Frequently Asked Questions Common questions regarding COVID-19: What are the efficacies of the COVID-19 vaccines? • Pfizer-BioNTech – 95%; two shots • Moderna – 94.1%; two shots • Johnson & Johnson – 72%–86%; one shot What does “efficacy” mean? The efficacy of a vaccine refers to how well it performs in a group of people who received a vaccination in a carefully controlled clinical trial.
other independent living environments. Home care services include: •A ssistance with self-administered medications •P ersonal care (assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, and feeding) •H omemaking (housekeeping, shopping, meal planning and preparation, and transportation) •R espite care (assistance and support provided to the family) • Other nonskilled services
What does the word “vaccine” mean for COVID-19? Many people are under the assumption that once you get the vaccine, you will never have to get it again (as is the case with vaccines for mumps, diphtheria, etc.). That’s not the case for the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, it is not yet known how long the protection lasts for those who are vaccinated. Can you still get COVID-19 after you’ve had the vaccine? What’s the difference? Immunity from the vaccine develops after a couple of weeks, but yes, you can still get COVID-19 or its mutations after getting a vaccine. The vaccine doesn’t prevent coronavirus infection but rather helps protect against serious illnesses. Do any of the three vaccines above change your DNA? No, COVID-19 vaccines do not change your DNA in any way. What is the difference between home care and home healthcare? Home care agencies (HCAs) and home care registries (HCRs) provide nonskilled services to individuals in their homes or 16
Home healthcare is a wide range of healthcare services that can be given in your home for an illness or injury. Examples of skilled home health services include: •W ound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound • Patient and caregiver education • Intravenous or nutrition therapy • Injections •M onitoring serious illness and unstable health status – Medicare.gov What is the difference between a nursing home and a personal care home? Nursing homes are licensed medical facilities that are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They must meet both state and federal regulations. There is third-party reimbursement (Medicare and Medicaid) for those who qualify based on income. Personal care homes are residential facilities that offer personal care services, assistance, and supervision to four or more
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persons. They are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. A personal care home must have a license to operate in Pennsylvania. There are state licensing regulations that apply to personal care homes. These regulations are aimed at protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the residents. There are no federal regulations for personal care homes. There is no thirdparty reimbursement for personal care homes, but many accept residents of low income who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). What is the difference between a personal care home and an assisted living community in Pennsylvania? Many people frequently confuse the two to mean the same thing, which was pretty true until 2011. Personal care homes are for individuals who want to remain independent yet have supervision and help with daily living activities. An assisted living community allows its residents to age in place longer, often making it unnecessary for them to move to a nursing facility. What is the Medicare Savings Program (MSP)? The Medicare Savings Program helps pay for Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if a beneficiary meets certain conditions. What are Medicare Preventive Services? Early detection and treatment of health conditions can help reduce medical costs and maintain health. Many preventive care services are covered at a low or no cost. Talk to your doctor about preventive services available to you through Medicare. What is the Extra Help Program? Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay for prescription costs, premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance of Medicare www.BusinessWomanPA.com
