NEW! Flexible Medicare Supplement Health Insurance

Early this year, CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) released new changes regarding Medicare and Medicaid benefits. One of the biggest and newest changes is increased flexibility in what plans are allowed to offer as “supplemental” Medicare benefits.

The Introduction of “Daily Maintenance”

Traditionally, health plans have not been allowed to include supplemental benefits that were considered “daily maintenance.” In other words, items and services that are intended for daily use were not covered. Now, however, plans are allowed to cover “daily maintenance” items that diminish the impact of injuries, physical impairments, or health conditions or help avoid emergency room utilization.

What does this mean for you? Essentially, you may now be able to find a plan that covers items such as wheelchair ramps and other home modifications. Anything that can reasonably improve your life can be included in a plan. However, realize that this does not mean that every Medicare plan will cover these items. Rather, it means that plans are now allowed to cover these items.

Transportation and Medicare Advantage

Do you have trouble getting yourself to the doctor? Thanks to modern technology and these new CMS rules, that may not be a problem for you anymore. Medicare Advantage plans are now allowed to include transportation benefits to help you get to your doctors and pharmacies. Additionally, for those who have a hard time leaving the house altogether, plans can now include meal delivery services.

Durable Medical Equipment and Medicare Advantage

Previously, it was hard to get coverage for home modifications and daily equipment. Now, items such as wheelchair ramps and medically necessary air conditioners can be included in Medicare Advantage plans. Plans can also cover more home health care to help with dressing, eating, and telehealth.

Medicare Advantage Opioid Control

Opioid misuse grows every year. CMS is now asking Medicare plans to help control the issue. That means that you will likely not be able to buy more than a seven-day supply of opioids. They are also cracking down on people who try to “cheat the system” by going to multiple pharmacies and doctors to get multiple doses. With new technology and new laws, pharmacists and doctors will be alerted when you people try to buy too many opioids.

Take Advantage of New Medicare Benefits

Now that plans are allowed to cover all these new items, it only makes sense that you take advantage of this year’s AEP, or Annual Enrollment Period. From October 15 through December 7, you’ll be allowed to switch plans or enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time. Our agents may be able to help you find a plan with added transportation benefits, telehealth, and equipment coverage. To set up your free appointment, click here or call 844-431-1832.

Safe Driving for Seniors

Did you know that approximately one in four drivers is a senior? As we age, our reaction times get slower, we naturally lose some mobility, and our senses weaken, making driving more dangerous. Safe driving for seniors is not much different from safe driving for younger adults. You should always wear your seatbelt, look over your shoulder when merging, and never use your phone or another distracting device while behind the wheel. However, there are senior-specific programs and ideas in place that can help you stay safe on the roads.

CarFit

CarFit is a program for seniors developed by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. They’re concerned with how much a senior’s driving ability is related to their car’s physical fit. Seniors are usually less detail-oriented and more forgetful, and they may miss things like being too far from the steering wheel, properly adjusting mirrors, etc. Even just being comfortable sitting in the driver’s seat can make or break a person’s driving ability. CarFit representatives take 20 minutes to check out your car and the way you drive and provide recommendations for adjustments and adaptations.

If a CarFit representative thinks that your car is not a perfect fit for you, that does not necessarily mean you need a new car. You can invest in items like a seatbelt extender, sun visor extenders, steering wheel covers for comfort, pedal extenders, larger mirrors, support cushions, etc. Your CarFit representative can help you find the items you need.

AAA Safety Recommendations

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recommends that senior drivers have special features installed in their cars. Some include power-operated seats, larger knobs and buttons, tilt steering that keeps you farther from the airbag, adjustable pedals, and head restraints that provide cushion if you are hit from behind. They also recommend that if you or your senior friend is in the market for a new vehicle, you should choose one with keyless entry and four doors for easier and safer transportation.

Senior Insurance Discounts

Seniors can usually find car insurance deals based on mileage. For example, if you’re retired, you probably don’t drive as often as you used to. By reporting your decrease in daily mileage, you can save on auto insurance. You can also take defensive driving courses or specific senior driving courses to help lower your rates. If you’re a senior in Tennessee, our friends at InsureTN can help you find great coverage at a great rate. Just give them a call at 615-964-5250.

Stay safe on the road!