15 Oct, 2018

Medicare is slowly but surely expanding its coverage of telemedicine.  In 2019, it will cover over the phone or via a video conference call with a doctor for those being treated for a stroke and for those in end-stage renal disease.  It’s not much, but it’s something!

14 Oct, 2018

​    The Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services has found that many Medicare Advantage plans have been improperly denying claims, leaving seniors holding the bill for medical claims that their insurance was supposed to pay for.  More than 20 million people—more than one-third of all Medicare beneficiaries—signed up for these type of insurance plans this year.  Very few people appeal denied claims despite the fact that 75% of appealed claims are actually successful at

14 Oct, 2018

There is some good news coming for those on Medicare in 2019.  Beneficiaries will no longer have to pay the full cost of outpatient physical, speech or occupational therapy because Congress permanently repealed the cap limiting coverage on those services.

14 Oct, 2018

The Alliance on Aging is seeking new members for its weekly no-cost stimulating discussion group.  It’s held every Tuesday from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. and you will find discussions covering a vast array of fascinating and relevant topics.  It’s held at 100 Harvest Street in Salinas.  For more information, go to http://allianceonaging.org/

13 Oct, 2018

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP, is having its walk and win program on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. from October 22 to December 12.  Walkers will meet at Monterey Peninsula College in the Adapted PE/Dance Building #104.  Strengthen your heart and body and learn about flexibility and stretching.  Participants will walk on the track at MPC.  To register, go to www.chomp.org/classes.

13 Oct, 2018

Results of a groundbreaking study from two researchers at Kaiser Permanente, Paola Gilsanz and Rachel Whitmer, has uncovered the mystery of why women get Alzheimer’s more often than men.  After analyzing data on 15,000 women, the study found that: .   Women had a 9% greater risk of dementia for each miscarriage they endured .   Entering menopause at age 45 or younger increased a woman’s dementia risk by 28% .   Among mothers, women with three or more children had a 12% lower risk of dementia