Get Back to Happy with These 3 Tips, Medicare Edition

A Note from Martha Gonzales, CHM Insurance Services:

Please let your members know these are only a few ways the Medicare Advantage Plans can make you happy now and in 2021. We didn’t even have time to cover all the Vision and Dental services available for members. Or the many different kinds of medical supplies and equipment that are covered with a plan. But, we are happy and available to answer questions on these and other benefits, just give our office a call at (855) 466-1008, visit our website at www.chminsurance.com or send us an email at martha@chminsurance.com.

Get Back to Happy with These 3 Tips Medicare Edition

featuring Martha Gonzales of CHM Insurance Services

 How COVID-19 Impacts Our Mental Health:

COVID-19 prompted change to the way we manage our emotions, mental health, and social interaction with others on a day-to-day basis. For those with routines, the shifts from quarantine was and remains monumental.

We can all agree that 2020, has shown us just how important our physical and emotional health is as we all face this pandemic. 

Over the last few months, we have received calls from many of our members requesting advice on how to best use their benefits so they can stay healthy. Martha Gonzales, the President of CHM Insurance Services and her team developed a list of 3 Tips to Get back Your Happy to provide comfort and support.

These tips range from letting members know about the numerous health and medical services available to giving advice on how to save money on every day ordinary medical expenses.

1)    Reduce Stress with Saving Money on Your Prescriptions

Saving money on Prescription costs is smart & easy! There are many ways that you can shave away expenses from your budget for prescriptions. As an agency specializing in Medicare Health Plans, CHM Insurance Services helps thousands of beneficiaries review their prescriptions benefits annually.

RX Analysis:

We perform a complimentary RX Analysis for every Medicare Advantage member. This means that we look carefully at your personal prescription list and compare your prescription needs to at least 20 different plan options. This lets us find the plan formulary that will yield the most advantageous coverage and cost savings for you.

It is important to remember to review your prescription needs and compare those needs with how your plan is covering those medications, annually. In other words, you always want to know how much additional out-of-pocket costs there maybe.

Medicare Savings Program:

The Medicare Savings Program is available to any Medicare beneficiary who meets the program's income requirements annually. You can apply online through Social Security's website at www.ssa.gov or get assistance with applying by calling us at no cost, just call CHM Insurance Services toll-free (855) 466-1008.

Once approved, Medicare Savings Program members can decrease the cost of generic or brand-name medications down just a few dollars or even as low as zero co-pays ($0) per prescription.

Patient Assistance Programs:

Even if you aren’t eligible, there are still other ways to save! CHM will research to help you find out if there are drug manufacturers’ patient assistance programs to lessen your out-of-pocket expense for the costly brand name medications.

Medication Discounts:

Our team can also assist you with registering for services like GoodRx (www.goodrx.com). This allows you to search for medication discounts and easily download coupons for many medications before picking up and  purchasing a prescription.

2)    Access to Exercise/Fitness Programs at No Cost to You

 Exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is scientifically proven to reduce stress and release endorphins, producing much needed happy feelings that we can all use right now. But an average gym membership can cost anywhere from $20-50 per month. That's an annual cost of $600, which is expensive!

Your Health Insurance Plan May Already Include a Gym Membership:

Did you know members of Medicare's Advantage Drug Plans have access to a FREE gym membership offered through providers like Silver Sneakers and Silver & Fit? This plan is available to any Medicare beneficiary in Los Angeles County (and throughout many states). Plus, many local Southern California gyms, such as 24 hours Fitness, LA Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and many others, are part of your free membership.

Safely Exercise in a Gym:

Once you sign up for that membership, commit to going to the gym regularly, but be sure to follow all COVID precautions. Maybe start by signing up for a class or have the staff outline which exercise equipment would be best for your needs. You can also call your service provider and ask for a list of community-based classes that you can attend locally.

At-Home Fitness – Free Kits:

Or maybe you would feel more comfortable working out at home, but don't know how to get started. Medicare Advantage members can request up to four FREE at-home exercise kits. These kits are designed to help people at all fitness levels and address many different needs, from increasing stamina to helping with balance and strength. Kits include a variety of items from video and instruction manuals to resistance bands or other workout gear that makes exercising at home easy for seniors.

Virtual Exercise Classes:

Plus, many gyms are now offering their members the opportunity to take virtual live-stream classes from the comfort of home with a simple RSVP and click of a button! Perhaps, you have been wanting to try yoga, Tai Chi, or a simple chair aerobics? This is a great time to sign up for a class or order a kit. There is something for everyone!

3)    Stay On-Top of Your Health

Medicare Advantage members have access to a number of preventive services at no cost! These screenings and services are designed to protect members from either developing a number of serious diseases or help treat certain health conditions before they get worse.

Check-In with Your Primary Care Doctor (Provider):

We encourage members to ask their doctor which annual and age-related screenings they will need and add them to their calendars. Some people like to give themselves a birthday gift of good health by booking all their annual screenings during their birthday month. Whatever time is best for you, it is important to remember, screenings and preventative care, such as vaccines, are key to helping members stay healthy, while avoiding disabilities, lengthy hospital stays or serious and sometimes fatal medical issues. Some offices like Heritage Sierra Medical Group’s offer virtual visits which allow you to check in on a phone or video call.

Make Sure You’re Up-to-Date with Your Screenings:

Some of the important screenings and services Advantage members have access to include:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screenings

• Breast cancer screenings/annual mammograms

• Colorectal cancer screenings /colonoscopies

• Depression and mental health screenings

• Prostate cancer screenings

And a number of vaccines from annual flu shots to hepatitis B and pneumococcal vaccinations. And these are only a few of the dozens of screenings and preventative services available for Medicare Advantage members.

Stay Connected to Your Doctor, Online with Telehealth:

Telehealth appointments have suddenly become one of the most popular doctor's appointments because of the pandemic. And it is easy to see why. During a Telehealth appointment, Medicare Advantage members can meet with their Primary Care Physician, Specialist, Psychologist, or Therapist right on their computer, tablet, or phone.

There is no need to get stuck in traffic, search for a place to park, then sit in a waiting room, where you can be exposed to a cold, the flu, or worse right now. During your telehealth appointment, doctors can review your symptoms, discuss X-rays or test results, or even conduct a therapy session while you stay safely at home.

In some cases, doctors can even monitor blood pressure and vital signs from home. And Advantage members also have access to the 24/7 Nurse line for any additional or last-minute questions or concerns. Because right now, peace of mind is priceless!

Vitamins Can Help You Conquer the Quarantine Blues:

Don’t forget to take your vitamins! Are you taking a stroll around the neighborhood in the California sun to get your Vitamin D or taking a supplement? Either way, daily vitamins can really help you stay healthy and happy!

We all know one way to get enough vitamins and antioxidants is by eating a varied and colorful diet. But sometimes diet alone does not provide the full amount of vitamins and minerals we need for optimal health. That’s why taking daily vitamins and minerals is so important for many of us.

You May Qualify for Free Vitamins and Over the Counter Items:

Original Medicare plans do not cover vitamins and minerals but this comes at a $0 cost to Medicare Advantage plan members who’s plans include an Over the Counter Benefit (OTC).

This benefit covers costs for supplements and other non-prescription, over-the-counter drugs health-related items. Quarterly it ranges from $30 to $125 and allows you to select items from an online catalog or, in some cases, pick up your items at your local store or pharmacy.

The benefit goes well beyond your daily vitamins and minerals. It also includes more than 150 ordinary and useful items like sunscreen, urinary incontinence supplies, eyes drops to relieve itchy eyes, and even baby aspirin can be part of your quarterly order. All of these items can be shipped conveniently to your home while you sit back and save up to $500 a year.

Acupuncture:

About 2,000 years ago, acupuncture was introduced to support the body/mind systems in their own natural healing process. Many people now incorporate this evidence-based modern practice into their healthy lifestyles. Various Medicare Advantage Plans offer you the opportunity to either explore acupuncture for the first time or continue with ongoing acupuncture treatments by giving you access to a contracted network of Acupuncturists.

Chiropractic Care:

Another well-received treatment option that focuses on improving joint mobility, function, and health is routine chiropractic care. Original Medicare does cover manual manipulation of the spine to correct subluxation, also known as an adjustment, but not other routine chiropractic services. However, these services can be accessed through $0 Premium Medicare Advantage Plans, which offer a specified number of visits per year with a licensed chiropractor. Talk to one of our brokers at CHM to identify which plans can give you access to the benefits that will help you live your best life!

Medical Alert Systems:

Technology continues to enhance our access to important medical and emergency services that we may need when loved ones are away or unable to attend to your needs in our digital world. Many Medicare Advantage Plans have now integrated the Personal Emergency Response System as a complimentary benefit for members. Emergency response systems and services can be a vital lifeline for seniors, but the monthly cost of $20-50 per month can be prohibitive for some. Now you can have the assurance of 24/7 access to immediate medical response services should the need arise while saving nearly $600 per year.

This service is especially valuable for our older, active seniors that enjoy an occasional hike or jog. In a few easy steps, they can connect their wrist band or necklace device to a GPS tracking system on their phone. Then, if they have a fall or start to experience chest pain while being active, they can get help at the touch of a button.

A Note from Martha Gonzales, CHM Insurance Services:

Please let your members know these are only a few ways the Medicare Advantage Plans can make you happy now and in 2021. We didn’t even have time to cover all the Vision and Dental services available for members. Or the many different kinds of medical supplies and equipment that are covered with a plan. But, we are happy and available to answer questions on these and other benefits, just give our office a call at (855) 466-1008, visit our website at www.chminsurance.com or send us an email at martha@chminsurance.com.

Did You Know That a Medicare Deadline is Right Around the Corner?

And, one more thing, remember Medicare Advantage Plan enrollment begins in just a few weeks on Thursday, October 15, and closes on Saturday, December 7, 2020. You can call us today for any of your Medicare Health Plan questions and a complimentary RX analysis. The CHM Insurance Service is ready to answer your questions at (855) 466-1008.