Friday, January 27, 2017

January: National Glaucoma Awareness Month


THE MEDICARE BLOG

THE OFFICIAL BLOG FOR THE U.S. MEDICARE PROGRAM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MEDICARE.GOV




KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR GLAUCOMA



Are you at a high risk of getting glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes loss of vision—usually side vision—by damaging the optic nerve, which sends information from your eyes to your brain.
Fortunately, you can help prevent vision loss by finding and treating problems early—and Medicare can help. We cover a glaucoma screening once every 12 months for people at high risk for glaucoma. You’re considered at high risk if you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions:
  • Do you have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma?
  • Are you African American and 50 or older?
  • Are you Hispanic American and 65 or older?
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month—the perfect time to check on your eye health.


Tuesday, January 3, 2017

TUESDAY TIPS - 2017 Edition
Start your NEW YEAR off right!
Part One


1. Start your day by stretching
Stretching wakes you up, improves flexibility, helps circulation, and gives you more energy.

2. Push your alarm back 1 minute every day
This will help you transition into getting up bright and early.

3. Put unhealthy food low in your fridge
Studies show less food and drink is consumed if it’s harder to get to.

4. De-Clutter your life / house
Find a “purge list” online and make a check list for de-cluttering each month. This will keep you feeling fresh all year!

5. Revisit old photographs
Looking at personal photos has been shown to boost moods more than eating chocolate, watching TV, or listening to music.

6. Simple Savings
Start envelopes for vacation, holidays, etc. Put a little money / spare change in the envelopes each month rather than coming up with it all at once. 


Start your NEW YEAR off right!
Part Two: 


7. The 1% Trick
Don’t go from 0 to 100. Take each day to implement a little something more towards your goal (Exercise, Diet, Etc.)

8. Write out your goals
And print a couple copies. It’s easy to forget about them if they’re only in your mind—this will help hold you accountable.

9. Yearly Homeowners maintenance
Plan the year with a monthly To-Do list for household upkeep. This is less overwhelming than doing it all at once.

10. Plan weekends ahead of time
Anticipating a fun event boosts overall happiness, so plan a weekend adventure early in the week.

11. Limit your spending to budgeted amounts
Budget for eating out, clothes, entertainment, etc. Buy AMEX gift cards each month w/ balances dedicated to that, and don’t spend beyond that gift card!

12. Make your bed everyday
Making your bed gives you a feeling of accomplishment and is correlated with better productivity / less stress & could lead to other good habits.



Brought to you by: Senior Benefit Services
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Medicare 2017

Medicare 2017 costs at a glance

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Listed below are basic costs for people with Medicare. If you want to see and compare costs for specific health care plans, visit the Medicare Plan Finder.
For specific cost information (like whether you've met your deductible, how much you'll pay for an item or service you got, or the status of a claim), visit MyMedicare.gov

2017 costs at a glance
Part A premiumMost people don't pay a monthly premium for Part A (sometimes called "premium-free Part A"). If you buy Part A, you'll pay up to $413 each month. Calculate my premium.
Part A hospital inpatient deductible and coinsurance
 You pay: 
  • $1,316 deductible for each benefit period
  • Days 1-60: $0 coinsurance for each benefit period
  • Days 61-90: $329 coinsurance per day of each benefit period
  • Days 91 and beyond: $658 coinsurance per each "lifetime reserve day" after day 90 for each benefit period (up to 60 days over your lifetime)
  • Beyond lifetime reserve days: all costs
Part B premiumThe standard Part B premium amount is $134 (or higher depending on your income). However, most people who get Social Security benefits will pay less than this amount ($109 on average).
Part B deductible and coinsurance$183 per year. After your deductible is met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amountfor most doctor services (including most doctor services while you're a hospital inpatient), outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.
Part C premiumThe Part C monthly premium varies by plan. Compare costs for specific Part C plans.
Part D premiumThe Part D monthly premium varies by plan (higher-income consumers may pay more). Compare costs for specific Part D plans.


Detailed Medicare cost information for 2017