Shingles shot savings

Brought to you by- Jay Looft, Senior Source Medicare

I wrote about Medicare coverage on the Shingles Shot Vaccine several years ago, but beginning this year coverage of the vaccine has changed.

Prior to 2023, the Shingles Shot was subject to deductibles and copays, and was placed into higher drug tier levels. However, due to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, beginning this year the Shingles Shot will be covered by Medicare Part D plans for $0 cost.

This is exciting news!

So, whether you are on a Medicare Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan (typically paired with Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement) or the “all in one” Medicare Advantage plan (through private insurance companies), the cost for the Shingles Shot will be $0!

You can get the Shingles Shot at your in-network local retail pharmacy or your doctor’s office. If you don’t have any form of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, the Shingles Shot will cost around $200 using a discount code from one of the popular prescription drug discount websites.

If you need help navigating your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan options, or just have questions, please give us a call or text us at (770) 913-6464 or visit our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com to send us a message.

Medicare 101 Educational Workshop Coming Soon!

Within the next several weeks we will begin getting the word out about upcoming dates and times on our Medicare 101 Workshops.

Whether you are new to Medicare, or simply looking for a refresher course, we would like to invite you to attend. We take the word “Educational” to heart, meaning no sales talk, just the nuts and bolts of Medicare and how it pieces together. We will be communicating these dates and times in the newspaper, but also through our blog. Sign up to receive our blog updates at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com/Blog

Brought to You by Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs

While February brings thoughts of those we love and Valentine’s Day cards, the best gift of all is to remember it’s also American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for those over age 65 and is still the leading cause of death in this country. Over 800,000 deaths a year are due to cardiovascular disease. The good news is it’s largely preventable, so let’s review how to improve and maintain your heart health.

Monitoring your blood pressure is a key indicator of where you stand with your heart health. Yet only 48 per cent of people aged 50 to 80 who take medication or have a health condition affected by high blood pressure (or hypertension) monitor it on a regular basis. Preventing hypertension lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke. So setting a regular schedule and getting a blood pressure monitor you can learn to use at home is the start of knowing the numbers for your heart health journey.

Eating a healthy diet with a variety of food with potassium, fiber, protein, and importantly is lower in salt is critical. Flavor your food using more spices, eat salads and steamed vegetables. Select grilled poultry or fish and avoid heavy sauces, salad dressings and fats. This will help you get to or keep a healthy weight.

Staying physically active and reducing stress comes next. Moderate walking or other forms of physical exercise can do wonders. While 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is recommended, be sure to check with your doctor about forming a personalized plan of action and regular visits that are right for your current health status. Social isolation can also impact your stress levels, so staying in touch with friends, community groups and family is an important part of the picture.

Sleep is emerging as an ever increasing factor in heart health. It keeps your blood vessels healthy, and not getting enough sleep on a regular basis correlate to increased rates of stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. Aim for a regular schedule and seven to eight hours of sleep.

Stop smoking and be careful about alcohol consumption for a healthy heart. So, if this is an issue, monitor your use and start a plan to cut back.

At Home Helpers, we know how important a skilled and well-matched Caregiver is to helping an older loved one maintain their heart health. Whether it’s making sure a moderate walk can be done without fear of a fall risk, regularly monitoring blood pressure and vital signs, following a nutritious diet, keeping a regular sleep schedule, or creating social bonds to battle loneliness, we strive to make each day the best it can be.

Our heart centered Caregivers can assist with all personal care, help around the house, safely speed up recovery from surgery, or provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s, etc.

We’re here to help - from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 and livein care. For a free consultation contact Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs today at (770) 6810323.