Tag: Medicare
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The Flu & You
The flu shot is a vaccine that helps to prevent the flu, an illness caused by infection with the influenza virus. Viruses are very small germs that cause illnesses. Flu is a contagious disease, with symptoms such as fever, cough, headaches, body aches, sore throat and fatigue. For older people, especially those who have chronic…
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Medicare: What’s What and Who Pays For It?
We at Sage PLUS Program/Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) often get calls on our hotline from individuals who are confused about “who pays for what,” especially when it comes to care facilities (nursing homes, care homes, assisted living facilities and foster family homes). Let’s take a look at each care facility option, and…
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What’s in the Health Care Law for You – Today
Many families across Hawai‘i already know how the new health care law, the Affordable Care Act, is helping them. They’ve been able to maintain health care coverage for their college-age children, or buy health insurance after being previously labeled “uninsurable.” Many more have obtained discounts on expensive prescription drugs. Still, you may be wondering, What’s…
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Safe Harbor Home Care, Inc.
Are you a caregiver to your mom, dad or others in your family? Have you ever thought about seeking assistance but felt guilty about accepting outside help? You may feel like you’re giving up on your elders, but, in fact, receiving help can actually make you a better caregiver. Taking care of your elders means…
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What’s Special in 2012 with Medicare
The holidays quickly came and went, along with December 7th, which is the end of Medicare’s annual enrollment period. Some folks missed their opportunity to add, change or drop their Medicare plan, and they want to know if they have any options now that the annual enrollment period is over. There are several opportunities to…
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AARP: Saving Money on Prescriptions – Ask for Generic Drugs
Usually when a doctor prescribes a medication during an appointment, we take the prescription slip and head for the door. But a savings-savvy patient will pause and ask, Is there a generic version? This simple question may save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year. Take Zocor, a popular drug that treats high cholesterol,…
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Put On Your Thinking Cap: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
It is that time of year (and this year it is even earlier), when you need to take a moment to think about your Medicare health coverage. Is my plan still meeting my needs? Are my prescription drugs covered? Is it affordable? Are there new plans out there that may better suite my needs? Do…
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Getting the Most from Your Medicare
Now is the time to get the most out of your Medicare. The best way to stay healthy is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can live a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease by exercising, eating well, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking. Medicare can help. Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep…