What is Senior Healthcare? A Complete Guide

Senior healthcare can be complicated, but the basics are actually pretty simple. Learn how to maximize your senior years to be healthier and happier than ever! This guide on senior healthcare covers everything from what Medicare does and does not cover to how Medicare Advantage works to how you can stay healthy and active for as long as possible! By the end of this comprehensive guide on senior health care, you’ll be ready to call yourself an expert!

What are the Common Health Risks Associated with Aging?

Compared to younger people, seniors have a higher risk for a few specific health issues. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and several forms of cancer are all more prevalent among the elderly population. Despite the fact that each of these disorders has its own set of symptoms, some universal warning signs may indicate it’s time to see a doctor:

• Having trouble with what used to be routine daily activities
• The gaining or losing of weight without trying to do so
• An extreme lack of energy
• Chronic instability; a propensity to lose one’s balance
• Dizziness
• Constantly feeling under the weather
• Disturbed sleep
• abrupt and perplexing shifts in temperament
• Disruption of conversation or inability to focus

The best course of action if you or a loved one is suffering any of the above symptoms is to see a doctor for a thorough checkup. Treatment of many of these illnesses is feasible, particularly if the illness is diagnosed at an early stage.

Which Tests and Exams Should Senior Citizens Schedule?

Seniors should routinely visit their doctors for a number of different exams and tests to ensure their health and well-being. Not limited, the following examples may be given!

• Checkups with your primary care doctor once a year
• Vaccination against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza
• Checking blood pressure annually beginning around age 50
• It is recommended to start getting your cholesterol checked every five years once you reach the age of 45.
• Mammograms every year beginning at age 50
• Colon cancer screenings should be performed annually beginning at age 50.
• Screening for prostate cancer begins around age 50.
• These are examples of tests and screenings that seniors should consider getting. If you or a loved one is wondering what is best for your unique health situation, it is best to check with your primary care physician.

The Basics of Medicare Benefit

People who are 65 or older are eligible to enroll in Medicare, a federal health insurance program. Medicare eligibility isn’t limited to those aged 65 and over; younger people with impairments are also eligible for benefits. Additionally, Medicare will cover treatment for people of any age who have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Social Security Act of 1965, creating this social insurance program to guarantee pensioners and those who meet the program’s requirements access to affordable senior healthcare. The program is funded through payroll taxes paid by both employees and employers (self-employed individuals pay both portions of the tax). Medicare initially only paid for in-patient care, but it has now expanded to include other types of medical expenses.

Things that Medicare Does Not Cover for Seniors

Medicare provides for the vast majority of the healthcare needs of senior citizens in the United States. Medicare does not pay for everything, though. Some necessities that still need to be met by the assistance plan are listed below.

Ophthalmology

Original Medicare does pay some ophthalmologic expenses, such as laser eye surgery, but it does not cover the costs of routine eye exams, glasses, or contacts. Multiple Medicare Advantage plans, however, do include coverage for routine eye care and the cost of glasses.

Hearing exams and aids

While Medicare Parts A and B don’t pay for annual audiologist visits or hearing aids, they do cover catastrophic disorders affecting the ear.

Cosmetic dentistry

Medicare Part B and Medigap policies do not cover preventive dental care or major dental work like dentures or root canals.

Cosmetics

In most cases, Medicare will not pay for cosmetic procedures that are purely elective, such as a tummy tuck or a facelift. Accidents are the only time it will pay for elective cosmetic surgery.

Medical treatment abroad

There is no coverage for medical expenses outside the United States under Original Medicare or the majority of M.A. plans.

A Guide to Medicare Enrollment

The federal Social Security administration’s website accepts Medicare enrollment applications. You can apply online or in person at the regional office. You may get a comprehensive list of the required paperwork and other details on the Social Security administration’s website. The website will also allow you to see where your application stands.

The CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) will respond to your application by mail after it has been submitted. They will issue you a Medicare card and provide you with a welcome package. You should expect more materials and recommendations to be part of the bundle.

Guidelines for Receiving Medicare Benefits

Medicare coverage and payment benefits can be complicated, but establishing eligibility is straightforward. Medicare coverage begins for most American seniors at age 65. In addition, seniors who are eligible for Social Security benefits are enrolled automatically within the last 90 days before their 65th birthday. However, they need to be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and have been here for at least five years. To further broaden Medicare’s reach, it may be available to Americans under the age of 65 who are disabled or have end-stage renal disease according to Social Security’s criteria.

Medicare Enrollment Options for Seniors

Medicare enrollment is open to eligible seniors between the ages of 65 and 67 for a total of 7 months, beginning three months prior to their 65th birthday and ending three months after their birthday. When an individual receives SSDI benefits for 24 months or reaches the age of 65, they are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare enrollment is mandatory for seniors over the age of 65 who do not receive retirement benefits from Social Security.

Final Thoughts

Medicare is often misunderstood and underutilized by the same elderly it was designed to help. This is mainly due to how challenging they find the topic to grasp. The various Medicare components, benefits, coverage plans, and Medigap alternatives might be confusing to many seniors. This guide will help you understand all the complex aspects of senior healthcare so you can choose the best for you and your loved ones!