online offered at no cost. Getting started will require a few props such as a yoga mat, blankets, and pillows to help support your body during the class. Depending on the class, you may find you will want to also have yoga straps, a block, and bolsters. The props needed will likely vary depending on the poses your instructor is guiding you through during class.

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Medicare Extra Help Program

March 13, 2025April 6, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Savings Program for Medicare Part D

The Extra Help program may be available to people wanting to participate in a Medicare Part D insurance plan. When someone enrolls in Medicare’s Part A and Part B medical insurance, they have the additional option of also enrolling in a Part D plan to help cover the costs of prescription drugs. Those people meeting certain eligibility requirements may receive additional help paying for extra out-of-pocket prescription drug costs through the Extra Help program.

Understanding Part D

Medicare contains an optional Part D plan that provides coverage for prescription drugs. This plan provides many savings benefits for a long list of prescription drugs. While coverages may vary based on the insurer, every plan is required to cover two drugs at a minimum within each of the most prevalent drug categories.

Qualifying for Extra Help Program

The Extra Help program may also be referred to as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy. This program may help eligible participants pay for the costs associated with their prescription drug plan. Eligibility is determined based on income and assets. An applicant must fall into the specified range to qualify. In some cases, you may qualify automatically. Someone who is enrolled in Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid may often qualify automatically. Those who are enrolled in the Medicare Savings Program will automatically qualify.

How Does it Help?

The Extra Help program provides many benefits that will help ease the financial burdens of covering prescription drug costs. These benefits include paying a portion of Part D premiums as well as lowering the out-of-pocket drug costs. The program also provides a yearly special enrollment period to allow enrollees to switch plans if they so choose. Finally, Extra Help will allow late enrollees to enroll in a Part D plan without the penalties.

With all these benefits, there is no reason not to enroll if you are eligible. The savings could provide someone with extra funds to put towards any number of other household costs. The program is certainly a great option to consider.

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