Month: September 2020

2020-09-09T14:03:00

(BPT) – If you’re one of the millions of caregivers in the United States, you know that COVID-19 — and the realities of social distancing and isolation — may complicate the day-to-day tasks of caregiving. But even now, it’s important to remember that you can continue to make a positive impact on your loved one’s life.

While you may be unable to physically be with your loved one, remind yourself that what you’re doing from a distance does matter. Careful, thoughtful planning and clear communication may help make remote caregiving easier on you and the person you’re caring for.

1. Stay connected.

Communicate through video chats whenever possible to help them feel engaged. Encourage family and friends to call often or write letters and notes. You may also be able to set up a medical alert system that can help you track and monitor the person in your care. Look for a system that’s designed with caregivers in mind.

2. Get smart with prescriptions.

If the person in your care regularly takes medication, talk to his or her pharmacist to see if they offer a mail-order option. You may even be able to order early refills or get 30- or 90-day supplies. During the COVID-19 outbreak, some pharmacies may waive delivery fees.

3. Explore remote options for food.

Visiting the grocery store may feel unsafe for those who are at a higher risk of serious infection. The good news is, there are many options for food delivery. Whether it’s groceries, meal kits or Meals on Wheels, there are ways to help make sure your loved one is taken care of with nutritious meals.

4. Consider telehealth for medical needs.

If a medical appointment is necessary, connecting virtually through a phone or video app may be a good option for non-emergency needs. Call your loved one’s doctor’s office to see what options are available.

5. Have a plan of action.

With the current uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, it’s important to regain a sense of control and confidence. Some steps may include:

• Collect contact information. Build a list of contacts, including family members, care providers, pharmacies, care managers, senior service agencies and anyone else that you may need to get a hold of.
• Gather health documents. Because care recipients often have complicated medical situations, keeping all paperwork in one place can be invaluable. This could also include important financial and legal records. UnitedHealthcare also has a Care Organizer available, which can be a way to keep all your information together.
• Become an authorized representative. As an authorized representative, you’re able to help with payments, the choice of doctor and other care decisions. To add an authorized representative, your loved one can visit his or her health plan website or call the customer service number on the back of the ID card.

Caring for loved ones at a distance may be unfamiliar territory, but knowing what tools and programs are available to help you can help ease uncertainty — both for you and those in your care.

For more resources and information that may help you with caregiving, visit https://www.uhc.com/caregiving.

2020-09-09T14:05:00

(BPT) – Many people are surprised to find out that Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. For help with the cost of your medications, you can choose a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.

With Medicare Annual Enrollment fast approaching from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 — the yearly window when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage — now is a good time to arm yourself with information to help you make an empowered decision this fall.

Mike Anderson, CEO of the Medicare Part D program at UnitedHealthcare, recommends you consider these three things when choosing a plan.

1. Your drugs

Prescription drug plans can vary significantly. Each Part D plan has a list of drugs, called a formulary, which shows the drugs it covers.

“When considering a Part D plan, be sure your medications are covered,” Anderson said. “Even if you don’t expect to change plans, it’s important to make sure your drugs will still be covered next year, as plans can change from year to year.”

2. Your pharmacy

Most Part D plans have preferred pharmacy networks. People can typically get their drugs for a lower copay when they visit preferred pharmacies.

“Make sure the plan offers access to pharmacies that are convenient for you,” Anderson said. “Some plans also have mail-order pharmacy benefits, and you can get prescriptions delivered to your home for a lower cost than purchasing from a retail location.”

3. Your total costs

Plans sort drugs into several tiers, with generic or lower-tier drugs generally costing less than drugs on higher tiers. Talk to your doctor about whether a lower-tier drug might be suitable for you, which could help you save money.

“A low monthly premium plan doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the lowest cost plan,” said Anderson. “You should also understand the other out-of-pocket costs, including the annual deductible and drug copays.”

The bottom line

Now is a great time to start thinking about your health and budget needs for the upcoming year. Whether you’ll be enrolling in Medicare for the first time, looking to change your coverage during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, or helping a loved one make decisions, visit GetToKnowMedicare.com to access resources to help you prepare and make confident choices.

2020-09-09T14:07:00

(BPT) – When can you sign up for Medicare? When can you switch plans if your health needs have changed? Understanding Medicare’s enrollment periods helps you get the coverage you need when you need it.

If you’re signing up for Medicare for the first time, your enrollment window is unique to you and based on your birthday month. Here’s a guideline for what timeframe applies to you.

New to Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) occurs around your 65th birthday, including the three months before and the three months after it. For example, if your birthday is in June, your IEP would be from March to September.

Once you’re enrolled in Medicare, there are set dates for when you are allowed to change your plan.

During the Annual Enrollment Period — Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 — all Medicare beneficiaries have the chance to choose plans for the following calendar year. This is the time for you to decide if your current plan fits your budget and your health needs.

Already on Medicare?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is Jan. 1 through March 31.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can take the following steps from Jan. 1 through March 31. Changes will be effective the first day of the following month.

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
• Sign up for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Supplement plan, if you return to Original Medicare

Special Enrollment Periods are times when you can sign up for Medicare or change your plan if you qualify due to a life event like moving or retiring.

Looking to learn more? You may be enrolling in Medicare for the first time; you may be looking to change coverage during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7; you may be helping a loved one with their Medicare decisions. No matter your situation, visit GetToKnowMedicare.com to access resources to help you prepare and make confident Medicare decisions.

2020-09-09T16:47:00

(BPT) – Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is almost here — the time (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) when people can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the year ahead.

Thankfully, there are tools and resources to help you navigate the process and select a plan to meet your needs. Here’s a roundup of frequently asked questions about Medicare and online resources that can help you get started in your own decision-making process.

1) How do I know which type of Medicare coverage is right for me?

Each person needs to make coverage decisions based on his or her health care needs and budget. To do that, you need to understand your options.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is provided by the federal government and includes hospital and medical coverage. But it doesn’t cover everything. You may have out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Coinsurance for most Part B services, for example, is 20% of the cost. In addition, Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs.

If you want additional coverage, there are two ways to get it.

• Add Medicare supplement insurance and/or a standalone Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) to Original Medicare.
• Choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which combines Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) in one plan. Most plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D), and many offer coverage for things like routine dental and eye care. Medicare Advantage plans also put a cap on your out-of-pocket costs for the year. There’s no cap with Original Medicare.

2) Does Original Medicare cover dental, vision and hearing care?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental, vision or hearing care. Some costs may be covered if you have an eye injury or a certain medical condition, such as diabetes or cataracts.

Many Medicare Advantage plans cover dental and vision care, including routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts.

Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor thinks you may need medical treatment, but neither Part B nor Part A covers routine hearing tests or hearing aids. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer this coverage.

3) How can I get coverage for my medications, since Original Medicare doesn’t provide it?

You have two options for prescription drug coverage: You can add a standalone Part D plan to Original Medicare, or you can join a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

Look for plans that cover the drugs you take. Each plan has a formulary that lists which drugs are covered and what the cost is. Most formularies are tiered, dividing drugs into different levels of cost. Typically, low-tier drugs will cost less than high-tier drugs.

4) Why are the costs for my prescription drugs going up? Can I switch plans?

Part D prescription drug plans may change copays, premiums, deductibles and other costs from year to year. They may also add or delete specific drugs from their formularies.

If your drug costs are going up, you are free to shop for a different plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. You can look for plans using the Plan Finder at Medicare.gov.

The bottom line

You have choices to make when it comes to Medicare. But you’re not alone. There are many tools and online resources to help you navigate the process and select a plan to fit your needs.

Looking to learn more? You may be enrolling in Medicare for the first time; you may be looking to change coverage during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7; you may be helping a loved one with their Medicare decisions. No matter your situation, visit GetToKnowMedicare.com to access resources to help you prepare and make confident Medicare decisions.

2020-09-09T16:49:01

(BPT) – Caregiving for a loved one can put a strain on even the most resilient people. Add in the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and it has the potential to feel challenging. This means that finding ways to thrive and continue to take care of your own well-being is more important than ever.

It can be hard to cope at times, and some of the outlets you may have used in the past to handle stress may not be available or ideal during social distancing. Fortunately, there are several resources that may help you take care of your emotional health while also keeping safety top of mind.

Recognize how you’re feeling

No matter what your particular situation might be, caregiving may take a toll on your physical, mental and emotional well-being. The Family Caregiver Alliance encourages you to express and try to address all of your emotions, especially the tough ones. Try to identify the emotions you’re experiencing; this might include everything from fear, to guilt, to resentment. It’s important to remember that these emotions are normal and not something to be ashamed of.

Take action

To be an effective caregiver, taking care of your own needs, both physical and emotional, is essential. There are several tools and resources available to help you maintain your own well-being and make time for self-care:

• Virtual mental health visits. Consider scheduling a virtual visit with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist. If you already see a mental health provider, contact him or her to see if you can continue sessions online or over the phone. You can also get support by speaking to a trained counselor at SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or by texting TalkWithUS to 66746. Or download the Sanvello app on your phone, which has plenty of resources for taking care of yourself.
• Take advantage of free exercise programs. Exercise may be a great way to destress and improve your mood. At-home workout resources are plentiful these days — including live-streamed classes and complimentary app trials. They’re all available online, often at no extra cost.
• Create and follow a healthy daily routine. Keep your schedule consistent when it comes to meals and bedtime. Get enough sleep, aiming for seven to nine hours a night, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Maintain a healthy diet and try to stay active with walks, yoga, gardening or other activities that allow you to practice social distancing. Carve out time during the day to focus on your breathing, stretch or meditate.
• Stay informed. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared may reduce stress and help calm anxieties. However, too much exposure to news coverage may lead to greater feelings of anxiety or panic. Try to limit your research to reliable sources, such as the CDC and the World Health Organization. And keep up with recommendations from your local public health authorities.
• Talk to your loved one. Chances are, the person you’re caring for may have similar feelings and fears. The Mental Health Foundation says, “talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of taking charge of your well-being and doing what you can to stay healthy.”

If stress gets in the way of your daily activities for an extended period of time (defined as several days in a row), the CDC recommends calling your health care provider.

If you want to get more helpful resources on caregiving, you can also visit the UnitedHealthcare caregiving website at https://www.uhc.com/caregiving.

2020-09-09T16:51:01

(BPT) – Navigating the ins and outs of Medicare can be an intimidating experience if you’re not familiar with certain terms.

Medicare Part D, which helps cover prescription drug costs, has its own terminology. Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, so now is a good time for a refresher on key words to inform your coverage decisions for 2021.

Deductible, copay and coinsurance

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket in a given year for eligible prescription drugs before your plan’s coverage kicks in. The deductible can vary from plan to plan.

Some plans charge a copay, a flat fee, each time you fill a prescription. For example, a plan may require you to pay $2 when you fill a prescription for generic drugs and a higher amount for brand-name drugs.

With coinsurance, you pay a set percentage of the cost of the drug instead of the flat fee associated with a copay.

Formulary

Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies, and each plan has what’s known as a formulary, a list of the prescription drugs covered under the plan.

“When considering a Part D plan, review the formulary to make sure your medications are covered,” said Mike Anderson, CEO of the Medicare Part D business at UnitedHealthcare.

And keep in mind that plan formularies can change from year to year, so don’t assume that the prescription drugs covered under your current plan will carry over in 2021.

Drug tiers

A Medicare Part D plan’s formulary is made up of tiers, depending on the cost of the medications. The lower tiers generally include preferred generic drugs, and many plans cover these medicines with low or no copay or coinsurance.

Higher tiers generally include brand-name drugs and specialty medications and tend to have higher copays or coinsurance. So, talk to your doctor to see if the brand-name prescription you take can be replaced with a generic version.

Preferred pharmacy network

A Part D plan may designate a preferred network of pharmacies, and if you use these pharmacies, you can save money on prescriptions.

“Make sure the plan offers access to pharmacies that are convenient for you,” Anderson said. “Some plans also have mail-order pharmacy benefits, and you may be able to get prescriptions delivered to your home for a lower cost than purchasing from a retail location.”

The donut hole

The majority of Part D plans have a coverage gap known as a “donut hole.” For example, in 2020, you enter this donut hole once your out-of-pocket costs (including deductibles, copays and coinsurance) for prescription drugs reach $4,020. Once you’re in the donut hole, you will pay 25% of the cost of your drugs. In past years, this percentage was higher.

In 2020, once your out-of-pocket costs reach $6,350, you exit the donut hole and pay a smaller coinsurance. Your Part D plan tracks your out-of-pocket spend progression and should be accessible on your plan website and monthly statements.

If you meet certain income and resource requirements, you may be eligible for Extra Help, which helps qualified beneficiaries pay some or all Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance.

Learn more

Now is a great time to start thinking about your health and budget needs for the upcoming year. Whether you’ll be enrolling in Medicare for the first time, looking to change your coverage during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, or helping a loved one make decisions, visit GetToKnowMedicare.com to access resources to help you prepare and make confident choices.

2020-09-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – Life is unpredictable. Between these stressful times and your own personal challenges, you’re probably dealing with more today than perhaps ever. Stress can throw your body, emotions and routine off course, but sometimes even the worst of situations can provide a silver lining. A recent survey found more than half of respondents said they cook more than before the pandemic with 51% stating they will continue to cook more after the crisis ends. Besides healthier eating habits, more than 75% of participants have adopted at least one new wellness habit.

According to McKel Kooienga, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N. of Nutrition Stripped and One A Day brand partner, making small adjustments in key aspects of your day can make a big difference long-term when it comes to supporting your healthy lifestyle.

Here are five tips from McKel that will help you:

Tip 1: Choose nutritious foods

When we think about stress relief, meditation or yoga may come to mind first, but diet can also play an important role in reducing the negative effects of stress on your body. A diet rich in whole foods can provide many benefits, including supporting a healthy immune system and even boosting your mood. Although it can be challenging to eat healthy with limited time, setting aside a few hours a week to food prep can help improve diet and lead to reduced stress levels. So, instead of reaching for takeout menus, cut up veggies for easy grab-and-go snacking, stock your pantry with nutritious options and set yourself and your family up for success.

Tip 2: Add a multivitamin

Nobody is perfect and it can be difficult to get all of the nutrients you need from food alone. Stress can also deplete many vital vitamins like B vitamins and vitamin E. Adding a multivitamin to your daily routine like One A Day Natural Fruit Bites Multivitamins that offer key vitamins and minerals your body may need in the form of tasty bites made with real farm-grown apples (in the form of apple puree concentrate) can help supplement a healthy diet. These bites support physical energy by helping convert food to fuel and immune and bone health. They are available for the whole family, making it easier to get the key nutrients needed.

Step 3: Move More

When you exercise your body releases endorphins, which can help you feel better. Not to mention, exercise has also been linked to reduced stress, lower risk of disease and longer lifespan. You don’t have to hit the gym to move. Take a walk outside, check out the many free workouts offered online, or have a dance party with the kids. As long as you pick something you enjoy, it will be easier to stick to.

Tip 4: Volunteer

Adding purpose to your life may be just what the doctor ordered. Research from the University of Georgia found people who volunteer regularly feel better mentally, physically and emotionally. And the best part? You don’t have to volunteer in person to give back. Packing meals at home to drop off for those in need, fostering or adopting an animal, tutoring students or making virtual calls to the elderly can make a big impact. It’s also something the whole family can do together to feel more connected to the community, all while helping to reduce stress.

Tip 5: Take a Digital Detox

It’s no surprise nearly 80% of Americans are spending more time on screens to ease feelings of isolation, anxiety and disconnection. Technology may seem like a saving grace to many looking for comfort, but increased use contributes to stress and can disrupt quality and length of sleep. Disconnecting entirely may not be possible, but setting boundaries and selecting windows of time to shut off can do wonders for your mental health. Limiting social media use to about 30 minutes per day has been shown to significantly improve well-being by reducing symptoms of depression and loneliness. Whether implementing a no-device policy at meals, trying to go screen free for one day of the week or simply taking a much-needed break from social media, pick something that’s realistic for you and your family.

These are just a few simple tips that will help you live your best today no matter what tomorrow brings. Keep a positive attitude and be patient and you’ll find your groove again.

2020-09-09T08:15:00

(BPT) – You’ve probably felt it — that time of day when your brain gets foggy and you have trouble concentrating. All you can think of is taking a nap. For some, it happens right before or after lunch, for others in the late afternoon. You may reach for a caffeinated beverage or sugary snack to try to boost your energy, but that only offers a short-term fix.

What can you do to keep better energy and focus throughout your entire day?

Here are a few tips that will not only help you power through your day better but will also improve your overall health — mental and physical.

1. Give yourself a break

If you spend much of your day sitting, taking frequent short breaks to switch up your activity level will help you stay alert. Set a timer on your phone or computer to remind you to get up once or twice every hour to move for five to ten minutes:

• Take a brief walk, even just around the house, or march in place
• Do gentle stretches to loosen up
• Dance to upbeat music, pumping your arms in the air
• Tackle a quick errand or chore

Anything that gets your blood flowing will perk you up — just don’t wait until you’re already feeling drowsy to take a break.

2. Breathe easy

As part of your regular breaks, or even more frequently, sit up straight in your chair and take a few deep breaths in a row to get more oxygen to your brain. Establish a habit, like taking a deep breath after each email you answer, or before a meeting.

If you’re home with the kids, encourage them to join you on your movement and breathing breaks.

3. Add a vitamin and nutrient-packed dietary supplement to your routine

Instead of reaching for a sugary beverage or tenth cup of coffee, try AdvoCare’s Spark energy supplement drink — which delivers energy and enhanced mental focus with a unique blend of 20 vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Vitamins such as A, B-6, B-12, C and E, plus minerals including Zinc, help give your body what it needs to keep going in the afternoon. Spark contains enough caffeine to give you the burst of energy you’re looking for, and is about equal to a strong cup of coffee. It has four grams of sugar, and comes in over 13 different flavors so you can find your favorite. All you do is mix with water — which also helps you stay hydrated!

4. Get outside

Sunshine provides your body with vitamin D, which is a great, natural pick-me-up, and fresh air encourages deep breathing. Just sitting outside for 15 minutes can help boost your energy — but a short brisk walk outdoors is even better.

5. Snack smart

When you’re getting that sleepy feeling, avoid the temptation of empty carbs and sweet treats. Try keeping healthy snacks nearby like a container of raw nuts or hard-boiled eggs in your refrigerator so you can snack. The protein in nuts and eggs helps give you some sustained energy without the undesirable effects of bingeing on less healthy snacks.

6. Sleep well

Nothing is more important for maintaining your energy levels than getting enough sleep:

• Stick to the same bedtime and waking time every day, even on weekends.
• Give yourself an hour of “wind-down” time before bed. Put electronic gadgets away and relax with a book, soothing music or warm bath.
• Make sure your bedroom is as dark and quiet as possible.
• If you occasionally have trouble sleeping, try SleepWorks from AdvoCare, which can help you achieve sound, restful sleep. It contains vitamins, minerals and botanicals, including magnesium, valerian, lemon balm and melatonin, to help you relax and get to sleep soundly.

Don’t wait until you’re feeling an energy slump to take good care of yourself. A proactive approach to your health and wellness will help you feel better and stay focused all day long.

To learn more about ways to be your best any time of day, visit AdvoCare.com.

2020-09-09T09:01:00

(BPT) – Safety should be paramount on roads — not only for drivers, but for cyclists and pedestrians. One of the easiest ways to make sure everyone stays safe on the road is to have well-functioning headlights.

Headlights define what drivers can see, so anything that limits their vision increases the risk of accidents for everyone on the road. However, one of the most common issues with headlights today is when they project uncontrolled light, also known as glare. If you’ve ever driven a car, you’ve likely been subject to this glare from oncoming traffic at one point or another — it’s blinding, it’s a safety hazard and it’s often because of illegal LED low-beam replacement bulbs.

How bad is this glare, really? Think of moments when you’ve driven past cars that kept their high beam lights on, even though you were in their field of vision. Those high beams flooded the road with uncontrolled illumination and made it near impossible to keep your eyes focused ahead of you. Using incorrectly designed and low-cost LED low-beam replacement bulbs as headlights in your car can create similar scenarios.

Some of the U.S.’s 40,000 annual traffic fatalities could potentially be averted by cracking down on the sale of these dangerous LED low-beam replacement bulbs, but here’s where it gets tricky — LED replacement bulbs are being sold for both low-beam and high-beam applications in the U.S., even though they are illegal.

An estimated 60,000 LED low-beam replacement bulbs are sold online weekly, and nearly two million consumers have installed these illegal bulbs in their cars within the past year. That’s two million chances to be on the wrong side of a bad glare. To make matters more complicated, consumers can purchase these often poorly-designed bulbs easily online under the false impression that they are perfectly legal and in compliance with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) regulations. They simply have no idea of the danger that they’re inadvertently causing.

When drivers go to install these replacement bulbs, they’re typically putting them in vehicles with either reflector-based or projector-based headlight assemblies. These are designed for traditional lights, like HID or halogen bulbs, which emit very different light patterns compared to an LED bulb. Unfortunately, the difference in beam pattern isn’t accounted for in the designs of illegal LEDs, which are often hastily crafted to sub-par standards. Because of this, there tends to be a mismatch between the LED replacement bulb and the vehicle’s reflector— this is what creates that dangerous glare.

For now, there is no regulation in the U.S. that allows manufacturers to design LED low-beam replacement bulbs that pair correctly with vehicles’ reflectors. When the regulations change and provide legal guidance on the design and performance of these bulbs, you will be able to purchase them confidently from industry leaders that offer safe and reliable products. Until then, your best option is to stick with the technology that your vehicle was designed to use. In other words, use the technology that your reflectors were originally designed for, such as HID or halogen. The DOT has made it easy to identify safe, legal bulbs — just look for the mark on the bulb that indicates they are DOT-approved. You too can do your part to keep our roads safe by purchasing safe and compliant replacement bulbs from an authorized dealer, and by proactively replacing your bulbs in pairs to avoid burn-outs.

To learn more about headlight-replacing best practices, visit https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/customer-education/faq/index.jsp.