SHB_p036

SC11062014

10 The Courier sun • health • november 6, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com ▶health 6 tips for finding more affordable, better coverage during Medicare Annual Enrollment Are you among the 54 million Americans currently receiving health insurance through Medicare? The Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP), running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, means you have the opportunity to change plans, and possibly find cost savings or better coverage. Seniors and people with disabilities who receive their health care insurance through Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans can make changes to their plans during the AEP. They have a lot to consider this year. More than 200 new prescription drug plans arrived in the Part D market this year and more than 2,000 Medicare Advantage plans were available nationwide. “On average, seniors have about 18 Medicare Advantage plans and 35 Part D plans to choose from,” says Mary Dale Walters, senior vice president of the Allsup Medicare Advisor, a nationwide Medicare plan selection service. Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans also continues to increase - nearly 16 million people in 2014 - which indicates that more people like the benefits of using these health care plans. Many Medicare Advantage plans also have provider networks that mirror the type of coverage beneficiaries had through their employers while working. “But people may have dozens of Medicare plans to choose from, depending on where they live. This really opens the door to finding Medicare plans that are a better fit for you and your health care needs,” Walters says. Walters offers some guidelines for when it might be worth exploring other Medicare plans: 1. You’re paying too much for your monthly premium. Perhaps you’ve been with the same plan for several years and each year the cost goes up a little bit more. Shop around; there may be a number of other plan options where you live that could provide the same or better coverage at a lower cost. 2. You’re paying too much out of pocket after you receive medical treatment. The costs with Medicare go beyond the monthly premium and include co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. If you’ve been surprised by the costs you must pay for medical treatment after the fact, you may want to talk to a Medicare plan selection specialist about your options and to ensure you know what to expect. 3. You can’t use your preferred doctors with your Medicare plan. Some Medicare plans can change the networks of doctors and hospitals you can see. If you’re finding it more and more difficult to see the doctors you would like to because of network changes, you could benefit from revisiting the Medicare plans in your area. 4. Prescription drug costs and coverage issues are causing you financial problems. The costs of medications today can be financially crippling for people with chronic health issues and those requiring specialized treatment. Some plans change their drug formularies from year to year, which can affect the cost of the drug you take or your ability to get coverage for a specific prescription medication. 5. You had a life change in the past year or expect big changes next year. If your income changed dramatically, you experienced a life-changing health issue, or you moved or plan to move, it could be vital for you to re-examine the scope of your Medicare coverage. 6. You were notified your plan will no longer be available in 2015. Sometimes Medicare plans leave the market. This can happen because the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) determine that some of the plans are too similar and are no longer necessary, or there may be quality concerns or other reasons. Medicare participants can find important information for annual enrollment through the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) that they receive from their insurance providers. Watch the mail for these important notices. “Don’t ignore the information you get from your Medicare plan providers in September because they may be telling you about premium changes and other provisions that will change your health care services next year,” Walters says. “Take a close look at those materials, and consider reaching out to a Medicare plan selection specialist to help you review your options.” Experienced Medicare specialists such as the Allsup Medicare Advisor are available to help consumers make a comparative analysis of Medicare plans from numerous providers and insurance companies to find coverage that best matches their personal needs. For an evaluation of your Medicare plan needs, call an Allsup Medicare Advisor specialist at (866) 521- 7655 or visit Medicare.Allsup.com. Courtesy BPT How men can avoid 5 common skincare pitfalls Let’s face it, skincare isn’t always a priority for most guys. However, the path to healthy, comfortable skin is not as difficult as one might think. For men with skin issues, relief is only a few simple steps away. San Diego-based dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Benabio lists five common skincare pitfalls guys face and how each can be easily avoided. 1. Using the wrong stick Half of men experience some form of underarm discomfort or itching and believe this is the price they have to pay for using a powerful deodorant. Those experiencing underarm irritation should try an antiperspirant or deodorant that is specifically formulated to be non-irritating. 2. Wearing inappropriate workout clothes While long workouts are great for your body, they can be tough on your skin if you’re wearing clothes that absorb moisture. Change into clothes that wick sweat away so you can avoid the excess moisture, which allows bacteria to thrive and can cause skin problems. 3. Forgetting about the soap Guys don’t usually spend a lot of time in drug store aisles, and they often get whatever soap they’ve been using for years or go with whatever is cheapest. Little do they know that those soaps are often too harsh and strip their skin of essential oils. Next time, grab an allin one solution proven to fight skin dryness with less irritation or tightness than soap. 4. Shaving mistakes Before shaving, try using steam or hot water to help open pores. Also, while there’s nothing wrong with keeping your facial hair under control and maintaining a clean-shaven look, it’s not a bad idea to let your facial hair grow occasionally. This break can help unclog your pores and reduce ingrown hairs. 5. Forgetting the shades Next time you run out of the house without your sunglasses, think again. One of the leading causes of wrinkles around eyes, or crow’s feet, at an early age is sun damage. If you want to keep the skin around your eyes looking younger, get used to wearing your shades in all seasons - squinting is not a good look anyway. While it can simply take a small lifestyle change to solve recurring skin problems, it’s important to see a dermatologist if problems persist. Courtesy BPT


SC11062014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above