Medicare Archives - Page 19 of 65 - Empower Medicare Supplements

Can We Reach Herd Immunity?

May 1, 2025April 26, 2021 by Kayla Gonzalez

As we have been in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our primary goal has been trying to find a way to come out of … Read more

Can Medicare Help You Quit Smoking?

May 1, 2025April 21, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Help Quitting

Quitting smoking can be a daunting task when you go it alone. Your Medicare Part B insurance may be able to help. Through their tobacco counseling program, you may receive extra help in order to kick the habit for good.

The Facts

Tragically, smoking causes the death of over 480,000 people in the U. S. every year. It ranks as the country’s leading cause of preventable deaths. While smoking obviously causes severe repercussions to the user, others who are exposed to secondhand smoke also suffer. Experts estimate that an additional 41,000 people die from the effects of secondhand smoke each year.

What Does it Affect?

Many people realize that smoking causes damage to their lungs, but they may not be aware of the damage caused to other organs. It causes substantial strain on the cardiovascular system which can lead to coronary heart disease and stroke. The effects are far-reaching, and the reality is that smoking takes a toll on the entire body. Your risk for developing things like gum disease, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, loss of bone density, and colorectal cancer are all substantially increased by smoking.

Taking Back Control

When it comes to beating the habit and taking back control, the first step is simply making the decision to quit and then backing it with your own very personal reasons. When you are ready to start, you should talk to your doctor about creating a game plan and how to handle challenges along the way. A support system and accountability will increase the odds of your success.

Counseling Program

Medicare’s Tobacco Counseling Program can help you gain access to support. Through the program, you will be able to receive 8 in-person counseling sessions from a qualified doctor during a single year. Medicare Part B will cover the cost of the counseling sessions in full as long as your doctor accepts assignment, and you qualify for the program. This program is only available to you before you are diagnosed with a tobacco-related disease. Do not wait until it is too late. Start talking to your doctor about Medicare’s Tobacco Counseling.

What is COBRA?

May 1, 2025April 20, 2021 by Kayla Gonzalez

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows employees to continue obtaining coverage from their employer-sponsored health insurance if they are let go or get … Read more

How to Keep Work-Life Balance

July 14, 2025April 15, 2021 by Kayla Gonzalez

Many working adults struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This problem is especially true when you are working a demanding job that overflows beyond … Read more

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.

Difference in Communication Between the Generations

March 14, 2025April 12, 2021 by Kayla Gonzalez

Having different communication styles is to be expected between people. It is all dependent on location, the way you grew up, cultural differences, etc. There … Read more

Will Medicaid Pay for My Marriage and Family Therapy?

March 12, 2025April 10, 2021 by Cristin Dickey

Marriage and Family Therapy is currently under examination for coverage under Medicare and Medicaid. Photo by cottonbro from Pexels.

The Ultimate Collective Everyone has their own idea of what a family is. Some assert that families are tight-knit groups of blood relatives while others … Read more

7 Tips for Job Hunting

March 21, 2025April 9, 2021 by Kayla Gonzalez

A lot of people, unfortunately, lost their jobs due to the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. However, now that we are seeing most, if not … Read more

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.

Special Enrollment Period Extension

March 21, 2025April 5, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Extension Announcement The hardships brought on by the ongoing pandemic have brought about changes in the 2021 Special Enrollment Period for Marketplace health insurance. President … Read more