Medicare is a government-run health insurance program that provides coverage for Americans who are 65 and older or have a disability. While Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses, there are certain things that it doesn’t cover—like cosmetic procedures, outpatient prescription drugs, and many new treatments and alternative treatments for chronic conditions, like cancer. Here are seven things that Medicare doesn’t cover:
1. Routine eye exams
Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams unless you have diabetes or are at high risk for glaucoma. However, if you need surgery to correct your vision, Medicare will cover it. If you want routine eye exams, you can purchase additional coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer like Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Humana, or Cigna.
2. Hearing aids
Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, exams for fitting hearing aids, or exams for hearing problems. However, Medicare will cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor thinks you need them. You can purchase additional coverage for hearing aids through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer.
3. Routine dental exams
Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. However, Medicare will cover dental services if they are necessary for a covered medical procedure, such as jaw reconstruction after an accident. You can purchase additional coverage for routine dental care through a Medicare Advantage plan or a private insurer.
4. Deductibles and coinsurance
Medicare has deductibles and coinsurance that you are responsible for paying. For example, in 2023, the Part A deductible will be $1,572, and the Part B deductible will be $233. You can purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance plan (also known as Medigap) to help cover these costs.
5. Long-term care
Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care, such as assisted living or nursing home care. However, Medicare will cover short-term care in a skilled nursing facility if it’s medically necessary after a hospital stay. If you want coverage for long-term care, you can purchase a long-term care insurance policy from a private insurer.
6. Prescription drugs
Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover most prescription drugs. However, you can purchase a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.
7. Overseas health care
Medicare doesn’t cover health care outside of the United States, except in limited situations (such as emergencies on a cruise ship). If you’re traveling abroad and want coverage for medical expenses, you can purchase a travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage.
It’s important to understand what Medicare does and doesn’t cover, so you can plan for your medical expenses and make informed decisions about additional coverage. While Medicare doesn’t cover things like routine dental exams or hearing aids, you can purchase additional coverage from a private insurer. And while Medicare may not cover new treatments or cosmetic procedures, it does provide coverage for many medically necessary services. If you have questions about what Medicare covers, talk to your doctor or a Medicare specialist.
Multiple myeloma is a certain type of blood cancer that develops in the plasma cells in our body. These plasma cells grow abnormally in the bone marrow and stop the functioning of the healthy blood cells when a person has multiple myeloma.
This kind of cancer affects more than just one part of the body and the patient may be asymptomatic in the early stages.
The staging and survival rate for multiple myeloma will differ from patient to patient depending on the health and the spread of cancer in the patient. The treatment, too, will depend on the patient and the advancement of cancer.
The first thing doctors do before considering any treatment is stage the multiple myeloma spread in a patient’s body. There are two systems to do so. This first is International Staging System and the second is Durie Salmon System.
Multiple myeloma is divided into four stages namely, smoldering stage, stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3.
The smoldering stage is the phase where the cancer does not show any active symptoms and is also known as the Durie Salmon Stage 1. Myeloma cells are usually not detected in the blood at this stage and they do not advance or harm the patient’s body.
During this stage, a small number of myeloma cells are detected in the blood and urine. Patients may also have a slightly lower than normal hemoglobin levels. X-rays of bones may show a small or no affected areas.
Multiple myeloma is indicated when there are a moderate number of myeloma cells present in the blood. The hemoglobin levels, too, are much lower than normal. Other lab indications include high calcium levels in the blood and an increased monoclonal immunoglobin. Several areas of bone damage are also noticed in the X-rays.
This stage of multiple myeloma is characterized by a high number of cancer cells in the blood. The hemoglobin levels drastically drop to less than 8.5 grams per deciliter and the levels of calcium in the blood are also extremely high. Several areas of bone damage can also be detected.
The survival rate for each of these stages has been calculated using the international staging system. These are derived by comparing the myeloma patient’s survival ratio to the survival ratio of people who do not have cancer. The average survival rate by stage is as follows:
These survival rates are calculated not merely from the time a person is diagnosed with multiple myeloma but from the time the treatment has been started. With the advancement in technology and in the field of medicines, there is a hope for a better survival rate in the future.
The above-mentioned survival rates are just an estimate. Visiting a doctor is the best way to understand your survival rate as it may differ based on your condition and the effectiveness of the treatments.
Myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or ones that don’t work properly. The MDS life expectancy varies greatly from patient to patient, depending on several factors, including age, overall health, and how well the disease responds to treatment. One of the major complications of MDS is that it can cause anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of MDS to seek early treatment. Here are ten signs that may indicate the presence of this disease.
1. Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of MDS is fatigue. This is primarily due to anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak. If you’re feeling unusually fatigued, it might be worth discussing with your doctor.
2. Shortness of breath
Another sign of MDS can be shortness of breath, especially during physical activities. This symptom is also related to anemia, as your body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to a lack of red blood cells.
3. Frequent infections
MDS can cause your white blood cell count to drop, making you more susceptible to infections. If you find that you’re getting sick more often than usual, it could be a sign of MDS.
4. Easy bruising or bleeding
If you notice that you’re bruising easily or bleeding more than usual, it could be a sign of MDS. This is because MDS can affect your platelet count, which is responsible for blood clotting.
5. Skin paleness
Anemia, a common complication of MDS, can cause your skin to look paler than usual. This is due to the lack of red blood cells, which give your skin its color.
Now that we’ve covered the warning signs, let’s look at some FDA-approved treatments for MDS.
6. Blood transfusions
Blood transfusions are often used to treat anemia in people with MDS. This involves receiving healthy blood from a donor to increase your red blood cell count.
7. Medications
Several medications can be used to treat MDS, including growth factors to stimulate your body to make more blood cells, and immunosuppressive drugs to help your body accept these new cells.
8. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used to kill off abnormal cells in your bone marrow. This can help to slow the progression of MDS and alleviate some symptoms.
9. Stem cell transplant
A stem cell transplant involves replacing your diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow from a donor. This can potentially cure MDS, but it’s a complex procedure with significant risks.
10. Supportive care
Supportive care involves managing the symptoms of MDS, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. This can include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
In conclusion, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of MDS and seek treatment early. With the right care, it’s possible to manage this disease and maintain a good quality of life.
Life insurance is a critical safety net for many individuals, especially those over 50 or seniors who want to ensure their loved ones are financially secure after they’re gone. But it’s essential to understand that not all situations are covered by life insurance policies. Here are seven things that life insurance does not typically cover.
1. Fraudulent information
One of the key aspects insurance companies look at when underwriting a policy is the honesty of the information provided. If you have lied or omitted important information on your application, your insurer can deny your beneficiaries’ claim. Always be honest and thorough when applying for life insurance.
2. Suicide within the exclusion period
Most life insurance policies include a clause that excludes coverage for suicide within the first two years of the policy. This period may vary depending on the insurance company and the specific policy, but it’s a standard exclusion across the industry.
3. Death from risky activities
If you regularly engage in high-risk activities such as skydiving, mountain climbing, or extreme sports, your life insurance policy may not cover death resulting from these activities. It’s crucial to disclose these hobbies when applying for insurance, as failing to do so could result in a denied claim.
4. Death in a war zone
Many life insurance policies exclude coverage for death occurring in a war zone. If you are a military personnel or a civilian working in a conflict area, you may need to seek a special policy or rider to cover this risk.
5. Illegal activities
If the policyholder dies while committing an illegal activity, the life insurance claim will likely be denied. This can include anything from driving under the influence to participating in criminal activities.
6. Certain health conditions
While life insurance for over 50 and life insurance for seniors are generally available, certain health conditions may not be covered. This is especially true for policies with a graded death benefit, which only pays out the full benefit if the policyholder lives a certain number of years after purchasing the policy.
7. Acts of God
Some life insurance policies may not cover deaths caused by acts of God, such as natural disasters. However, this exclusion is less common than others and can vary significantly between insurance companies and policies.
Now that you know what life insurance typically does not cover, it’s important to find a reliable provider. Some of the top companies that provide life insurance include New York Life, MetLife, Prudential Financial, and State Farm. These companies offer a variety of policies, including term life, whole life, and universal life insurance.
Remember, life insurance is a crucial part of financial planning, especially for those over 50 or seniors. Make sure to thoroughly read and understand your policy, and don’t hesitate to ask your insurance agent or company any questions you may have. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your loved ones’ financial future.
Embarking on home improvement projects is a rewarding journey that can elevate your living space and enhance its functionality. From addressing water damage with companies that clean up water in the basement to upgrading roofing and gutters, and even considering Anderson window replacement, these hacks are designed to transform your home seamlessly. In this article, we explore seven ingenious home improvement hacks that will breathe new life into your living space.
1. Water damage prevention and cleanup
Companies that specialize in cleaning up water in the basement play a crucial role in preventing and addressing water damage. Protect your home from potential disasters by addressing leaks, floods, or excess moisture promptly. Investing in professional services ensures a thorough cleanup and mitigation of water-related issues, preserving the structural integrity of your home.
2. Roofing and gutters upgrade
Upgrading your roofing and gutters is a fundamental home improvement hack that protects your property from the elements. Consider durable roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal, or architectural tiles. Additionally, ensure your gutters are clean and well-maintained to prevent water damage and potential leaks. Regular inspections and prompt repairs contribute to the longevity of your roof and the overall health of your home.
3. Anderson window replacement
Enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency with Anderson window replacement. Anderson windows are renowned for their quality and durability. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows not only improves insulation but also adds a timeless and elegant touch to your interior and exterior spaces. The investment in high-quality windows pays off in energy savings and increased home value.
4. Creative storage solutions
Maximize your living space by incorporating creative storage solutions. Utilize under-the-stair storage, built-in shelving, or multifunctional furniture to optimize every square foot. These solutions not only declutter your home but also add a touch of innovation to your decor, making your living space both functional and stylish.
5. Smart home technology integration
Embrace the future of home living by integrating smart home technology. From smart thermostats and lighting to security systems, these technologies enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and security. Smart home devices can be easily controlled through mobile apps, providing remote access and customization options to suit your lifestyle.
6. DIY painting projects
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most transformative and cost-effective home improvement hacks. Whether it’s an accent wall, a room makeover, or refreshing exterior surfaces, painting projects can instantly breathe new life into your home. Experiment with different colors and finishes to create a personalized and updated look.
7. Energy-efficient lighting upgrades
Switching to energy-efficient lighting options is not only environmentally conscious but also financially savvy. Replace outdated incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL alternatives to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Additionally, consider installing motion sensor lights in outdoor areas for enhanced security and energy efficiency.
Embarking on home improvement projects is an exciting endeavor that allows you to tailor your living space to your preferences and needs. From addressing water damage with professional cleanup services to upgrading roofing and gutters, considering Anderson window replacement, and embracing creative storage solutions, these home improvement hacks offer practical and innovative ways to transform your home. Whether you’re looking to enhance aesthetics, increase energy efficiency, or optimize functionality, these hacks provide a roadmap for a more comfortable and stylish living environment.
