Senior Care Options and Benefits

With the baby boomer generation approaching their senior years, the need for senior care in its many different forms is becoming increasingly important. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options available when it comes to senior care.

 

At-Home Care
Most seniors prefer to live in their own home. In many instances, however, these seniors need some help in order to maintain their living arrangement. When a senior wants to live independently, there are services available to help them with daily tasks like grocery shopping, food preparation, paying bills and cleaning. At-home senior care services are also great for providing a senior with companionship. Some organizations will even do minor home repairs and maintenance.

 

Independent Living Communities
Some seniors are willing to leave their home to live in housing designed to take care of the needs of seniors. Independent living communities enable seniors to have an apartment among many other senior residents. The upkeep and maintenance of the living areas are performed by the community. The community usually provides transportation to grocery stores and other points of interest as well. Social activities are abundant, and some even have medical facilities.

 

Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are for seniors who need an elevated level of care. Seniors in these facilities receive help with such things as dressing, bathing, and taking medication properly. It provides seniors with a secure place to live with a good social environment. They usually provide studio or one bedroom living quarters. Some provide meals in a kitchen environment, where residents have access to microwaves and refrigerators. Assisted living facilities enable the senior to receive the specialized care they need while still maintaining a certain level of independence.

 

Nursing Home
Unfortunately, there may come a time when a senior’s health declines to the point where they will need constant medical supervision. Nursing homes are designed to meet all of a resident’s medical needs as well as provide a safe and secure environment. Anyone considering putting a senior in a nursing home needs to consider a few things before making such a choice. Make sure the facility is staffed with properly trained individuals. Facilities may specialize in certain health concerns such as Alzheimer’s, ambulatory care, and more, so do some research and find a home that is best suited to the needs of your loved one. Check into the nursing home’s history and talk to other residents. There are excellent nursing homes that provide excellent care, but there are others that do not.

 

Choosing care for seniors involves many important considerations. The mental, emotional, and physical states of the senior are major factors when determining what kind of care is the best option. Naturally, you should always consider the desires of the senior themselves. Chances are, there are probably a number of ways to accommodate their preference.

 

Lisa James is an author for SeniorCare.net. She has written a number of articles on geriatric care, and she enjoys helping people find the right kind of senior care for their loved ones.

Medicare in the National Debate

The Patient and Provider Affordable Care Act (PPACA), otherwise known as Obamacare, has been the focus of much of the presidential election campaigns thus far. However, as the nation has come to the realization that Medicare must change to survive, election analysts across the United States are predicting that Medicare will be on everyone’s minds as they head to the polls in November.

 

Medicare, our nation’s health insurance program for seniors and the disabled, has been around since 1965. One of the largest federal programs in existence, it eats up more than 20% of our national GDP. Essentially, the federal government set up a trust fund to pay for Medicare Part A hospital insurance and funded it by taking a small tax out of every American’s payroll during their working years. What lawmakers couldn’t predict then was the population explosion that would strain Medicare to the max. With Americans living longer today than they did in 1965, Medicare beneficiaries are using the program for many more years than was originally anticipated. Furthermore, recessions over the years have taken their toll on Medicare’s funds because whenever people are working less, there are less tax dollars being pulled into the fund.

 

Lawmakers also didn’t foresee the hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent claims that are paid out every year, draining the program of vital dollars. Woefully understaffed, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services simply don’t have the manpower to police the claims submitted, and various con artists and scams have robbed the program blind for decades.

 

As it stands, Medicare’s trust fund could be dry in as little as five to ten years without significant change. Though politicians have known this for some time, both political parties are slow to do anything about it because they fear backlash from seniors at the polls. However, if change isn’t made soon, Medicare beneficiaries face a number of scary scenarios. Let’s take a look at what those might be.

 

Severe Doctor Shortage
As it stands today, many physicians accepting Medicare can’t take on any more new patients because their practices are full. These doctors work incredibly long hours to try to continue seeing their patients as they age into Medicare, yet they make significantly less money for a Medicare claim than they do for someone under age 65 on regular employer group insurance. Under Obamacare as it is written, doctors would potentially face cuts of up to 30% of already low reimbursements they are paid now for treating seniors on Medicare.

 

If this happens, thousands of physicians have vowed to leave the Medicare program or even leave medicine as a profession altogether. While most physicians entered this field due to the desire to help people when they are ill or injured, they also face spiraling costs from malpractice insurance, employing teams of medical billing specialists, and ever larger student loans that they have to pay back after they enter the workforce.

 

The Arrowhead Mayo Clinic in Arizona made national news a few years back when it announced it would no longer see Medicare patients for primary care because the reimbursement amounts they were being paid didn’t cover the expenses of treating Medicare beneficiaries.

 

Longer Waiting Times for Care
With fewer doctors in the program and more Baby Boomers aging into the program, it would be inevitable that beneficiaries’ wait time to see primary care doctors and specialists would grow. Even today, when a Medicare beneficiary moves to a new city to retire, he faces the task of locating a doctor who still accepts new Medicare patients. Even as it stands now, that beneficiary may still have to wait a couple of weeks for his first appointment with the new physician.

 

Though the Obamacare law does provide some money to pay higher reimbursement rates for new primary care doctors that come into the Medicare program, it may be too little too late. Currently, less than 5% of physicians entering the workforce plan to go into family practice. The great majority of med students choose to specialize because the pay can be nearly twice as much as a family doctor can expect to earn.

 

Fewer Choices for Insurance
Seniors currently enjoy a wide array of supplemental coverage options, including traditional Medigap plans and the new Medicare Advantage plans, which are less expensive private Medicare health plans that seniors can opt into instead of Medicare. However, Obamacare would cut funding for Medicare Advantage by half a trillion dollars over the next 10 years. Insurance companies are in business to make money, and if their funding is cut this much, we will soon see fewer benefits being offered inside these programs. In a worst case scenario, which is entirely possible, we might see a number of the plans simply close up shop and exit the market.

 

Beneficiaries enrolled in those plans would then be returned to original Medicare, and they would face the anxiety of selecting new coverage with fewer private plans to choose from; those plans that would still be available would have fewer benefits and probably higher premiums too.

 

 

As the candidates head to the campaign trail, both parties face crowds of expectant and anxious senior citizens who want to know what each party might do to fix the critical issue of Medicare’s solvency. While many beneficiaries would like to see no change to their Medicare, Congress and the President both know that change must come or we would see the Medicare program fold altogether. How they present their plans for change will play a vital role in the election, so we can expect to see much more debate about Medicare as we head into the final eight weeks before voters hit the polling booths.

 

Danielle Kunkle is the co-owner of Boomer Benefits, a family-owned insurance firm specializing in Medicare-related insurance products for seniors. Though insurance is nowhere near as glamorous as whitewater rafting (her favorite hobby), she finds that helping people make sense out of confusing government health insurance programs is rewarding in its own way.

Reasons to Live in Covent Garden

London is a wonderful city in which to live. There are many green spaces, historic buildings, and monuments. When considering areas of the city in which to live, many people shy away from central areas, assuming they will be expensive. One of the unique things about London is that is like a patchwork quilt. Expensive areas nestle next to pockets of affordability. Although there are some very expensive luxury homes in the Covent Garden area of London, there are also a surprising number of ex-local authority flats to rent, with lower-than-average service charges. It’s an amazing area to live in, with great nightlife; plus, it’s bustling with visitors. If you are going to live in central London, then Covent Garden is a great neighbourhood to choose for the following reasons:

 

Theatre
Covent Garden is the very heart of London’s theatre district. Drury Lane and Shaftesbury Avenue border the area. Musicals like Grease, Dirty Dancing and The Lion King have all played in this area of London. Smaller venues like the Trafalgar Studio or the Soho Theatre tend to show more independent productions with shorter runs. Living on the doorstep of all these theatres means that a resident may be able to pop into the box office for last-minute returns and bargains.

 

Shopping
Covent Garden is one of the best shopping areas in the capital. The old fruit and veg market is now home to an array of shops, housed in the historic building. The Seven Dials area contains streets of fashionable boutiques. From high street to high end, it can all be found within minutes of the tube station. One of the newest additions is the Apple store at the edge of the Central Plaza.

 

History
The famous Piazza was first designed by Inigo Jones in 1631, inspired by his Italian travels.  In the eighteenth century, it became a very Bohemian area, frequented by artists and writers.  The marketplace eventually took precedence in the area from around 1870, when the glass roof was added to the main Piazza building. The streets of Covent Garden have featured in a great deal of classic literature, notably Shaw’s Pygmalion. Charles Dickens also wrote about the area.

 

Museums
In Covent Garden, you can find the Transport Museum, where you can see some classics from transport history, including old style London buses. Within easy walking distance you can find the National Portrait Gallery, which hosts a major permanent collection as well as annual photography awards. The Sir John Soame Musem and the National Gallery are within easy reach of the area too.

 

Landmarks
Living in Covent Garden puts you on the doorstep of many historic buildings and landmarks. It’s a few minutes’ walk down the Strand to Trafalgar Square, where you can see the famous Lion statues and Nelson’s Column. Just on the other side of the Strand is the River Thames and Waterloo Bridge. The Royal Opera House and the historic church, St. Paul’s of London, border the area.  This church was designed by Inigo Jones and is also known as “The Actor’s Church” due to the community it serves.

 

Finding Property in Covent Garden
If you do choose to live in London for work, study, or just to visit, then you should visit a West End estate agent. They can help you identify the area that will best suit your budget and needs. Then you can look at the length of time you want to stay in the area and decide on a suitable lease length.

 

Rachel O’Riordan is an online marketer and blogger. She writes for business websites on a range of subjects, including social media and living in London.

Small Businesses and Business Planning

Now that you have your product and your team in place, planning can’t fall by the wayside. Business planning is more than the strategy behind product development. It takes a lot to run a business, and there is a lot that goes into a successful business plan. Your business plan is a set of realistic goals with plans for reaching them. Small businesses especially need to focus on creating a detailed business plan, as it can influence their position with investors, banks and consumers. Here are the top 5 areas on which you’ll want to focus when it comes to your small business business plan.

 

Finances
From business checking accounts to small business loans, finding the right bank should be a part of your business plan. Often, your personal credit becomes a part of the business’ credit, so make sure both are in good shape and that you have your financial statements readily available when needed. According to a recent article from The Huffington Post, small businesses are more likely to be approved for a loan by choosing a small bank. Once you have a checking account in place, part of your business plan should be money management in terms of project management. One way to start is by creating a timeline that is budget dependent.

 

Customer Development
From gaining new customers to maintaining the relationships of current clients, small businesses need to have a plan in place for developing customers. If you have customers in place, plan a way to turn them into super fans through giveaways, special events for loyal customers, or something else. To gain new customers, consider how you can reach new audiences through outreach efforts or referrals. New customers come from effective marketing too, and this is where the next section comes in to play.

 

Marketing
This is a no-brainer. Marketing strategy and execution are essential to the success of a business and are an integral part of your business plan. You need to determine the best marketing methods for your business, whether that means direct mail marketing, e-mail marketing, or hosting local events. Social media is very prevalent in today’s society, so you must determine which ways your business can leverage the various platforms. At the very least, you should plan on having business accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Competitor Analysis 
Take a look at your competitors and analyze what each has done right and what each has done wrong. This analysis is educational, as you can determine what has been successful and apply those same strategies to your business. If someone was able to reach a broader base of customers by making a change in their wording or if another business has a high-level of engagement online, look into how they got those numbers and plan out how to apply similar methods to your business.

 

Future Plans
Where do you see your small business headed? List out your goals for the next 3-5 years as well as how and when you plan to reach them. When you’re applying for a loan, lenders often want to see the direction of your business, so knowing where you’re headed can help you get approved. Not only that, small business employees can more effectively work together when they have the same short-term and long-term goals in place.

 

A business plan is all about mapping out the path that your small business plans to take. Business plans are effective in helping you to achieve an end set of goals. Having both short-term and long-term goals in place is essential in your current and future guiding of your financial, marketing, and customer development strategies. Use the successes and pitfalls of your competitors to create a business plan geared toward success.

 

Erica Bell is a small business writer who focuses on topics such as starting a business and social media marketing trends. She is a web content writer for Business.com.

How To Lose Weight And Have Fun Doing It

Long have people associated losing weight with boredom and drudgery. Just thinking about eating the same, bland foods day after day can bring about feelings of dread. The thought of doing some boring exercise several times a week can make them shudder. Luckily, losing weight does not have to be a chore. In fact, there are ways to make it enjoyable. It can even be fun.

 

Use the Weight Loss Buddy System
Trying to lose weight alone can sometimes lead to failure. Without the support and accountability that comes from working with another person with similar goals, it can become difficult to stick to a regimen. Having a weight loss buddy can also make the experience more enjoyable.

Exercising and talking allows buddies to bond and catch up while becoming fit. Choosing a friend who has the same activity or sports interests can turn exercise time into playtime. Eating the right foods can be fun as well. Get together with friends to find healthy, delicious recipes. Then enjoy sharing in the preparation and eating of the recipes.

 

Turn Favorite Activities into Exercise
Not everyone is enthusiastic about typical exercises, such as running, walking, or aerobics. A lot of people also cringe at the thought of joining and attending a gym. Fortunately, there are other ways of getting exercise that are not structured, pricey, or dull.

For example, if you enjoy playing basketball, you could put up a goal in your driveway. You could commit to going outside a few times a week to shoot and chase after the ball. To get even more fun out of the workout, you could invite people over and make a real game out of it.

Other activities that are not normally considered an exercise program can help you stay fit. Gardening, for instance, can be both physical and relaxing. Even cleaning the house could be turned into a workout routine. Play some upbeat music and dance along with it while getting the house in order.

 

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
One of the major drawbacks of many diets is the removal of favorite foods from a person’s diet. Depriving oneself of a particular food, or even an entire food group, can often lead to a binge session. This often leads to abandonment of the diet entirely. It is not necessary, however, to get rid of a long-time favorite food. Just remember to keep the portion sizes smaller.

Instead of cutting out chocolate cake, resolve to eating only a few bites. Instead of completely avoiding carbohydrates, try to eat half of what you normally consume. Doing so will help to keep you from feeling deprived, since you’ll know you can still have what you want.

 

Coming up with creative and fun-filled ways to lose weight can dramatically increase anyone’s chance of reaching his or her goals. Having a mindset that weight loss can be an enjoyable experience will help in your efforts most of all.

 

Victor Daily writes about healthy nutrition and fitness. He is also a consultant for Ping Ming Health. When he is not writing, he enjoys outdoor activities and traveling.

Tornado Recovery in Birmingham

First Lady Michelle Obama was in Birmingham, Alabama several weeks ago to see the progress of recovery after last year’s tornado that killed nearly 250 people.  The First Lady visited Birmingham and the surrounding areas two days after the storm and kept good on her word that she would return to see the improvements.  When the First Lady was there, last she saw images of devastation and knew many people would need help.

 

The First Lady met with the mayor of Birmingham, William Bell, to hear about the progress the area has made.  She then scheduled to take a tour of the areas she visited last year.  The people of Birmingham were excited for the First Lady to see the changes that have been made since her last visit.

 

Federal Help
Birmingham has received many grants from the government to improve conditions after the tornado.  They have used the money wisely and funneled most of the funds into Pratt City, which was the hardest hit.  Birmingham has used the money to start up Camp Noah, which helps elementary-aged children who were heavily impacted by the storm.  Camp Noah is a place where children can play and heal from the disaster that affected them and their families.

The city has also used government funds to support tornado victims by rebuilding schools, businesses, and homes in the area.  People living in Birmingham are beginning to see all the work paying off as things begin to pick up and continue in the area.

 

Fundraise
First Lady Michelle Obama’s trip ended with a fundraiser for the Obama Victory Fund 2012.  It was a great opportunity for her to check back in on Birmingham and see how much they’ve grown in a year’s time.

The people of Birmingham are confident that First Lady Obama was pleased with the progress the area had made.  Studies show that when an area that has been impacted by a natural disaster has received government funding and aid to clean up and rebuild, progress was made faster.  When this area was ruined by a horrific tornado, numerous people got together to establish a solid plan to rebuild, recover and bounce back. They found companies offering dumpster rental in Birmingham, they engaged Red Cross and other volunteers in cleaning up the city, and they started to find ways to recover. Cities everywhere should follow the examples Birmingham has showed us so they can be effective during a time of a disaster.

 

Jeana Olchowy is a member of an elite team of writers whose interests and specialties range across numerous fields and industries. From current events to tips and tricks for fashionable home décor, Olchowy is always available for further information on her stories. She can be reached on Twitter under the handle @jolchowy25.

Ideas for Decorating London Banquet Venues

A banquet is a great occasion for family, friends and even work colleagues to get together, catch up on everything that has been happening lately and enjoy some fantastic food and a few drinks. If you are hosting a banquet, then there is an array of stunning and exciting banqueting venues in London for you to choose from. However, you will, obviously, want to decorate the venue in order to ensure that you add a personal feel to the room.

 

Quite often, banqueting venues are rather bare and can be dull in appearance. This is because they need to be so in order to be suitable for as many occasions as possible. Therefore, it is very important that you get creative and decorate the room in order to make it feel more warm and welcoming. This article will provide you with several different ideas that you can utilise when it comes to decorating one of the many available banqueting venues in London that you have chosen.

 

First and foremost, it is highly advisable that you choose your decorations considering the occasion and the season you are in. Obviously, if you are having a banquet for a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas party, then this makes decorating slightly easier. However, with regards to colour, it is always nice to go with something, which represents the weather and the season at present. If it is spring, then go for colours such as lilac, lemon, mint green, and pale pink. If it is summer season, then go for colours such as fuchsia, turquoise, bright yellow, and tangerine. If it is autumn, then try one of the following colours: warm red, rustic brown, or leafy green. If it is winter, then opt for one of these: navy blue, rich red, or snow white.

 

It is also advisable to remember that you have to decorate your banqueting venue based on the size of the room. For instance, if you have a large venue, then it is a good idea to try to separate parts of the room in order to make the space look more interesting and intriguing. For example, you can opt to section off the bar area. Furthermore, it is advisable to use tall decorations. Opt for table centerpieces that are tall and thin rather than those that are wide and short. On the other hand, if the room you are decorating is small, then it is important not to clutter the area with too many decorations and contrasting styles.

 

While these tips should be helpful for you, it is also important to not restrict yourself too much. At the end of the day, you are the one organizing this party, so you need to let your personality and creativity shine through when it comes to your décor.

 

If you take into account the tips and ideas given in this article, then you will definitely be well on your way to throwing an exciting, fun-filled, and beautifully decorated banquet in one of the best banqueting venues in London.

 

Petar Jorge is a freelance content writer by profession. He finds immense pleasure in writing party event and party venue-related articles, especially those in which he can discuss his knowledge on banqueting venues in London.

How to Have a Relaxing Flight

Many first-time fliers feel nervous and hesitant about flying. Some avoid asking friends for answers to their flying questions because they don’t want to look stupid. If you have questions about what to expect when you fly, then these tips are sure to help you have the most relaxing flight possible.

 

Arrive Early
You’ll find that you’re a lot less stressed if you arrive at the airport early. Getting there early will give you time to check in your luggage, get your tickets, and locate your boarding gate. It will also give you some extra time if you forget to bring your ID or any other important documents. Typically, experts say to arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before your flight if you are traveling domestically, while you’ll want to arrive at least 2 hours early for international flights. You may need to adjust these guidelines for your situation; if you’re a nervous flier, you may want to arrive even earlier to give yourself time to psych yourself up for your flight. You may also want to factor in your commute time to the airport so that you have plenty of time to drive back home and then back to the airport if you forget any important items.

 

Take Medication
If you suffer from motion sickness, there is a good chance that you will not feel 100% comfortable on the plane. To make your flight more comfortable, take your usual motion sickness medication before the flight leaves; that way, you don’t have to wait for it to kick in while you’re already on board. You may also wish to take sinus medications in advance because the change in air pressure in the plane may cause problems for those with sensitive sinuses. Another option is to chew gum in order to help equalize your body pressure in the plane. Be sure to plan for these needs in advance.

 

Proper Clothing
Plane cabins tend to be cold, so it is best to wear clothes that are fairly warm. It is a good idea to bring a coat or jacket that you can remove easily during or after the flight. If you’re still cold, you can request blankets from the flight attendant as well. If there is anything else that will make you more comfortable, don’t hesitate to ask a flight attendant.

 

Music, Books, and Other Distractions
Many uncomfortable fliers feel that bringing a distraction or two can greatly enhance their flight experience. Books are always a great option, as they don’t have a battery that can interfere with the plane’s equipment. However, you can also bring a CD player, iPod, or other music player, an ebook reader, or your laptop (as long as your internet is disabled during the flight). These electronic devices must be turned off during take-off and landing, but they may a great distraction, especially for a child. Make sure that you check the most recent set of guidelines regarding which types of electronic devices are permitted beforehand, as this will help you avoid unwanted trouble with the airport authorities.

 

Handling Conflicts
It’s not uncommon for airline passengers to be seated in front of or next to children. When this happens, you may find yourself getting annoyed if the child cries, squirms, spills on you, or kicks your seat. While these situations are certainly frustrating, it is important to remember not to confront the child or his parents directly. Instead, convey your concerns to the flight attendants. Often, if there is another seat available, they may simply transfer you to another vacant seat. Avoiding confrontation with other passengers will certainly make your flight a more relaxing and carefree experience.

 

While flying may seem scary, there is no reason that you shouldn’t have a comfortable and relaxing flight. Flying is certainly one of the most comfortable ways to travel, after all. If you begin to feel nervous during the flight, ask for a glass of water; this will help you to relax and calm down. By following these tips, you should be able to enjoy a worry-free trip that you can look forward to and remember.

 

Shaiya Ong is a nature lover, and she is especially fond of flowers. Her favorite flower is the tulip, and she dreams of going to visit Holland to have a walk in its famous tulip gardens. She is a freelance writer assisting several travel sites, including http://www.frenchairportguide.com/gnb/.

Faster Reliable Delivery with Courier Services

In the past, packages would take nearly a month to be delivered; nowadays, sending packages is a lot more convenient. While you can still send your parcels via “snail mail,” many people have found that courier services are a lot faster. This isn’t really surprising considering the various advantages of employing courier services. Apart from speedy service (package and parcels are typically delivered within a week, depending on the destination), the process is also more reliable. Because of the shorter delivery time, there is less of a chance that there will be delivery mishaps like missing packages, opened parcels, or damaged items. A top, reliable courier company can deliver your packages in a timely, safe, and speedy manner.

 

Part of the reason for the increased reliability of courier services is that many shipping companies today have parcel tracking systems. Such modern systems are very helpful for people who want to know the progress of their deliveries. There’s no need to worry constantly about the safety of your package, and you don’t need to contact the company constantly in order to find out if your delivery has finally arrived. Just access the shipping company’s online site and use their parcel tracking feature which is available 24/7.

 

Another benefit of the faster delivery time that accompanies the use of a courier service is that many companies can offer more affordable rates for their services. When investigating the cost of using a courier service, keep in mind that most companies typically don’t publish prices on the web. Even within one company, the rates for sending your package may vary. The weight and size of your package, for example, will influence how much your shipping costs will be. Another factor that can determine the cost of shipping your package is the package’s destination; more rural, hard-to-reach areas may be more expensive because the company doesn’t have any major hubs in the area. Likewise, if the package is being picked up from a rural location, your costs may go up. There may also be additional fees if the package includes live animals or some other type of special material. If your package is fragile or confidential, it may cost you more. Your final costs will also be influenced by whether you choose to get package insurance; keep in mind that some materials require that you purchase insurance.

 

One way to compare prices and find the best deals online is to use each company’s instant freight quote calculator. Most shipping companies feature this tool on their website, allowing you to determine the precise cost for your particular package. This can be a great source for figuring out which shipping company will provide the cheapest delivery for your package.

 

Before you sign up with any courier service, make it a point to check out the reputation of the company. It’s very easy to do a bit of online research about the company that you’re interested in. Make a list of a few top companies and take note of those that have positive and negative mentions on the web. Look for accreditations and affiliations with professional freight organizations, as well as positive customer reviews and ratings from their past clients. Remember that while you want to find the cheapest price for your delivery, the most important thing is that you are using a company that has proven itself reliable. After all, paying next to nothing for your delivery won’t do you a lot of good if your package gets lost or destroyed.

 

Richard Taylor has been a customs broker for an international freight services company for over 6 years. Many of his clients rely on his knowledge of freight forwarding and courier systems. He currently writes for www.Ship2Anywhere.com.au.

Medicare Part D: Disappearing Donut Hole?

The Part D annual election period is quickly approaching, and after all the news about Medicare this last year, many are wondering what will be happening with the Part D donut hole.  It’s fairly universal that people on Medicare hate the donut hole, also known as the Part D coverage gap. This is the point at which your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan would stop paying and you would become responsible for 100% of the bill. But that’s changed starting in 2011, and will continue to change for the better over the next few years.

 

Due to a lot of public outcry about the coverage gap during Part D’s initial few years, our Congress has passed some provisions to slowly reduce the donut hole until it’s almost completely gone in 2020. Here’s how it works:

 

Pharmaceutical companies (which manufacture 99% of the brand name medications that seniors take) have signed an agreement with Medicare to provide a discount on those medications once you enter the coverage gap. The discount is 50% of the cost of the drug in 2012 and your cost sharing gradually decreases over the next several years until, in 2020, you will only be responsible for 25% of the cost.

 

More good news: while you’re in the coverage gap, you actually get credit for the full cost of your name brand drugs, not just the discounted amount. So, as an example, if the retail price of one of your name brand drugs is $100, you will only pay $50 for the prescription and the entire $100 will count toward the amount you need to exit the coverage gap and qualify for catastrophic coverage.

 

Medicare beneficiaries also get discounts on their generic drugs, but this is paid for by Medicare, not the drug companies. In 2012, Medicare is paying for about 14% of the price of generic drugs, and that percentage will gradually increase until 2020, when, like with name brand drugs,  you will only pay 25% of the cost of your generic medications.

 

There are some other ways you can save money on prescriptions, including talking with your doctor about switching to a generic or lower-priced name-brand drug, taking advantage of your pharmacy’s discount generic program, and asking for samples at the doctor’s office. But the most important thing you can do is make sure you have the right Medicare Part D drug plan.

 

Many states have 20-30 Part D drug plans to choose from, so you can quickly get overwhelmed if you try to compare them on your own. Fortunately, there are other resources available to you to help you choose a suitable plan. You can compare your options on the Medicare.gov website or, if you have a Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, your insurance agent should be able to help you with this. Be sure to research your options every year; insurance companies sometimes change their plans, and just because you’ve found the best drug plan for you this year doesn’t mean it will be the best plan for you next year.

 

Finally, keep in mind that prior to 2006, there was no coverage for prescription drugs under Medicare.  A few Medicare supplements had minor drug coverage included, but that made the plans more expensive. In some cases, there were Medicare beneficiaries shelling out $10K-$15K annually for their medications.  So while Part D is certainly not perfect, it is definitely better than what we used to have. Hopefully, we will continue to see improvement per the rules of law over the next 7 years, and everyone can then look forward to more affordable access to prescription coverage.

 

Danielle Kunkle is the co-owner of Boomer Benefits, a Texas-based insurance firm specializing in Medicare-related insurance products for seniors. Though insurance is nowhere near as glamorous as whitewater rafting (her favorite hobby), she finds that helping people make sense out of confusing government health insurance programs is rewarding in its own way.