Medicare Coverage of Heart Disease

We are fortunate to have another guest post from Medicare expert, Danielle Kunkle, who has provided us with a helpful explanation of how your Medicare benefits cover your medical expenses if you develop heart disease.  This is important information, because heart disease is one of the top causes of death for senior citizens.  It is also important for retirees on Medicare to understand that your coverage will vary depending on whether you have Original Medicare only, a Medicare Advantage plan, or Original Medicare plus a Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan.  Danielle Kunkle's post provides information which is likely to affect nearly everyone during their retirement years. 

How Does Medicare Cover Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a broad term which covers a lot of different conditions which affect the heart and blood vessels. It’s the number-one killer of both men and women in the United States, according to The Heart Foundation. More people die of heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, than from all types of cancer combined.

Although a heart disease diagnosis is serious, there are things you can do to treat it and lower your risk of serious complications. The good news is that there are Medicare benefits for people with heart disease or who are at risk of developing it.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease shows up in different ways in the body. It may cause a heart attack, stroke, or heart rhythm problems, for example. According to the American Heart Association, most of these heart conditions are caused by atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis develops when fatty substances, called plaque, build up on the walls of the blood vessels. The plaque narrow the vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow freely. Often, the plaque ruptures and causes blood clots to form.

When a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to a part of the heart, a heart attack occurs. If the clot interrupts blood flow to parts of the brain, it causes an ischemic stroke.

How is Heart Disease Diagnosed?

 

Some of the most common risk factors for heart disease include:

●       Smoking

●       High blood pressure

●       High cholesterol

●       Diabetes

●       Being overweight

If you are at high risk for developing heart disease, your doctor may order screening and diagnostic tests. These might include blood tests for cholesterol and triglycerides, blood pressure checks, and lab work to rule out diabetes.

If you have symptoms of heart disease, your doctor may order other tests to confirm the diagnosis. You may have an electrocardiogram (ECG), an ultrasound of the heart, a stress test, or even an MRI or CT scan. In some cases, you may have cardiac catheterization, an outpatient procedure which lets the doctor see your heart and blood vessels to check for abnormalities.

What Does Medicare Cover? 

PartB covers cholesterol screening blood tests once every five years at no cost to you if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment. If you have symptoms of heart disease, Medicare may pay for a diagnostic cholesterol test, if your doctor thinks it is medically necessary. You pay 20% of allowable charges once you meet your deductible. You may also qualify for heart disease counseling with your doctor once each year at no cost to you.

If you have risk factors for diabetes, Medicare may pay for two screening exams a year at no cost to you if your doctor accepts assignment.

Part B generally pays for any diagnostic tests and exams your doctor thinks are medically necessary based on your symptoms and risks for heart disease. You pay your 20% coinsurance after you’ve met your deductible. 

How is Heart Disease Treated?

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for heart disease. Your doctor may recommend any combination of the following types of treatment, depending on your exact condition and how severe it is:

●       Changes in lifestyle to lower your risk of life-threatening complications. This may include losing weight, reducing the fat and cholesterol in your diet, and exercising more. If you smoke, your doctor will help you try to quit.

●       Prescription medications to control your disease and risk factors. Your doctor may recommend medications to treat high blood pressure, lower the cholesterol in your blood, or better manage your blood sugar.

●       Surgical procedures to repair damage. If the heart disease is severe, you may need angioplasty, stent placement, or even cardiac bypass surgery.

What Different Medicare Plans Will Cover

Depending on where you get treatment, Part A or Part B covers medically necessary heart disease treatment. For example, if you are hospitalized for heart surgery, Part A pays after you meet your deductible. You may also have coinsurance if your stay goes beyond 60 days. If you get outpatient treatment, Part B pays for your care.

If you smoke, Part B covers 8 face-to-face smoking cessation sessions each year with a qualified provider. If your provider accepts assignment, you pay nothing for these sessions.

You may also qualify for weight loss counseling if you are very overweight. Again, these are covered 100% under Part B if your provider accepts Medicare assignment.

Depending on the type of heart disease you have, your doctor may recommend a cardiac rehab program. If you qualify, Part B will pay 80% of the allowable charges after your deductible is met.

Unfortunately, most prescription medications to treat heart disease aren’t covered under Original Medicare. If you have Medicare Part D coverage for prescription drugs, your heart disease medications are likely covered.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have extra benefits beyond Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They must cover everything that Original Medicare covers at a minimum, but they often have other benefits helpful to people with heart disease. For example, your plan may cover Silver Sneakers, which gives you free access to participating gyms. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage. Some may even help with over-the-counter medications such as aspirin your doctor recommends for heart disease.

If you have Original Medicare and worry about your out-of-pocket costs for heart disease treatment, you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans pay some or all of your Part A and Part B costs after Medicare pays. They don’t, however, pay your Part D prescription drug costs.  You can purchase a separate plan to help with drug expenses.

About the author:

Danielle Kunkle is the co-founder of Boomer Benefits, an insurance agency specializing in Medicare-related insurance products.  They help baby boomers new to Medicare learn about their benefits and coverage options across 47 states.

If you have not prepared your tax returns yet, you have until June 17 in 2018.  You may be able to do it yourself with H&R Block software.

If you are interested in learning more about Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, where to retire, common medical problems and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Google images

Socializing Reduces Dementia Risk

Did you know that many of the causes of dementia are within our control?  For example, following the MIND diet, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in a variety of types of exercise have all been shown to dramatically reduce your risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease.  Socializing is another important way to improve your brain health and lower your dementia risk.

Social Isolation Causes Many Health Problems

Some people become socially isolated as they get older.  They may have trouble walking or driving, making it more difficult to go out.  They may not see friends or family members as often.  Their former friends, spouse and other family members may have died.  Approximately one-third of older Americans report being lonely.  While this is about the same percentage as the loneliness reported by younger adults, the loneliness in older adults can have more serious consequences if they start to believe they no longer have a reason to leave their home.

Surprisingly, people in large urban areas are more likely to report loneliness than people who live in small towns.  This may be a good reason to either retire to a small town or become more active and involved in your neighborhood within your current city.

Not only does isolation lead to a poor quality of life, it has also been connected to depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, decreased physical health and an increased risk of death.  It is also linked to the development of dementia.

How to Become More Socially Active

If you have lost loved ones, you may begin to give up your attempts to socialize.  However, it is important to be proactive and seek out new friends throughout your life, not just when you are young.  Below is a list of a few ways to do this:

*  Visit your friends and family as often as possible.
*  Call your loved ones when you cannot visit them.
*  Volunteer in your neighborhood.  There are many organizations which would love the help!
*  Get involved in a church, synagogue, mosque or temple.  Many of them offer a wide variety of social activities.
*  Join a gym or club.  Take group classes in yoga, dancing or other fun activities.
*  Start a book club, dinner club, movie club, quilting club or other social club.
*  Start a walking group.
*  Seek out a Senior Center in your community.  They have regular activities all day long.  Be sure to participate often.
*  Take classes and learn a new skill with other people.  
*  Immerse yourself in hobbies which you love.  One study indicated that people in their 60s are in the most productive decade of their lives, especially if they are historians, inventors and writers.  Make an effort to get to know other people with similar interests.  Give them encouragement and they are likely to do the same for you.

The Benefits of Being Socially Active

*  Your mental health will be enhanced, with less depression and a lower risk of dementia. You'll have a more positive outlook on life.
*  New friends will give you a sense of belonging and create lasting bonds.
*  Your self-esteem will improve and you will feel more confident.
*  Your physical health will improve and your immune system may be stronger.  If you share meals with other people, your nutritional intake will be better.  You are also more likely to have an active lifestyle.  All these things can improve your health.
*   According to research at the University of Rochester Medical Center, socializing keeps your brain sharp.  It encourages us to continue to learn new things and respond to the world around us.
*  Being social and engaging with other people encourages us to get dressed, stay clean, be well-groomed and go out.  In turn, this improves our state-of-mind.
*  Being social gives our lives meaning and helps us remember why life is worth living.  That, alone, is a good reason to be more socially active.

No matter how much or how little you are able to do, you will be healthier, happier and mentally sharper if you reach out to other people and stay in touch frequently!  Get out there and have some fun!

***   

Ad: superstrain 

  If you are interested in learning more about medical concerns such as dementia, Alzheimers or other problems as you age, where to retire, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare or more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

Check out my Etsy Store for Gifts at:  DeborahDianGifts.etsy.com 

You are reading from my blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Facebook

Ad: superstrain

Find Your Purpose in Retirement

You are never too old to find your purpose in life, although some people give up long before they should.  Two of my friends were talking recently about how they spend their days now that they are retired.  One said she does a lot of reading and goes to a water aerobics class a couple of times a week.  The other one said she was still trying to "find herself."  She was not sure, yet, what she wants to do with the rest of her life, despite the fact that she is in her mid-60s and recently retired from a long career.

This conversation made me sad.  Both of these women could afford to explore a wide variety of activities, yet something is holding them back.  Upon reflection, it seems that neither of them have found their purpose in life. They are still looking for something meaningful to do in retirement.  Unfortunately, they do not realize that this is the very time in their lives when they have the time to really immerse themselves in something meaningful!

Even if you have spent your entire adult life simply taking care of your responsibilities, working at a job, raising children, and caring for other family members, it is never too late to find a purpose in life.

Meaningful Opportunities are All Around You

Unlike the women above, another friend of mine began her retirement by signing up to spend three years in the Peace Corp, beginning at age 62.  She spent most of that time in Ukraine, where she made lifelong friends.  More than a decade after completing her Peace Corp tour, she still meets with former Peace Corps members once a month and occasionally makes speeches to other organizations about her experiences and what she learned during her years abroad.  While this was a life changing experience for her, I have discovered that many other people are not aware they can still join the Peace Corp in their 60s and 70s.  What a wonderful way to find a purpose in life and explore the world!

My husband and I have found meaning by volunteering at our local homeless shelter, pictured above.  Preparing food and feeding the homeless helps us appreciate our own lives.  We have also become involved in the political campaign of someone we know who is running for Congress.  In addition, we regularly spend time with our grandchildren and help out one of our daughters who is raising two teenage children on her own.  For me, even writing this blog and providing people with a wide variety of useful information about retirement has given my life meaning.  All these activities give my husband and me a purpose in life.  

Other retirees I know have found meaning in second careers or volunteer opportunities.  Below are just a few of the choices our friends have made to bring joy and meaning to their retirement years:

A retired school principal opened her own delicatessen
A retired semi-conductor salesman became an actor
A former WW II veteran reads to school children once a week
Several women have built new careers involving art or crafts
A number of retirees I know have written and self-published books
Countless other retirees volunteer in churches, hospitals, food banks, schools and for non-profits.  All these organizations need volunteers and the people who offer to help are greatly appreciated.

A Thought-Provoking Movie

While you are thinking about how to live a meaningful life, you may want to watch the Shirley MacLaine movie "The Last Word."  It tells the story of a wealthy, but very lonely, elderly woman who asks the obituary writer for the local newspaper to write her obituary while she is still alive. When she reads the first draft, she decides to make changes in her life.  This decision takes both women on a journey of self-discovery.

This movie will make you laugh, but it will also make you think.  It could also help you change your life!

How to Have a Meaningful Retirement

The time to start planning what you want to do in retirement is before you retire, if possible, although it is never too late to try something new.  Do you have an unfulfilled dream?  Is there a different job you have always wanted to try, but didn't think it would pay you enough while you were raising a family?  Is there a place you would like to visit?  Are there people you would like to help?  Is there an organization which is meaningful to you, where you could volunteer?  The ways you can find meaning are endless.

Below are a few places you can contact to get ideas:

Your place of worship
Your local school district
Your local hospital or animal shelter
Your local homeless shelter
Encore.org - A site which helps match people to potential second careers or volunteer opportunities with non-profits in their community.

Don't Settle for a Boring Retirement

After living in a retirement community for nearly 14 years, I have learned that retirees can either choose to be bored and lonely, or they can choose to live their dream life.  This is your opportunity to write a book, start a business, help people in need, travel, volunteer or try a new career.  You can use this second chance at life to improve your own financial situation or the lives of other people.   Don't settle for a boring retirement.

It is never to late to find meaning in your life!

If you are interested in more information about retirement planning, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical problems and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Watch for my book "Retirement Awareness: 10 Steps to a Comfortable Retirement," which will be published by Griffin Publishing in 2018.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: Photo of homeless shelter taken by author

Sleep and the Dementia Connection

If you are concerned about reducing your risk of getting dementia, one step you may wish to take is to get enough sleep.   According to Dr. Bryce Mander, PhD of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California in Irvine, sleep is essential to the formation (encoding), consolidation and recall of memories.  In fact, more than two-thirds of people with Alzheimer's Disease have a history of at least one type of sleep disorder, usually sleep apnea or insomnia.

Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer's Disease

Lack of adequate sleep is a serious issue in people with the type of of dementia known as Alzheimer's Disease.  Researchers have discovered that having either sleep apnea or insomnia may not only increase your Alzheimer's Disease risk, but it may lower the age of onset of Alzheimer's Disease.  They have also discovered that treating sleep disorders can actually delay the age of onset for Alzheimer's Disease.

In addition, sleep apnea can increase your diabetes risk; insomnia may increase your risk of depression.  Both of these conditions are linked to a higher rate of dementia.

If simply getting more restful sleep at night is able to postpone the development of Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia, it can be life changing to see your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping.

Medical Intervention Can Improve Sleep Quality

What can you do if you do not believe you are getting enough sleep?  Your first step should be to consult your personal physician.  You may even want to have a sleep study done to help determine the specific reason behind your sleep problems.  There are medical interventions, such as a CPAP machine, which could significantly improve your quality of sleep.

You may also wish to talk to your doctor about other health issues which could be interrupting your sleep, such as loud snoring or the need to wake up frequently to go to the bathroom.  Anything we can do to improve our quality and quantity of sleep can help us age better. 

Lifestyle Changes May Improve Sleep Quality

In addition to seeing your doctor, there may be changes you can make in your lifestyle which will improve your sleep quality.  Many people sabotage their sleep without realizing their lack of adequate rest could be causing other health problems, not only dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

Below is a list of activities you can try in order to improve your sleep quality:

*  Maintain a fairly consistent time to go to bed and wake up.
*  Have a goal of sleeping 7 to 9 hours a night; it should take you 20 minutes or less to fall asleep once you are in bed.
*  Set a relaxing routine in the evening, including reading, meditation or taking a warm bath.
*  Avoid using your bedroom as a place to watch television, play on your computer or engage in similar activities.
*  Keep your bedroom cool, but not freezing.  Cool temperatures promote better sleep quality than a warm or hot room.
*  Bright light suppresses your natural melatonin. Have muted lights at night, preferably in red or orange tones.  Avoid the blue and green light which you get from phones and televisions.
*  Turn off electronic devices within 30 minutes of bedtime.
*  Do not eat a large meal too close to bedtime. Eat as early in the evening as you comfortably can.
*  Live a generally good lifestyle, including exercise and a healthy diet.  This will improve your sleep quality.
*  Avoid caffeine after 3:00 p.m.
*  Avoid alcoholic beverages in the evening.  They contribute to poor sleep quality.  You may fall asleep quickly, but will wake up in the middle of the night when the alcohol wears off.

The bottom line is that everyone should make it a priority to get at least seven hours of high quality sleep a night if they wish to lower their risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's Disease.

Readers may also want to use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to check out other articles in the Medical Concerns category of this blog to learn more about techniques for reducing your risk of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia, including following the MIND diet or the relationship between exercise and dementia.

Want to know more about financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire and more?  This blog contains hundreds of articles on those topics, as well.

Watch for my book, Retirement Awareness: 10 Steps to a Comfortable Retirement, which is scheduled to be released by Griffin Publishing in 2018.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  google.com/images

Healing from Grief

One of the difficult aspects of reaching our 60s, 70s and beyond is the fact that we are likely to lose more friends and family members than we did when we were younger.  Grief is something we are all going to experience.  While we cannot avoid experiencing the loss of someone we love, there are steps we can take to help us heal.

When Sheryl Sandberg, the CEO of Facebook, unexpectedly lost her husband while they were on a family vacation, she was devastated.  The couple had two young children and, difficult as it was, Sheryl knew she had to move on with her life for their sake.  It has not been easy her, and she admits that while "the fog of acute grief has lifted ... the sadness and longing for Dave remain."  While learning to heal, she wrote a book called "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy." 

AARP Magazine interviewed Sheryl Sandberg about her grief and the book she wrote in their June/July 2017 issue.  Below are a few of the recommendations she has for people who are trying to heal from grief. I highly recommend her book to anyone who is suffering from grief, regardless of their age.


Recognize the Issues Which Hamper Your Recovery

Sheryl Sandberg discusses the three P's in her book.  These are beliefs which make it harder for us to heal.  It is important to acknowledge you are feeling these emotions and recognize these feelings are temporary.

Personalization - Blaming ourselves for someone else's death.  This can cause you to develop deep feelings of guilt for things which are beyond your control.

Pervasiveness - Believing that everything in your life is bleak and refusing to recognize there is anything good or positive going on in your life.  This feeling can cause you to become more fearful and worry more than you did in the past.

Permanence - The belief you will always feel as terrible as you do now.  This can cause you to isolate yourself.

Build Your Resilience

Ms. Sandberg believes that resilience is like a muscle and you can strengthen it.  You need to believe that you will be able to develop deep, close relationships in your life once again.  Your life can have meaning and you can find joy.

While it may seem impossible at first, remind yourself that you will be able to make new friends.  Don't forget to treat yourself with compassion and patience. 

In addition to what Ms. Sandberg has said about resilience, many people have found comfort when they have turned their grief into a cause.  Whether you get involved in raising money to cure the illness which killed your loved one or, like the teenagers who have survived school shootings, turn your tragedy into the energy to fight for political change, these activities can help you recover from your grief and help you become a force for good in the world.

Journaling Can Help

Researchers have discovered that writing about your feelings, both the happy and sad, can make it much easier for you to recover from the trauma of losing someone you love.  Journaling will help you find your own voice.

Give Yourself Permission to Move on With Your Life

You will never forget the people you lost.  Their memories will always be a part of your life.  It is perfectly OK to move on, however, and let yourself experience joy, laughter and have a good time with new friends.  If the person you lost was your spouse, eventually you may want to date again.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Give yourself permission to enjoy another person and remind yourself that if you loved someone deeply before, you will be able to do it again.

At the end of the AARP interview, Sheryl Sandberg said to "acknowledge the capacity of the human spirit to persevere."

If you are experiencing grief in your life, you may also want to join a grief recovery group.  Many churches and other organizations offer them.  They are useful at helping us pull ourselves together and, eventually, move on with our lives.


If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, including changing family relationships, common medical issues, where to retire, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Watch for my book, Retirement Awareness: 10 Steps to a Comfortable Retirement, which will be published by Griffin Publishing in the fall of 2017.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

Lower Dementia Risk with Exercise

While many retired senior citizens slip into a sedentary lifestyle after retirement, they may not realize that spending too much time sitting can increase their dementia risk.  There are two main reasons for this.  First, anything which improves your cardiovascular health is also good for your brain.  Second, when your muscles become weaker, you are at a greater risk for falls, which can lead to broken bones and head injuries.  Exercise, along with other lifestyle changes, is an important part of your plan to reduce your dementia risk.

Aerobic Exercise and Dementia

It has long been known that exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, is good for your heart.  More recently, researchers have discovered that anything which improves your cardiovascular health will also improve your cognitive health.  In addition, anything which improves your cardiovascular health will also reduce your risk of having a stroke, which can cause serious brain damage.

According to a research study reported by the Mayo Clinic, people who had already been diagnosed with mild dementia or cognitive impairment improved their cognitive scores after six to twelve months of regular exercise, when they were compared to a control group of sedentary individuals with similar original scores.  This research shows you can improve your memory and cognitive function, even if you have already been diagnosed with mild memory loss, simply by consistently engaging in aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, running, dancing or swimming.

Exercise and Fall Prevention

Fall prevention is another reason why people should exercise regularly as they age.  According to the Centers for Disease Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and death in seniors.  Falls can lead to broken hips and other bones, which may cause you to become bedridden and potentially develop pneumonia.  Falls can also cause head injuries which could damage the brain.  Exercises which help improve your sense of balance and build strength, such as lifting weights or tai chi, will help reduce your risk of falling.

Other Exercises Which are Good for Your Brain

In a brain health class I am taking through a local college, we learned there are other types of physical exercise which can also benefit the brain and improve our balance.  Below are some of the activities which they suggest:

*  Practice different movements when you take a walk such as walking sideways, walking with your feet further apart than normal, trying to place your feet in front of each other in a straight line, walking on your toes or heels, and similar movements.  These movements help strengthen your ankles and legs while teaching your muscles how to respond to unexpected situations when you walk.

*  Practice walking and talking with someone.  Not only does this make your walks more fun, but the ability to walk smoothly while distracted by a conversation is very helpful.

*  Practice bouncing a rubber ball and tossing it to another person.  As we age, we can lose our spatial awareness.  We may find we toss a ball too hard or too softly.  Being able to throw a ball the proper distance to another person, and then being able to catch a ball tossed to us, are both important cognitive skills.  Maintaining this skill will also make us better while engaging in a variety of activities, including driving.

Reduce Stress with Yoga or Breathing Exercises

Another type of exercise which can benefit our brains are stress reducing exercises such as yoga or breathing exercises.  Learning to naturally relax and reduce our stress can make it easier for your brain to store new memories and recall old ones.

In addition to reducing stress, the practice of yoga can also improve your sense of balance, your flexibility and your strength.

As you can see, everyone should incorporate a variety of types of exercises into their weekly schedule, including aerobic exercise, lifting weights, bouncing a ball and yoga. The combination can go a long way towards improving your brain health.

If you are interested in learning more ways to reduce your dementia risk, you should check out the other articles on this blog in the Medical Concerns section and learn more about the MIND diet and other ways to improve your brain health.

If you are interested in learning more about maintaining good health as you age, retirement planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Watch for my book, Retirement Awareness: 10 Steps to a Comfortable Retirement, which is scheduled to be released by Griffin Publishing in 2018.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: morguefile.com

Weight Watchers Freestyle for Senior Citizens

Has your doctor told you to lose weight?  If you are like many senior citizens, it may seem as if losing weight is an impossible task.  After all, if you are overweight and over the age of 50, you have probably been trying to control it for years.  In addition, you may find it more difficult than ever to get the exercise you need, especially if you have health problems. What can you try now which would be different from anything you have been trying for decades?  You may want to give the new Weight Watchers Freestyle program a close look.

Weight Watchers has repeatedly been found to be one of the most successful commercial weight loss programs.  One of the benefits is that you do not need to purchase special food or live on liquid shakes, which is the case with some other programs.  You can eat real food in reasonable, satisfying quantities.

Weight Watchers is Affordable

In some cases, your Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan may cover the cost of your Weight Watchers weight loss program meetings.  They may also cover the cost of a gym membership. Call your insurance agent or provider and ask what programs they will cover for weight loss.

Another option is to sign up for Weight Watchers online and use their app on your smartphone.  There is still a fee, but it is much less than the cost of attending the meetings.  If you choose this option, you may also want to join a Weight Watchers Facebook support group.  There are several and most of them are very welcoming.  The members exchange recipes and tips for reducing the point value of their favorite meals.  They also give each other support and encouragement.

How Does Weight Watchers Freestyle Work?

The 2018 version of Weight Watchers, called Freestyle, allows members to satisfy their hunger as much as possible from a list of over 200 "free" foods.  These foods have "0" points and you do not have to keep track of them.  They include skinless chicken or turkey breast meat, eggs, fish, shellfish, unsweetened Greek yogurt, all fruits and most vegetables, with the exception of a few vegetables such as potatoes and avocados.

In addition, you have a daily allowance of approximately 23 points for women and a few more for men.   You are also allowed an extra 35 weekly points for special events and treats.  Your points can be used for food items not on the 0 point list such as red meat (roughly 1 to 1.5 points an ounce), bread (about 2 points a slice), cereal (about 6 points for 1 1/2 cups), milk and similar satisfying foods.  These points allow you to have more interesting meals.  The foods which are not on your 0 point list are the only foods you need to track when you eat them.  You can use a notebook or the smartphone app to track what you eat, and the app can also help you find the point value of thousands of homemade, prepared and restaurant foods.

The group leader at your Weight Watcher meeting or the smartphone app will tell you exactly how many points you are allowed, depending on your gender, current weight and other data.

Other Ways to Increase Your Weight Loss

In addition to following the eating program above, here are a few other tricks which may help you lose weight:

Purchase a Weight Watchers Freestyle cookbook or get their magazine, to discover more tips for healthy, low-calorie meals.

Make sure you eat at least 60 grams of protein a day, which will help satisfy your hunger and maintain steady blood sugar levels.

If you feel more motivated when you are accountable to other people, you may want to sign up for the weekly meetings rather than only use the smartphone app.  You may also want to get a weight loss buddy, so you can encourage each other to eat right and stay on the program.

Use the app to look up the point value of different foods before you go to a restaurant.  Then, you will feel confident you can enjoy a meal in your favorite restaurant without resorting to only eating salads with no dressing!  I have discovered that I can enjoy a hamburger, chicken fajitas, and many other favorite dishes whenever I go out with friends.

Get rid of fattening trigger foods in your pantry, such as chips, cookies or pastries. Replace them with a wide variety of foods from the 0 point list, such as fruit, sugar-free fruit cups, vegetables, frozen shrimp, and plain Greek yogurt.  You will also want to keep on hand a selection of low-calorie desserts, air-popped popcorn and similar treats you enjoy, so you do not feel deprived.

Get regular exercise every day.  You may feel more inspired if you wear a fitness tracker like a Fitbit Watch or a Garmin Vivofit.  Many people have discovered that fitness trackers are a good way to keep track of their improving fitness, even when the scale does not seem to be showing lower numbers.  It is another way to keep you motivated and on target.

Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any weight loss program and follow any instructions he may have regarding your food choices.  Many people with kidney disease, diabetes or other health problems will also have to incorporate specific dietary requirements into their eating plan.

If you are interested in reading more about dealing with health issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Watch for my book, Retirement Awareness: 10 Steps to a Comfortable Retirement, which is scheduled to be published by Griffin Publishing in 2018.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Google images

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

More and more frequently, when patients visit their physician's office, they may be seen by a nurse practitioner rather than the doctor.  The reason for this change is simple:  The demand for healthcare is increasing along with the size of our population, but the supply of primary care doctors is dropping.  According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in the next 12 years the U.S. is expected to have a shortage of approximately 43,100 primary care physicians.  Because of this situation, nurse practitioners are filling the gap.

What Tasks Can a Nurse Practitioner Perform?

When I scheduled an appointment to see the dermatologist, it was a nurse practitioner who assessed my skin and removed a tiny area for a biopsy.  Since I had never been seen by a nurse practitioner before, I was concerned she might not be as qualified as the dermatologist.   As a result, I wanted to learn more about nurse practitioners and thought my readers would also want to know what I discovered.

According to an article in the July-August, 2017 issue of the AARP Bulletin, nurse practitioners can perform many of the same tasks as doctors.  Just like the nurse practitioner (N.P.) who checked my skin, they are allowed to assess patients, diagnose illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests (such as x-rays or biopsies), prescribe medications and give patients instructions on their treatment.  They can also perform minor surgical procedures, such as the tissue biopsy which was performed on me.  This information was a relief to me, since these were precisely the tasks which my nurse practitioner did.

While I saw an N.P. who specialized in dermatology, 80 percent of them work in the area of primary care.  The opposite is true of physicians; only 14.5 percent of them choose a primary care residency.

What Training Does a Nurse Practitioner Receive?

My next question was how well trained my nurse practitioner was.  Was she qualified to perform these tasks?  According to the article mentioned above, a nurse practitioner must have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing, be a licensed registered nurse (R.N.), obtain national certification, and submit to peer review and clinical outcome evaluations before she can be referred to as an N.P.  Their training also stresses prevention and wellness, not just treatment. 

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners:

"All NPs must complete a master's or doctoral degree program, and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. Didactic and clinical courses prepare nurses with specialized knowledge and clinical competency to practice in primary care, acute care and long-term health care settings."

Although they do not receive as much education and training as a physician, who must receive a four-year undergraduate degree, spend four years in medical school and then commit to another three to seven years performing a residency, nurse practitioners continue to submit to "undergo rigorous national certification, periodic peer review, clinical outcome evaluations, and adhere to a code for ethical practices. Self-directed continued learning and professional development is also essential to maintaining clinical competency." (according to the AANP website).   

Are Patients Satisfied with Care Give by Nurse Practitioners?

Despite the fact that nurse practitioners do not receive as much formal education as physicians, the patient outcomes are considered comparable.  In addition, in at least one study patients rated nurse practitioners 9.8 out of 10; doctors only scored 7.2. This indicates that patients are actually more satisfied with the treatment they received from the nurse practitioners, as compared to doctors.  In my case, I was very pleased with the attention I was given by the nurse practitioner and was satisfied that she was careful and thorough.

What Else Should You Know About Nurse Practitioners?

Nurse practitioners can practice in all 50 states.  As of early 2017, they were able to practice without the supervision of a physician in 22 states and the District of Columbia, as well as within the Veteran's Administration health system. This means they can have a private practice, without a physician on the staff.  In the other 28 states, they are restricted to only being able to practice if they collaborate with a doctor.

As of this writing, there were an estimated 222,000 nurse practitioners in the United States.  Approximately 244,000 are expected to be practicing in the U.S. by 2025.  This will go a long way towards compensating for the 43,100 doctor shortage which is anticipated by 2030.

In communities where patients receive care from a combination of N.P.s and physicians, the cost of care and the number of avoidable hospitalizations have been reduced.

If you live in a rural or under-served community where there is a shortage of doctors, you are more likely to see a nurse practitioner.  However, this is not always the case.  I live in a large, urban area and my healthcare provider, Kaiser Permanente, scheduled my dermatology appointment with an N.P. rather than an MD.

Although most people seem to be very satisfied with the service provided by a nurse practitioner, you should clarify who are seeing if you have any concerns.

This new trend could help Medicare recipients in the future in a number of ways, including making healthcare more affordable and accessible, no matter where you live in the United States.

You can learn more about nurse practitioners at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners:

https://www.aanp.org

If you are interested in learning more about common medical issues which affect retirees, where to retire in the U.S. and abroad, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

Watch for my book, Retirement Awareness: 10 Steps to a Comfortable Retirement, which will be published by Griffin Publishing in the fall of 2017.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  morguefile.com

Five Places to Retire Overseas - What to Consider

This week we have a guest post from Corey Thompson, a Texas attorney who specializes in estate planning and Social Security Disability law.  The subject he chose to cover in his post was overseas retirement.  This is a very timely article because hundreds of thousands of Baby Boomers are enthusiastically exploring the possibility of moving to other countries when they retire.

Recently, a number of articles have been published on the topic of overseas retirement.  In addition to the information provided below by Mr. Thompson, retirees should consider a number of factors before deciding whether or not to move to another country.  These factors would include potential U.S. State Department travel warnings, your willingness to learn a new language (which can be extremely important in an emergency), and your flexibility.  You are not going to be able to perfectly recreate your current American lifestyle in another country.  Are you willing and able to accept that many things will be different and, in some cases, less convenient than you are accustomed to here?

Retirees who move abroad also need to be aware they cannot use Medicare while living in another country.  They will need to investigate whether they can buy insurance or pay to belong to the national healthcare system in the country where they want to live.  Finally, they will want to take an extended vacation in the country before committing to living there.  During that time, they will also want to talk to a Realtor, attorney and CPA in the other country to learn more about meeting local residency requirements, purchasing or leasing property, and paying taxes.

Below is the guest post by Corey Thompson

Five Places to Retire Overseas

As the American population ages, a growing number of Baby Boomers are retiring overseas.  The Associated Press reported that from 2010 to 2015, international retirement rates rose 17 percent.  There are now at least 400,000 seniors who have left the United States and retired overseas, usually in an effort to make their dollars stretch further.  Those figures are expected to rise in coming years. The countries with the most expats are Canada, Japan, Mexico, Germany and the United Kingdom.  These countries are all good choices for someone considering living abroad.

Factors to Consider When Retiring Internationally

"Live and Invest Overseas" has put together a list of thirty possible retirement destinations which they have ranked based on a number of factors, including:

*  Cost of living
*  Infrastructure
*  Healthcare
*  Entertainment/recreation
*  Expat community
*  English spoken
*  Climate
*  Real estate affordability
*  Taxes
*  Safety

Top Retirement Destinations

With the above factors taken into consideration, when I looked over the list of recommended spots, the ones I suggest retirees consider when relocating internationally are:

Portugal's Algarve Region

The Algarve Region is commonly referred to as the "old world region" of Portugal.  This location scored the highest in the safety and healthcare categories.  English is a widely spoken language.  Best of all, the Algarve Region is home to 42 golf courses and 100 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline.  The rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $720 per month.  If you're worried about citizenship, Portugal offers two plans.  The first plan is the "Gold Visa Program." This program allows you to purchase real estate in Portugal, with the contingency that you stay in the country at least one week every year.  The other plan is called "self-sufficiency residency."  To become a citizen under this plan, you must have an income of $1,300 a month and stay in Portugal for six months per year.  Since the average Social Security income of American retirees is a little over $1,300 a month, many retired Americans would be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

Valletta, Malta

Malta is a small, but beautiful country.  In order to obtain residency, you must rent a house or apartment.  Two-bedroom apartments usually rent for around $915 per month.  Malta is also know to have a vibrant nightlife.

Mazatlan, Mexico

Mexico is one of the aforementioned countries and is home to a growing number of American retirees.  Many people like Mexico because of its close proximity to the U.S., making it easy to frequently return and visit family and friends.  Mazatlan is a city located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico and features twenty miles of beaches.  It is also home to an international airport, fabulous street food, world-class fishing, and a tropical climate. (Note: It is particularly important to note that in recent years, some parts of Mexico have received an official Travel Warning from the U.S. State Department.  It is always wise to check the State Department website before visiting or moving to Mexico,as well as other countries, and before traveling around any country once you have moved there.)

Abruzzo, Italy

The Abruzzo Region of Italy has been called by many "the most overlooked and undervalued" landing spot for American retirees.  Abruzzo is located in central Italy and features a climate similar to the northern half of the United States ... hot in the summer and cold in the winter.  In Abruzzo, it is estimated you could live on about $1,400 a month, which is within the budget of many retirees dependent on Social Security.

Saint-Chinian, France

Saint-Chinian is the perfect city for wine lovers.  The city is located in Southern France and is particularly well-known for the variety of delicious local wines.  It is more expensive than the other places listed here, but you can still live there comfortably for about $2,000 a month.

Can You Leave International Properties In Your Estate Plan?

The simple answer to this question is yes, you can leave international properties in your estate, although, there are a number of issues which will factor into the decision to leave your foreign property in your estate. You must take into consideration the taxation, whether you will need a will in both the U.S and the foreign country, whether that country will honor a U.S will, or whether you need an international will. An additional factor which should be taken into consideration is whether you should leave the property in a trust. For more information, it is advisable to discuss your specific situation with an experienced estate planning attorney.  (Note: You may need both an American attorney and one in the country where you own property.)

More Thoughts on Moving Overseas

The list of international places to retire could be much longer, depending on a wide variety of factors.  At the end of the day, it is up to each person to determine what they are looking for in a retirement community.  If you love golf, then perhaps the Algarve Region of Portugal would be your dream retirement location.  If you are looking for a large expat community, Mazatlan in Mexico may have everything you desire.  What is my advice to you?  Decide what you want, then spend time finding a location which will best meet your needs.

            * * * * * * *

About the Author

Carey Thompson has been practicing Social Security Disability and estate planning law since 2008, after graduating from Texas Wesleyan School of Law, now known as Texas A&M School of Law in Fort Worth, TX.  While at Texas Wesleyan, he served on the Law Review.  Prior to attending Law School, Mr. Thompson was a high school band director for four years, using his degree in music education from Michigan State University.  He is a practicing attorney in Tarrant County, Texas.

            * * * * * *

If you are interested in more information about retirement planning, where to retire in the U.S. and abroad, Social Security, Medicare, common health problems and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of this blog to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Watch for my book, Retirement Awareness: 10 Steps to a Comfortable Retirement, which is due to be released by Griffin Publishing in 2018.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  Google images photo of Portugal.

Seniors - Save Money on Almost Everything!

By the time they retire, many Baby Boomers will face a very difficult financial situation.  The majority of Baby Boomers have simply not saved enough money to keep up the lifestyle they enjoyed before they retired.  Other retirees have discovered that they have enough money to cover their living expenses, but would like to economize so they can travel and pursue other hobbies.

Retirees are handling their financial shortfalls in a variety of ways, including part-time retirement jobs, downsizing to smaller homes, finding roommates, and even moving in with their adult children.  In addition, many Baby Boomers have found there are a variety of areas in their life where they can save money so they can continue to live independently and have an enjoyable lifestyle.

If you had a solid middle class income during your working years, you may not have paid too much attention to how to reduce your expenses.  It is also possible you may have been financially careful in some areas of your life, but did not know how to economize in other ways.  In addition, even if you were good at using discounts when you were younger, you may now learn that some discounts are only available after you reach your mid-60s.

Below is a list of ways you might be able to save money.  These ideas could make your retirement more comfortable and pleasant.  Check out the ideas below and see if you can put any of them to work for you.

Save Money on Trips

* Bring an empty water bottle on airline trips and fill it from the water fountain after you go through security.
* Take your toll transponder with you on road trips within your state to benefit from discounts on the tolls.
* Join AARP and/or AAA and ask hotels and tourist attractions if they offer a discount for members of those organizations.  If they do not, ask if they offer discounts for senior citizens or other types of discounts.
*  AARP members can also save money on long-term airport parking at ParkRideFlyUSA.com, if they pre-book their parking on the website.
*  If you travel overseas, make sure your credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee.
*  Be flexible when booking air travel.  In some cases, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and holidays.

Save Money on Medical Expenses

* Shop around before filling prescriptions and ask if it would be better to use your insurance or pay the retail price.  Surprisingly, sometimes the retail price is less expensive than your insurance co-pay.
*  Once you are on Medicare, you may qualify for the Extra Help program at socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp or call 800-772-1213 and learn how you can save money on your prescriptions.
*  You may also qualify for free medications through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at pparx.org.  It is worth the effort to at least apply.

Save Money on Transportation

*  Make sure you are not wasting money on gas; remove rooftop carriers or anything else which could reduce your mileage. Consolidate your trips, so you are driving as little as possible.  Find local services, such as hair dressers and nail salons, to reduce your driving even more.
*  Keep your tires inflated to boost you gas mileage.
*  Shop around for the least expensive gas in your area; make sure you take into consideration any discounts offered by your grocery store, including Costco, Safeway, Kroger and Vons.
*  Shop for lower priced auto insurance.  It can help if you have a good driving record and take an online safety course.
*  Use public transportation, when possible.  Many cities offer senior vouchers for discount taxi rides, bus tickets, train discounts, etc. You may find it is possible and less expensive to have no car at all.  If you are a two-car couple, you may discover you can get by with just one.

Save Money on Your Lifestyle

*  Raise the thermostat temperature in your home in the summer and lower it in winter.  In the summer, a ceiling fan can reduce your air conditioning costs.
*  Shop for some of your clothes at resale shops or online at Poshmark.com; look for sales before buying other products; purchase reconditioned tools and similar items.  Avoid paying the full retail price whenever possible.
*  Take advantage of discounts and coupons; use discount sites like @AmazonDeals or coupon sites whenever you can. Order discounted gift cards by shopping for gift cards at sites like GiftCardGranny.com or TheGiftCardShop.com.
* Ask your service providers, including your internet provider, cable company, or cell phone service, if they will give you a discount in order to keep your business.  You may also decide to get rid of services you rarely use or do not need. Consider using a prepaid cell phone plan.  You might also decide to eliminate your telephone landline and only use a cell phone.
*  If you need to use an out-of-network ATM, ask your bank to reimburse the fee.
*  Make more of your food from scratch, including your favorite beverages, pizza, salad dressing and soups.  Eat less meat and cheaper cuts, when possible.
*  Buy large containers of soft soap, window cleaner or similar supplies and refill your own bottles.
*  Use dryer balls rather than fabric softener.  They cost less and reduce your use of chemicals.
*  Get your books from the library.
*  Get cash back when you shop, either from a cash back credit card and/or a site like Ebates.
*  Use YouTube videos to make your own simple home repairs, change your own car filters, or even find exercise videos.
*  Get your taxes done for free through the AARP Foundation.  Find out how to make an appointment at aarp.org/taxaide or call 888-687-2277.
*  Use your computer to search for discount codes when you order online.  Try sites like joinhoney.com

Save Money on Personal Care

* Look for cheaper alternatives to products you use.  For example, women could use men's shaving cream, store-brand beauty products, or baby oil to remove eye makeup.  In fact, both men and women may discover store brands which meet their needs quite well.
* Need a massage or haircut?  See if there is a massage school or beauty school in your community.
* Buy your eyeglasses online from sites like zennioptical.com.  If you are an AARP member, you can also save at EyeMed.

Save Money When You Go Out

* Ask for senior discounts at restaurants, movie theaters and wherever they are offered. You can also purchase low cost movie tickets at Costco.com ... although you might save even more at a discount movie theater or by going to matinee performances.
*  When eating out, consider splitting an entree or sticking with appetizers. Check to see which restaurants have specials on certain days, so you can eat out less expensively.  Skip ordering expensive alcoholic beverages at restaurants.  Enjoy a cocktail at home, instead.
*  Look for coupons at Restaurant.com to get discounts at restaurants.
*  Try having dinner at a local culinary school.
*  Watch your local newspaper or check online for free summer concerts, neighborhood events, free museum days, spring training for your favorite baseball team, festivals, parades or other free and low-cost activities in your area.

A number of these ideas came from our personal experience, as well as from the July-August, 2017 issue of the AARP Bulletin.  Many people have found that an AARP membership pays for itself when members take advantage of the discounts which are offered at hotels, Avis and Budget Rent-a-car, a variety of restaurants, movie theaters and other locations.  AARP also has a job website at aarp.org/jobs for those who feel they will need a retirement job, no matter how much money they manage to save.

If you are interested in other retirement planning ideas, suggestions on where to retire in the U.S. and abroad, Social Security, Medicare, common medical problems and more, use the tabs or pull-down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

Watch for my book, Retirement Awareness: 10 Steps to a Comfortable Retirement, which will be released by Griffin Publishing in 2018.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: morguefile.com