Does Medicare Cover the Flu Shot - medicare board | Healthier Me Today
Medicare NewsbyHMT News Team

Does Medicare Cover the Flu Shot?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a virus that causes coughing, fever, sore throat, fatigue, and headaches. Death can become part of the equation if you are an elder, primarily because of the weaker immune system. This is why flu shots are essential, as they protect and help prevent the spread and contracting of the possibly fatal virus.

The flu can lead to other illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which are extremely dangerous if left too long. Thankfully there is a simple way to prevent the flu virus from turning into a fatal disease. If eligible, medical programs, such as Medicare even offer this potentially life-saving shot for free.

What is Medicare?

It began in 1965 in the United States by the Social Security Administration and is now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Medicare is a health insurance program tailored to people at the age of 65 and older,  younger individuals with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease such as ESRD (permanent kidney failure that requires a transplant or dialysis).

Medicare offers four parts ranging in what the customer needs. These are labeled Part A, B, C, and D.
This health insurance company program is funded through the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. It aims to provide medical procedures and care coverage, focusing mainly on the elderly. What will be covered depends solely on which part of the program is chosen.  

Will Medicare Cover My Flu Shot?

Does Medicare Cover the Flu Shot - doctor at the office | Healthier Me Today

Many places accept Medicare Advantage Plans. Elderly people who have Medicare Part B, C, or D can receive their yearly flu shot for free.

If you meet the criteria of Medicare and depending on which plan you choose or are recommended, then yes, Medicare will cover your flu shot. Those covered are citizens 65 and over, the disabled, those with end-stage renal diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 

How Can I Get Medicare Flu Shot Coverage?

To get Medicare flu shot coverage, you will need to see if you qualify for the B and C program plans. If you do, these parts will cover the entire cost of the flu shot. From here, you will need to phone your healthcare provider ahead of time to ensure that they accept Medicare coverage and payments. If they do, simply go to your pharmacy or healthcare provider, and they will provide you with your flu shot. 

Medicare Part A-D

The Medicare program offers four options for whatever type of services are needed. Most beneficiaries opt for Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, which is provided directly through the federal government, the traditional fee-to-services program.

Using Traditional or Original Medicare will result in the government paying for the medical services you receive. With this, you are responsible for paying for a monthly premium for plan B, and some choose to do this as well for plan A.

If you choose to use the Medicare Advantage plan instead, this will offer the same benefits as Original Medicare but can do so with different rules, costs, and coverage restrictions, as well as typically receiving Part D, which covers prescription medication.
There are many different kinds of Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C. Here is a list explaining what each of the various Parts covers.

Medicare A Coverage:

  • Hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facilities 
  • Home health care
  • Hospitalizations
  • Hospice 
  • It does not include flu shot

Medicare B Coverage:

  • Quadrivalent cell-based influenza, including Flucelvax Quadrivalent
  • Standard dose quadrivalent shots Afluria Quadrivalent, Fluarix Quadrivalent, 

FluLaval Quadrivalent, and Fluzone Quadrivalent  

  • Recombinant quadrivalent influenza shot including Flublok Quadrivalent   
  • Covid-19 vaccines 
  • Seasonal H1N1 swine flu vaccines 
  • Pneumococcal vaccine
  • Hepatitis B shots for individuals at high-risk 
  • Fluzone High-Dose for those older than 65 years of age 
  • FLUAD
  • Certain shots are related to illness or injury. Example tetanus shots 
  • Helps cover durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, hospital bed, as well as other equipment)
  • Outpatient care

Medicare C Coverage:

  • Quadrivalent cell-based influenza, including Flucelvax Quadrivalent
  • Standard dose quadrivalent shots Afluria Quadrivalent, Fluarix Quadrivalent, 

FluLaval Quadrivalent, and Fluzone Quadrivalent  

  • Recombinant quadrivalent influenza shot including Flublok Quadrivalent   
  • Covid-19 vaccines 
  • Seasonal H1N1 swine flu vaccines 
  • Pneumococcal vaccine
  • Hepatitis B shots for individuals at high-risk 
  • Fluzone High-Dose for those older than 65 years of age 
  • FLUAD
  • Certain shots are related to illness or injury. Example tetanus shots 
  • Hospital stays
  • Skilled nursing facilities 
  • Home health care
  • Hospitalizations
  • Hospice 
  • Does not include flu shot
  • Specific Part C plans include prescription drug coverage

Medicare D Coverage:

  • Shingles Vaccine, Shingrix
  • Tdap vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)
  • MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella)
  • BCG vaccine for tuberculosis 
  • Meningococcal vaccines
  • Hepatitis A and B vaccines for individuals considered high-risk 
  • Generic Tamiflu
  • Relenza 
  • Xofluza
  • Flu medication

Will I be covered if I am a Senior?

Does Medicare Cover the Flu Shot - Elder reading | Healthier Me Today

Senior citizens who are 65 and older will receive the flu shot for free once a year. If deemed medically necessary, it will be given again in the same year, also free of charge. This will only be possible if the patient has Medicare Parts B, C, or D, as Part A does not include the influenza vaccine. If the senior citizen does not have any of these Medicare plans, they will be charged for the shot. The Fluzone High-Dosage is recommended for anyone over 65, as they are at greater risk when contracting the virus.

All about the Flu Shot

Medicare can be an easy option for seniors. It takes the stress out of wondering how, where, and when they will be able to get in contact with healthcare providers. Additionally, it takes the uncertainty of finances away! 

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants? | Healthier Me Today
Medicare NewsbyHMT News Team

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants? Medicare is a Health Insurance Program prioritizing senior citizens aged 65 and older. They have a broad category of services and coverage. Depending on which Part of Medicare you sign up for will give you access and coverage for specific situations and medical care. 

Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage will give you different medical coverage plans. Parts A and B are also called Original Medicare, and Part C is referred to as Medicare Advantage. Dental implants require surgery that does not fall under the benefits offered by Part A and B as it does not cover the majority of dental care. Nevertheless, Medicare does plan to provide coverage for dental implants. Part C provides a broader range of dental care and procedures.  

What Services Do Medicare Cover – Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

will insurance cover dental implants - person at dentist | Healthier Me Today

Under certain circumstances, such as part of surgery and in an emergency setting, Original Medicare will provide some dental coverage. It does not, however, cover routine dental care. Original Medicare Part A will cover specific services administered in a hospital with some coverage for complicated dental procedures. Medicare Advantage offers more dental coverage, including dental implants and more. 

Medicare covers many services, but it all depends on which two main options are chosen. Each one comes with different plans and benefits, so it’s essential to apply for the one best suited to your needs or future endeavors. Let’s take a look at the services covered by the whole of Medicare; 

Medicare Advantage (Part C and D):

  • Hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, and influenza vaccinations
  • Doctor and specialist appointments 
  • Mental health counseling
  • Emergency ambulance transportation 
  • MRI’s and X-rays 
  • Medical equipment such as home oxygen tanks and wheelchairs
  • Speech, occupational and physical therapy
  • Dental
  • Vision 
  • Hearing
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Emergency room care
  • Laboratory testing

Original Medicare (Part A and B):

  • Inpatient hospital care
  • Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care
  • Hospice care 
  • Home health care
  • Preventive services
  • Therapy services
  • Mental health services
  • X-rays and lab tests
  • Select prescription drugs
  • Chiropractic care
  • Ambulance services
  • Home health services
  • Medical equipment (DME) 
  • Provider services

Part D:

  • Anticancer drugs
  • Immunosuppressant drugs
  • Anticonvulsive treatments (seizure medication)
  • HIV/AIDS treatments
  • Antipsychotic medications
  • Antidepressants 
  • Vaccines that are not covered by Part B

How Do I Go About Dental Implant Application?

Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance - man at dentist | Healthier Me Today

Enquiring about dental implants is simple. You can contact to find out if you are eligible for Medicare coverage by phoning in and talking to an assistant or asking via the contact options on their website, such as through emailing or clicking the “Talk to Someone” icon provided on the webpage. Once you are informed of the viable information of your options and accessibility, you can follow these steps to get your dental implant application;

Step 1– Find out about Medicare Advantage enrollment through their online resources or call in to speak to one of their consultants.

Step 2– To apply for the Medicare Advantage, you must make sure you fit into one or more of the following categories, 65 or older, qualifying disability, qualifying life events such as loss of income. The yearly enrollment period starts on October the 15th and ends on December the 7th. At this time, if you are already enrolled in the Original Medicare program, you may swap to the Medicare Advantage program.

Step 3– Create a medicare account but keep in mind you may still search on the website without one.

Step 4– Click on the “Find a Medicare Plan” tool 

Step 5– Choose the Medicare Advantage Plan 

Step 6– Type in your zip code and then follow the instructions to get a list of available plans. 

Step 7– Review the plans that are available in your area. 

Step 8– You will see that under “Plan Benefits,” a green checkmark next to “Dental” will indicate the plans with dental coverage.

Step 9– There will be other information like monthly premiums, type of plans, yearly maximum.

Step 10– Find the right plan or plans that fit your needs.

Step 11– Look at the company’s websites that offer these plans. Many company websites will allow you to see if your dentist accepts the chosen plan.

Step 12– If not all of your questions have been answered in the research process, consider calling a consult or broker to inquire about any other questions you may have.

Step 13– Then, simply sign up by following the enrollment steps given by Medicare resources.

Step 14– Make sure that if the plan you enroll in does not offer dental care as a benefit, you talk to a beneficiary about plans that can have dental care add-ons. 

Dental Implants with Medicare – Can I apply For Dental Implants if I am Under 65?

As stated, Medicare aims to aid people 65 and older, but other criteria are also accepted. This includes younger people with disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease, and kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patients. Those younger than 65 years with specific disabilities who have received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months can apply for Medicare coverage. Those who have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), although these individuals do not have to collect gifts for 24 months. 

Those with ESRD will generally have three months after a course of regular dialysis begins before they can meet the requirements for Medicare. Individuals that meet all the needed requirements for Social Security Disability are often enrolled in Parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare. If the criteria are met but do not qualify for Social Security benefits, they can pay a monthly Part A premium and monthly Part B premium. 

The beneficiaries are given entitlement to individualized assessment deciding if the coverage criteria are met. There isn’t any illness or underlying condition that will disqualify Medicare coverage. Such as long-term care or because their underlying condition will not show improvement. People with long-term conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, Mental Illness, Alzheimer’s Disease, or Multiple Sclerosis that have care orders from their doctor who meets the criteria for Medicare can obtain coverage.      

Does Medicare cover braces or Cover any Other Dental Related Queries?

Medicare Advantage plans containing dental coverage offer many benefits relating to dental health. These include dental X-rays, routine teeth cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum disease treatment, dentures, bridges, crowns, routine dental exams, tooth extractions, and dental implants. 

The coverage of your chosen plan may not include all these benefits, so it is advised to consult with your plan carrier to learn about what your Medicare plan covers dental-wise. Dental care can be added to your existing Medicare Advantage plan.

When signing up for a new Medicare Advantage plan, there will be an option for dental care services during this selection process. If already enrolled in the plan, you can talk to your provider about the available dental coverages. If there is no add-on dental coverage, you can enroll in a stand-alone dental policy.

Something to Sink Your Teeth Into – Medicare Advantage Cover Dental Care?

Dental implants are covered by Medicare but only in the Medicare Advantage plan unless you can have it as an add-on option to your current plan. Part C includes all the benefits of Part A and B, but it has extra services which include a wide variety of dental care options.

 If adding these extra dental services to your current coverage plan, it’s more than likely that an additional monthly cost will be included. If people younger than 65 apply to enroll in the Medicare coverage plans, they first have to meet the criteria and be individually assessed by beneficiaries. Once approved, these will be available benefits, including dental care, but the conditions and accessibility may differ from those of senior citizens 65 and above.

Medicare Part B Special Enrollment - Doctor looking at pad | Healthier Me Today
Medicare NewsbyHMT News Team

Medicare Part B Special Enrollment – Complete Guide

Medicare offers many plans, and each has a role to play. There is a program suited for whatever benefits you need. Whether it be coverage on medical conditions such as end-stage renal disease to eye examinations. Of course, the benefits you receive rely on the program you enroll in. 

There are four parts to Medicare, Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Parts A and B are covered under Original Medicare, and Parts C is also known as Medicare Advantage. Part C includes both the benefits of A and B and extra services. Part D can stand alone or be included in your current plan.

Special enrollment for Part B covers different situations than the previous ones offer. It is more so related to job-based insurance. 

What is Medicare B Special Enrollment?

For short, special Enrollment Periods, SEPs are periods outside the normal enrollment periods when you can enroll in health insurance. These periods are usually based on certain circumstances.

Special Enrollment Periods for Part B begins when you have coverage from your current work (job-based insurance), and you are in your first month of eligibility for Part B. It will end eight months after losing coverage from your current place of employment due to either the coverage ending or the employment.

You can use the Part B Special Enrollment Period with job-based insurance. You can use it for eight months after no longer having job-based insurance as well. 

When it comes to the difference between open enrollment and special enrollment, open enrollment has an annual window where you can enroll. Special enrollment is when you can enroll for coverage outside of the yearly window depending on if the circumstance is acceptable. 

Do I Qualify for Medicare Special B Enrollment?

Medicare Part B Special Enrollment - Person at doctor office | Healthier Me Today

 

 

To qualify for Part B Special Enrollment Period, you would have had to be continuously covered by insurance from your current work or by Medicare Part B. Therefore, when you become eligible for Medi, care includes the first month you became Medicare-eligible. 

If you have more than eight ongoing months without any coverage from either current work or Part B, you are not eligible for the Part B Special Enrollment Period. 

The qualifications needed for Part B Special Enrollment Period are if there have been certain life events such as moving, getting married, loss of health coverage, having a baby, or adopting a child. Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you will be given 60 days before or 60 days after the live event has happened to enroll in the plan.

The main basic types of life events that will qualify you for the Special Enrollment Period are the following four circumstances:

  • Loss of health coverage includes losing existing health care coverage, including job-based, student plans, or individual coverage, turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan or losing eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP.
  • Changes in residence. Moving to a different ZIP code or country, moving to or from a shelter and other transitional housing, a seasonal worker moving to or from the place they both live and work, and being a student moving to or from their school.
  • Changes in your household include having or adopting a child, death in the family, getting married, or getting divorced. 
  • Other qualifying events can include; becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration, AmeriCorps members starting or finishing their service. Also, changes in your income will affect the coverage you qualify for and gain membership in a federally recognized tribe or status. 

What Makes Special B different from Other Medicare Enrolments?

Medicare Part B Special Enrollment - female nurse | Healthier Me Today

Medicare works on an open enrollment basis, which means that people can enroll at a certain time during the year. The general enrollment period starts from January the first and ends March the 31st every year. The initial enrollment period is seven months when someone is first eligible for medicare. This period will begin three months before you turn 65, including the month you turn 65 and ends three months after turning 65. 

Open enrollment is based on fixed dates and periods that a person can enroll. Although these periods are fixed, there isn’t only a one-time frame, but a few cater to certain eligibility. Special Enrollment Period is an opportunity to enroll in Medicare outside the Initial and the General Enrollment Periods. Those who are eligible based on their disability could meet the criteria for the Special Enrollment Period based on their spouse’s current employment. 

People who didn’t enroll in Medicare when first eligible due to their spouse or themselves still working and having employer-sponsored Group Health Plan coverage based on the employment. They can enroll in the Special Enrollment Period.

Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period Pro’s

Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period is a grace period given to those who undergo life-changing events and have missed the Initial Enrollment and the General Enrollment period or need to enroll suddenly for an unplanned event.

  • You do not have to wait to enroll during the initial and general enrollment periods.
  • It gives you the chance to change your current Medicare coverage plan if certain life events happen.
  • You may have found another program you would like to enroll in 
  • If you lose the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program, you can use SEP to enroll in another program to maintain the coverage.

A Second Chance

The Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period is almost like a saving grace to those with unforeseen circumstances. It allows for a second chance. While having no annual enrollment period can provide a safety net for those who qualify. For example, making it possible for people who recently found a specific program they didn’t have the chance to enroll in during the General Enrollment Period or the Initial Enrollment Period.

8-Minute Medicare Rule - Doctor Writing | Healthier Me Today
Medicare News Health NewsbyHMT News Team

The 3 Best Beneficial Facts About The 8 Minute Rule From Medicare!

8 minute rule – Learn more with Healthier Me Today! is put in place to govern the process by which rehab therapists determine how many units they should bill to Medicare. This is for the outpatient therapy services they provide on specific service dates. A therapist has to offer direct one-on-one time therapy for a minimum of 8 minutes to receive reimbursement for one unit of a time-based treatment code.

Time-based codes allow for variable billing in 15-minute increments. Time codes would be used for performing one-on-one services such as ultrasound, manual therapy, therapeutic activities, electrical stimulation, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and gait training. 

What is the Medicare 8 Minute Rule?

8-minute Medicare rule

The medicare 8 minute rule is for time-based codes. There must be a direct treatment for at least eight minutes before receiving reimbursement from Medicare. 

When calculating the number of billable units for a particular service date, Medicare will add up the total minutes of one-on-one therapy and divide that by 15. If eight or more minutes are left over after a session, this can allow for one more unit to be billed, whereas if there are only seven or fewer minutes left, then an additional unit cannot be billed. 

A chart can be used to reference how many units can be charged for some time. For example, it will start at eight to twenty-two minutes, resulting in 1 unit. The full-time reference is 83 minutes which will rack up to 6 units. 

Example of the 8 minute Rule:

8-Minute Medicare Rule - Clock | Healthier Me Today

As an example of how the 8 minute rule will apply in a single date of service. Let’s say that there were 30 minutes of manual therapy, 15 minutes of therapeutic exercise, 15 minutes of electrical stimulation unattended, and 8 minutes of ultrasound. The constant attendance procedures and modalities will be added to correctly calculate the charge using the 8 minute rule.

Resulting in a sum that will look like this:

30+15+15+8= 53 minutes which supports the amount of four billing units.

The 15 minutes of electrical stimulation unattended will support one added service-based unit. That will be a total of 5 units for the date of service used above.

Often when the total timed minutes are divided by 15, there will be a reminder that will include minutes from more than one service. For example, when these minutes are combined, you have 5 minutes leftover from therapeutic exercise and then 3 minutes leftover from manual therapy.

Separately these do not meet the 8-minute requirement but once added, they then fit into the 8-minute threshold. However, as per Medicare guidelines, this means that you can bill one unit of the service with the larger amount of time total, so regarding the situation we discussed, the therapeutic exercise will be the one that can be billed for.

What does the Rule of 8 Stand for?

8-minute Medicare rule

The 8 minute rule stipulates that you can bill Medicare Insurance carriers for one full unit if the service provided is between 8 and 22 minutes. It can only apply to time-based CPT codes. Keep in mind that the 8-Minute Medicare Rule does not apply to every time-based CPT code or in every situation that might occur. 

The billing for physical medical services is based on what is referred to as the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system. This system is composed of 5 digit codes used for third-party billing payers. 

Often Medicare is the primary third-party payer that will foot the bill for outpatient physical medicine services. These payments will typically be based on a fee schedule based on the time codes and the 8-Minute Medicare Rule. 

The first procedure has to be at the least 8 minutes, and then each one after that will be billed in 15-minute increments. Only direct one-on-one and face-to-face time with a patient will be considered for timed codes.

The rule of eights still counts billable units in 15-minute increments; however, instead of combining the time from multiple units, the rule is applied apart from the unique timed services.  

Is Assessment and Management Part of the 8 Minute Rule?

8-Minute Medicare Rule - Man Standing with arms folded | Healthier Me Today

On some occasions, therapists will mistake adding assessment and management time when counting the billable minutes. Not in every case, the assessment and management time can be omitted. There are some instances where there are allowances.

Some examples of this are:

  1. Documenting in the presence of a patient. 
  2. Assessing the patient prior to performing a hands-on intervention.
  3.  Answering patients and if there is a caregiver present, then their questions as well.
  4. Assessing the patient’s response to the intervention.
  5. Instructing, counseling, and giving advice about home self-care.

If your documentation is accurate, describes the treatment, is easily understood by another provider. This will be enough to justify the reason behind billing for assessment and management. If the time that wasn’t used by performing the medical practice is still in the scope and will aid in the condition or problem that the patient is facing, then it is allowed and justified for the therapist to bill for this information or insight. 

Medicare 8 Minute Rule…

The medicare 8 minute rule is put in place to keep order and understanding when billing patients. It ensures the correct amount is being charged and helps the patient understand how the Medicare time is billed.

The charges made based on the added time and then divided by 15 will be sent to Medicare. If time is left over from any medical situation, they can be added together. If they reach a total of 8 minutes, then whichever has the most extra time will be given one unit.

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Interested in reading more from Healthier Me Today? 

  1. Can You Laminate Your Medicare Card?
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Healthy Brussel Sprout Tacos | Healthier Me Today
Food & Nutrition Healthy Eating UncategorizedbyHMT News Team

A Healthy Alternative to an Unhealthy Delight – Brussel Sprout Tacos

Healthy Brussel Sprout Tacos are perfect if you are looking for a delicious vitamin and mineral enriched substitute for taco meat – look no further! Brussel sprouts are a great filling and addition to your taco night. To make them even tastier try pairing with avocado. 

Not to mention these tacos are completely vegetarian, which can work great for larger get-togethers. 

Preparation time 10 minutes
Servings 4 Tacos

Ingredients:

  • ½ red onion sliced to your liking. Thinly sliced does work best and it is recommended. 
  • ½ of a freshly squeezed lime. Safe the other half and cut into wedges for serving.
  • Freshly ground pepper and kosher salt to taste.
  • 8 tortillas (corn tortillas work best), preferably 6 inches in size.
  • 1 large avocado 
  • Oven-roasted Brussel sprouts. Try coating them in Chipotle honey glaze before cooking. This will add depth to the flavor.
  • ¼ cup of unsalted roasted peanuts. First, find out if any of your guests are allergic beforehand. 
  • ½ Fresh cut parsley
  • ¼ Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lemon and garlic mayonnaise 

Directions:

  1. Wash, cut, and coat the Brussel sprouts. Roast in the oven until slightly golden.
  2. Slice the onion and add to a small bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over and set it aside to marinate.
  3. Toast the tortillas until slightly charred. You can achieve this by using a gas flame.
  4. Stack all the tortillas once charred onto a plate. Cover either with a clean kitchen cloth or food net.
  5. Slice the avocado into strips. Add salt and pepper. Set aside for now.
  6. Spread the garlic and lemon mayonnaise onto the tortillas.
  7. Place about two tablespoons of Brussel sprouts inside.
  8. Top with avocado, onions, peanuts, and herbs.
  9. Accompany the tacos with options of sour cream and chili sauce.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

Notes From Healthier Me Today

  • Healthy Brussel Sprout Tacos is a great way to get more vegetables into your children’s diet. Who can resist a delicious taco!
  • This is a great healthier version of often calorie-filled comfort food.
  • You can substitute the chipotle honey glaze with normal honey and a few splashes of soya sauce.
  • Tortillas can burn very quickly, so make sure you keep your eye on them. 
  • For extra crunch and sweetness, you can top with some corn.

Want To Create the Perfect at Home Tacos?

6 Piece Taco Stand:

Taco Tuesday Deluxe:

Taco Press:


Young Love - Gift Guide for Teenage Romance | Healthier Me Today
UncategorizedbyHMT News Team

Young Love – Gift Guide for Teenage Romance

Young love, teenage romance -oh the bliss! Although statistics say that teenage romance often fails, that isn’t always the case, so why not give it all you have while you are living the dream with this Gift Guide for Teenage Romance! Young love deserves to be celebrated in all the beautiful, mysterious ways, and Healthier Me Today has your back all the way! Treat your crush this valentines day!

Let’s not waste any more time!

  1. Gold Rose Bouquet:


    This beautiful bouquet will never perish. What a sentimental surprise! This gift includes 6 elegant gold plated roses held together by luxurious black paper and ribbon. Not to mention the exquisitely designed packaging. These are handcrafted and will be a unique Valentine’s Day gift that will last forever.
  2. Colorful Roses:


    Looking for something to dazzle your Valentine? Look no further! This magical gift will have them feeling like they’re in a fairytale. Show your creativity by getting them something unworldly. It includes an enchanting rose preserved in a glass dome. Taking it one step further, it had LED lights that twirl around the flower.
  3. Wireless Beanie Headphones:


    This quirky gift will be sure to make your Valentine smile! This is perfect for music lovers. They can stay cozy, not have a wire getting in their way or worry about their earbuds falling out. With quality sound and adjustable buttons, they can listen to their favorite songs in comfortability and style.
  4. Giant Wooden Play Dice:


    Does your partner love to play games? If you don’t want to get them the same old board games on the market, then surprise them with this! It includes 6 hands-sanded wooden dice, a double-sided dry-erase board, and a canvas carry case. With endless fun, this is sure to be a gift they’ll never forget.
  5. Bounce Battle Game Set:


    If you want to steer away from the cliche Valentine’s Day gift options, this will be a great pick! This uncommon game will have you both laughing and spending quality time together. It has an abundance of games to choose from, and they’re all easy to learn. To play, there needs to be a strategy, coordination, and good spirit. Enjoy this fun activity this Valentine with your partner.
  6. Women’s Bluetooth Beanie Headphones:


    If unique and stylish is what you’re looking for in a gift, then this is a definitive winner! It has quick Bluetooth pairing, 10 to 20 hours of playtime, and is designed for comfortability. They will have less hassle listening to music and no worries about finding their earpods or untangling their earphones. Spoil them with the ability to listen to music wherever they go comfortably!
  7. Exclusive LEGO Building Kit:


    Make your partner feel like a kid again, or give them something special to add to their collection this Valentine’s Day. This out-of-the-box gift will be special if they are a Star Wars fan. This item has unique details and is modeled with much effort in the likeliness of matching the Mandalorian in the movies.
  8. Glow in the Draw Throw Blanket:


    This will be the perfect addition to a night in. If your partner loves to be comfortable and watch movies, treat them with this plush glow-in-the-dark blanket! It is 100% soft polyester and will feel great on the skin. Cuddle up this Valentine’s Day with this one-of-a-kind multi-purpose blanket!
  9. Bluetooth Night Light:


    This gift will be used one way or another! Its multi-purpose abilities can act as a night light, alarm, clock, calendar, and Bluetooth connection. With this gift having more than one function, it’s like getting 5 Valentine’s presents in one!
  10. Snack Filled Valentines Basket:


    Spoil your Valentine rotten on this day of love! This thoughtful basket has an abundance of sweet and savory treats for any craving they may have. They will definitely be surprised and delighted to indulge in their favorite snacks! You can’t go wrong with the gift of well-known branded snack products. This will last them a long time and is perfect for anytime munchies!

Young Love

Young love should not always be looked over, and should certainly not be taken for granted. With Healthier Me Today’s Ultimate Gift Guide for Teenage Romance you will be able to spoil your crush, and hopefully set up your romance for lifelong success!

UncategorizedbyHMT News Team

Healthy Brussel Sprout Tacos

If you are looking for a delicious vitamin and mineral enriched substitute for taco meat then look no further! Brussel sprouts are a great filling and addition to your taco night. To make them even tastier try pairing with avocado. 

Not to mention these tacos are completely vegetarian, which can work great for larger get-togethers. 

Preparation time – 10 minutes

Servings – 4

Ingredients:

  • ½ red onion sliced to your liking. Thinly sliced does work best and it is recommended. 
  • ½ of a freshly squeezed lime. Safe the other half and cut into wedges for serving.
  • Freshly ground pepper and kosher salt to taste.
  • 8 tortillas (corn tortillas work best), preferably 6 inches in size.
  • 1 large avocado 
  • Oven-roasted Brussel sprouts. Try coating them in Chipotle honey glaze before cooking. This will add depth to the flavor.
  • ¼ cup of unsalted roasted peanuts. First, find out if any of your guests are allergic beforehand. 
  • ½ Fresh cut parsley
  • ¼ Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lemon and garlic mayonnaise 

Directions:

  1. Wash, cut, and coat the Brussel sprouts. Roast in the oven until slightly golden.
  2. Slice the onion and add to a small bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over and set it aside to marinate.
  3. Toast the tortillas until slightly charred. You can achieve this by using a gas flame.
  4. Stack all the tortillas once charred onto a plate. Cover either with a clean kitchen cloth or food net.
  5. Slice the avocado into strips. Add salt and pepper. Set aside for now.
  6. Spread the garlic and lemon mayonnaise onto the tortillas.
  7. Place about two tablespoons of Brussel sprouts inside.
  8. Top with avocado, onions, peanuts, and herbs.
  9. Accompany the tacos with options of sour cream and chili sauce.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

Notes From Healthier Me Today

  • This is a great way to get more vegetables into your children’s diet. Who can resist a delicious taco!
  • This is a great healthier version of often calorie-filled comfort food.
  • You can substitute the chipotle honey glaze with normal honey and a few splashes of soya sauce.
  • Tortillas can burn very quickly, so make sure you keep your eye on them. 
  • For extra crunch and sweetness, you can top with some corn.
Relationships General Wellness Women's HealthbyHMT News Team

Romantic Valentine’s Party Ideas – 10 Top Ideas

Romantic Valentine’s Party Ideas: Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to spend the day making our loved ones feel special. It’s the time of the year when stores put on their best love displays and simply go all-out. How can you not feel the romantic spirit being surrounded by hearts and plush toys?

Many of us can get caught up in trying to plan the perfect day. It can be pretty stressful. However, there are out-of-the-box ideas that can make planning fun. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be conventional. It’s a day in which love is celebrated, in whichever way you feel fit. So get creative and spend the day doing what you love!

Why Throw a Valentine’s Day Party?

Throwing Valentine’s Day party provides the opportunity to spend the day with all your loved ones at once. The common conception of how Valentine’s Day should be spent is going on a romantic date with red roses and a heart-shaped box of chocolates. But, as sweet as this sounds, it isn’t a must. 

Celebrating this day can come in many shapes and forms. Unfortunately, not everyone is in a relationship or is a fan of the conventional ways the day should be spent. This is why creating your definition of Valentine’s Day can make it even more special.

Hosting a party can take away the dread and pressure of the day. It can be enjoyed by all the people you hold dear. It’s also a way to show everyone how much they mean to you all in one sitting. 

Preparing For The Party

Romantic Valentine's Party Ideas - couple kissing | Healthier Me Today

Preparing for any party can be exciting but a little stressful at the same time. That is why it’s always good to plan ahead. Writing down all the items you will need can help make it easier. It also ensures that you won’t forget anything! So make sure there are no last-minute trips to get ice by following these guidelines we’ve created:

  • Firstly, make a guest list: This can help you see how many people you’re catering for.
  • Make sure to design invitations or inform your guests ahead of time.
  • Decide on a theme: Although it is Valentine’s Day, there are a lot of variations when it comes to romance.
  • Make a note of any allergies your guests may have: No one wants to spend Valentine’s Day in the hospital!
  • If you have people helping you, then assign roles: For example, someone can take charge of the snacks and another the music. This will help with diversity as well and introduce new ideas. Not to mention lessen the load for yourself.
  • If you plan on ordering any items, especially online, make sure you do it ahead of time. Check the delivery date to ensure it arrives before and not after the day!
  • Gather the decorations you’ll need as well as any crafting tools. If you plan to make any of the decorations yourself, first do a test trial. Remember, practice makes perfect.
  • If you are hosting it at your home, ensure enough space: Although it’s a day to be close to your loved ones, do so without being cramped together.
  • It may not be the Christmas holiday but still, check your list twice! Going over your list can help point out things you’ve forgotten or help ensure that you’ve gotten everything you need.
  • Don’t forget odds and ends: Often we focus on the aesthetic and forget about functionality. Provide adequate utensils, seating, toiletries, and so on.
  • If children are allowed, consider them: Cater to their pallets and provide entertainment for them.
  • Make sure to take a step back now and again: It’s meant to be fun, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself!

Is a Party Better Than a Date?

Romantic Valentine's Party Ideas - older couple kissing | Healthier Me Today

As a couple going on a nice romantic date can be ideal. If you would rather spend the day intimately with your partner, then that’s okay. However, some people prefer to add more company to their Valentine’s Day. 

Whether you are more family-oriented or would prefer a break from everyday life, make sure that it’s still a day of appreciation and love. Those who are more of a romantic will generally prefer a one-on-one with their other half. However, if you have a big family and children, then opting for a get-together can be just as memorable. Everyone has their definition of love. 

If you are single, throwing a party for your friends will be a great idea! This way, you still spend time with your loved ones and celebrate Valentine’s spirit. It all comes down to preference and what you think will make your loved ones feel special.

10 Valentine’s Party Ideas

Romantic Valentine's Party Ideas - dog on valentines | Healthier Me Today

Parties can come in an array of different options. Also, having different intentions. Throwing a party for your family compared to one for your friends can be quite different. However, if you mix the two, make sure that everyone feels comfortable and included! Here are 14 Valentine’s Day party ideas that will ensure everyone has fun:

  1. Gameday: Collect all the romantically related games you can. If you come up short, adjust the ones you have to fit the theme. 
  2. Secret Valentine: With the same rules being applied from secret Santa, let everyone pick out of a vessel and purchase a Valentine’s Day-themed gift for the person they picked. 
  3. Memory lane: Have pictures and items of special memories you have with everyone at the party. Have them bring some mementos too. Being surrounded by precious memories can make you feel all the love.
  4. Dress up: Have a dress code. Make sure it coincides with the theme.
  5. Potluck: This is a great way to experience new tastes. Have your guests bring a dish that reminds them of the feeling of love.
  6. Have a dinner party at a restaurant: Take everyone on a romantic date at once. Just make sure you split the bill!
  7. Pajama party: Everyone wears their favorite pajamas, provides movie night snacks, and has classical romantic comedies playing in the background.
  8. Picnic: Plan a romantic picnic with a variety of tasty food and comfortable seating. Choose a good spot to increase the Valentine’s Day spirit.
  9. Cupcake decorating: Provide a wide variety of icing and decorations. Get a bunch of plain cupcakes and have your guests get creative.
  10. Photobooth: Make it even more memorable by creating a beautiful backdrop and getting an instant camera for immediate keepsakes.

Celebrate The Love

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to only be for couples. Instead, spend the day celebrating all your loved ones. Having everyone you care about in one room is enough to make anyone’s heart burst! 

Celebrate The Love – Gift Ideas

Memory Explosion Box:

“At first glance, this may look like a simple box, but at soon as it’s opened, this box will reveal a multilayered card. With 8 styles of magic cards, 12 agency cards, and 3 color options, you will surely be compiling this extraordinary box with items your valentine will love!”

Romantic Valentine's Party Ideas - rating | Healthier Me Today

Rose Ring Box:

“You may be no stranger to the fact that on the day of love, lovers love declaring their love for each other. There may be no better way to do this than with a rose-filled engagement ring box! With 5 color and style options available, you can customize your engagement experience even more.”

Romantic Valentine's Party Ideas - rating | Healthier Me Today

Romantic Custome 3D Lamp:

“Celebrate this valentines day by sharing a practical and customized gift perfect for men and women – not only will it brighten up a room, but it will definitely brighten up the face of your valentine. Customed line drawing with a solid wood stand!”

Romantic Valentine's Party Ideas - rating | Healthier Me Today

Will Medicare Pay for a Lift Chair - medical chair | Healthier Me Today
Medicare NewsbyHMT News Team

Will Medicare Pay for a Lift Chair?

Will Medicare Pay for a Lift Chair? Medicare covers quite a lot of services. There are two types of Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. Each has different Parts to them. For example, original Medicare has Part A and Part B. In contrast, Medicare Advantage has Part C. There is also Part D that stands alone, and this covers prescription medication but can also be added to an existing plan.

Medicare Part A deals in Hospital Insurance, inpatient care in a hospital, hospice care, home health care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing facility care. Whereas Part B deals in Medical Insurance consisting of outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment (DME), services from doctors and other healthcare providers, and some preventive services.

Durable Medical Equipment can be from blood sugar test strips to wheelchairs and scooters. This is where you will find lift chairs and have Medicare cover them.

What is a Lift Chair?

A lift chair, sometimes also known as a riser armchair, is a recliner-style chair with a powered lifting mechanism that can push the entire chair up from its base. This is to assist the user in getting to a standing position. 

These chairs possess an internal lifting system powered by a standard electrical wall outlet. They have 2 to 3 position chairs and, like normal recliners, come in different styles and different sizes.

Lift chairs are mainly used by those with arthritis, difficulty standing up usually due to age, recovery from lower-body injuries or upper body injuries, and cardiovascular and open-heart surgeries.

Where can I Find a Lift Chair and What are The Costs?

Will Medicare Pay for a Lift Chair - doctor | Healthier Me Today

Lift chairs are considered to be a piece of durable medical equipment. Therefore they will be provided or covered by Medicare and Insurance if ordered by a doctor. You can find lift chairs in most HME showrooms and many furniture stores as well as online.  

The cost of a lift chair depends on the make, model, and features that you desire. A relatively low-end lift chair will typically cost around $300, and for a deluxe high-end chair, it could be about $2000. On average, the cost for a quality lift chair can be around $600 to $800.  

Will Medicare Cover All Lift Chair Costs?

Medicare Part B, although stating that it has lift chair coverage, does not cover the cost of the entire chair more so it covers the cost of the lift mechanism that enables the chair to rise.

Medicare will first need patients to have a visit with their physician to discuss the need of this particular DME before they can consider the coverage. The Lift Chair provider will then request a certificate of medical necessity (CMN) and a prescription. The certificate of a medical condition will usually have five questions that the physician will need to answer before the DME is provided. These questions typically are; 

  1. Does the patient have severe arthritis?
  2. Does the patient have a neuromuscular disease?
  3. Is the patient incapable of getting up a regular chair in their home?
  4. Can the patient walk once standing?
  5. Have all other therapeutic measures been taken?

If any of the above questions have been answered with a no, then it is highly likely that they will deny the request for the lift chair as they see it unnecessary.

If accepted, you will have to pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount, and the Part B deductible will apply. Depending on the Durable Medical Equipment needed, Medicare will pay in different ways depending on the type of equipment. 

Medicare will only cover your DME if your doctors and DME suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. So be sure to find out if they are registered before getting the DME. 

How do I enroll in Medicare Lift Chair Coverage?

Will Medicare Pay for a Lift Chair - woman chatting at doctor | Healthier Me Today

Firstly you will need to be evaluated by a doctor who will prescribe a lift chair. They must state that the chair is medically necessary, and if you don’t have one, you will most likely be confined to a non-lift chair or bed. 

The doctor must then fill out a certificate of medical necessity for a seat lift mechanism. This form is referred to as CMS-849. This will be needed to qualify for Medicare reimbursement. 

To qualify for partial reimbursement from Medicare, some requirements must be met, and these are what needs to be elaborated on the CMS-849 form. Some of the conditions that will qualify you are;

  • Severe arthritis of the hip or knee.
  • Severe neuromuscular disease.
  • Can’t stand up on your own from a regular chair.
  • Without the lift chair, you will be stuck to a bed or chair.
  • Once standing, you are able to walk independently, even with the assistance of a walker or cane.
  • You do not stay in a skilled nursing facility, nursing home, or hospice.

If you decide to buy a lift chair from a Medicare supplier, then you will have to pay out-of-pocket and seek partial reimbursement from Medicare for the motor. If, however, the supplier participates in Medicare, they will usually file a claim on your behalf. If they do not file a claim, you can download and print a request for payment online. 

Lift Me Up

Medicare does not fully cover the expense of a lift chair but will pay the cost of the mechanism or motor. Specific requirements need to be met before the request for one will be accepted, and coverage is supplied. Medicare does aid in partial coverage, which can help quite a bit. There are many different types sizes and even supply different upholstery so you can choose which one will suit your home the best.

You don’t have to go specifically to a place that sells DME because regular furniture stores also supply these chairs. It is good to know that if or when you need assistance in getting up off a chair, there is a mechanism that can help you.

Romanticize Yourself this Valentine's Day - Woman showing heart | Healthier Me Today
General Wellness Just for Dad Just for Mom Relationships Women's HealthbyHMT News Team

How To Romanticize Yourself this Valentine’s Day

When it comes to the holiday of love, it can be easy to get caught up in what to do for your loved ones or what to get them! In this, we often look past the fact that we should be spoiling ourselves. 

Let yourself know that it is okay! Be there for yourself, and don’t rely on anyone because you know what you need better than anyone. Whether you are single or in a relationship, you can stand alone and enjoy every moment of it!

Self-love does not always come naturally, and we need to learn to maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves. It should be prioritized alongside your partner. When you are alone, all you have is yourself. So, make it a pleasant experience. Carve time out to treat yourself and put as much attention in as you would with your partner.

Why is Romanticizing Yourself Important?

Romanticize Yourself this Valentine's Day - woman with flowers | Healthier Me Today

Romancing yourself is essential because it builds a healthy mental state. When we aren’t happy with ourselves, it reflects in our other personal relationships. No one said it is easy, especially if you have been used to putting yourself on the back burner. Just like any relationship, it will take time and effort. This, however, will be the most important relationship you will ever work on. This is not what anyone wants, especially around Valentine’s day. So make sure that you put just as much effort into making yourself feel special too!

To further understand this importance, here are a few reasons why you should romanticize yourself this valentines day:

  • It improves your mental health
  • It builds confidence
  • It can help with your personal relationships
  • Understanding yourself will make it easier for others
  • It builds self-respect
  • You will glow from the inside out
  • You will be happier all around
  • More self-esteem means more experiences
  • It improves your quality of life
  • It can be inspiring to those around you
  • It’s good for your physical health
  • You will always feel unique to someone, yourself
  • You won’t feel neglected because you have your own best interest
  • You’ll feel able to take risks and chances you wouldn’t usually take because you’ll believe in yourself
  • You don’t have feelings of abandonment because you enjoy your own company
  • You can teach others to love themselves
  • Knowing who you are and what you want will lead to better decision making
  • Everything feels like a blessing and not warranted
  • Appreciation for the little things
  • Appreciation for your body and how far you’ve come  
  • Respecting yourself will make it easier for others to respect you
  • Independence
  • You’ll want your living environment to improve, which will lead to healthier living.
  • Self-satisfaction
  • Overall gratification
  • It helps keep mental conditions in check, such as depression and anxiety
  • Happier romantic relationship
  • You will know and acknowledge yourself worth
  • It enables you to feel secure
  • It can help you understand why certain things in your life aren’t working or going the way you intended.
  • Helps with outside stresses
  • It helps you understand those around you who have bad relationships with themselves. They tend to make decisions and lash out because they do not have inner peace or self-awareness
  • You can support your own decisions 
  • Always have someone to rely on

14 Ways You Can Practice Self-Love This Valentine’s Day

Romanticize Yourself this Valentine's Day - Woman with balloons | Healthier Me Today

If you struggle with self-love and romanticizing yourself, you are not alone. People, especially women, often find that the stigma of self-love is selfish. This couldn’t be more wrong. Loving yourself has nothing to do with being selfish. Choosing yourself and looking after yourself and not just those around you can change your life. It is healthy to practice self-care and is recommended by many professionals because it aids in keeping mental illnesses and even health conditions at bay. Self-care and love aren’t just taking a bubble bath and reading a book. It is a way of life and should be prioritized. Here are a few ways that you can help you start loving yourself:

  1. Practice self-gratification. What are you grateful for that your body does?
  2. Don’t say yes when you want to say no.
  3. Make time in your day to focus on something that you want to do. Such as taking 15 minutes to stretch, catch up on social media, or just enjoy a good cup of coffee.
  4. Don’t please people for their sake.
  5. Write down what you like and don’t like.
  6. Don’t feel like you owe or are in debt to anyone. It is your life.
  7. Don’t be scared to do the things you want to. Go on that road trip or try that funky hairstyle. 
  8. Show your partner what you like in the bedroom. It shouldn’t be a routine.
  9. Believe in yourself. Say you can think instead of you can’t if you haven’t even tried it yet.
  10. Work on your physical health for yourself.
  11. Have patience with yourself. You can only do what your mind and body can.
  12. Make peace with the things that keep you up at night. 
  13. Enjoy every sip, bite, or pleasurable thing.
  14. Make sure you are up to your standards, no one else’s. 

For You By You

We often forget to put on our masks before assisting others. The complications of neglecting yourself and not just physically can sometimes break us down. On the other hand, it can be life-changing to do the smallest things for yourself. Everyone is different, there is no competition, and what you do with your life is your choice alone.

For You By You – Spoil Yourself This Valentines Day!

Rose Teddy Bear:

Teddy Roses - description | Healthier Me Today


“Beautifull handcrafted rose teddy bear – perfect for brightening up any space and romanticizing yourself this valentines day! Pick your favorite color: Red, Green, Pink, Purple, Blue, Green, and White. These expertly crafted soft rose bears are everlasting and eco-friendly!”

Gold Valentines Rose:

Gold Roses - description | Healthier Me Today


 

“Stunning decorative red and gold rose to leave you feeling like the queen you are! This 24K Gold rose, and resin coating with diamante detailing is enough to add an element of oomph to your home for many years to come!” 

Eternal Rose Love Box:

Bucket Roses - description | Healthier Me Today


 

“Real roses directly from an organic farm – preserved using non-toxic ingredients that will last for years to come. These red beauties are not only a beautiful decorative piece but are easily maintained since they can be placed wherever you like, with no water or sunlight needed. The perfect gift for yourself by yourself!”

medicare deductable - laptop and money | Healthier Me Today
Medicare NewsbyHMT News Team

What is the Deductibles for Medicare?

Health insurance Policies implicate Medicare deductibles to eliminate small claims, therefore, helping keep premiums affordable. For the insured person, paying a high deductible will result in the insurance company saving money, whereas a lower monthly premium will be most beneficial for the customer. In addition, high deductible plans are more applicable for relatively healthy people with no small children. 

It is important to maintain the negotiated payments to your health care provider because if you don’t, it is inevitable that the relationship you have with them will be seriously damaged. In addition, you are very likely not to get another opportunity to set up a payment plan for future medical bills.

What is a Deductible?

A health insurance deductible is your pay for health care services before the enrolled insurance plan. Simply put, it is a set amount of money that the insured person must pay out of their pocket every year for eligible services before their insurance plan starts to cover any benefits. 

Depending on what insurance plan you pick, the deductible amount will vary. Some health insurance deductibles are high, resulting in them saving money instead of you. A good thing to remember is that the higher the monthly premium cost is, the less the deductible. 

Despite paying off your deductible for the year, there’s a possibility that you will still have to pay some of your healthcare costs. This is because many insurance plans require you to pay a set amount as their share of the cost of some services. These are known as copayments. 

Coinsurance payments are when the insured is responsible for a set percentage of the total cost of some of the services.  

Is Medicare Similar to Insurance?

Sadness - medicare deductable | Healthier Me Today

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that consists of two parts. These are Part A: which is Hospital Insurance, and then Part B: Medical Insurance. However, Medicare is not part of the Health Insurance Marketplace. It is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and for those with disabilities who are younger. 

If you enroll in Medicare, you don’t have to make any changes as you are considered covered under the health care law. You will not need a marketplace plan if you are covered by Medicare. 

Both Medicare and private insurance companies offer healthcare coverage options; however, there are many differences between these two types. Medicare is a government-funded health insurance plan that can help you save money but does not limit how much you may have to pay out of pocket. 

When looking for coverage, people either choose between private companies and Medicare, making them two separate entities. 

Medicare and the Deductible – Everything you Need to Know

medicare deductable - sad woman | Healthier Me Today

Medicare’s deductible cost is a set amount. You need to pay this cost for prescription medication or healthcare until the plan you’ve chosen starts to cover the costs. Medicare Parts A and B have specific deductibles set for each benefit period.

If you want to get rid of some of these costs, you might want to think about signing up for a Medicare Supplement plan, Part D, which is prescription coverage, or perhaps for Medicare Advantage. 

The deductible cost for Medicare in 2022 Part A is $1,556 for each benefit period. For days 1-60, it is $0, $389 coinsurance per day 61-90, and $778 per each “lifetime reserve day” after 91 days. 

Medicare Part B has a deductible cost of $233. Once this is settled, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-Approved amount for most outpatient therapy, doctor services, and durable medical equipment (DME). 

These deductibles are reset every year, and the amount may be subject to change. In addition, there are deductibles for Part A and Part B that must be met before Medicare starts paying. 

Medigap, Part D plans, and Medicare Advantage are all sold by private insurance companies and have their set deductibles. Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C and Medicare Part D, prescription medication coverage will vary based on the plan you choose. These two plans are provided and sold by private insurance companies that have contracts with the Medicare program.

Medicare Advantage plans can sometimes offer coverage that will diminish a portion of your out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Advantage deductibles can vary, but all plans must set a limit on your maximum out-of-pocket, also known as MOOP, expenses.

In 2022, the maximum out-of-pocket expense for Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans is $7550 for in-network care. However, out-of-network care or services can have higher costs. Once you have reached your out-of-pocket expense for the year, the plan will have to cover 100 percent of all further costs of care and services. Medicare Part D has some plans that do not have a deductible. For those with a deductible, it is not more than $480 in 2022. In addition, Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, can aid in helping to pay for some of your out-of-pocket expenses. This can also include your Medicare Part A deductibles.

Example:

An example of how Medicare deductibles work is if you have received outpatient care or any services covered by Part B, you will have to pay the first $233 to meet your deductible before Medicare starts covering the cost that remains.

Suppose the Medicare deductibles worry or concern you, especially when planning for future costs. In that case, it is recommended that you might want to consider all these options, including Medicare Supplement insurance plans. As aforementioned, this insurance plan helps pay for your medicare deductibles.

Concluded Deduction 

Medicare deductibles will vary depending on the plans that you choose to have. Medicare Advantage deductibles will vary on the plans that were chosen. You will also be sent a notice every year for any changes made to your plans. Which include deductible costs if they are still being paid and have not been met. All in all, deductible costs are put in place to keep premiums affordable and cover small claims

pregnant lady with yellow jacket
Women's Health Parenting RelationshipsbyHMT News Team

How Old is Too Old? Can We Conceive?

Not everyone is a fan of being pregnant for nine months and then bringing up a baby. However, those who do need to plan it out so they’re fully aware of what they’re jumping into. You don’t have to abide by the stereotypical age bracket of having babies, but there comes a time when you should leave the idea of having another one behind.

Menopause: When Your Period Pauses Forever

Pregnant Woman To Have A babyAfter a woman enters her teens and hits puberty, she sets off on a long journey of repetitive menstrual cycles. But does this continue to happen for the rest of your life? Not really. At a certain age, the female human body decides to take a permanent break from periods, ovulation, and periodic hormonal changes. When that happens, the specific individual enters the state of menopause.

If you’re hearing this term for the first time and realize it’s too technical for you, it’s easier to remember it this way. Whenever your periods make up their mind to pause for more than 12 months, that’s when you enter the menopausal stage.

Since the menstrual cycles of a woman cease after she hits her menopause, she does not ovulate and release an egg. And without an egg, it’s impossible for her to get pregnant. So, it does get too late to have a baby after you’re 50, which is the average age for the onset of menopause.

So, when should you stop talking, and start having babies?

If the chance of having a baby slips away from your hands after menopause when is the perfect time to get pregnant? And when does a pregnancy become too risky for you and your baby?

If you were a medical expert, you’d say that the perfect time for a mummy to have a baby in her tummy is when she’s between the ages of 25 and 35. Some studies pinpointed the ideal age to 30.9, while another research showed that women at 27 are at a ripe age to be first-time moms.

During this age, the eggs that ovaries release are in the best shape, just like the mom-to-be. Having a baby is not a walk down the park (it’s something that you do with the baby). The probability of a successful conception is a big 25 percent for women above 25 but drops slightly to 30 percent in the early 30s. Moreover, the risk of complications and development of medical conditions are very low at this age, both for the mother and her baby.

And even if you ignore the medical aspects, you can’t look away from the psychological factors. Experts have concluded that it takes 25 years for the human brain to fully develop. So, some women might have trouble dealing with the emotional issues and mental stress, the uninvited guests that come with pregnancy.

siblings healthier me today

Why is it too late, when it’s too late!

The percentages that we just talked about become significantly changed, and for the worse, after the age of 35, and even more so after 40. No one said, and no one will, that a successful conception, a manageable pregnancy, and a healthy baby are impossible after 35 or 40. But, the health risks and probability of complications in the pregnancy are so high that it’s advisable not to go for it. Here’s why you should be thinking of having grandkids instead of kids when you reach that age.

  • Hypertension: Your blood pressure rises with age even under normal conditions. For this reason, when aged women get pregnant, they’re already prone to hypertension. And because of the pregnancy, the blood pressure can get sky high. In severe cases, the mother might even develop liver and kidney problems, or worse, get a stroke or seizure.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes can make things significantly complicated. For instance, the raised blood sugar levels may cause the sugar plum in your tummy to grow an abnormal amount. During birth, the baby’s shoulders have a decent chance of getting stuck in the vagina, forcing the doctors to do a C-section.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: Normally, after fertilization, the babies are supposed to implant in the inner layer of your uterus. But since late pregnancies are not normal, the baby may not necessarily implant in the uterus. Such a pregnancy is called an ectopic pregnancy, in which the implantation occurs either in the abdomen, the lining of your gut cavity, or someplace else. An ectopic pregnancy can have grave consequences on both the health of the mother and the baby.
  • Miscarriage: The worst thing that can happen to both the mother and the baby is miscarriage. We hope and pray with all our hearts that no family suffers from something as traumatizing as miscarriage.

Give Us Your Opinion! – Take Our Pregnancy Survey Today

 

Celebrity Favorites Celebrity NewsbyHMT News Team

Jennifer Anniston Really Eats One Of These Everyday!

Ever fantasized about having Jennifer Anniston’s in-shape body that never seems to depict the marks of old age? Several people have had that question. Luckily, Jennifer answered that for us. However, here’s a heads up that it’s not something you’d expect!

The Star’s Discover – What Does Jennifer Aniston Eat Everyday?

The 52-year old friend’s star recently disclosed some shocking facts about her daily routine, which indeed left the readers’ stunned, and that’s just an understatement. InStyle took an exclusive interview with Jennifer Aniston for their September issue where she opened up about her diet and exercise regime, including what some would state as her bizarre snacking methods.

So, what did Jennifer really say that it went down in history as one of the most surprising snacking habits in today’s world of weird diets?

The celebrity declared that she eats one chip or M&M whenever she feels stressed out. Wait, did you read that right? Absolutely! Jennifer sticks to one chip or M&M and NEVER grabs another at the same time. That’s a whole lot of self-control right there.

If you think that maybe this is a once in a blue moon thing for Jennifer, it’s not. In the iconic words of David Schwimmer, “we were on a break,” Jennifer and snacks are definitely not on a break either.

In reality, restrictive diets and no cheat days are what her lifestyle is all about! Temptation never sticks around for too long when it comes to Jennifer; she has the experience of keeping it at bay.

The Importance of Self-Control!

Jennifer Anniston m&m

Jennifer practices this self-control in other areas of her routine too. For instance, it’s a huge no for the star when it comes to exotic drinks. She sticks to a margarita or dirty martini, and even in these, there’s no sugar involved.

You’d think Jennifer, with her strict diet and one very tiny snack a day, wouldn’t need to work out at all. But she tends to disagree with this idea and says that she takes out at least ten minutes every single day to move her body, usually pilates.

No wonder she still looked smoking hot when she acted in ‘We’re the Millers’ despite being 44 years old at that time, an age where we think it’s already the end of our young, beautiful days.

For Jennifer, this strict diet and exercise pattern isn’t a one-time thing or something she occasionally does in phases. She’s a stick-to diet and exercise fanatic, which is how she has maintained her figure all these years and looked as amazing in the friends’ reunion as she did in the last season.

Jennifer had an idea that what she had to say about her snacking habits would come off as unconventional, which is why she stated in the interview, “I know, that’s so annoying”. But surprise, surprise. The repercussions of her statement backfired tremendously, possibly more than she imagined.

People had a lot to say about Jennifer’s snacking tradition. While some were impressed, others came up with light-hearted jokes, and several on the internet were even triggered due to the fact that eating disorders and body dysmorphia is real.

Many went over to social platforms and described her one chip/M&M rule as an impeccable feat of self-control and wondered how she did it in the first place. Others had questions about how long it takes her to finish a bag of chips. And honestly, we do too. What does she do with the whole bag after opening it for a single chip during a stressful crisis?

Some even took to appreciating Jennifer for coming out with her eating habits publicly so that people who dream about that perfect body shape also come to terms with the reality of what it takes.

Meanwhile, several internet users took it from a negative perspective that celebrity endorsements of such impractical diets have a significant impact on people and may even subject them to physical and mental conditions. There were still many that contradicted these beliefs following the ‘to each their own’ perspective. In other words, Jennifer does what she does to look a certain way; she isn’t harming anyone else with what she does.

Does the internet craze over Jennifer’s statement affect her in any way? We doubt that. Like Jennifer has said on Friends, “no uterus, no opinion”. Although, she’s not one to take to heart the opinion of those with a uterus either. But is the internet getting over what Jennifer Anniston had to say on her moderate snacking? Not anytime soon.

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams - elder woman | Healthier Me Today
Medicare NewsbyHMT News Team

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams?

The Medicare Advantage plan covers Medicare eye exams and other benefits relating to vision coverage. However, Original Medicare does not offer vision exams, frames, lenses, or contact lenses. These will have to be paid out of pocket if this is the plan you currently have. In some instances, some diagnostic and prevention vision screenings are covered.

It is best to enroll in Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C if vision coverage is the main priority you’d like coverage on. Depending on what is needed, it is best to read through Medicare’s plans to choose the correct one with the desired visual coverage. 

Vision is extremely important and needs to be well taken care of, especially as we age. That is why it is a good idea to have health coverage that will aid in helping preserve your eyesight and take care of existing conditions. 

How is Medicare Beneficial To Me?

Medicare has an extraordinarily high number of those who are covered by its variety of plans. There are many benefits that are offered. The availability to choose a plan that tailors to an individual’s specific needs is why so many flock to this Health Insurance Coverage provider. 

The monthly cost of Medicare is highly minimal compared to the cost of operations, prescriptions, and other associated expenses that would not be covered and paid out of pocket instead. The amount of money you save by using Medicare is undoubtedly very beneficial. If enrolled in the Original Medicare option, you will receive Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance program benefits. When enrolling in Medicare Advantage, you receive Part A and Part B’s benefits. Still, this plan has much more to offer, also known as Part C. Many of the procedures and medical care that aren’t covered in these two Parts are covered by Medicare Advantage. 

There is also a Part D that can stand on its own. This option covers medications prescriptions primarily. However, if deciding to choose the Medicare Advantage, you may look for a plan to include Part D if ongoing or post-procedure medication is needed.

This is why it is recommended to speak to a consultant or inquire online about which of these plans will be best for you. They cater to many situations and future coverage in case of accidents or unforeseen illnesses. 

Will Medicare Cover My Eye Examination?

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams - Eye Exam | Healthier Me Today

Routine eye examinations are essential for maintaining and looking after your eyesight; therefore, it is suggested to go for an eye exam roughly once every year. The reasoning behind these tests and examinations is to identify potential visual problems such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or cataracts. As previously discussed, there are different parts to Medicare, A, B, C, and D. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not generally cover routine eye examinations; however, Medicare Part B will cover eye exams every 12 months if you meet specific criteria.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) includes Part A and B and offers a range of different coverage on other aspects and procedures. Depending on what condition or impairment you have, it is wise to read through all of Medicare plans to find one that best suits the needed eye care you are looking for or in the hopes of preventing a hereditary condition. 

There is a criterion that needs to be met by an individual! Medicare beneficiaries will accept enrollment into a program that contains the eye care benefits they need. This will include:

  • Those with diabetes are at risk of developing a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This can cause vision loss due to the blood vessels in the retina not receiving a proper blood supply. This happens when blood sugar levels become elevated, damaging blood vessels and restricting the supply amount. People who have diabetes will be covered by Medicare for diabetic retinopathy detection exams once per year. 
  • People who have a high risk of developing glaucoma, such as those with a family history of the condition, African Americans aged 50 or older, who have diabetes, or are Hispanic and aged 65 or older. This grouping and others at risk will be able to go for glaucoma tests once every 12 months covered by Medicare.
  • Macular degeneration is a condition that causes loss of vision and the ability to see objects in front of you, making it very dangerous to drive and lessening the ability to read. Medicare may cover some diagnostic treatments and testing if the condition is related to age.
  • There are some aspects of cataract surgery that Medicare covers. When the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, it proves challenging to focus on images and surroundings, causing blurred vision and also faded eyesight are some of the effects cataracts cause. What Medicare covers for this condition are the placement of an intraocular lens, a small clear disc that will replace the lens that has become clouded. Following each IOL insertion surgery as aforementioned, Medicare will provide contact lenses or a pair of glasses.  
  • Once meeting a yearly deductible, you are then responsible for 20% of the approved costs of Medicare Part B. this Part covers the previously mentioned eye exams. 

What if I have had Previous Eye Issues?

Medicare Advantage also referred to as Part C, has coverage for eyeglass frames, lenses, and contact. With this being said, visual aids such as glasses and contacts will be provided for pre-existing eye issues. Most of these plans include Part D, which covers prescription medication. You can have any treatment and prescriptions covered that are used or related to eye conditions. Including medication for recurrent eye infections and dry eyes. 

Who is More Likely to be Eligible Medicare Eye Care?

Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams - eye equipment | Healthier Me Today

Medicare is catered to aid those 65 years of age or older. Those younger need to first fit into a certain category before being accepted. This category is whether an individual has a disability or permanent kidney failure. 

There are, however, exceptions if the person is mainly looking into plans with eye care support. Yet again, a certain criterion has to be met. 

Those who have eye conditions stemming from age or diabetes and hereditary issues. These are more likely to have easy enrollment than others who don’t have these problems. 

Let’s Take a Closer Look

Medicare does cover eye exams, but it will solely rely on which plan you choose. For example, original Medicare does not cover routine eye examinations; however, they cover some other types of eye exams. Medicare Advantage, in other words, provides many benefits that Original Medicare does not, for example, the aforementioned routine eye exams.

Relationships ParentingbyHMT News Team

The 7 Key Steps to Effective Communication

Without effective communication, any relationship can fall apart! Whether the relationship is platonic, familiar, or romantic, communication between partners should be clear, concise, and with the appropriate tone.

What is Effective Communication?

Effective communication is communication between more than one person with a clear purpose that is established and effectively established. Effective communication, however, can be confusing and difficult to grasp. Down below are seven crucial key steps to effective communication! These seven steps can work for any relationship.

1. Active Listening

This key step for effective communication may sound like a no-brainer, but it is important when you want to establish your message or point. Everyone wants to feel like they have been heard and are being considered. Even if you do not believe in what the other person is conveying, it is vital to actively listen in order to communicate effectively. People are more likely to listen and change their minds on a topic when they know they are being respected through listening.

Some ways to practice active listening during communication between more than two people is by nodding your head and making eye contact. When responding, always repeat what the other person has said; this way, they know you have been actively listening to their words.

2. Keep Your Words Simple

Another key step for effective communication is to keep your words simple! Pretend that you are talking to someone who does not know the context or the subject manner. Get rid of the technical jargon and communicate concisely. While powerful words may look great on paper, they can sound condescending during a conversation between two people. Of course, this depends on your relationship with the other person.

3. Communicate Both Verbally and Non-Verbally

The great thing about communication is that there are so many ways to do it effectively! When you want to communicate with another individual effectively, it is essential to use a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication. For example, you can verbally state “I agree” while nodding and smiling when agreeing with someone. This non-verbal communication can ease the tension between people.

No one wants to feel uncomfortable while having a conversation. Keeping constant eye contact and a slight smile can reduce the tension and uncomfortableness. This allows the other person in the conversation to feel relaxed and want to listen to your words more.

4. Speak in “I” Statements

For this key step, it is important only to make “I” statements when communicating with another person. This, of course, depends on the conversation and the relationship between those in the conversation. However, if the conversation gets emotional, it is important to understand that you must only use “I” statements and refrain from pointing fingers at the other person to communicate effectively.

For example, if you are upset with the conversation, you can say, “I am feeling upset,” as opposed to “You are making me upset.” This can seem confrontational and only increase the tension. Effective communication cannot happen under stress-filled circumstances.

effective communication

5. Make the Conversation Personal!

The fifth key step to effective communication is to make the conversation personal! No matter what the topic of the discussion is, at the end of the day, we are all human. To communicate effectively, the person must feel a connection and a level of trust with you. If there is no personal connection, it can become difficult to establish your point.

For example, add some details about your life throughout the conversation. Are you a pet owner? They may be pet owners too. This not only breaks any tension, but it reminds everyone that it is a part of that conversation that we are all people at the end of the day.

6. Speak To Them as You Would Like To Be Spoken To

How would you like someone to speak to you? Imagine it in your head and then follow that advice! The way you want somebody to talk to you with respect, dedication, and active conversation is the same thing you should provide to the person you are communicating with.

It is not only important to get your message across but for it to be understood. If you are disrespectful, even without intention, it can create discomfort between both communicators that decreases the likeliness of effective communication.

7. Ask Questions

This last key step may be the most important one yet! When you want effective communication, you have to understand the other side and ensure that they know the main message behind your words. The best way to do this is by asking questions. This not only shows the other person you are communicating with that you are listening and attempting to understand their side but that you have a clear goal in mind.

Overall, for any conversation or goal to be completed, it is important to communicate effectively. Without a respectful and valid discussion, rarely does anything get done.

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