Cali Naughton – Page 4 – Empower Brokerage

Gardening Health Benefits

May 22, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Getting outside and gardening comes with many health benefits such as increas

3 Tips for Getting Active Again

May 7, 2021 by Cali Naughton

After all the challenges of this past year–lockdowns, staying home, and

Disability Insurance Awareness Month—Cash Bonus!

May 5, 2021May 5, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Sleep Apnea: What Medicare Covers

April 29, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Obstructive sleep apnea is experienced by many people and may influence a var

Stop Smoking with the Medicare Counseling Program

July 7, 2021April 22, 2021 by Cali Naughton

A Helping Hand

Do you have a client that is struggling to stop smoking? Let them know about the Medicare Tobacco Counseling Program! Through Medicare Part B, counseling sessions are available to help individuals beat the habit once and for all.

Statistics

Every year more than 480,000 people in the U.S. die from the effects of smoking. Sadly, it is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the country. Many people are aware of the damage caused to the smoker, but not everyone realizes that many others are also affected by exposure to secondhand smoke. It is estimated that around 41,000 people die yearly from secondhand smoke.

The Affects

While the obvious damage from smoking is the damage to the lungs, smoking actually causes damage to many other parts of the body. The cardiovascular system is particularly affected and they may eventually develop coronary heart disease or stroke. The truth is that smoking causes harm to the whole body. Additionally, someone will notably increase their risk for other things like infertility, gum disease, colorectal cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and a decrease in bone density.

Gaining Control

In order to take back the reigns and stop smoking for good, someone must first decide that it’s time to quit. It also helps to provide motivation by deciding on the reasons why they want and need to quit. To get starting on the journey of quitting, it is a good idea to visit a doctor and get advice on how to go about quitting and what options are available to you to work through the hurdles along the way. Creating an accountability and support system is a great way to help increase the chances of success.

Medicare’s Program

Medicare can help someone gain the support they need through their Tobacco Counseling Program. Someone may be able to receive up to 8 one-on-one counseling sessions through the program. They must go through a qualified doctor who also accepts assignment in order to be covered. Full cost coverage may be available from their Medicare Part B plan. In order to qualify, someone must join the program before becoming diagnosed with any tobacco related illness. In order to take advantage of the program before it’s too late, they should start the conversation with their doctor right away.

Second Quarter Bonuses and Incentives!

April 23, 2021April 21, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Medicare Coverage for Acupuncture

April 14, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Acupuncture Relief

Is your senior client suffering from chronic lower back pain? This may be an unwelcomed experience; however, on the good side, their Medicare Part B plan may cover acupuncture treatments. The benefits of acupuncture for pain and tension relief in muscles have been known for quite some time. Over the years it has become a rather popular treatment for lower back pain. Provided that they meet the requirements, Medicare may cover the expense of up to 20 treatments in a single year. This is truly a wonderful alternative option for pain management.

How it Works

Thought to have started in China, acupuncture came into practice thousands of years ago. This treatment is performed by inserting very thin needles into the skin at various points on the body. An acupuncturist uses a map of meridians to determine these points. The meridians are thought to be paths of energy (Qi) flowing through the body. Some experts say that the needles stimulate the central nervous system. This is one theory, however, there are many theories about how the treatments actually work. With regards to safety, it is considered safe under normal circumstances. As long as a licensed and fully trained acupuncturist is performing the treatment, the possible risks involved are very rare.

Pain Solution

Research has proven that acupuncture can provide reliable short-term lower back pain relief. This is great news as it may also help eliminate or minimize the need for pain medications. Acupuncture may even be used along with other treatment options depending on the situation. For the best plan of action, they should consult with their doctor for recommendations.

What Medicare May Cover

Acupuncture for chronic lower back pain that has persisted for at least 12 weeks may be covered by Medicare. The coverage will initially provide 12 treatments within a 90 day period. Once a doctor confirms that the treatments are providing results, Medicare may approve an additional 8 treatments. The coverage does not extend to those suffering pain due to pregnancy or surgery. Consult the medicare.gov site to find out about the full list of requirements. If qualifications are met, acupuncture may be exactly the solution your client needs.

Extra Help Savings Program

April 10, 2021 by Cali Naughton

Medicare Extra Help Program

Consumers wanting to participate in Part D Medicare insurance, may find financial assistance through the Extra Help savings program. In order to enroll in a Part D coverage plan, participants must first be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. Medicare Part D is used to help cover the costs of prescription drugs. The Extra Help program may be available to individuals meeting certain requirements and will help them cover the out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs.

Part D Drug Coverage

Part D is an optional Medicare plan that helps cover the costs of prescription drugs. Savings benefits through the plan cover an extensive list of prescription drugs. The specific drugs covered may vary based on who the insurer is, however, each insurer is required to provide at least two drug options in every major category.

Extra Help Eligibility

Part D Low-Income Subsidy is another name for the Extra Help program. Eligible participants may receive help covering the cost of their drug plan through this program. Whether or not someone is eligible depends on their assets and income status. They must not exceed the allotted amount in order to qualify. Sometimes a person may automatically qualify. Someone who is enrolled in the Medicare Savings Program will qualify automatically.

The Benefits

Many of the expenses incurred trying to cover the costs of drug coverage may be eased by the Extra Help program. Among these includes providing savings on the out-of-pocket prescription costs and even provide relief by covering part of the Part D coverage premium. Under the plan, enrollees will be given the opportunity to switch to a different plan if they choose so during a special yearly enrollment period. Lastly, Part D late enrollment penalties may be waived under the plan.

There are so many great benefits to joining the plan if someone is eligible to do so. The financial savings gained through it could be put towards other medical or household expenses. This makes it a welcomed option for so many individuals struggling to cover their drug costs.