Better Health - November 2019 by repubnews

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Better Health D

BEWARE: Scams targeting seniors, D2 CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS: it’s about body and brain, D4 MEDICARE: MA Advantage plans for 2020 open enrollment, D5

| SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

It has been estimated that only

1-in-5 PEOPLE

WHO NEED A HEARING AID ACTUALLY WEARS ONE.

By Anne-Gerard Flynn

the sound date back to around 1950 with the first fully digital Audiologist Susan Bankoski hearing aid introduced at the Chunyk of Hampden Hearing end of the 20th century. Center in East Longmeadow Today’s aids all come with thinks that is unfortunate. a computer chip that can be She has been fitting people programmed with the use of with hearing aids for more computer technology for an than 35 years and says today’s individual’s specific needs. technology has something for “The traditional type that just about everyone’s hearing features an aid behind the loss. ear has been updated with She said aids now are small- the new digital technology,” er and can be regulated more Chunyk said. discretely and that the com“They are all digital and puter chips inside them recog- have been for quite a while nize different sound types now.” and can be programmed to She added, “It is all about adjust volume accordingly as how smart and how advanced well as to meet an individual’s is that computer chip that is in specific hearing needs. there.” Bluetooth technology Bluetooth technology allows allows for direct streaming for wireless programming as of sound into the ears from well as streaming from smart smartphones and other devices. devices and, she adds, always “We can hook an individimproving applications from ual’s aid up to their smartmanufacturers enable those phone so the sound from telephones to act as remote conphone calls or from music and trols in adjusting volume and videos – any sound content on sound in a variety of settings their phone – can go directly as well. into their ears,” Chunyk said. “Sometimes people have “So, you have basically the idea that there is nothing turned the aids into wireless that can be done for them. headphones but what makes They might feel their hearing the aids better in my opinion is not bad enough or they than the wireless headphones might feel like their hearing that you buy from the store is so bad that nothing can be is that the sound is custom done,” Chunyk said. shaped for what an individu“Sometimes I find they were al’s ears need.” told 40 years ago, hearing She added, “They are fineaids won’t help you. If there is tuned specifically for their anyone who heard that, that hearing.” is not true today. The tech“The sound is being shaped nology can fit a wide range for what the individual needs of hearing losses from mild and they get the sound directto profound and, if it gets to ly streaming and on top of this the point where hearing aids manufacturers’ apps turn the don’t do the trick, we refer phone into a remote control people for a cochlear implant to make adjustments. A lot and they can have that and of people have trouble on that technology continues to the phone. It is not a matter get better, too.” of hearing the phone, it is a Efforts to address hearing matter of understanding the loss from damage to the inner words. It is the clarity.” ear date back centuries, but Chunyk said all but the small, one-piece devices with smallest of aids come with microphones to catch sounds, Bluetooth technology that amplifiers to enhance and allows the chip to use this send them to a speaker and wireless technology to be programmed from a computer. molds in the ear to channel Special to The Republican

“We can program so much into the computer chip when it is hooked up to the computer wirelessly because there is Bluetooth technology and this allows us to give people what they need where they need it without overdoing it,” Chunyk said. “There was a time when, if a person came in and had really good hearing for low pitches, for example, but not so good for high, we would say, ‘Go away and when your hearing

technology to help them.” She called the computer chip “the ringleader that tells everything what to do.” “With today’s technology, it will act differently depending on what sound is coming in,” Chunyk said. “It knows the difference between speech and not speech. The chip can control what the components of the aid do to make that work right. It knows soft, medium and loud sounds and because

tell her they want an aid that “will make all the background noise go away.” “Well, you don’t really want that and it can’t be done,” Chunyk said. “But what we want to make sure happens is that the technology will do what it needs to do so that the background noise won’t overwhelm what you are trying to listen to. It is not a perfect situation. It is not what our brains and ears do naturally but every level of technology, every level of improvement makes it that much better.” Chunyk said one type of hearing aid that has cornered a large share of today’s market has done so because the sound receiver is literally tucked into the ear. “The style might look similar to the traditional behind the ear, but what is different is that the speaker part actually sits inside your ear. If you think of this aid as a public announcement system, the part in the ear is the speaker,” Chunyk said. “It sits so much closer to your eardrum and this means sound does not have to travel down the tube to affect it. It is more natural. It also leaves the ear canal more open so people’s own voices sound good.” Sound travels down a wire into the speaker as electronic sound after it is processed by the computer chip. “The wearer can still use a Audiologist Susan Chunyk of Hampden Hearing Center has toggle on the case of the aid to been fitting people with aids for more than 35 years. She said adjust volume or use a smartcomputer chips turn today’s aids into smart devices. phone with an app to turn the (ANNE-GERARD FLYNN PHOTO) phone into a remote control to adjust volume on the computgets worse, come back.’ This we are programming the er,” Chunyk said. might have given the impres- sounds through the computer She added, “Through using sion that the person did not software, we can say if it is an app you can adjust the need hearing aids, which was a soft sound, we want this volume, you can select among not necessarily true. We just much power. We want very different programs.” did not have the technology to little or no power if it is a loud “Sometimes we will set up help them. Now, if someone sound. We just want it to go settings for music or a specific just has a mild or moderate right through. If it is average kind of listening situation degree of hearing loss, they sound, give the person this like church or a classroom are struggling, especially in much.” – some place specific where background noise, we have Chunyk said that people will you spend time but are having

trouble different from your general listening situation,” Chunyk said. “You can have up to four different programs that you can select through the app and say, for example, ‘OK, now I am on my music program,’ and you can do all of that through the phone. You can make adjustments automatically.” Chunyk said that she “recently had a woman who uses the receiver-in-the-ear style come in for her progress check.” “The time before we paired her aid with her iPhone so she could stream phone calls hands free and during the progress check we paired her iPad because she said she wanted to do FaceTime with her family,” said Chunyk of the aid whose battery is rechargeable. “The manufacturer has a new app that just came out and we went over all that and now she can talk directly to her family out on the other coast and have it stream directly into her devices.” The use of what Chunyk called “real ear” or “probe microphone” measurements allow audiologists to ensure a hearing aid’s optimal amplification for the individual using it. This involves the placement of tiny microphones in each ear canal to measure the canal’s influence on sound with and without an aid. The test basically measures what is gained in terms of sound from the use of the hearing aid and what adjustments need to be made to match sound quality prescribed for the best benefit. “Real ear or probe microphone measurements allow us when we first fit someone with an aid to adjust the aid’s settings where we think the person will be, but then make a physical measurement,” Chunyk said. SEE HEARING, PAGE D2

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D2 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

Hearing CONTINUED FROM PAGE D1

“This sets up targets in the software that say, OK, this is how much we need at all these different pitches for soft, medium and loud sounds and we get as close to those targets as we can in programming the chip so we know for sure that is how they will get their best speech understanding.” She added, “We basically tell the chip, this is what you do for this, this is what you do for that, and then that sets the default and the person can adjust the volume and if they come back and find they need fine tuning, then we adjust again.” Chunyk said the need for physical measurement is based on the fact that “there is a natural resonance of sound in any ear where there is an increase in volume based on the size and shape of your ear canal.” “There is a little peak,” Chunyk said. “For humans it is in the area where speech information is. In elephants, dogs and ants, the peak is going to be different. By making that measure-

ment with people we factor in the acoustics of their own individual ear canal and that makes hearing through the aid much more precise and also a lot more comfortable. We know we are delivering the best sound qualities so you don’t have to put so much more energy into listening.” Chunyk added that most people need an aid in each ear. “Most people have the same hearing in both ears. It does not make sense to fit one – we jokingly say if you had vision problems in both eyes would you wear a monocle - of course not,” Chunyk said. “Your brain needs the sound from both sides to balance the sound, tell direction and that sort of thing.” Chunyk said that the aids arrive from the manufacturer with “just a test program in them.” “The manufacturer doesn’t know who the aid is coming to or what they need,” Chunyk said. “We hook them up wirelessly and then we can program them and the person comes in and we measure it and fine tune. We teach them how to use it and send them home and when they come back, we

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usually do some fine tuning to get the sound to be more acceptable. She added, “There is an adjustment period because your brain got used to not hearing a lot of environmental sounds and now that is all back.” “You need to give your brain a chance to get acclimated to know what needs attention and what needs to be ignored,” Chunyk said. She also said equating hearing loss with aging can delay some people in seeking help until lack of clarity at some life event brings someone to her for a hearing evaluation. “I wish I could say the whole stigma with hearing aids has gone away but it hasn’t,” said Chunyk who works with audiologist Jennifer Lundgren Garcia. “People still equate wearing one with being old. This is ridiculous because if you sit in my waiting room you will see that who needs a hearing aid runs the gamut.” She added that during her more than three decades of being an audiologist she has seen “so many changes.” “I remember when we made adjustments to a hearing aid with a tiny little screwdriver. We had a control on the face plate or behind a door on the back of the aid and would make an adjustment on what is called the potentiometer,” Chunyk said. “We could make an adjustment over a very narrow range. We would do that and we would say, ‘How does that sound?’ It would be either good or bad and we would make another adjustment.” “Now, because of the computer programming,” she said, “there are so many combinations of things that we can do that we can get where we need to be that much sooner in the process so people are satisfied.”

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Beware of

Scams

Targeting

Seniors By Tiera N. Wright

ents’ finances, behavior and courts to intervene.” physical appearance. “The Ultimately, Loiko explains We’ve all experienced best way to help a senior who that the financial ramifithe nuisance and frequenis scammed is to catch it as cations of senior scams cy of unwarranted phone early as possible,” says Loiko. shouldn’t be a family’s sole calls, voicemails and emails Loved ones, or those respon- focus as there are other scams affecting seniors as well. “A claiming to be the IRS, a sible, should regularly moncredit card company, a free itor the seniors in their lives’ lot of times seniors become lonely, especially if they have vacation giveaway, or even bank accounts, phone bills, a relative or friend needing and “even run periodic credit lost their spouse and their to be bailed out of jail. While checks to see if there are new adult children have [lives of their own]” she says, conmost ignore these advances accounts opened in their cluding, “getting the trust of by simply hitting the decline name.” A senior’s behavior a senior and then using that or delete button, some people and physical appearance are trust to gain control over their do fall victim to these scams; also key indicators that they namely seniors. have fallen prey to scammers. lives whether it is financial or ‘power’ is easy to do if family “The internet and teleIn addition to the financial is not there to witness what is phone add to the vulnerabil- strains that can happen as going on.” ity of seniors,” says Danielle a result of a scam, seniors Located at 110 Monastery Loiko, Marketing Manager can also experience bouts of Avenue in West Springfield at Landmark at Monastery depression and anxiety, as Heights; an assisted living well as changes in their eating since 2001, Landmark at Monastery community that Heights was foralso specializes in memory care. “It “It is too easy to have someone merly the home and monastery is too easy to have for Passionist someone call and call and say, ‘your grandson is monks. Set on say, ‘your grandson is in jail and in jail and needs money’ and for 18 beautiful acres, Landmark needs money’ and features “a counfor them to take them to take it at face value.” try like setting it at face value.” full of historic In addition to the In addition to the pervasive charm,” says pervasive financial Loiko. Amenities scams, Loiko adds financial scams, Loiko adds include, but are that people also not limited to use mental and that people also use mental 24/7 staffing, physical manipuemergency lation to convince and physical manipulation response system, seniors to change three Chef and sign over their to convince seniors to change prepared meals a power of attorney, day, a wide range health care proxy, and sign over their power of of daily activiand even their ties and weekly wills. “Seniors can attorney, health care proxy, excursions, become isolated housekeeping, and lonely and any and even their wills. church services, attention that they and medication receive can quickly management. blur their judgment,” says Loiko. While prevention is ideal, habits and interpersonal To request more informait is inevitable that scammers interactions. Furthermore, will succeed in duping some says Loiko, “you can’t always tion about Landmark at Monastery Heights or to of their targets. Adds Loiko, go back and fix the damage “as seniors become educatthat has been done, especially schedule a tour, visit www. ed on the ‘latest’ scam, the if it is monetarily, but getting landmarkseniorliving.com or call 413-781-1282. scammers will come up with [the] power of attorney and something else.” As a result, health care proxy, and other loved ones should be mindful documents changed back can of their parents or grandpar- be done, sometimes requiring Special to The Republican

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 | D3

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Keeping

Veterans in Good Health Keeping Veterans in Good Health Telehealth technology helps Veteran patients stay connected

Telehealth technology helps Veteran patients stay connected

Barbara Jones, left, telehealth coordinator and telehealth nurse manager for VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, speaks with Maureen Chapman, a VA advanced telehealth clinical technician, while doing a function check on equipment at a telehealth exam room at the VA medical center in Northampton. On the screen is Sherry Johns, a VA advanced telehealth clinical technician from a VA outpatient clinic in Worcester.

VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

Telehealth Fair Invitation to Veterans and their families When: Time: Where:

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Edward P. Boland VA Medical Center 421 North Main St., Leeds, MA The Learning Center Building One, Room 1265

VA Telehealth staff and national VA Telehealth vendors will demonstrate the latest technology used to provide state-of-the-art services Featured demonstrations include: • Video services to home • Remote monitoring of chronic health conditions • Telehealth access station with high definition camera and stethoscope • VA issued tablet with Mental Health and Wellness Apps

1-844-VA CARES • www.centralwesternmass.va.gov

3123975-01

A Veteran who is a full-time an Internet connection and data. This has been particucaretaker with two children web camera to create an onlarly helpful for Veterans with under the age of 5 needed line medical appointment. chronic health conditions mental health. To help area Veterans navsuch as diabetes, congestive Living in the Berkshires, he igate this new world of medheart failure, chronic obstrucwas having a tough time mak- icine, a telehealth resource tive pulmonary disease, and ing appointments at the local fair will be held Wednesday, hypertension. U.S. Department of Veterans Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Telehealth has also been Affairs clinic. at the Edward P. Boland valuable for Veterans who Now he manages his care Department of Veterans need to see specialists that are from his home through a com- Affairs Medical Center on the in high demand or have limputer and speaks with a VA Northampton VA campus in ited availability, such as sleep counselor via live video. The Learning Center in room medicine, endocrinology or Another Veteran from Fitch- 1265 in Building 1. advanced liver care. burg needed an immediate Jones is holding the fair Veterans are even able to mental health appointment to answer questions from participate in the VA’s very and the VA Central Western Veterans intrigued by the idea successful “MOVE!” program Massachusetts Healthcare of telehealth but who have not – a health promotion initiaSystem, based in Northampyet decided on whether it is tive for weight management ton, was able to see a local right for them. where Veterans can see a regVA psychologist within 15 Jones and other experts will istered dietitian and wellness minutes using a secure app via also be at the fair to demonexperts. his smartphone. strate how equipment works “It allows efficient use of Another Veteran is saving such as high definition camer- these specialists as they can trips he otherwise would as with medical instruments stay in one location but can need to make to a VA medical and the use of VA-issued then see Veterans anywhere center by having his blood computer tablets to access they live without the Veteran sugar and blood pressure mental health and wellness having to drive long distancchecked daily and monitored information. es,” said Jones. by a VA nurse. Through the One of the growing initiaThat’s an important considmonitoring, the nurse even tives that will be discussed eration, according to feedback discovered the veteran was is the “VA Video Connect” VA has received from Veternot taking the medications he program, an application avail- ans. was prescribed. able on a computer desktop, “The single greatest value in “This is the new and ever smartphone or tablet that having a telehealth program growing world of health care, allows Veterans to participate is access,” said Jones. “Teleand VA is investing significant in a video appointment that is health increases access when resources and our Veterans are technology to experiencing keep our Vetto care. We are using telehealth in tremendous barriers eran patients We are using connected ways to overcome barriers such as lack of telehealth in and in good tremendous ways transportation, work or school schedule to overcome barhealth from any location no riers such as lack conflicts or child care demands. matter where of transportation, they live,” said work or school Barbara Jones, schedule conthe telehealth coordinator and encrypted to ensure a private, flicts or child care demands. telehealth nurse manager for secure session. For us, it’s been a great way to VA Central Western Mas“If you have an Android or provide continuity of care.” sachusetts, which oversees an iPhone, it’s easy to use,” Jones shares the story of a sites of care in Northampsaid Maureen Chapman, an Veteran in western Massachuton, Springfield, Pittsfield, advanced telehealth clinical setts who recently started to Greenfield, Worcester and technician for VA Central use telehealth for counseling Fitchburg. Western Mass, who helps appointments using video visBased on its success and Veterans with VA Video its. During one of the visits, widespread positive feedConnect appointments. “Our the Veteran displayed his milback from Veterans, the VA Veterans tell us they love it itary decorations and awards, Central Western Mass and its because it saves them time which he had never discussed parent organization, VA New and gives them access to VA before with his psychologist. England Healthcare System, care without having to drive “They were able to connect is part of the largest telemedi- long distances.” in a way that they had not cine initiative in the country. Since VA rolled out the VA been able to before,” said “We’re able to meet VetVideo Connect program in Jones. “Some of our other erans where they are,” said 2018, thousands of Veterans clinicians have been able to Jones, who lives in Sunderacross the nation are now remeet family members and land and has been a registered ceiving care via a secure, live even pets when doing a video nurse with VA for 17 years. video telehealth appointment call, helping us to better un“Our goal is to provide the with high patient satisfaction derstand a Veteran’s home life right care in the right place at scores, said Jones. and support systems. Telethe right time through the use In the past 18 months in the health changes health care of state-of-the-art technoloVA Central Western Mass delivery.” gies.” system, nearly 250 Veterans To learn more about VA’s Called Telehealth, the attended VA Video Connect telehealth program in cenVA offers smartphone- and appointments with more than tral and western Massachucomputer-based technology 90 VA care team members, setts or to find out if you are for its patients, ranging from said Jones. eligible for VA health care, two-way encrypted tele-conIn addition to VA Video contact the VA call center ferencing systems that are Connect, 725 Veterans have in Northampton at 1-800equipped with everything used telehealth programs 893-1522, Monday through from stethoscopes and other where VA care coordinators Friday between the hours of monitor a Veteran’s medical 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. medical equipment to using

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D4 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

Prevent a Fall Five Simple Ways to Stay Steady on Your Feet.

Melissa Moriarty,

Physical Therapist at CORE Physical Therapy at Holyoke Medical Center The Task Force concluded apart provides more stabiliFalls are the that exercise is the best way ty than standing with them No. 1 Cause of to prevent falls and fall-relat- close together. “Stand and ed injuries. “Exercise helps walk with your feet spread injury among to maintain stability and apart to give yourself a wider balance,” says Moriarty. “We base of support,” says Moriadults ages 65 typically focus on the lower arty. “If you’re standing for a and older. Slipping body, the core and reducing prolonged period, bend your stiffness in the ankles and knees a little. This lowers on the bathroom hips. For people with balyour center of gravity and can ance problems, we can also floor or stumbling do vestibular rehabilitation help improve your stability.” 4. CHECK YOUR therapy.” over a loose HOUSE FOR HAZARDS. In addition to exercise, area rug can, One of the most common are five other things unfortunately, lead here causes of falls among older you can do to avoid people is tripping or slipping fall-related injuries: to disabling or at home. Some hazards may seem obvious, like shoes left potentially deadly 1. PURCHASE in the middle of the floor, but SHOES WITH others may be harder to spot. injuries. About 3 million people ages 65 and older are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries every year, and more than 800,000 wind up hospitalized, usually from a head injury or hip fracture, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fall death rates have increased by 30 percent over the past decade. “A fall-related injury can reduce a person’s mobility and independence, which can have a big impact on his or her quality of life,” says Melissa Moriarty, a physical therapist at CORE Physical Therapy at Holyoke Medical Center. As you get older, muscle strength, flexibility and vision decline, and you’re more likely to have trouble with balance. Side effects from medications, such as antidepressants and sedatives, can also affect balance and increase your risk of falling. Other risk factors include lower body weakness, vitamin D deficiency and foot pain, according to the CDC. Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published updated recommendations for preventing falls.

GOOD SUPPORT.

The type of shoes you wear can help you stay sure-footed. Look for high quality shoes that are not only comfortable but also have a high back, low heel and non-slip soles. “Avoid flip-flops and shoes that your feet slide into because they don’t give you the proper support,” says Moriarty. “Feet are the base of the body’s support, so a shoe with good arch and ankle support will improve your stability.”

2. TAKE IT SLOW WHEN YOU STANDUP.

“Scatter rugs and thresholds are things people aren’t usually concerned about,” says Moriarty. “I recommend checking your house. Make sure pathways aren’t cluttered and scatter rugs won’t slip. Make sure that the areas where you walk, especially at night, are well lit.” It’s also a good idea to add grab bars in bathrooms and railings along stairways.

5. USE AN ASSISTIVE DEVICE.

If you make all these changes and still feel unsteady on your feet, consider getting an assistive device like a cane or a walker to help you get around safely and independently. “A lot of people are hesitant about using an assistive device,” says Moriarty. “But once we show them how, they usually feel more stable and confident when they’re walking around.”

Many people experience occasional light-headedness when they stand up. This occurs as a result of blood pressure changes, and it becomes more pronounced as you get older. Some medications exacerbate this dizziness. “When you first stand from sitting or lying down, pause for 30 to 45 seconds to make If you’ve fallen or are sure you have your bearings,” experiencing balance probsays Moriarty. “Be sure any lems, call CORE Physical dizziness goes away before Therapy at 413.534.2555. you start to walk.”

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

It’s not just about the body or the brain,

but both.

Have you ever wondered restlessness, poor self-care, social interactions. how it happened? You went sadness, irritability, and loss A mental health professional to your doctor with a physiof pleasure in activities that can help a patient with CMC and depression to adequately cal complaint and ended up the person used to enjoy. It alleviate depressive sympwith a referral for mental disrupts the person’s mood, health services. Well, the ability to relate to others and toms, to better manage the challenges associated with good news is your doctor daily functioning as well as the medical condition, as well knows that chronic medical the ability to cope with daily as to improve his quality of conditions (CMC) come with routines. an increased risk for mental The overlapping symptoms life, and life expectancy. The stigma surrounding health conditions such as de- between medical and mental mental illness sometimes pression. Many experts agree conditions make it difficult, - the biologic circumstances at times, to precisely identify affects people’s willingness to engage in mental health serthat caused the CMC can also the presence of depression. vices. However, there are sevcause changes in the brain Why is it so important to that precipitate depression. accurately assess depressive eral types of evidence-based therapies available to treat There’s also clinical evidence symptoms in patients with that treatment of one condiCMC? Studies show individ- depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is tion can affect the outcome uals living with coexisting one of the most widely used for the other. medical and mental contherapies to treat and alleviStatistics are clear. 80% ditions experience poorer ate depression. CBT is based of adults 65 years and older physical health and marked in the assumption are living with at that depression is least one CMC. maintained by a Someone living pattern of distortwith a CMC is STATISTICS ARE CLEAR. ed thinking that three times more 80% OF ADULTS 65 YEARS result in negative likely to experiemotions and malence depression AND OLDER ARE LIVING WITH adaptive behavthan someone AT LEAST ONE CHRONIC iors. For instance, with good physical someone living health. A CMC is MEDICAL CONDITION (CMC). with CMC might defined as an illSOMEONE LIVING WITH A CMC have developed ness that is of prodistorted thoughts longed duration, IS THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY about the medical occurs by complex TO EXPERIENCE DEPRESSION conditions, self, causes, multiple and future. During risk factors, and THAN SOMEONE WITH GOOD sessions, the presents a generPHYSICAL HEALTH. individual develally slow progresops new thinking sion, such as heart patterns, thus imdisease, diabetes, proving emotions arthritis, cancer, and assuming more adaptive chronic pain, and more. deterioration of quality of behaviors which can posiMajor Depressive Disorlife compared to those who tively affect physical health der is characterized by poor are not depressed. Thus, it outcomes. concentration, guilt, hopeis important to consider a If you or someone you love lessness, worthlessness, loss multidisciplinary approach. is going through a difficult of libido, indecisiveness, When medical and mental suicidal thoughts, altered ap- health providers work togeth- time coping with a CMC and depression, you can be the petite, change of weight, lack er, they can help the person of energy, sleep disturbance, relieve physical and emotion- difference in getting help. Trained professionals can al symptoms. For instance, someone facing a CMC might help you and your loved ones to feel better. Spread the be coping with a readjustment in ability, sense of self, word. self-confidence, family and

Carmen M. Ortiz-Mendoza, Ph.D.

completed her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Carlos Albizu University, San Juan PR Campus. She is currently working as an Outpatient Clinician in School Street Counseling Institute, part of Behavioral Health Network, Inc. She provides individual therapy, clinical assessments, case consultations, and case presentations to children and adults with mental and medical codiagnosis.

3. USE A WIDE STANCE.

Standing with your feet

Lose Weight. Live Better.

Get Well. We Can Help. Mental Health | Addiction | Crisis

Call the Weight Management Program at (413) 535-4757.

With our medical help, you can reach, and maintain, your healthiest body weight. Our team of experts has the experience and technology to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Equally important, we are committed to helping you keep the weight off — for life. Call the Weight Management Program at (413) 535-4757.

HolyokeHealth.com

Call Today

Agawam: (413) 786-6410 Greenfield: (413) 737-2439 Holyoke: (413) 536-5473 Springfield: (413) 733-1423 Ware: (413) 967-6241 Westfield: (413) 568-6141 24-Hour Crisis Lines Springfield: (413) 733-6661 Westfield: (413) 568-6386

www.bhninc.org

F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 9

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 | D5

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MEDICARE GUIDE

Massachusetts Medicare Advantage plans for 2020 open enrollment Open enrollment runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7

Dollar amounts and percentages indicate the per service fee or portion of the service fee for which the patient is responsible on a given health insurance plan. Deductibles and out-of-pocket expenditure caps may apply and vary by plan.

Aetna Medicare

Quality Rating (5 = best rating)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Fallon Medicare

Aetna Medicare Explorer Plan (PPO)

Aetna Medicare Explorer Premier Plan (PPO)

Medicare PPO Blue PlusRx

Medicare PPO Blue SaverRx

Medicare PPO Blue ValueRx

Fallon Medicare Plus Blue HMO

Fallon Medicare Plus Green HMO

Fallon Medicare Plus Orange HMO

rrrrt

rrrr

Statewide members

8,000+

County service areas*

Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester

Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester

Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester

Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester

Monthly premium**

$56

$262

$76-$86

$100-$238

$51-$104

Maximum out-of-pocket per year

$6,700 in network $6,700 in and out of network

$3,400 in network $5,100 in and out of network

$6,700 in network $6,700 in and out of network

$4,900 in network $4,900 in and out of network

$3,400 in network

$6,700 in network

Medical deductible per year

Drug deductible per year

$300

$200

$405

$320

$300

Drug co-pays

Research whether your medications are covered and your copay amounts at Medicare.gov or ask insurer for details.

Estimated total cost of care

$4,326

$4,974

$6,918

$4,518

$5,058-$5,178

$4,446-$6,102

$4,518-$5,154

$4,506

Doctor visits

Primary doctor: $5 in network: $25 out of network Specialist: $40 in network; $50 out of network

Primary doctor: $5 in network; $25 out of network Specialist: $45 in network; $50 out of network

Primary doctor: $15 in network; $45 out of network Specialist: $35 in network; $45 out of network

Primary doctor: $25 in network; $25-$45 out of network Specialist: $45

Primary doctor: $20 Specialist: $40

Primary doctor: $10 Specialist: $20; limits apply

Primary doctor: $25 Specialist: $40; limits apply

Primary doctor: $10 Specialist: $40; limits apply

Urgent care

$5-$40

$5-$45

$15-$45

$25-$45

$20-$40

$10

$25

$10

Hospital visits (inpatient basis)

In network: $295 per day for days 1-7, $0 per day for days 8-90 Out of network: 45%

In network: $295 per day for days 1-7, $0 per day for days 8-90 Out of network: 35%

In network: $150 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6 and beyond Out of network: 20%

In network: $350 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6 and beyond Out of network: $350 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6-90

In network: $250 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6 and beyond Out of network: $250 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6-90

$200; limits apply

$300 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6-90; limits apply

$370 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6-90; limits apply

Outpatient procedures and surgery

In network: $40-$295 Out of network: 45%

In network: $45-$250 Out of network: 35%

In network: $150 Out of network: 20%

$300

$225

$120; limits apply

$275; limits apply

$350; limits apply

Skilled nursing facilities

In network: $0 per day for days 1-20, $178 per day for days 21-100 Out of network: 45%

In network: $0 per day for days 1-20, $178 per day for days 21-100 Out of network: 35%

In network: $20 per day for days 1-20, $100 per day for days 21-44, $0 per day for days 45-100 Out of network: 20%

In network: $0 per day for days 1-20, $160 per day for days 21-44, $0 per day for days 45-100 Out of network: 20%

$15 per day for days 1-20, $75 per day for days 21-44, $0 per day for days 45-100; limits apply

$0 per day for days 1-20, $150 per day for days 21-44, $0 per day for days 45-100; limits apply

$0 per day for days 1-20, $160 per day for days 21-44, $0 per day for days 45-100; limits apply

Physical therapy

In network: $40 Out of network: 45%

In network: $35 Out of network: 35%

In network: $15 Out of network: 20%

In network: $40 Out of network: $40

In network: $20 Out of network: $20

$15; limits apply

$20; limits apply

Routine eye exams

In network: $0 Out of network: 45%

In network: $0 Out of network: 35%

In network: $35 Out of network: $45

Not covered

In network: $20 Out of network: $20

$20; limits apply

$40; limits apply

Telephone

Members: 1-800-282-5366 Non-members: 1-855-275-6627

Members: 1-800-200-4255 Non-members: 1-800-678-2265

1-800-325-5669

Website

57,000+

aetnamedicare.com

20,000+

medicare.bluecrossma.com

fallonhealth.org

*Quoted rates and coverage are for indicated counties per Medicare.govâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2020 Plan Finder. Benefit and cost make-up may vary in other counties where these plans are offered. **Premium over standard Part B monthly premium of $135.50.

Massachusetts Part D Prescription Drug Plans Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Cigna

EnvisionInsurance

Express Scripts Medicare

Humana

Monthly premium

Premier: $128 Value Plus: $42.50

Secure: $32.70 Secure-Essential: $22.20 Secure-Extra: $48.30

$14.20

Choice: $84.80 Saver: $24.10 Value: $37

Basic: $35.10 Premier: $62.30 Walmart Value: $13.20

Annual deductible

Premier: $0 Value Plus: $435

Secure: $435 Secure-Essential: $435 Secure-Extra: $100

$435

Choice: $250 Saver: $435 Value: $435

Basic: $435 Premier: $435 Walmart Value: $435

Benefit type

Premier: Enhanced Value Plus: Basic

Secure: Basic Secure-Essential: Enhanced Secure-Extra: Enhanced

Basic

Choice: Enhanced Saver: Enhanced Value: Basic

Basic: Basic Premier: Enhanced Walmart Value: Enhanced

Coverage in gap?

Premier: Yes Value Plus: No

Secure: No Secure-Essential: No Secure-Extra: Yes

Choice: Yes Saver: No Value: No

Basic: No Premier: No Walmart Value: No

Phone

800-678-2265 TTY: 711

1-855-391-2556 TTY: 711

1-866-250-2005 TTY: 711

1-866-477-5703 TTY: 1-800-716-3231

888-204-4062 TTY : 711

Website

medicare.bluecrossma.com

cigna.com/medicare/ part-d

envisionrxplus.com

express-scripts medicare. com/part-d.shtml

humana.com/medicare/ part-d-2020

Open enrollment runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7

MEDICARE GUIDE D6 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Massachusetts Medicare Advantage plans for 2020 open enrollment MEDICARE GUIDE

Dollar amounts and percentages indicate the per service fee or portion of the service fee for which the patient is responsible

Massachusetts Medicare Advantage plans for 2020 open enrollment Open enrollment runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7

a given health insurance plan. Deductibles and out-of-pocket expenditure caps may apply and vary by plan. Health Newon England Tufts Medicare UnitedHealthcare (AARP)

Health New Health New Health New and percentages indicate the per service fee or portion Tufts of theMedicare service fee forAARP whichMedicare the patient isAARP responsible England England Dollar amounts England Tufts Medicare Tufts Medicare Medicare Open enrollmentMedicare runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7 insurance Deductibles expenditure capsHMO may apply and vary by plan. Advantage Plus Medicareon a given health Medicare Value plan. Preferred HMOand out-of-pocket Preferred HMO Preferred Advantage (HMO) Premium (HMO) (HMO) Basic Rx Prime Rx Value Rx Plan 1 (HMO) Plan 2 (HMO)

Quality Rating (5 = best rating) Statewide members Quality Rating County (5 = bestareas* rating) service Statewide members Quality Rating

(5 = best rating) County service areas* Statewide Monthly members premium** County Maximum service areas* out-of-pocket per year Monthly premium** Medical deductible per year Maximum out-of-pocket Drug deductible Monthly per per year year premium** Medical deductDrug co-pays Maximum ible per year out-of-pocket Estimated total per year Drug deductible cost of care per year Medical deductDoctor visits ible year Drugper co-pays

Drug deductible Estimated total cost of care per year Doctor visits Drug co-pays

Urgent care Estimated total cost of care Hospital visits (inpatient basis) Doctor visits Urgent care Hospital visits (inpatient basis)

Outpatient Urgent care procedures and surgery Hospital visits (inpatient basis) Skilled nursing Outpatient facilities procedures and surgery

Skilled nursing facilities Outpatient procedures and surgery Physical therapy

Skilled nursing facilities Routine eye exams Physical therapy Telephone

Health New England

rrrr

Health New England 9,000+ Medicare Plus (HMO)

rrrr

Health New England Medicare Health New England Premium (HMO)

Health New Berkshire, England rrrr Franklin, Plus Medicare Hampden and (HMO) 9,000+ Hampshire

Health New

Berkshire, England rrrr Franklin,

Medicare Hampden and Premium (HMO) Hampshire

Tufts Medicare

rrrr

Health New England Medicare Value (HMO)

Health New Berkshire, England rrrr Franklin, Medicare Value Hampden and (HMO) Hampshire

AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 3 (HMO)

UnitedHealthcare (AARP)

rrrrr

rrrr

Tufts Medicare 104,000+ Preferred HMO Basic Rx

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Tufts Medicare Prime Rx

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Value Rx

AARP Medicare AARP Medicare AARP Medicare 73,000+ Advantage Advantage (AARP) Advantage UnitedHealthcare Plan 1 (HMO) Plan 2 (HMO) Plan 3 (HMO)

Hampden, Tufts Medicare rrrrr Hampshire and

Bristol, Essex, AARP Medicare rrrr Hampden,

Preferred HMO Worcester Basic Rx 104,000+

Preferred HMO Worcester Prime Rx

Preferred HMO Worcester Value Rx

rrrr

Advantage Plymouth and Plan 1 (HMO) 73,000+ Worcester

Advantage Plymouth and Plan 2 (HMO) Worcester

rrrr

Advantage Plymouth and Plan 3 (HMO) Worcester

rrrr

rrrrr

rrrr

Berkshire, Franklin, 9,000+ Hampden and $109 Hampshire

Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and $166 Hampshire

Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and $0 Hampshire

Hampden, Hampshire and 104,000+ Worcester $27-$42

Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester $83-$185

Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester $58-$150

Bristol, Essex, Hampden, 73,000+ Plymouth and $0 Worcester

Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Plymouth and $49 Worcester

Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Plymouth and $79 Worcester

Berkshire, $4,900 Franklin, in network Hampden and Hampshire $109

Berkshire, $4,900 Franklin, in network Hampden and Hampshire $166

Berkshire, $6,700 Franklin, in network Hampden and Hampshire $0

Hampden, $3,400 Hampshire and in network Worcester

$27-$42

$83-$185

$58-$150

Bristol, Essex, $5,700 Hampden, in network Plymouth and Worcester $0

Bristol, Essex, $4,900 Hampden, in network Plymouth and Worcester $49

Bristol, Essex, $4,200 Hampden, in network Plymouth and Worcester $79

$4,900 in network $250 $109

$4,900 in network $250 $166

$6,700 in network $380 $0

$3,400 in network $225 $27-$42

$3,400 in $0network $83-$185

$3,400 in network $200 $58-$150

$5,700 in network $250 $0

$4,900 in network $225 $49

$4,200 in network $120 $79

$0 $0 medications are $0 $0 amounts at Medicare.gov $0 $0 for details. Research whether your covered and your copay or ask insurer $4,900 $4,900 $6,700 $3,400 $3,400 $3,400 in network in network in network in network in network in network $5,418 $5,850 $4,482 $4,338-$4,518 $4,734-$5,958 $4,782-$5,886 $250 $250 $380 $225 $0 $200

$0 $5,700 in network $4,338 $250

$0 $4,900 in network $4,902 $225

$0 $4,200 in network $4,878 $120

$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Primary Primary Primary Primary Primary Primary Research whether your medications are covered and your copay amounts at Medicare.gov or ask insurer for$10 details. doctor: $15 doctor: $10 doctor: $30 doctor: $10 doctor: $10 doctor: Specialist: $35 Specialist: $20 Specialist: $45 Specialist: $40; Specialist: $15; Specialist: $25; $250 $250 $380 $225 $0 $200 $5,418 $5,850 $4,482 $4,338-$4,518 $4,734-$5,958 $4,782-$5,886 limits apply limits apply limits apply

$0 Primary doctor: $0 Specialist: $45; $250 $4,338 limits apply

$0 Primary doctor: $10 Specialist: $40; $225 $4,902 limits apply

$0 Primary doctor: $10 Specialist: $30; $120 $4,878 limits apply

Primary Primary Primary Primary or ask insurer Primary Research whether your medications are Primary covered and your copay amounts at Medicare.gov for details. doctor: $15 doctor: $10 doctor: $30 doctor: $10 doctor: $10 doctor: $10 $50 $50 $50 $10-$40 $10-$15 $10-$25 Specialist: $35 Specialist: $20 Specialist: $45 Specialist: $40; Specialist: $15; Specialist: $25; $5,418 $5,850 $4,482 $4,338-$4,518 $4,734-$5,958 $4,782-$5,886 limits apply limits apply limits apply $250 per day $150 per day $350 per day $275 per day $300; $200 per day for days 1-5, for days 1-5, for days 1-5, for days 1-5, limits apply for days 1-5, Primary Primary Primary Primary Primary Primary $0 per day for $0 per day for $0 per day for $0 per day $0 per day doctor: $15 doctor: $10 doctor: $30 doctor: doctor: $10 doctor: days 6-90 days 6-90 days 6-90 for days$10 6-90; for days$10 6-90; $50 $50 $50 $10-$40 $10-$15 $10-$25 Specialist: $35 Specialist: $20 Specialist: $45 Specialist: Specialist: $15; Specialist: limits apply$40; limits apply$25; limits apply limits apply limits apply $250 per day $150 per day $350 per day $275 per day $300; $200 per day for days 1-5, for days 1-5, for days 1-5, for days 1-5, limits apply for days 1-5, $0 per day for $0 per day for $0 per day for $0 per day $0 per day days 6-90 days 6-90 days 6-90 for days 6-90; for days 6-90; $0-$250; $0-$100; $0-$400; $250; $100; $150; $50 $50 $50 $10-$40 $10-$15 $10-$25 limits apply limits limits apply limits apply limits apply limits apply limits apply limits apply apply

Primary doctor: $0 $30-$40 Specialist: $45; $4,338 limits apply $350 per day for days 1-5, $0 Primary per day for days doctor: $0 6 and beyond; $30-$40 Specialist: limits apply$45; limits apply $350 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6 and beyond; $0-$295; $30-$40 limits limits apply apply

Primary doctor: $10 $30-$40 Specialist: $40; $4,902 limits apply $325 per day for days 1-5, $0 Primary per day for days doctor: $10 6 and beyond; $30-$40 Specialist: limits apply$40; limits apply $325 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6 and beyond; $0-$275; $30-$40 limits limits apply apply

Primary doctor: $10 $30-$40 Specialist: $30; $4,878 limits apply $275 per day for days 1-5, $0 Primary per day for days doctor: $10 6 and beyond; $30-$40 Specialist: limits apply$30; limits apply $275 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days 6 and beyond; $0-$250; $30-$40 limits limits apply apply

$250 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for $0 per day days 6-90 $0-$250; for days 1-20, limits apply $160 per day for days 21-50, $0 per day for days 51-100; $0 perapply day limits for days 1-20, $0-$250; $160 day limits per apply for days 21-50, $35; $0 per day for limits apply days 51-100; limits $0 perapply day for days $0; limits1-20, apply $160 per day $35; for days 21-50, limits $0 perapply day for days 51-100; 1-877-443-3314 limits apply $0; limits apply

$350 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days $0 per day 6 and beyond; $0-$295; for days 1-20, limits apply apply limits $160 per day for days 21-56, $0 per day for days 57-100; $0 perapply day limits for days 1-20, $0-$295; $160 day limits per apply for days 21-56, $40; $0 per day for limits apply days 57-100; limits $0 perapply day

$325 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days $0 per day 6 and beyond; $0-$275; for days 1-20, limits apply apply limits $160 per day for days 21-56, $0 per day for days 57-100; $0 perapply day limits for days 1-20, $0-$275; $160 day limits per apply for days 21-56, $40; $0 per day for limits apply days 57-100; limits $0 perapply day

$275 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for days $0 per day 6 and beyond; $0-$250; for days 1-20, limits apply apply limits $160 per day for days 21-56, $0 per day for days 57-100; $0 perapply day limits for days 1-20, $0-$250; $160 day limits per apply for days 21-56, $30; $0 per day for limits apply days 57-100; limits $0 perapply day

for $0;days limits1-20, apply $160 per day $40; for days 21-56, limits $0 perapply day for days 57-100; Members: limits apply 1-800-643-4845 $0; limits apply Non-members:

for $0;days limits1-20, apply $160 per day $30; for days 21-56, limits $0 perapply day for days 57-100; Members: limits apply 1-800-643-4845 $0; limits apply Non-members:

$150 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for $0 per day days 6-90 $0-$100; for days 1-20, limits apply $130 per day for days 21-50, $0 per day for days 51-100; $0 perapply day limits for days 1-20, $0-$100; $130 day limitsper apply for days 21-50, $20; $0 per day for limits apply days 51-100; limits $0 perapply day

$350 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day for $0 per day days 6-90 $0-$400; for days 1-20, limits apply $170 per day for days 21-50, $0 per day for days 51-100; $0 perapply day limits for days 1-20, $0-$400; $170 day limitsper apply for days 21-50, $40; $0 per day for limits apply days 51-100; limits $0 perapply day

for $0;days limits1-20, apply $130 per day $20; for days 21-50, limits $0 perapply day for days 51-100; 1-877-443-3314 limits apply $0; limits apply

for $0;days limits1-20, apply $170 per day $40; for days 21-50, limits $0 perapply day for days 51-100; 1-877-443-3314 limits apply $0; limits apply

$275 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day $20 per day for days 6-90; $250; for days 1-20, limits apply apply limits $140 per day for days 21-44, $0 per day for days 45-100 $20 per day for days 1-20, $250; $140 day limitsper apply for days 21-44, $30; $0 per day for limits apply days 45-100

for days 21-44, $0 per day for days 45-100 $20 per day for days 1-20, $100; $60 day limitsper apply for days 21-44, $15; $0 per day for limits apply days 45-100

$200 per day for days 1-5, $0 per day $20 per day for days 6-90; $150; for days 1-20, limits apply apply limits $100 per day for days 21-44, $0 per day for days 45-100 $20 per day for days 1-20, $150; $100 day limits per apply for days 21-44, $20; $0 per day for limits apply days 45-100

$20 per day for 1-20, $15;days limits apply $140 per day $30; for days 21-44, limits $0 perapply day for days 45-100 Members:

$20 per day for 1-20, $15;days limits apply $60 per day $15; for days 21-44, limits $0 perapply day for days 45-100 Members:

$20 per day for 1-20, $15;days limits apply $100 per day $20; for days 21-44, limits $0 perapply day for days 45-100 Members:

$300; limits apply $20 per day $100; for days 1-20, limits apply $60 per day

1-800-701-9000 1-800-701-9000 1-800-701-9000 $15; limits apply $15; limits apply $15; limits apply Non-members: Non-members: Non-members: 1-800-555-5757 1-800-555-5757 1-800-555-5757 1-877-218-4835 1-877-218-4835 1-877-218-4835 Physical $35; $20; $40; $30; $15; $20; $40; $40; $30; therapy limits apply limits apply limits apply limits apply tuftsmedicarepreferred.org limits apply limits apply limits apply limits apply limits apply Website healthnewengland.org aarpmedicareplans.com Members: Members: Telephone 1-877-443-3314 1-877-443-3314 1-877-443-3314 Members: Members: Members: Members: 1-800-643-4845 1-800-643-4845 1-800-701-9000 1-800-701-9000 1-800-701-9000 1-800-643-4845 Non-members: Non-members: Non-members: Non-members: Non-members: Non-members: ***Plans are selected from the largest Medicare Advantage contracts in western Massachusetts; for additional plan options and benefit details go to Medicare.gov or contact insurers directly. Routine $0; limits apply $0; limits apply $0; limits apply $15; limits apply $15; limits apply $15; limits apply $0; limits apply $0; limits apply $0; limits apply 1-800-555-5757 1-800-555-5757 1-800-555-5757 1-877-218-4835 1-877-218-4835 1-877-218-4835 eye exams Routine eye exams

Website

Telephone

healthnewengland.org

1-877-443-3314

tuftsmedicarepreferred.org

1-877-443-3314

Members:

aarpmedicareplans.com

Members:

1-800-701-9000 1-800-643-4845 1-800-701-9000 1-800-701-9000 ***Plans are selected from the largest Medicare Advantage contracts in western Massachusetts; for additional plan options and benefit details go to Medicare.gov or1-800-643-4845 contact insurers directly. Non-members: 1-877-218-4835

Website

Mutual of Omaha Rx healthnewengland.org

SilverScript

Monthly premium

Plus: $49.30

Choice: $33.10

Non-members: 1-877-218-4835

UnitedHealthcare tuftsmedicarepreferred.org Preferred: $77.60

Non-members: 1-800-555-5757 WellCare

Non-members: 1-800-555-5757

Members: 1-800-643-4845 Non-members: 1-800-555-5757

aarpmedicareplans.com

Classic: $31.90; Saver: $35.10

Value: $24.10 Plus: $89.80 Saver Plus: $32.50 Value Plus: $70.30 ***Plans are selected from the largest Medicare Advantage contracts in western Massachusetts; for additional plan options and benefit details go to Medicare.gov orSelect: contact $21.90; insurers directly. Walgreens: $36.20

Value Script: $15.70; Wellness: $13.30

UnitedHealthcare Preferred: $0 Saver Plus:$77.60 $435 Preferred: Walgreens: Saver Plus: $435 $32.50

WellCare Classic: $435; Saver: $435 Select: $400; Value Plus: $0 Classic: $31.90; Saver: $35.10 Value Script: $435; Wellness: $435 Select: $21.90; Value Plus: $70.30

Walgreens: $36.20 Preferred: Enhanced Saver Plus:$0 Basic Preferred: Walgreens: Enhanced Saver Plus: $435 UnitedHealthcare Walgreens: $435

Value Script: $15.70; Wellness: $13.30 Classic: Basic; Saver: Basic Select: Enhanced; Value Plus: Enhanced Classic: $435; Saver: $435 Value Script: Enhanced; Select: $400; Value Plus: $0 WellCare Wellness: Enhanced Value Script: $435; Wellness: $435

Classic: $31.90; Saver: $35.10 Classic: Basic; No; Saver: NoBasic Classic: Select: $21.90;Saver: Value Plus: $70.30 Select: Enhanced; No; Value Plus: No Select: Value Plus: Enhanced Value Script: $15.70; Wellness: $13.30 Value Script: No; Wellness: No Value Script: Enhanced; Wellness: Enhanced Classic: $435; Saver: $435 1-800-960-2530 Select: $400; Value Plus: $0 TTY: 711 No; Saver: No Classic: Value Script: $435; Wellness: $435 Select: No; Value Plus: No wellcare.com/medicare Value Script: No; Wellness: No Classic: Basic; Saver: Basic Select: Enhanced; Value Plus: Enhanced 1-800-960-2530 Value Script: Enhanced; TTY: 711 Wellness: Enhanced

Mutual of Omaha Rx Plus: $435 Value:$49.30 $435 Plus:

SilverScript Choice: $275 Plus: $0$33.10 Choice:

Value: $24.10

Plus: $89.80

Plus: Basic Value:$435 Enhanced Plus:

Choice: Basic Plus: Enhanced Choice: $275

Value: $435 Mutual of Omaha Rx

Plus: $0 SilverScript

Monthly premium Coverage in gap? Benefit type

Plus: $49.30 Plus: Basic No Plus: Value: $24.10 Value: Yes Value: Enhanced

Choice: $33.10 Choice: Basic No Choice: Plus: $89.80 Plus: Yes Plus: Enhanced

Preferred: $77.60 Preferred: Enhanced No Preferred: Saver Plus: $32.50 Saver Plus: Plus: Basic No Saver Walgreens: $36.20 Walgreens: No Walgreens: Enhanced

Annual deductible Phone

Plus: $435 877-257-4550 TTY: Value: $435 1-800-584-6939 Plus: No Value: Yes mutualofomaha.com/ Plus: Basic prescription-drug-plan Value: Enhanced 877-257-4550 TTY: 1-800-584-6939

Choice: $275 1-866-362-6212 Plus: $0 TTY: 711No Choice: Plus: Yes silverscript.com Choice: Basic Plus: Enhanced 1-866-362-6212 TTY: 711

Preferred: $0 855-259-8119 Saver Plus: $435 TTY 711 No Preferred: Walgreens: $435 Saver Plus: No uhc.com/medicare/ Walgreens: No Preferred: Enhanced medicare-part-d Saver Plus: Basic 855-259-8119 Walgreens: Enhanced TTY 711

mutualofomaha.com/

silverscript.com

uhc.com/medicare/

Annual deductible Monthly premium

Benefit type Annual deductible

Coverage in gap?

Website Benefit type Phone

Website

wellcare.com/medicare

Coverage in gap? No Choice: No Preferred: No Classic: No; Saver: No prescription-drug-plan medicare-part-d Need help: You canPlus: speak with a SHINE (Serving the Plus: Health Insurance Needs of Everyone with Medicare) counselor! The SHINE Program is a free service that provides Value: Yes Yes Saver Plus: No Select: No; Value Plus: No

specially trained volunteers to assist you in understanding your Medicare options. Call Greater Springfield to speak with Walgreens: No Senior Services at 413-781-8800 Value Script: No; Wellness: Noa SHINE trained specialist weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or call Medicare, 1-800-Medicare, to speak with a representative 24/7. To meet with a SHINE counselor in person, call the Western regional SHINE or contact your local Council855-259-8119 on Aging to make an appointment.1-800-960-2530 Appointments fill up quickly this time of year, Phone Massachusetts 877-257-4550 TTY: office at 413-750-2893 1-866-362-6212 so it is advisable to call1-800-584-6939 as soon as possible. TTY: 711 TTY 711 TTY: 711 Website

mutualofomaha.com/ prescription-drug-plan

silverscript.com

uhc.com/medicare/ medicare-part-d

wellcare.com/medicare