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Small businesses are getting it right [Infographic]

2018-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – While some may say owning your own business is achieving the American Dream, for many others, working for a small business is an equally fulfilling career choice. In fact, the Aflac 2018 Small Business Happiness Report revealed most small-business employees feel satisfied at their workplace. Although things are looking bright for small businesses, a few areas where these employees would like to see additional improvements include salaries, health care benefits, greater flexibility in the workplace and more robust benefits options. To learn more, visit www.aflac.com/happinessreport.


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Top exterior trends to inspire your 2019 home projects

2018-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Thinking of adding a deck? How about replacing the tired, worn siding on your house? Now that the weather is colder, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a hot beverage and start planning your 2019 home projects so you can nail the budget and settle on the look you’re after.

“Updating your home’s exterior can make an older home look more modern, but it can also make a new build feel warmer and more established,” says Kristine Swint, an in-house design expert at Royal Building Products. “Whether you plan to sell, or stay and enjoy your new features, anything you do to update the exterior can maximize the value of your home.”

Swint shares these insights and tips that will help you get inspired and plan your exterior home projects in 2019.

Think “cool neutrals” for the color story

When someone suggests a neutral tone for your exterior, do you think boring beige and tepid taupe? When it comes to vinyl siding, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover there’s a broad range of color and style choices to meet your taste and design preferences, including soft grays, bolder mid-tone blues and warm earth-toned terra cottas.

“Going neutral no longer means sacrificing style, or having your house look like all the others on the block,” Swint says. “Today’s neutrals convey warmth, comfort and closeness to nature — all traits we desire in a home.”

If you need help planning your home’s new look, the HomePlay design tool from Royal Building Products lets you experiment with different colors and siding profiles. To get started, visit HomePlaybyRoyal.com.

Bring the inside out

If you’ve decided this year is the year to add a deck or a patio, don’t settle for an uninspired open-air platform. Today’s designers are remaking the deck concept altogether by bringing traditionally “indoor” amenities outside. Rugs, arbors and high-design furniture will turn your deck into an outdoor living room. By adding a fire pit, portable furnace or heater, you and your family can spend time on the deck year-round. For a finishing touch, a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door not only brings in more sunlight and natural views, it creates a seamless transition between inside and outside.

But a great deck starts with high-quality materials, because the last thing you want is to spend excessive time and money on routine maintenance. Instead of using natural wood, opt for a premium composite decking, such as Zuri Premium Decking, that combines the natural beauty of exotic hardwood with the unsurpassed and exceptionally low-maintenance requirements of composite materials. If you’re interested in learning more, visit zuri.royalbuildingproducts.com.

Make relaxation a top priority

Home is where the heart is, right? So it makes perfect sense to make it into a space where self-care is a priority. That’s why wellness and mindfulness have become huge influences in interior and exterior spaces, Swint says. To turn your backyard into a retreat space, consider amenities like water features, zen gardens or even a shaded reading nook.

Reframe the possibilities of your shed

Garages and sheds can be more than a storage space for your lawnmower and tools. These four walls hold many other possibilities, and homeowners have come up with creative, free-time-oriented uses for these simple backyard structures. The options are only limited by your imagination: backyard bar, outdoor shower, or the classic she-shed or man cave. You can even make it into a home office for those telecommuting days. To dress up a plain shed, Swint says, add siding with complementary trim, windows (and flower boxes), finished with a sleek glass door.

Now that you have plenty of inspiration to transform your home’s exterior into a more inviting space, explore your options and visit royalbuildingproducts.com.


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Rushing to the restroom or taking frequent bathroom breaks? A common bladder health issue explained

2018-11-01T07:01:02

(BPT) – If you’ve ever found yourself mapping out the nearest restrooms, going out of your way for a “pee detour,” or even packing a “just in case” set of clothes for a long road trip, you understand that the call of nature can impact your daily routine and cause you to worry when you may be far from a restroom for extended periods of time. You’re not alone: as many as 1 in 3 Americans age 40 and older have reported symptoms of urgency, frequency or leakage.[1]

Bladder Health Month — recognized annually — marks an important time to evaluate your bladder health status, including any changes to your restroom habits that may be interfering with your daily life. In fact, new practice guidelines issued in 2018 by the Women’s Preventative Services Initiative recommend women be screened each year for urinary incontinence.[2]

“Too often, people are embarrassed to discuss urinary changes with their loved ones or seek help from their doctor, and instead take steps to cope with their symptoms rather than address the underlying condition,” said Dr. David Staskin, a Boston-based urologist at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. “Merely coping with your symptoms may affect your daily activities.”

Overactive bladder — sometimes referred to as “OAB” — occurs when you cannot control your bladder contractions, or when your bladder contractions happen too often. This may cause you to experience symptoms of OAB, which are urgency, frequency and leakage.[3]

According to the American Urological Association, OAB occurs in both men and women, may affect your daily activities due to lack of bladder control and can cause embarrassment, leading some to just learn to cope with the condition.[3]

“Anyone experiencing urinary control problems should talk to their physician. In most cases, these issues can be effectively managed,” added Dr. Staskin, who is also an associate professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. “It’s important to rule out underlying medical issues, as well as design a treatment plan that can be customized to each patient, starting with some habit changes and including medication where appropriate for symptoms with an uncontrolled urge.”

One prescription treatment option is Myrbetriq® (mirabegron), a medication for adults used to treat the overactive bladder symptoms of urgency, frequency and leakage. It works on a different pathway to increase bladder capacity by helping to relax the smooth muscle that surrounds the bladder.

A qualified health care professional can help you evaluate any changes to your bladder health and recommend the appropriate course of treatment to best meet your needs. Many resources are available online to help you keep track of your urinary symptoms and make it easier to facilitate a discussion with your physician.

For more information about overactive bladder and lifestyle tips that can help with managing symptoms, visit www.myrbetriq.com.

Use of Myrbetriq

Myrbetriq® (mirabegron) is a prescription medicine for adults used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urgency, frequency and leakage.

Important Safety Information

Myrbetriq is not for everyone. Do not take Myrbetriq if you have an allergy to mirabegron or any ingredients in Myrbetriq. Myrbetriq may cause your blood pressure to increase or make your blood pressure worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. It is recommended that your doctor check your blood pressure while you are taking Myrbetriq. Myrbetriq may increase your chances of not being able to empty your bladder. Tell your doctor right away if you have trouble emptying your bladder or you have a weak urine stream.

Myrbetriq may cause allergic reactions that may be serious. If you experience swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, with or without difficulty breathing, stop taking Myrbetriq and tell your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including medications for overactive bladder or other medicines such as thioridazine (Mellaril™ and Mellaril-S™), flecainide (Tambocor®), propafenone (Rythmol®), digoxin (Lanoxin®) or solifenacin succinate (VESIcare®). Myrbetriq may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Myrbetriq works.

Before taking Myrbetriq, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. The most common side effects of Myrbetriq include increased blood pressure, common cold symptoms (nasopharyngitis), dry mouth, flu symptoms, urinary tract infection, back pain, dizziness, joint pain, headache, constipation, sinus irritation, and inflammation of the bladder (cystitis).

For further information, please talk to your healthcare professional and see Patient Product Information and complete Prescribing Information for Myrbetriq® (mirabegron) at www.myrbetriq.com.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Myrbetriq® is a registered trademark of Astellas Pharma Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For more information on overactive bladder, including a symptom quiz and physician locator tool, visit www.myrbetriq.com.


[1] Coyne KS, Sexton CC, Vats V, Thompson C, Kopp ZS, Milsom I. National community prevalence of overactive bladder in the United States stratified by sex and age. Urology 2011;77(5):1081-7.

[2] O’Reilly Nancy, Nelson Heidi, Conry Jeanne, Frost Jennifer, et al. Screening for Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Recommendation From the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative. Annals of Internal Medicine 2018; 169(5):320-329.

[3] Gormley EA, Lightner DJ, Burgio KL, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder (non-neurogenic) in adults: AUA/SUFU guideline. American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. 2014.


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4 factors to consider when determining your eczema treatment plan

2018-10-31T16:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly 18 million children and adults across the United States live with atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema.1 About 90 percent of those with eczema have the mild-to-moderate form of the disease.2 Environmental changes can trigger your eczema. With the weather changing, it may be a good time to discuss a treatment plan with your doctor.3

There is no cure for eczema, but there are different treatment options available depending on various factors, including age and eczema severity.4 Current therapies include applying over-the-counter moisturizers and emollients, or prescription topical medications, phototherapy, immunomodulators, biologic drugs, antibiotics, and antihistamines.5,6,7 Some people living with eczema may use natural and alternative treatments to treat their disease.8

If you or your child has eczema, the following information may be helpful when determining a treatment plan with your physician. 

1. Understand age restrictions.

Eczema occurs most often in childhood, but approximately 50 percent of patients diagnosed as children continue to have recurrent symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.9,10 It’s important to understand the eczema treatment landscape and possible age restrictions for specific therapies. Check with your doctor about age restrictions of potential therapies to ensure it is appropriate for you or your child.5,6,8

2. Factor in lifestyle habits.  

There can be multiple treatment options for eczema. It’s important to consider your lifestyle habits when selecting treatments.7 Some options can include applying creams or ointments, taking oral medications or prescribed injections to relieve symptoms. They may need to be used around the same time each day, like bathing or bed time.6,7,11 Take these factors into consideration when deciding on your treatment plan, and have open conversations with your doctor to ensure you are using treatments as instructed. 

3. Recognize how symptoms affect the skin.

The face, neck, wrists, and ankles are common sites for many people, depending on their age. Places where your body bends—like your elbows or back of your knees—are also common areas affected.12 However, eczema may appear differently on different people.12,13 If you think you have eczema, consult with a doctor for specific recommendations around an optimal skin care plan for your individual skin type. 

4. Explore treatment options around specific disease severity.

While the severity of eczema can vary amongst different people, mild-to-moderate is the most common form of the skin disease.2 EUCRISA® (crisaborole) ointment, 2% is a 100 percent steroid-free treatment for mild-to-moderate eczema in adults and kids as young as two. EUCRISA can be used on all skin tones.14

EUCRISA is a topical treatment that can be used nose to toes. EUCRISA is for use on skin (topical use) only. Do not use EUCRISA in your eyes, mouth or vagina. It works above and below the skin to treat eczema. The active ingredient in EUCRISA is crisaborole 2%, which acts deep within skin cells to target phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4).14 PDE4 is an enzyme that helps to regulate inflammation in your body. When you have eczema, PDE4 enzymes may be overactive in your skin cells. This can lead to inflammation in your skin. Reducing PDE4 activity decreases substances in your skin that are thought to cause inflammation related to eczema.15,16,17 The specific way EUCRISA works is not well defined.14

Crisaborole is combined with an Emollient-Rich Vehicle ointment. Ointments contain emollients, which can help lock in moisture and soften the skin.14,18

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATION 

Do not use EUCRISA if you are allergic to crisaborole or any of the ingredients in EUCRISA. 

EUCRISA may cause side effects including allergic reactions at or near the application site. These can be serious and may include hives, itching, swelling, and redness. If you have any of these symptoms, stop using EUCRISA and get medical help right away. 

The most common side effect of EUCRISA is application site pain, such as burning or stinging. 

EUCRISA is for use on skin (topical use) only. Do not use EUCRISA in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. 

INDICATION 

EUCRISA is a prescription ointment used on the skin (topical) to treat mild-to-moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. 

See Full Prescribing Information at EUCRISA.com.

The information above, along with the treatment regimen that you and your doctor decide upon, may help provide a better understanding of your eczema. If you have additional questions, be sure to speak with your doctor. 

For more information about EUCRISA, visit www.EUCRISA.com or call 1-866-EUCRISA (1-866-382-7472). 

The EUCRISA Copay Savings Card is now available for eligible patients for as little as $10.* You can receive your card by texting EOFFER4 to 42762 or by visiting our website: https://www.eucrisa.com/eucrisa-4-you.  

Patients enrolled in a state or federally funded prescription insurance program may not use this savings card even if they elect to be processed as uninsured (cash-paying) patients. 

By opting into the EUCRISA mobile program, you consent to receive up to 10 marketing or not-marketing text messages and/or push notifications per month from Pfizer Inc., such as refill reminders, fill confirmation and website information. 

*Eligibility required. Individual savings are limited to $700 per tube. Individual patient savings are limited to $2,800 in maximum total savings per calendar year. Full terms and conditions apply. This Card will be accepted only at participating pharmacies. This Card is not health insurance.

Eucrisa.com 1-866-382-7472 Pfizer Inc. PO Box 29387, Mission, KS 66201 

This article is sponsored by Pfizer Inc. 

PP-CRI-USA-1499 

### 

[1] Hanifin JM, Reed ML. A population-based survey of eczema in the United States. Dermatitis. 2007;18(2):82-91.

[2] Paller AS, Tom WL, Lebwohl MG, et al. Efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment, a novel, nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and adults. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;75(3):494-503.

[3] Oszukowska M, Michalak I, Gutfreund K, et al. Role of primary and secondary prevention in atopic dermatitis. Postep Derm Alergol. 2015;32(6):409-420.

[4] Ellis C, Luger T, Abeck D, et al. International consensus conference on atopic dermatitis II (ICCAD II*): clinical update and current treatment strategies. Br J Dermatol. 2003;148(Suppl. 63):3-10.

[5] Sidbury R, Davis DM, Cohen DE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: Section 3. Management and treatment with phototherapy and systemic agents. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(2):327-349.

[6] Thomsen SF. Atopic dermatitis: natural history, diagnosis, and treatment. ISRN Allergy. 2014;354250:1-7.

[7] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. What Is Atopic Dermatitis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Web site. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/atopic_dermatitis/atopic_dermatitis_ff.asp. Accessed on January 5, 2017.

[8] Hanifin JM, Cooper KD, Ho VC, et al. Guidelines of care of atopic dermatitis, developed in accordance with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)/American Academy of Dermatology Association “Administrative Regulations for Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines”. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;50(3):391-404.

[9] Leung DYM. New insights into atopic dermatitis: Role of skin barrier and immune dysregulation. Allergol Int. 2013;62(2):151-161.

[10] Williams HC, Strachan DP. The natural history of childhood eczema: observations from the British 1958 birth cohort study. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139(5):834-839.

[11] Beck LA, Thaçi D, Hamilton JD, et al. Dupilumab Treatment in Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(2):130-139.

[12] Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis. Dermatol. 2012;1(3):203-217.

[13] Kaufman BP, Guttman-Yassky E, Alexis AF. Atopic dermatitis in diverse racial and ethnic groups- Variations in epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation and treatment. Experimental Dermatology. 2018;27:340–357.

[14] EUCRISA® (crisaborole). Full Prescribing Information. October 2017.

[15] Jarnagin K, Chanda S, Coronado D, Ciaravino V, et al. Crisaborole topical ointment, 2%: A nonsteroidal, topical, anti-inflammatory phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(4):390-396.

[16] Chan SC, Reifsnyder D, Beavo JA, Hanifin JM. Immunochemical characterization of the distinct monocyte cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase from patients with atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1993;91(6):1179-1188.

[17] Sawai T, Uehara M. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis: correction with respiratory atopy. Br J Dermatol. 1998;138(5):846-848.

[18] Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Berger TG, Krol A, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Section 2: Management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):116–132.


 


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Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers: What you need to know

2018-10-31T12:01:01

(BPT) – Peggy Lavender, 63, of Brookhaven, Georgia, knew her life would change when her husband, Jim, 66, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago, but she never expected it to be this challenging.

Following Jim’s diagnosis in 2014, Lavender managed to balance her career as a fifth-grade teacher with caregiving responsibilities, but as her husband’s caregiving needs increased, so, too, did her stress. Lavender retired earlier than she planned to become a full-time caregiver for Jim. 

“I survived breast cancer and my son’s bout with lymphoma, but becoming a full-time caregiver for my husband is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Lavender said. “Every day there is loss. It’s demanding physically and emotionally. I feel very alone.”

Lavender, however, is not alone. Today, more than 16 million Americans are providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. An Alzheimer’s Association report shows these caregivers shoulder more caregiving responsibilities than other caregivers, helping with a wider variety of activities and spending more hours per week providing care.

“It’s the totality of caregiving that really gets to you. It’s everything,” Lavender said. “I know it sounds selfish, but I feel like I have no time for me.” 

Nearly half of dementia caregivers say providing care is emotionally stressful, and 30 percent say that providing care often involves physical strain. Dementia caregivers are nearly twice as likely to say that their health has gotten worse as a result of their caregiving responsibilities and 35 percent report their health has declined as a result of caregiving.

Today’s dementia caregiver

Increasingly, dementia caregivers are juggling multiple demands, including work, family and geographic separation. Consider these facts: 

* One quarter of dementia caregivers are “sandwich generation” caregivers — meaning that they care not only for an aging parent, but also for children under age 18. 

* One in six millennials (age 18-34) are serving as caregivers to someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

* More than 1 in 10 caregivers (12 percent) are long-distance caregivers, living more than an hour away from the care recipient.

To help caregivers balance competing priorities while maintaining their overall health and well-being, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips:  

Take care of yourself – It can be easy to neglect your health while caring for others, but making sure you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Carving out just 30 minutes a day for yourself to do something you enjoy can go a long way to reducing caregiver stress. 

Maintain good communication – Help other family members understand the demands you’re facing and enlist their help and support. A 2017 Alzheimer’s Association survey found that 91 percent of Americans believe it “takes a village” to care for a person living with Alzheimer’s, but many caregivers fail to ask for help.

Seek support – Organize friends and family who want to help provide care and support. Access local support groups or online communities to connect with other caregivers. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.

Know you’re doing your best – It’s normal to lose patience or feel like your care may fall short sometimes. You’re doing the best you can. For support and encouragement, consider joining an online or in-person support group.

Lavender said love and support from her two sons, support group friends and her strong faith have helped sustain her during a difficult journey. Her advice to other caregivers: Reach out and ask for help. 

“Too many caregivers are hesitant to ask for help or they just don’t know how,” she said. “But as a caregiver you need guidance to better help the person you’re caring for, but also emotional support for everything you are going through.”

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and to find resources for caregivers, families and people living with the disease, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org.


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5 Medicare mistakes that could cost you

2018-10-31T12:37:00

(BPT) – You have a lot of choices when it comes to Medicare. And the most important might be choosing to take charge of your Medicare decisions in the first place. 

Medicare Annual Enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, is your chance to take charge. Here are five common mistakes that you don’t want to make during this time. 

1. Allowing automatic plan renewal to make your choice for you 

Your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan renews every year on Jan. 1, unless you decide to change it.

Automatic renewal may be easy, but it might not be the best way to make your Medicare decisions. Plans may change what they cover from year to year, including what you will pay in deductible, premium, copay or coinsurance amounts. 

Insurance companies review their plans each year to make sure they’re still viable. Shouldn’t you do the same? 

2. Ignoring your plan’s Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) 

Each fall, you receive an Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) from your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. (It should have already hit your mailbox.) This document explains any changes in your plan benefits or costs for the upcoming year. The changes may affect your health care and your budget, so take time to learn about what to look for in your ANOC. 

3. Basing your plan choice on the premium alone 

It’s easy to focus only on premiums when looking at Medicare costs. But it’s important to look at the big picture, too. 

A plan with a $0 or low monthly premium may charge a large medical or prescription drug deductible or have high copayments. You might prefer this if you rarely go to the doctor and don’t take many medications. But a plan like this could be expensive if you use health care services often, even with the low premium. 

It’s important to think about all the out-of-pocket costs as well as your health care needs when choosing a plan. For example, many Medicare Advantage plans offer routine vision, hearing and dental coverage, and certain plans also provide fitness membership benefits at no additional cost. 

4. Picking a plan because your spouse or friend has it 

You might count on a friend’s word when deciding what new restaurant to try, but a Medicare plan is a personal choice. What works for one person may not fit the needs of another. 

You may have several plans to choose from, so it’s smart to look at all your options, keeping your health care needs and budget in mind. Coverage and costs can vary quite a bit from plan to plan. 

5. Assuming you don’t qualify for help with Medicare costs 

Several programs offer financial assistance with Medicare premiums and other costs. You may want to investigate them, even if you think you might not be eligible. Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office to discuss your situation. 

Take charge today 

Medicare Annual Enrollment exists so that you have a chance to change your Medicare coverage if you decide to. Take the opportunity to review your current coverage and health needs so you can make an informed decision. 

For more helpful information on Medicare Annual Enrollment, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.


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5 tips for navigating Medicare Open Enrollment

2018-10-31T15:03:00

(BPT) – Medicare Open Enrollment is in full swing. For most people enrolled in Medicare, the annual Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7) is the only opportunity to make changes to your existing Medicare coverage.

Even if you are happy with your Medicare coverage, you should take the time to explore your options. There may be a plan that is better suited to your health and financial needs that could save you hundreds of dollars in the upcoming year. 

During Medicare Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can switch Part D prescription drug plans; switch Medicare Advantage plans, which offer health (and often drug) coverage through private insurers; switch from Original Medicare, administered by the federal government, to Medicare Advantage; or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. All changes made to coverage during open enrollment take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

Dan Klein, president and chief executive officer of the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, an independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people afford out-of-pocket costs for prescribed medications, offers the following tips for navigating Medicare Open Enrollment. 

1. Do your homework

Take the time to shop around and understand the benefits and costs of each plan so that you can find the coverage that works best for you. Changes to your health status, doctors or healthcare providers, prescription drugs or budget may mean that your current plan is no longer the most cost-effective choice. Insurance companies can also make annual changes to their plans that might affect the drugs covered, provider networks and your out-of-pocket costs.  

2. Make sure your doctors and providers are in-network

Before selecting a plan, it’s smart to check that your preferred doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are in the plan’s provider network. If you visit a doctor, hospital or pharmacy that is outside of the network, you will likely have to pay more. If your insurance company has changed your plan’s provider network for next year, you may want to use Open Enrollment to switch to a plan that will include your current doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in-network to lower your medical costs. 

3. Make sure your medications are covered

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide prescription drug coverage as well. It’s important to ensure that your plan covers the medications you need and that the plan’s network of pharmacies makes it convenient for you to access your drugs. Switching prescription drug coverage, or even adding it for the first time, can help make the critical medical treatments you need less expensive. 

4. Assess if the plan is a good fit for your budget

There may be changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans that affect your out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs are your expenses for medical care that aren’t reimbursed by insurance. When selecting a plan, you should consider what you will be responsible for paying under the plan, including the deductible, out-of-pocket limit, co-pays and co-insurance. 

5. Determine how you will pay for your out-of-pocket costs

With rising deductibles, premiums, co-pays and co-insurance, the inability to pay is a growing problem for people with Medicare. There may be assistance available to you if you cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for your prescription medications. You should research your options now.

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for a federal Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) — also known as Extra Help — to help pay for your prescription drug costs. You may also be eligible for a patient co-payment assistance program like PAN that provides people with financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket costs for their medical treatments. You can learn more about PAN and patient assistance charities by visiting PANFoundation.org.

By taking the time to re-evaluate your existing coverage and learn about all the options, you can save significantly on your healthcare costs next year.