Marcus Pickett It’s hardly news that uninsured people struggle to pay for care. But a report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows just how steep the climb can be to get out from under expensive hospital bills. According to the report (published in May 2011), uninsured households can afford to pay the … Read more
Justin Stoltzfus The simplest kinds of physical accidents can be extremely dangerous for seniors. Falling, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is one of the greatest single causes of severe injuries for those over age 60. What may be a minor trip-up for a younger person can result in massive health care … Read more
Jill Overmyer For many asthma sufferers, over-the-counter inhalers have literally been a lifesaver. But when the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, 2011, OTC inhalers will no longer be available for purchase by the public. The elimination of OTC inhalers stems from the government’s phase-out of products that use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are said to be harmful … Read more
Jill Overmyer Qualifying for Medicare does not mean you get free health care. You’ll still have plenty of out-of-pocket costs to contend with, like co-payments, deductibles and co-insurance. That’s where a Medigap policy can help. Like its name suggests, such a policy helps fill Medicare’s coverage gaps. Medigap basics Medigap supplements the coverage you’re already getting from … Read more
Amy Higgins When you’re on the line with 911, you just want the ambulance to get there — how much it will cost is probably far from your mind until you get the bill. Many health insurance policies cover ambulance rides for medical emergencies. But if you get on board, you could end up paying … Read more
Marcus Pickett It’s vital to regularly review your health coverage, compare it with the bills your doctor sends and make sure your insurance company is paying what it should. But how can you do that if you can’t understand your policy in the first place? Health insurance policy documents are not known for being easy … Read more
Amy Higgins Your sleep problems may be caused by your busy lifestyle or your old, worn-out mattress. But continual sleep problems also could be an indication that you have a medical condition. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that 50 million to 70 million Americans have chronic sleep disorders. Functioning properly can be difficult for those … Read more
Amy Higgins Medicare helps insure tens of millions of Americans every year. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare covered 45.2 million people in 2008 and paid a total of $462 billion in benefits. People age 65 or older and some disabled Americans can receive numerous benefits from this health insurance program, including … Read more
Amy Higgins Poor oral health can mean poor overall health. Gum diseases, for example, can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream, causing a variety of conditions, from heart problems to abnormal pregnancies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately, even though maintaining good oral health is vital, many Americans are not getting the care they need. … Read more
Amy Higgins Hospices provide terminally ill patients comfort and care in their final stages of life after treatment is no longer an option. Medicare has been offering hospice care for nearly 30 years with its hospital insurance plan, but in recent years, there has been some speculation about whether hospice providers are being completely honest. … Read more