Pneumonia in the Elderly: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than three million Americans develop pneumonia each year. As you age, your risk of developing this infection increases.

Pneumonia can cause serious complications in older adults and can even be fatal. Take this time to educate yourself on the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of pneumonia in the elderly.

What Is Pneumonia?

Doctor Reviewing Lung X-Ray With Patient | Medicare Plan Finder
Doctor Reviewing Lung X-Ray With Patient | Medicare Plan Finder

Pneumonia is an infection that results in the inflammation of air sacs in one or both of your lungs. The tiny sacs fill with fluid and disrupt the process your lungs use to create oxygen. As a result, you may have difficulty breathing. If left untreated, vital organs may not receive enough oxygen, bacteria can enter your bloodstream, and fluid can surround your lungs.

There are two main types of pneumonia – bacterial and viral.  Bacterial pneumonia occurs when your immune system is weak from illness, poor nutrition, or age, and bacteria infiltrates your lungs.

If you smoke, abuse alcohol, have a respiratory disease, or have recently had surgery, you have a higher risk because your immune system is weakened. Viral pneumonia is caused by a virus, most commonly the influenza (flu) virus, and is responsible for roughly one-third of all pneumonia cases. Both types can range from mild to life-threatening.

What Causes Pneumonia in Elderly Patients?

According to the American Lung Association, there are more than 30 different bacterias, viruses, and fungi that lead to pneumonia. When pneumonia starts to spread through your lungs, your white blood cells will attack the germs. The area will become inflamed.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia in Elderly Patients?

Bacterial and viral pneumonia have different symptoms, and can often be confused with bronchitis or the flu. Bacterial pneumonia can make your temperature rise as high as 105 degrees and cause excessive sweating, a high heart rate, and heavy breathing. Your lips and nails may develop a blue tint from the lack of oxygen. Other bacterial symptoms include:

  • Green, yellow, or bloody mucus
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low energy
  • Chills
  • Chest pain when breathing or coughing
  • Shortness of breath

On the other hand, the initial symptoms of viral pneumonia have the same symptoms of the flu. Within 36 hours, you may see a small amount of mucus and you may also see a blue tint on your lips. Other viral symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle pain
  • Weakness
  • Worsening cough
  • Shortness of breath

Pneumonia in Elderly Recovery Time

The average healthy person can recover from pneumonia in one to three weeks, but depending on your immune system, recovery can last weeks or even months.

Coughing is the primary way to get the infection out of your body, and it takes a lot of your energy. Once you clear the infection, it can still take several more weeks to regain your strength.

Pneumonia in Elderly Survival Rate

Pneumonia can form very quickly and can rapidly spread to other parts of your body.  The disease puts your immune system into overdrive and your body cannot create enough oxygen for your vital organs. Pneumonia can also worsen the symptoms of your other ailments, like heart disease.

Pneumonia in Elderly With Dementia

Dementia usually refers to a decline in mental ability that seriously impacts a person’s everyday life. Short-term memory loss and confusion and are most common when dementia results from an injury or an infection such as pneumonia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the symptoms of dementia can be different in every person. However, a person may have dementia if two or more of the following functions are impaired significantly:

  • Memory
  • Ability to communicate
  • Ability to focus and pay attention
  • Reasoning and judgment
  • Visual perception

Pneumonia in Elderly With COPD

People with chronic lung disease may be more susceptible to pneumonia. The combination of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and pneumonia is particularly dangerous because it presents an increased risk of respiratory failure, which means that your body can’t get enough oxygen or can’t successfully remove carbon dioxide.

If you have COPD and think you might have symptoms of pneumonia, be sure to call your doctor right away.

Pneumonia Treatment

Doctor's Appointment | Medicare Plan Finder
Doctor’s Appointment | Medicare Plan Finder

A doctor can determine if you have pneumonia through physical exams, chest x-rays, blood tests, CT scans, and other tests. Depending on the severity and type of infection there are several treatment options. Most cases can be treated at home with a combination of antibiotics, hydration, fever control, and rest.

However, some cases may require hospitalization. If hospitalized, you will likely receive fluids and antibiotics through an IV as well as breathing treatments and oxygen therapy.

Your risk of being admitted increases if you have another serious medical problem, more severe symptoms, or if you have been taking antibiotics at home and are not recovering.

Can Pneumonia Heal on Its Own?

Pneumonia cannot heal on its own. It’s important to start treating your symptoms as soon as possible. You can treat your symptoms at home, but visiting a doctor and getting antibiotics is highly recommended, especially for older adults and children.

Pneumonia Prevention

Pneumonia in the elderly along with pneumonia in other adults and children can oftentimes be prevented by practicing healthy habits including:

  • Washing your hands regularly — especially after blowing your nose, using the restroom, or eating.
  • Avoiding smoking
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly

Since the flu is a common cause of pneumonia, get your flu shot! Did you know Medicare pays for your annual flu shot? Read more about preventing the flu here.

Pneumonia Vaccine

Another form of pneumonia prevention is the pneumococcal vaccine. This can help protect you from bacterial pneumonia and is recommended for anyone over the age of 65.

There are two vaccine types, PCV13, and PPSV23. You and your doctor can work together to help determine which type is best for you. However, please note, the vaccination is not guaranteed to prevent the infection entirely, but it can drastically lower your risk. Your Medicare plan can cover the cost.

Pneumonia and Your Medicare Plan

Practicing a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to keep your immune system strong. Medicare Advantage plans can make sure you’re living the healthiest life possible. These plans may offer additional benefits beyond Original Medicare like routine physical exams and a monthly allowance for over the counter products and medications!

We have licensed agents across 38 states who are contracted with all the major carriers! This means they can answer your questions and enroll you in a plan with an honest and unbiased approach. If you have any questions or are interested in arranging a no-cost, no-obligation appointment, call us at 844-431-1832 or fill out this form.

Find Medicare Plans | Medicare Plan Finder
Find Medicare Plans | Medicare Plan Finder

How to Sign Up for Medicare

An estimated 70 billion baby boomers are nearing retirement, and over 10,000 boomers are turning 65 every single day. If you’re new to Medicare, we can help you understand how to sign up for Medicare and answer your questions about coverage, benefits, qualifications, fraud, and privacy.

How to Sign Up for Medicare

If you currently receive Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when you turn 65. You will need to opt into B, and it will be automatically deducted from your monthly Social Security check. However, if you do not receive Social Security benefits, you will need to enroll yourself. You can enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) online, by phone, or by visiting your local Social Security office.

Do you have to sign up for Medicare when you are 65?

The standard age for Medicare eligibility is 65. However, this does not mean you are required to enroll on your 65th birthday.

If you wish to enroll in Medicare when you become eligible, you can enroll anytime during your initial enrollment period. This period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. If you choose to postpone enrollment, you may be subject to a late-enrollment penalty. This can result in a 10% Part B premium increase for every year you were eligible but did not enroll. Plus, you will have an additional penalty of 1% the national based Medicare Part D monthly premium for each month you did not enroll in prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Coverage and Benefits

Original Medicare consists of Parts A and B. Part A covers inpatient hospital fees, hospice care, and home health services. Part B covers doctor services, outpatient care, and physical therapy. Most beneficiaries receive Part A for free, but pay a monthly Part B Medicare premium. Beyond Original Medicare, there are Parts C and D, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.

What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?

Medicare Advantage plans, sometimes referred to as “Part C,” are available through private insurance companies. They cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, but most offer extra benefits like vision, hearing, dental, and even fitness programs like Silver Sneakers.

Medicare Advantage plans have one monthly premium, and you only pay for the services you use rather than paying a higher cost upfront.  You may want to enroll in Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare alone. If MA is not right for you, consider Medigap.

What is Medigap?

If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you are eligible to purchase a Medigap plan, otherwise known as Medicare Supplements. These plans help pay some of the costs that Original Medicare does not cover – your copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Most Medigap plans do not cover additional benefits like vision, hearing, dental, and prescription drugs. They are sold by private insurance companies. You can search Medicare Supplement Plans here.

What is Medicare Part D?

You may have noticed by now that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not include prescription drug coverage. Even though it isn’t included in your initial plan, you will encounter penalty fees if you do not purchase a prescription drug plan during your initial enrollment period.

Part D plans will have a formulary or list of qualifying prescription drugs. The list is usually divided into tiers according to cost. Keep in mind that your out-of-pocket drug costs will vary according to the plan you choose. Costs will also depend on your premium, deductible, copayments, and coinsurance.

How do I compare Part D plans?

The best way to compare Part D plans is to contact a licensed agent in your area. We happen to have thousands of agents across 38 states! Plus, our Medicare Part D Plan Finder Checklist can help make sure your needs and wants regarding Part D coverage are clear. The checklist has six short sections and shouldn’t take long to complete.

Does Medicare offer free preventive services?

Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months, you are eligible for a zero-cost yearly Medicare wellness exam. The purpose of this wellness visit is to work with your doctor to identify any concerns and to develop a plan for staying healthy. In addition to the annual wellness exam, there are a number of additional services, screenings, and vaccinations covered at no cost including:

  • Annual flu shot
  • Alcohol screening
  • Bone mass measurements
  • Cardio screening
  • Colorectal screening
  • Diabetes screening
  • Hepatitis screening
  • HIV screening
  • Lung, prostate, and cervical cancer screenings

Medicare Eligibility

Turning 65 is certainly the most common way to qualify for Medicare, but there are a handful of other ways to qualify. You may also qualify for Medicare if you are under 65, have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for more than 24 months or if you are diagnosed with either Lou Gehrig’s disease or ESRD.

What are the different Medicare enrollment periods?

Initial Enrollment Period

Every Medicare beneficiary will have an IEP, or Initial Enrollment Period, during which they are eligible to enroll in Medicare. Your IEP will begin three months before you turn 65 and will end three months after, giving you a total of a seven-month enrollment period. For example, if your birthday is April 1, your IEP will last from January 1 through August 1.

General Enrollment Period

The General Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. This is when, if you missed your IEP, you can enroll in Medicare for the first time. Your coverage will begin in July. If you decide that you would like to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan, you can do so from April 1 through June 30. The reason for that time gap is that you cannot enroll in Medicare Advantage or Part D until you have Original Medicare.

Annual Enrollment Period

AEP occurs from October 15 through December 7 of each year. This is when you have the ability to review and change your existing Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D Plan.

Special Enrollment Period

You can either have a SEP for a set period of time, or you can have a lifelong SEP. A SEP allows you to enroll in a new Medicare plan or make changes to your current coverage outside of the normal enrollment periods. If you qualify for a SEP, you should take advantage of your ability to get yourself into a better plan. To see if you qualify for SEP, click here.

Open Enrollment Period

Medicare Open Enrollment 2019 will run from January 1 through March 31. During this time, you can switch between:

  • One Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan
  • A Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare with Part D prescription drug coverage
  • Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare only, with the option to add a prescription drug plan

Do I qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help Program?

The LIS, or Low-Income Subsidy program, is a federal prescription drug plan discount program often called “Medicare Extra Help.” LIS helps Medicare beneficiaries who do not qualify for Medicaid but still need help paying for prescription drugs. Plus, those with LIS have a special enrollment period and can change plans at any time!

To have LIS, you must have a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. LIS can help cover late enrollment penalty fees if you enroll in Part D or Medicare Advantage too late. It also helps with coverage issues if you enter the Medicare donut hole.

LIS qualifications are based on income and assets. The limits change every year, but a licensed agent can help you with eligibility information. Thousands of seniors & Medicare eligibles out there don’t even know that they are eligible! We can help. Click here to get in contact with an agent.

Medicare Fraud and Privacy

It’s important to keep your personal information protected. Your Medicare number is just as valuable as your bank account and social security number. It’s important to understand the appropriate steps to replace a lost Medicare card and to watch out for common Medicare scams.

How do I replace a lost Medicare card?

If you need to replace a lost Medicare card, visit Social Security’s website, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. Please note, it can take up to 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If you have moved or have a different address, you need to report this information to Social Security before they can send you a new card.

What are common Medicare scams?

Ransom
Some people will call and act like they are a relative of yours. They will claim to be injured or in trouble. Try to call that relative first rather than believing the random caller.

Fake Telemarketing 
Real telemarketers will not ask for your Medicare number. Plus, they cannot call without your permission.

Fake charities
Some telemarketers may lie and say they are from a charity and ask for money. Never give out your financial information over the phone.

“Can you hear me?”
If you answer the phone and someone asks if you can hear them, hang up immediately. This is a common scam where your response is used to make it sound as though you were agreeing to something.

Who can help answer other Medicare questions?

If you have any other questions or concerns about Medicare and related coverage options, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our licensed agents are contracted with the major carriers in your state and can answer these questions with an unbiased and honest approach. To get in contact, fill out this form, or call us at 844-431-1832.

Take Advantage of Medicare Wellness Exams and Preventative Benefits

Medicare offers many benefits at zero cost to recipients, but many of the 59 million Americans enrolled are either not aware of all the Medicare wellness benefits or are simply not taking full advantage of all of these offered services.

For example, in 2014 only around 14% of Medicare recipients received the free Medicare wellness exam covered under Medicare Part B.  This exam, known as the Annual Wellness Visit, or sometimes known as the acronym AWV, is covered at zero cost to recipients.

What is Included in Medicare Wellness Exams?

Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for at least 12 months, you are eligible for a zero cost yearly* Medicare wellness exam. The purpose of this wellness visit is to work with your doctor to identify any risk factors to watch, as well as to develop a plan for staying healthy.

*Keep in mind that the AWV is available every twelve months. For example, if your first AWV is June 2, you cannot recieve your next one until June 2 of the following year. If you make your appointment for June 1, you may not be covered.

During the wellness visit, your doctor, nurse practitioner, or another health care professional will review things like your health history, take measurements such as weight and body mass index (BMI), and will help develop a preventative care plan tailored for you.

Some items that may be reviewed during your Medicare Wellness Visit include:

  • A Health Risk Assessment (HRA) questionnaire
  • Review of personal medical history and family medical history
  • Measurements including height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure
  • Assessment for any cognitive impairment and mood disorders
  • Review of any difficulty you may be having in performing day-to-day tasks

Your health care provider may also help you establish a plan for potential risk areas including fall prevention, nutrition, weight loss, and tobacco cessation.

What is not Included in your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)?

It is important to know that the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit covers a specific set of wellness services and is different than an annual physical, which is not covered by Medicare. It is also important to note that any additional services performed during your Medicare exam may result in an additional copay or deductible cost.

For example, Mary is 68 years old and visits her doctor a few days after her birthday, as she does every year for her free Medicare wellness exam. During the visit, Mary mentions that her right foot has been bothering her, and after further examination, her doctor orders a blood test to check for gout.

In this scenario, Mary’s wellness visit is still free, but she may pay a copay for the additional foot examination as well as the blood test.

Medicare Wellness Exam vs. Annual Physical

The annual wellness visit is not the same as the yearly physical you may be familiar with. For a typical physical, your healthcare provider will perform a hands-on, head to toes exam including lung, abdominal, and neurological exams. Medicare exams are different.

The Medicare annual wellness visit includes similar assessments but does not include any exams that require the healthcare provider to physically examine you. During your wellness visit, your provider may schedule additional preventative screenings, or may further examine any issues you are having.  

What to Bring to Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

One of the main purposes of the annual wellness exam is to identify any potential health risks and develop a plan to manage them. So, you will want to share your family and personal health history with your provider in as much detail as possible.

Some things to bring include:

  • Medical and immunization/vaccination records
  • Detailed personal and family health history
  • Detailed list of medications and supplements including dosage and frequency
  • Full list of health care providers you are currently seeing

Other Medicare Wellness Benefits

In addition to the annual wellness exam, there are a number of additional services, screenings, and vaccinations covered at no cost including:

  • Alcohol screening
  • Bone mass measurements
  • Cardio screening
  • Colorectal screening
  • Diabetes screening
  • Hepatitis screening
  • HIV screening
  • Lung, prostate, and cervical cancer screenings

Medicare Vaccine Coverage and the Medicare Flu Shot

Medicare Part B also covers some other Medicare wellness benefits like preventative vaccines, including yearly flu shots. Ask your doctor about getting your flu shot during your Medicare exam.

However, Medicare does not provide maintenance coverage for other vaccines including Shingles, Tetanus (Tdap), and Meningococcal. These vaccines and additional immunizations are typically covered under Part D prescription drug plans.

To ensure you are covered for these vaccines and other prescription medication, you can add a Part D plan to Medicare Parts A and B, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D coverage.

Other Ways to Make the Most of Your Medicare Plan

Find Doctors in Your Plan Network

Some carriers have doctor and hospital search engines so you can see which doctors are covered under your plan. ZocDoc is a great non-affiliated doctor search website as well. If you continue to use a doctor that is outside of your plan, you’re wasting potential savings that you’ll receive if you visit a doctor who is within your plan’s network.

Use Generic Drugs

The same goes for pharmacies and drugs. Your coverage is likely much higher for generic brand prescription drugs, so ask your doctor for a generic version when he gives you a prescription. Your coverage includes mail-order prescriptions as well. Mail-order is often cheaper because there are fewer labor costs! Plus, you can buy bigger supplies.

Know Your Additional Benefits

Some Medicare plans include discounts and freebies like gym memberships, massages, nutrition classes, support groups, and even LASIK surgery. Some even provide “rewards” in the form of discounts if you stay healthy.

Get More Benefits with Medicare Advantage

There are many Medicare preventative services that Original Medicare covers, but do you need more?

A Medicare Advantage plan is a private Medicare plan that includes your Part A and Part B benefits and can extend your coverage to include more things like:

A Medicare Advantage Plan and Part D prescription drug coverage can help cover you for these additional costs and help you live the healthiest life possible. Our agents can help you understand all of your plan options and enroll you in a plan that fits your specific needs and budget. If you interested in arranging a no-cost, no-obligation appointment, fill out this form or call at us 844-431-1832.

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year, there are over 31.4 million outpatient doctor visits due to the flu virus in the United States.

Anyone can get the flu, even the healthiest of people, which is why it’s important to take the necessary preventive measures. Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. If you’re eligible for Medicare, you probably wonder, “Does Medicare cover flu shots?”

High Dose Flu Vaccine

Doctor's Appointment | Medicare Plan Finder
Doctor’s Appointment | Medicare Plan Finder

With age comes beauty…and a weakened immune system! If you are 65 years or older, you are considered high risk for developing influenza.

The high dose flu vaccine is a great option for Medicare eligibles because it contains the three flu strains that are most likely to cause the flu. Plus, it contains four times the flu virus antigen than a regular flu shot. Research shows that the high dose flu vaccine leads to 25% fewer cases of the flu than the standard flu shot.

High Dose Flu Vaccine vs Regular Flu Shot

The regular flu shot is recommended for those six months or older while the high dose flu vaccine is designed specifically for those over the age of 65. Both vaccines take approximately two weeks to build immunity in the body. The peak of flu season is January through March but can start as early as October and extend as far as May, so it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Flu vaccines are completely safe and have weakened viruses, meaning the flu shot cannot cause the flu. The high dose flu vaccine and the regular flu shot can both cause side effects, but, side effects may be stronger with the high dose flu vaccine. Getting any flu vaccination is the first step to protecting yourself against the flu.

Flu Shot Side Effects

The risk of developing side effects from the vaccine is higher in a high dose flu vaccine rather than the average flu shot. These side effects can include pain, swelling or soreness at the injection site, and headaches or muscles aches. These side effects may be less than ideal.

However, seniors and Medicare eligibles can have significantly higher complications from the flu. The phrase “better safe than sorry” certainly applies, because .

Flu-Related Complications

The flu can lead to several complications. These complications can range in severity, but should always be taken seriously.

Minor complications include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, body ache, and vomiting.

More severe complications include pneumonia, dehydration, muscle inflammation, and sinus infections. Plus, the flu can worsen long-term health conditions like heart failure, asthma, and diabetes.

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, preventive services, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment. Flu shots are considered a preventive service, so Medicare will cover 100% of the cost for one flu shot per year.

The Part B deductible does not apply to this service, so as long as you are enrolled in Medicare and the doctor or clinic accepts Medicare, you are fully covered.

Medicare Advantage plans are required, at a minimum, to provide the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and B). This means that if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, your flu shot is fully covered, too.

The premiums and deductibles may vary per plan, however, if the plan has a deductible, a flu shot may not apply.

Where to Get a Flu Shot

If you don’t know where to get a flu shot, the CDC has a free resource to locate flu shot providers in your area. To get started, click here. Enter your zip code beside the red arrow. We used 37209, which is our corporate headquarters’ zip code in Nashville, Tennessee. Then click “Go”, which is beside the green arrow.

Flu Shot Finder Step 1 | Medicare Plan Finder
Flu Shot Finder Step 1 | Medicare Plan Finder

The next page lists the flu shot providers in your area complete with address and contact information. Call the providers with any questions about how to get your flu shot.

Flu Shot Finder Step 2 | Medicare Plan Finder
Flu Shot Finder Step 2 | Medicare Plan Finder

Let Us Help You Find the Right Medicare Plan

Getting an annual flu shot is just one of many ways to practice a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for coverage beyond Original Medicare that will help you become the healthiest version of you, a Medicare Advantage plan may be a perfect fit!

A MA plan can provide vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Plus, some may offer fitness classes like SilverSneakers®! Our licensed agents are highly trained can help you find the perfect plan that fits your needs and budget. Call us at 844-431-1832 or click here to get in touch with an agent!

Contact Us | Medicare Plan Finder
Contact Us | Medicare Plan Finder

This blog was originally published on November 6, 2018, by Kelsey Davis and updated on August 30, 2019 by Troy Frink .

Shingles in the Elderly: Signs & Prevention

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their life. The risk of developing shingles increases as you age and is more likely in those who have had the chickenpox (Varicella) virus. Prepare yourself now by learning everything you need to know about shingles in the elderly.

Shingles Complications

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and results in painful blisters on your body. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, this virus can reactivate as shingles. What causes the dormant virus to reactivate? The exact reason is unclear, but researchers suggest that weakened immune systems, certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, radiation, chemotherapy, and certain medications, like steroids, can contribute to the development.

Shingles can result in severe complications, the most common being postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Those with PHN continue to have pain on the surface of their skin even after the blisters have subsided. PHN can take weeks, months, or even years to resolve. Other shingles complications include vision loss, facial paralysis, balance problems, and bacterial skin infections.

How long does shingles last in the elderly?

The average case of shingles lasts between three to five weeks. According to the National Institute on Aging, shingles follows a pattern. The first sign of shingles is often an itching or burning sensation on the side of the body. About one to five days later, a red rash will start to develop. A few days after that, the rash will turn into blisters. These blisters will last for roughly ten days before drying up and scabbing. Within a couple of weeks, the scabs should clear up. In some cases, shingles can then lead to other conditions (like PHN, mentioned above) that can last longer, but the shingles virus should clear up after about five weeks. Most people only get shingles one time, if at all, but it is possible to develop shingles more than once.

Shingles in the Elderly Symptoms

There is no cure for shingles, but early treatment can help fight the virus and limit the amount of pain you have. It’s important to understand the symptoms so you can talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Common shingles in the elderly symptoms include:

  • Burning, itching, or numbing area on the skin
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Itching
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Light sensitivity
  • Fatigue

Is shingles contagious to the elderly?

No. Shingles itself cannot be passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles can be spread through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. A person with shingles is only contagious during the blistering phase. However, only those who have not had the chickenpox can contract the virus this way, and they would develop chickenpox as a result. Those who had chickenpox previously actually already have the virus, though it is inactive! If a person who has had chickenpox develops shingles, it will most likely be from the virus that is already in the body, not through contact with someone else who has shingles.

[click_to_tweet tweet=”Did you know nearly 95% of the U.S. population is at risk of having shingles due to the chickenpox virus in their body? https://www.medicareplanfinder.com/blog/shingles-in-the-elderly-signs-prevention” quote=”Did you know nearly 95% of the U.S. population is at risk of having shingles due to the chickenpox virus in their body?” theme=””]

Shingles in the Elderly Prevention

Preventing shingles can be difficult, especially since those who have had chickenpox already have the virus in their body! However, there is a vaccine that can drastically lower your risk of developing shingles. The vaccine is recommended for those over the age of 50 and it comes in two doses. The second dose should be administered between two to six months after the first. The shot doesn’t completely eliminate your risk for shingles, but it lowers your risk and can reduce the severity of the virus if it does surface.

Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not cover the shingles vaccine. However, a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan may cover it! These plans are great options that include coverage beyond Original Medicare and help you live the healthiest life possible! Our agents can help you understand all of your plan options and enroll you in a plan that fits your specific needs and budget. If you interested in arranging a no-cost, no-obligation appointment, fill out this form or call at us 844-431-1832.

What is the Cigna and Express Scripts deal?

Cigna and Express Scripts announced their 54 billion dollar merger in March of 2018. Cigna provides coverage to 95 million beneficiaries around the world and Express Scripts helps fill 1.4 billion prescriptions annually. The goal of this merger is to create both affordable and personalized healthcare for consumers.

Cigna and Express Scripts Merger Close Date

On December 18, 2018, Cigna and Express Scripts received approval from New Jersey, the final state needed to move forward. The deal closed two days later on December 20, 2018. Cigna plans to start offering new products to its customers including access to Express Scripts pharmacy in 2019.

Cigna’s CEO, David Cordani, believes the deal with Cigna and Express Scripts will allow Cigna to offer additional benefits to customers while monitoring their prescription usage and medical costs. Cordani said in a statement that the addition of Express Scripts provides a “more integrated approach that addresses the whole person.” While doing this, Cigna strives to improve affordability and increase drug price transparency.

What is Express Scripts?

Express Scripts is a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). A PBM acts as a middleman between pharmaceutical companies and consumers. They negotiate drug pricing from the pharmaceutical companies for pharmacies. Their role can also include operating mail orders, ensuring patient compliance, managing distribution, negotiating rebates, processing claims, and managing formularies.

PBMs are one of the largest proponents of lowering drug costs. PBMs started as a benefits card and mail-order pharmacy in the 1970s and are responsible for the shift in demand from brand-name drugs to generics. Express Scripts is the country’s largest PBM. OptumRx, CVS, and Express Scripts together control 72% of the U.S. pharmacy benefit manager market. OptumRx is a part of United Healthcare, and CVS purchased Aetna on November 28, 2018. Express Scripts was the final, stand-alone PBM at this size.

Express Scripts provides great benefits to beneficiaries like you. They allow you to pick up your prescription at your neighborhood pharmacy or have it shipped to your home quickly and conveniently. They can also alert you of any drug recalls, price out your medications, and schedule automatic refills for you. Plus, Express Scripts is more than just a PBM and pharmacy – they are a dedicated team of pharmacists, nurse, and advocates who work to give you the personal care you deserve.

How will the Cigna and Express Scripts deal impact you?

This deal was formed amid the CVS and Aetna deal which was finalized in November 2018. Insurance companies have started looking for alternative ways to adapt to the ever-changing health care industry. We expect to see many more deals like this over the next few years. Walgreens and Humana are already rumored to be in talks about merging. These deals are proof that health companies need to respond to customer demand.

It will take time for new plans to be implemented and the results are speculative at this time, but the Cigna and Express Scripts deal is a great example of how Medicare and the healthcare industry can evolve. Amazon has been rumored to be entering the pharmaceuticals business which could lead to increased competition. This may result in lower costs and streamlined services for you. As competition increases, companies will provide additional benefits to keep your business.
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