JCF Health Insurance Services

Find & compare health care providers | Medicare

Compare nursing homes, hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers in your area that accept Medicare.https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-other-resources/find-compare-health-care-providers?fbclid=IwAR13RZxGRKDLuOGPkO25WyKd84CgjB-9NU98z-21i9Ze4xfjV0TjjEG-QX8

Find & compare health care providers | Medicare Find and compare hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, medical item suppliers, health care providers, health and drug plans, and dialysis facilities. Official Medicare site.

Put Together a Menu of Epic Game Day Eats for Super Bowl Sunday

You can't go wrong with The Pioneer Woman recipes for Super Bowl. Who are you cheering for?
https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/.../super-bowl-food-recipes/

Put Together a Menu of Epic Game Day Eats for Super Bowl Sunday They'll have your whole crew cheering! 📣

Medicare proposes covering expensive Alzheimer's drug for those in clinical trials

"Medicare would cover an expensive and controversial Alzheimer's drug called Aduhelm, but only for those participating in clinical trials, under a proposal announced Tuesday."

Medicare proposes covering expensive Alzheimer's drug for those in clinical trials Aduhelm is the first treatment approved in the country to slow cognitive decline in those living with Alzheimer's. Doctors have refused to prescribe it, given the lack of data and evidence behind it.

Turning 65 in 2022? You're eligible to claim Medicare and Social Security. But should you?

"You won't be eligible for your full monthly benefit based on your earnings history until you reach full retirement age. If you were born in 1957, full retirement age doesn't kick in until 66 and 6 months. Filing for benefits at 65 will mean reducing them in the process – for life."
JCF Health Insurance, Judi Fetters, Licensed Agent/Medicare Insurance Broker 936-520-3441

Turning 65 in 2022? You're eligible to claim Medicare and Social Security. But should you? Turning 65 is big milestone – and one that could come with many changes.

13 Easy Ways to Eat More Greens

What are your favorite greens? I love kale and have it growing in my garden.

13 Easy Ways to Eat More Greens Greens play a starring role in this WebMD slideshow of 13 dishes that draw on culinary secrets from Italy to the American south.

The Common Cold: No-Nonsense Tips for Older Adults

With all the talk about COVID-19 and the flu and how they impact seniors, sometimes the common cold can be overlooked. So what exactly is a run-of-the-mill cold?

https://www.ncoa.org/article/a-common-sense-guide-to-the-common-cold-for-older-adults?fbclid=IwAR1zh1FTgQjdMrjhWYGghRRSmJtMetrb1fAvltAOx5K5tqWrDw9BHgRD_oE

The Common Cold: No-Nonsense Tips for Older Adults Winter is in the air—and so are common cold viruses. Learn simple steps you can take to treat and prevent colds this season.

Medicare Proposes Some Coverage of Alzheimer’s Drug

If you have a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, there could be good news. The new drug, Aduhelm may help but it comes with limitations. Read the article below for more information.

Medicare Proposes Some Coverage of Alzheimer’s Drug ​The CMS draft preliminary decision allows coverage of Aduhelm​​ only for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in clinical trials.​​

Medicare 5-Star Ratings

Did you know that Medicare plans are rated by CMS every year? Read this article to learn more about what the CMS star-rating system is and why it's important.https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/medicare-articles/medicare-five-star-ratings.html?fbclid=IwAR1IHFjsThAaagkSWgEDriItkmmPVvhYlIRJJncswjDtayZLMMzTW8Mkf1Y

Medicare 5-Star Ratings Medicare Star Ratings make it easy to compare Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Learn what makes a 5-star Medicare plan in this blog.

Five Tips to End Your Year Healthy - Paauwerfully Organized

Why wait until New Year’s Day to make adjustments that will support a healthy lifestyle? Follow these five tips to end your year healthy.

Five Tips to End Your Year Healthy - Paauwerfully Organized Why wait until New Year’s Day to make adjustments that will support a healthy lifestyle? If there are things you want to stop or start doing, you can begin today. Even with only a few weeks left, small changes can have a positive impact on your life and give you a lift as you welcome […]

What is the connection between Social Security benefits and Medicare premiums?
Most Medicare beneficiaries are also receiving Social Security benefits, and their Part B premiums are automatically deducted from their Social Security checks. Social Security benefits also tend to increase over time due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). But sometimes the Medicare Part B premium increase is larger than the Social Security COLA. In that situation, the result would be a decrease in net Social Security checks from one year to the next (for example, if the COLA only adds $5/month to a person’s check but their Part B premiums go up by $8/month, their net Social Security check would be $3/month smaller in the second year).
To avoid that sort of scenario, there’s a provision that prevents Social Security checks from declining from one year to the next, essentially capping Medicare Part B premium increases at no more than the amount of each enrollee’s COLA. This is called the “hold harmless” provision, and it protects about 70 percent of Medicare beneficiaries from having to pay the full amount of the Part B premium increase in years when the COLA wouldn’t be enough to cover the premium hike. (Note that the “hold harmless” provision does not apply to people who are new to Medicare, or who pay higher Part B premiums because they have high incomes.)
After remaining steady for three years, Medicare Part B premiums started increasing again in 2016, and again in 2017. They remained steady in 2018, but increased again in 2019. However, because COLAs weren’t large enough to cover the increases in 2016 and 2017, most beneficiaries were paying less than the standard amount for their Part B coverage.
By 2019, however, the COLA was sufficient to allow nearly all Part B enrollees to pay the standard amount for their coverage, without experiencing a drop in their net Social Security checks.
Have Social Security recipients been 'held harmless' for Part B premium increases recently?
In most years, Social Security’s COLA results in a large enough increase that higher Part B premiums can be deducted from the new payments without ending up with Social Security checks that are lower than the previous year.
For beneficiaries who are “held harmless,” and for whom the Part B increase would otherwise exceed their Social Security COLA, the Part B increase ends up being limited to the amount of the COLA. That means their full COLA is used to cover the Part B premium increase and they’ll end up with Social Security checks that are exactly the same as they were the year before.
For Medicare beneficiaries who are not “held harmless,” Part B premiums can increase by as much as is necessary to reach the standard rate for that year. This includes the following groups of people:
People who are new to Medicare
People who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits
People who pay higher premiums for Medicare as a result of having high incomes
.https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/how-does-the-hold-harmless-provision-protect-beneficiaries-from-medicare-part-b-premium-increases/?fbclid=IwAR1S_jO3eawao7qJxTN7T8fOOOPpG7Np1aQxcs0jdPeJsTyKRs0DdoXWwII

Veterans Day 2021 Freebies, Deals and Discounts

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans. In appreciation of Veterans Day, businesses will honor active-duty and retired military with all sorts of deals.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/.../veterans-day-2021.../2809719/

Veterans Day 2021 Freebies, Deals and Discounts Veterans Day is Thursday, Nov. 11, and in honor of the service members that have so bravely served our country, restaurants and businesses nationwide are showing their gratitude with an array of free meals, discounts and other well-deserved perks.

There are many reasons to get a pet. A senior pet may be your best choice!
Pets give us unconditional love and attention. They offer companionship and listen without judgment. While puppies and kittens are great, senior pets are loving, attentive companions with their own benefits.
Here are three reasons why adopting a senior dog or cat may be right for you —
1. Their personality is developed, so you’ll know if they are a good fit for your home.
2. They don’t need as much physical activity. They enjoy attention and love but don’t require the time a younger pet does.
3. There’s no question about size. They are the size they’ll stay!
Perhaps most important of all, senior pets are often overlooked at shelters and rescues. Once adopted, they’re so appreciative of you and their new home.

If you’re looking for a calm, loyal friend to add warmth to your home, think about what a senior pet can do for you!

Blood Pressure Medications Recalled for Possible High Carcinogen Levels

RECALL NOTICE: Two types of blood pressure medication made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals have been recalled due to potential high levels of a cancer-causing substance, according to an FDA recall notice.

Blood Pressure Medications Recalled for Possible High Carcinogen Levels Two types of blood pressure medication made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals have been recalled due to potential high levels of a cancer-causing substance, according to an FDA recall notice.

Flu Shots Coverage

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers one flu shot per flu season.
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/flu-shots

Flu Shots Coverage See how to get flu shots coverage under Medicare & how health insurance program Part B covers costs for flu shots every flu season. Learn more.

Shingles is a disease that causes a painful skin rash. About 1 in 3 people will get shingles, and your risk increases as you age. It comes from the same virus that causes chickenpox. Although there is no cure, shingles can be prevented and treated.

Shingles is a disease that causes a painful skin rash. About 1 in 3 people will get shingles, and your risk increases as you age. It comes from the same virus that causes chickenpox. Although there is no cure, shingles can be prevented and treated. There are also savings available through my prescription savings app, Clever Rx. Ask me how.

Medicare Fraud: Don’t Give Them a Chance

Protect yourself by protecting your Medicare card!
https://youtu.be/vScAG7rtPe8

Medicare Fraud: Don’t Give Them a Chance If a caller says they’re from Medicare and asks for your Medicare number, it’s probably a scam. Don’t give out your card number. To learn how you can help pr...

Vitamins for Seniors and Older Adults - AgeWise Colorado

Do you remember taking a chewable cartoon character vitamin every day when you were a child? Now that you are entering a new chapter in your life, you need a new type of supplement.

Vitamins for Seniors and Older Adults - AgeWise Colorado Do you remember taking a chewable cartoon character vitamin every day when you were a child? Our parents told us those fruit-flavored characters would make us big and strong. You may have had a favorite color/flavor, but you were happy to take one every day. As adults, you may have switched to a mul...

Have you taken advantage of your $0 copay preventive services this year?

Why Are Women at Higher Risk for Alzheimer’s?

At least two-thirds of the 5.8 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. “Hormone declines that lead to menopause can accelerate brain aging in women and potentially kick-start the predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease,” Mosconi says.

Why Are Women at Higher Risk for Alzheimer’s? Women are far more likely than men to suffer from Alzheimer’s, making up at least two-thirds of the 5.8 million Americans with it.

Are you confused about Medicare? We provide local assistance to help you understand the ABC's of Medicare and assist with the selection of the Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan that is best fits your needs. Call us at 936-520-3441.

Top 5 Medicare Advantage plan changes coming for 2022

Here are the top 5 Medicare Advantage plan changes coming for 2022.

Top 5 Medicare Advantage plan changes coming for 2022 The greatest uncertainty is members' health status, which could impact MA organizations’ bidding submission process for 2022. Fortunately, fully vaccinated members are likely to resume in-person care this year, which means MA plans can expect a more consistent and reliable stream of data to form f...

5 Things to Look for in a Pain Management Plan

Pain can be a huge barrier to living a happy and fulfilling life. Below are five key elements you need to look for in whatever pain treatments, therapies, or medications you’re considering.https://blogs.webmd.com/pain-management/20200917/5-things-to-look-for-in-a-pain-management-plan?fbclid=IwAR0v4Em_QbBFWVe2_DHn9qoaa85eDTpprgU2WYgpU6z6i3NrHLmdh28tRjE

5 Things to Look for in a Pain Management Plan Pain can be a huge barrier to living a happy and fulfilling life. A pain expert gives tips for putting together a management plan that can help you thrive again.

America’s Best Fall Foliage Road Trips

Check out these favorite fall foliage road trips to take this year. Have you done this? If so, where did you go? https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/travel/americas-best-fall-foliage-road-trips-pictures?fbclid=IwAR103S9vEaheImOyIMvWIRLYL-oCsOPusB1h6FUtbxS1kRoV8ZQwk3bWK4Q

America’s Best Fall Foliage Road Trips From Oregon’s Columbia River Highway across the country to Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway in western Massachusetts, our friends at Roadtrippers.com share their favorite fall foliage road trips to take this year.

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plan Costs | AARP Medicare Plans

When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance should all factor into your decision. Ask me is a Medicare Advantage Plan is right for you. https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/medicare-articles/how-to-compare-medicare-advantage-plan-costs.html?fbclid=IwAR1QsFf-5FM4eoMS_c6Y_Gihb_Tl7oHKnj1BLRP3R48zn7GvjxSYwCUjAlY

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plan Costs | AARP Medicare Plans Medicare Advantage plans share some costs with plan members. Estimating total out-of-pocket costs may help in comparing plans.

Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: What’s the Connection? - GoodRx

Do you know the difference between heart rate and blood pressure? If not, check out the article below.

https://www.goodrx.com/blog/heart-rate-vs-blood-pressure/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=bz&utm_campaign=20210812_c_newsletter_248

Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: What’s the Connection? - GoodRx Heart rate and blood pressure are both measurements that should be monitored regularly, but how do they affect one another? Find out at GoodRx.

How long will food stay fresh in the freezer? This guide can help.

Medicare Rights Urges Congress to Prioritize Much Needed Medicare Updates

"The significant gaps in coverage must be addressed, specifically regarding oral health, hearing, and vision services. And barriers to low-income assistance–which is particularly important to older adults of color–must be eliminated.”

Medicare Rights Urges Congress to Prioritize Much Needed Medicare Updates This week, as Congress continued to discuss strategies to improve health coverage, Medicare Rights weighed in, urging them to prioritize critical Medicare updates.

The 19 Best Perennials for Late Summer Color | Gardener's Path

To avoid the late season colorless doldrums, choose from this list of the best perennials to add vibrant shades to the late summer garden.

The 19 Best Perennials for Late Summer Color | Gardener's Path Want some reliable perennials to bring color to the late summer garden? Learn about the best performers for a bold end to the season, now on Gardeners Path.