Medicare Nation

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Want to Change Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Get the Info You Must Know First Apr 15, 2016

Show notes

Welcome Medicare Nation! It’s tax season! Today is April 15th and it’s the dreaded tax deadline day! It’s this time of year that people realize they need to make some changes to their Medicare plan. However, many people don’t realize that you can’t just make changes anytime you want to a Medicare Advantage Plan. There are specific times that you can make changes, and then you have to live with them until the opportunity arises to make changes again.

Here’s quick guide to making changes to your Medicare Advantage Plan:

You make your initial selection of your Medicare Advantage Plan when you enroll at 65.
During annual enrollment from October 15 to Dec 7th.
You can dis-enroll from January 1- Feb 14th, but you would have to go on to original Medicare because you cannot switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan at this time.
You may have a “Special Election” that allows you to change your plan.

That Special Election for Medicare Advantage is what we want to focus on today. There are certain circumstances that can qualify you to have this option.

Moving Your Residence:

If you move your home and your new location is not in your plan service area. You would need to notify Medicare as soon as possible, because you only have the rest of the current month and the following 2 full months from your move as the Special Election Period.
If you move to a new address and your plan still is in your service area, but by moving you now have new options available to you that you didn’t previously have, then you would have a Special Election Period to change to one of those previously unavailable plans.
Snowbirds that live in 2 areas have to determine which of those places is your primary residence. Where you vote and where you pay taxes are going to determine your primary residence.
If you are out of the country for a period of time and now you are coming back to the US, then that could trigger a Special Election Period.
If you are moving into a longer term care facility or rehab facility with round the clock skilled nursing care, you would have a Special Election Period when you move into the facility, while you are at the facility and when you move out of the facility.

Losing Coverage:

If you leave a job, or the union through retirement, etc.
If you had an involuntary loss of drug coverage that was as good or better than Medicare drug coverage, that triggers an SEP. Or if you have had drug coverage through Medicare Cost Plan and left that job.
If you lost coverage through the PACE Plan.
If you had Medicaid and lost eligibility because of the income requirements.

You have a chance to get other coverage:

If you had coverage from an employer and it was better than Medicare, you could go on it.
If your employer had better plan coverage and you wanted to get on that plan.
If you wanted to get into a PACE Plan

When there are plan changes with Medicare Contracts:

If a provider was sanctioned by CMS, then you would be able to choose another plan.
If Medicare terminated a contract

Dual Member (Medicare and Medicaid)

You may get extra help with drug coverage
May have been on a Medigap plan, changed to a Medicare Advantage Plan and then wanted to change back, you can change to a Medicare Supplement plan during your first year of coverage.
SNIP Plan - for chronic conditions - may leave Medicare Advantage to go on the SNIP, or yu no longer qualify for a SNIP, so you can choose another plan.

If an error was made by a federal employee when you signed up for Medicare, and you can prove it, you may be granted an SEP.

*****You cannot get an SEP because your Doctor left the network********

If you have a Medicare Supplement - a Medigap plan, you can change plans whenever you want because there is no SEP.

Precautions:

If you have a chronic illness, cancer, cardiovascular disease, a plan does not have to take you after your first year of enrollment. You need to be careful and make sure you are going to be able to get coverage when you change plans. The other company might not take you due to pre-existing conditions and your old plan may not take you back. They can discriminate due to pre-existing conditions.

The price of these plans do change as you age, so keep that in mind.

Original Medicare:

Part A, B and D - you are on all the time, so you don’t make changes unless it is open enrollment or an SEP.

www.callsamm.com - has all of this information available for you.

Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it!

I may answer one of your questions on the air!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!

www.CallSamm.com

Using a Patient Advocate to Navigate the Healthcare System Apr 08, 2016

Show notes

Welcome Medicare Nation! Today we wrap up our "trilogy" about Care Coordination by talking to Patient Advocate Karyn Rizzo!

Karyn wrote the book - Aging in America - What you need to know about Navigating our Healthcare System

Karyn's book is available on Amazon. It covers everything from finding a primary care physician, choosing Medicare programs, and also some information for LGBT friendly providers, and safety tips, fall prevention etc. It just covers lots of real life issues that you face, including respite and how to take a break from care giving!

The book came out of the needs Karyn saw in her work everyday! She knew there was so much information she needed to cover, so she created a powerful resource in the book!

Fall prevention tips that Karyn provides in the book:

Eliminate rugs in the bathroom and other rooms of the house
Check the types of shoes to make sure they don't contribute to a fall
Falls happen in the middle of the night going to bathroom, so install rails
Is walker or cane easily accessible from the bed?
Do you have motion sensor lighting?
Medications can contribute to falls

Another great resource on fall prevention is mayoclinic,org

Advocacy for Patients is important today because of the following factors:

Healthcare providers don't have the time to spend with you explaining things
Insurance companies have complex coverage rules
Healthcare treatment options are more complicated than ever

What a Patient Advocate Does:

Individuals that directly advocate for the patient
Neutral parties hired by the family - not employed by hospital or insurance company
Evaluate the care plan for the patient
Advocate will put together a care plan that meets the patient's needs
Works through the process of appealing insurance and hospital decisions
They know the system, the lingo, and the rules, so they can use them to the patient's advantage
Knows what programs the patient is eligible for and how to get you on the right program for them
Advocate can also help involve other specialty Physicians to evaluate the best treatment plan for the patient
Advocates can also help navigate care options for Hospice and understand when it is appropriate and when other options are better for the patient.
Hospice does have a Home Health division and it can be confusing between that and end of life Hospice care, so the patient advocate can make sure you are on the appropriate service.
Healthcare regulations vary from state to state, so it's important to get accurate help navigating the system.

Where do you find a Patient Advocate?

Sometimes called a Geriatric Care Manager, Social Service Agencies - There is a national website that provides a directory of caregivers:

CareManager.org

CareGiver.org

AgingGuidebook1.com - Karyn's website has TONS of resources

What type of Licensing does a Patient Care Advocate have?

Every state calls the role something different, but there are programs that certify in each state.

Generally, they are nurses or social workers, or have equivalent experience.

Licensing or certification is required for this role.

A Geriatric Care Manager is a position that you will have to pay for. Case managers that are paid by Medicare, the hospital or the insurance company will always represent those organization's interest first, and yours afterward.

It is worth every penny to have someone in the trenches that is representing your best interests!

Online Tools when you are out of state from the patient:

ecarediary.com

reunioncare.com

These websites create a circle of care that allows everyone in that circle to have access to all the information and take action on different aspects of the care for the patient from where ever they are in the world.

Got questions about Patient Advocacy?

Karyn could assist in a consultative role if you are not located in FL. She can direct you to resources in your area.

Karyn can be reached:

By Phone: 727-452-1300

By Email: info@agingguidebook1.com

Do you have questions or feedback? I'd love to hear it!

I may answer one of your questions on the air!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel's website!

www.CallSamm.com

Melissa's Story of Care Under Medicare Apr 01, 2016

Show notes

Welcome Medicare Nation!

After last week’s show with Dr. Jeffrey Burns, I wanted to bring a guest on the show that could talk to us about her experience with the lack of care coordination with Medicare.

Melissa’s Mother fell and broke her hip before Christmas. At only 67, ended up having surgery and being in the hospital and then in a skilled nursing facility. At home she had outpatient therapy.

Melissa shares the following about her Mother’s experience:

She went to stay with her Mother during this time - she lived 4 hours away
She felt like she would just provide companionship and help her Mom get back on her feet
She quickly realized she would have to be a patient advocate for her Mother
She found out that the care for her Mom was good, but communication was terrible
She tried to follow up on her Mom's care on a daily basis, but it was overwhelming
Melissa wasn’t exactly sure of the medicine her Mother took on a daily basis
Melissa didn’t have all the information available about the Doctors that her Mom sees
Mom had an app on her cellphone that had all her medical info and also allowed her to call 911
Mom lived alone and fell late at night when she was in her garage
1 in 3 people 65 and over will fall and a hip fracture is the #1 injury from that fall
She and her Mom text every night and every morning since her Mom lives alone
Surgery on the hip was successful, but there were some blood clots to deal with
Mom has a high tolerance for pain, but yet still seemed to be in a great deal of pain
Melissa found out that there was some miscommunication between the nurses and her Mom regarding pain meds
The hospital staff thought that Melissa's Mom had refused one of her pain medications
Actually Mom only questioned it because she thought she couldn’t have the 2 meds together
It wasn’t a refusal of medication, but her Mom just didn’t understand the issues and was confused
Constantly ask questions. Write them down as you remember them. Ask the questions to every staff member at every shift.
Her Mom spent a week in the hospital before she went to rehab. It felt like they wanted to release her too soon.
The clinical coordinator for the hospital didn’t have a lot of information on placement options in a city 45 minutes away
They used the online site ratings through Medicare to find a skilled nursing facility
Minimum requirement is 3 overnight stays in the hospital to qualify to go to skilled nursing facility
medicare.gov has the resources to check ratings of skilled nursing facilities.
Private Institution ratings are not available on www.medicare.gov
Transportation to the skilled nursing facility, 45 minutes away, wasn’t handled by the hospital because the facility she was moving to was out of their "network."
The family had to arrange transportation through a private medical transportation service, where Mom could transported in her wheelchair.
In the skilled nursing facility, her Mom was there for 5 days before she even saw the nurse practitioner.
The physical therapist never actually showed up due to scheduling conflicts.
It’s important to find out the schedule that the Doctors will be keeping and seeing your family member and make sure you are there when they make the rounds.
Melissa found out that her Mom got confused about what meds she was taking for what ailments, so she wasn’t a help to sort things out.
Medicare allows Physicians to write prescriptions for home care therapy and it is provided at no cost to you. As long as a Dr. writes a prescription and the Physical Therapist is an approved Medicare provider and the patient can’t make it out to traditional therapy, it will be provided on most Medicare plans free of charge.
Melissa was shocked at how important it was for her to be involved in her Mother’s care and recovery.
The outcome for Melissa’s Mom was good, but there were so many times along the way that could have gone terribly wrong, if Melissa wasn’t there to advocate for her Mom.
If you are not physically able to be with a family member during a crisis, you may need to inquire about hiring a Patient Advocate.

The Official Medicare website is a starting place for finding skilled nursing facility ratings.

Getting a patient advocate is a good idea if you aren’t prepared or able to assist your loved ones during a medical crisis.

Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it!

I may answer one of your questions on the air!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!

www.CallSamm.com

1 in 3 Americans are at risk for Kidney Disease. Dr. Jeffrey Berns shares prevention and awareness tips to avoid kidney disease. Mar 25, 2016

Show notes

Welcome, Medicare Nation!

March is National Kidney Disease Awareness Month, so I’ve invited Dr. Jeffrey Berns on Medicare Nation. Dr. Berns is the president of the National Kidney Foundation and a professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Associate Chief of the Renal Electrolyte and Hypertension Division. He is also the director of the Nephrology Fellowship Training Program and the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Berns is a busy and dedicated physician, and I’m grateful he is taking the time to inform us about kidney disease today!

Give the listeners an idea of the prevalence of kidney disease in the US.

One in three people are at risk for kidney disease, while one in nine already has some level of kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is measured in stage 3, 4, and 5. Stage 5 is the level at which dialysis or a transplant is required. Throughout your lifetime, it’s important to avoid exposure to things that can damage the kidneys, and that includes many prescription medications.

Is it correct to say that kidney disease if most often a “silent” disease?

It is similar to high blood pressure, which is also an important risk factor for kidney disease. Kidney disease is asymptomatic until permanent damage is done. Some tests can reveal the disease to a doctor, but patients don’t often have symptoms until it’s late in the game.

What is the difference between a nephrologist and an urologist?

A nephrologist is a physician with specialized training in medical diseases of the kidney, while a urologist is trained in surgical diseases of the kidney and urinary tract.

What are signs and symptoms that would indicate late stage kidney disease?

Protein in the urine in large amounts
Swelling of the feet, hands, legs, and face
High blood pressure
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Sexual dysfunction
Loss of appetite
Metallic taste in the mouth

When should people see their doctor about kidney disease?

We all have to be aware of the risk. Most older people are at increased risk, and minorities are at a higher risk. If kidney disease is in the family history, then the risk is higher. Diabetes increases the risk, but many cases of mild kidney disease can be managed quite well by a primary care physician.

Wouldn’t it be a good idea to check blood levels for patients at yearly checkups?

That would be the perfect time and opportunity for routinely-done tests. Your doctor can monitor you for any change over time, and you can ask your doctor if you have signs of chronic kidney disease.

The National Kidney Foundation has partnered with MACC (Medicare Advantage Care Coordination) Task Force, aligned with 35 leading patient-care providers for patients with multiple disorders. Tell us more about MACC.

Many patients with kidney disease also have other issues. MACC allows for their care to be more cohesive and patient-centered instead of fragmented care coordination.

What can listeners do to improve care coordination?

Make sure each of your doctors are communicating with each other. Most providers have electronic patient records that every doctor can see. Patients should remind each of their physicians to send their medical records to their primary physician. Your Primary physician is in charge of coordinating your care. Provide your Primary physician with a list of your other providers names and phone numbers. Carry a list of up-to-date medications to every doctor.

How is Care Coordination utilized with different types of Medicare Plans ?

Original Medicare provides the most freedom in seeking physicians with no referrals. Lack of communication between physicians causes fragmented care, with no care coordination. Medicare Advantage Plans include networks of physicians, with required referrals to see specialists. This allows continuity and greater communication in care coordination. Medicare Advantage Plans are continually trying to improve payment models and care coordination. Here are several steps individuals should follow to improve care coordination:

Know your risk factors.
Talk to your primary care doctor and have screening tests.
Carry a list of medications with you.
Keep a list of numbers and names of care providers.
Make sure your plan has care coordination tools.

Learn more about Kidney Disease, find helpful resources and support on the National Kidney Foundation's website

Visit www.kidney.org for more information.

To learn more about the Medicare Advantage Care Coordination Task Force :

Visit www.medicarechoices.org

Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!

www.CallSamm.com

MS Awareness Month - Do you know the signs and symptoms? Mar 18, 2016

Show notes

Welcome, Medicare Nation! It’s March, which is a huge month for awareness. Last week’s show highlighted colon cancer awareness, this week we are discussing MS awareness, and next week’s topic is chronic kidney disease.

What is MS?

MS is multiple sclerosis, which is a disabling disease of the central nervous system. It occurs when there is a disruption of the electrical circuit between the brain and the rest of the body. Nerves have a myelin sheath that covers and protects them; when the sheath is damaged and the electrical impulses are disrupted, then multiple sclerosis is the diagnosis.

What are signs and symptoms of MS?

Fatigue that interferes with your ability to function
Numbness/tingling in face and extremities
Muscle weakness
Dizziness/vertigo
Pain, significant and chronic
Vision problems

How is MS diagnosed?

It’s a difficult disorder to diagnose, and can be found using blood tests and MRI’s. Doctors can test the electrical impulses in the brain, and they also pay attention to family history. Medicare covers these diagnostic tests to some degree, so CHECK YOUR PLAN! See your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Over 400,000 people in the US have been diagnosed, with more than 200 newly diagnosed cases each week! Most patients are between 20-50 years old. There is no cure for MS; all doctors can do is to try to slow the progression of the disease.

For more information, visit www.nationalmssociety.org or call 1-800-344-4867 to contact the National MS Society.

Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!

www.CallSamm.com

Ultimate Health Suspension and Where the Politicians Stand on Medicare Mar 12, 2016

Show notes

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has suspended another Insurance Medicare provider's plan.

CMS has suspended and sanctioned Ultimate Health Plan (UHP) Medicare Advantage Plan. Suspended Feb 26 and effective immediately. They are not allowed to market and sign up new enrollments for the UHP. They have determined that the conduct of UHP failed to provide services in compliance with CMS standards. According to the CMS document, "the failures were determined to be widespread and systemic."

If you are on a UHP plan, you still have your benefits at this time. A Special Enrollment Period has not been granted by CMS at this time.You will need to contact Medicare at 800-633-4227 to request permission to select another plan due to the suspension. Document your conversation with the representative - their name, the date and time that you got the approval, etc.

If you used a "captive" insurance agent, they only offer Medicare plans from the company they are contracted with. I do not recommended that you contact a "captive" agent, because they will not advise you about other options with insurance carriers that may provide you with better options.

If your family member is on Ultimate Health Plan and has a serious, chronic disease then you may want to look into other Medicare plans in the area in which they reside, to see if a better plan option is available. If you or a family member has Chronic Kidney Disease which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant, they may not be able to switch plans at this time.

Medicare will look at each individual's situation on a case-by-case basis.

If you have questions regarding the sanctions against Ultimate Health Plan, send me an email at:

support@themedicarenation.com

To speak with a Medicare broker or Medicare advisor in your area, simple Google “Medicare Advisor” - and your county or location. An example would be - Medicare Adviser Tampa, Florida

Politics and Medicare:

This isn’t an endorsement for any candidate. This is just a summary of the candidates platform for Medicare and/or Healthcare

On The Republican Side:

Donald Trump:

Does not want to make cuts to Medicare

Favors health savings account

Does not favor current Obamacare

Favors taking away boundaries on state lines to encourage competition between states

Ted Cruz:

Wants to save Medicare by gradually increasing the eligibility age from 65 to a higher age

Wants to move to a “Premium Support System”, whatever that means

Marco Rubio:

Wants to raise the eligibility age gradually

Supports a voucher type program in Paul Ryan’s budget proposal

John Kasich:

Hasn’t specifically talked about Medicare, only Healthcare

Believes in the “value over volume” system of Medicare reimbursements

Advocates healthcare savings accounts

On The Democratic Side:

Hillary Clinton:

Continue Obamacare and build on it

Protect seniors from rising costs

Bernie Sanders:

Advocates a single payer plan - administered by the government

Comprehensive coverage for all Americans paid for by the government

This will be paid by a 6.2% healthcare premium paid by employers

2.2% income based premium per household

This would be a government run system

No matter who you support, please make sure you exercise your right to vote!

Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!

www.CallSamm.com

Create Second Income Opportunities to Hedge Against Social Security Changes Mar 04, 2016

Show notes

Kevin Harrington, creator of the infomercial and the chairman of the As Seen On TV brand, is my guess today. Kevin has launched over 500 products to the tune of $4 billion! He is one of the original sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank. Kevin is an author who has helped me greatly with this podcast and my book, The Medicare Survival Guide.

What would you suggest to people in our generation who might be affected if age requirements for Medicare benefits are changed in the near future due to political change in America?

I would advise people to explore second income opportunities. If you’re working, then keep your job, but plant some seeds in case you need to work an extra 2-5 years than you originally planned. I suggest considering internet and mobile marketing opportunities. Anyone can do these jobs from home, connecting with people and selling products. Many entrepreneurs have started these small businesses and have become very successful for part-time or even full-time income.

You have a new book coming out. Would you tell us about it?

My book, Key Person of Influence, was written with Daniel Priestley. It’s an amazing program that takes you step-by-step through establishing yourself as a “guru.” For me, the turning point was becoming a KPI in As Seen On TV products. There are five essential skills, which include raising your profile, developing your pitch, and partnering with people. You can follow the system and become a guru in your industry.

Visit www.keypersonofinfluence.com!

Visit www.kevinharrington.tv for links to my books and KPI information.

Changing gears just a bit, today is March 4th, which is Colon Cancer Awareness Day. Last week’s show was about this topic. Let’s all wear our blue today to promote colon cancer awareness!
Judy, from Tampa, asked a question about the DNA Stool Test, so I want to give some detailed information. This test is relatively new, done at home, and less invasive than some others. It is covered by some Medicare plans, but you need to check on yours specifically. The test assesses your risk but does not replace the colonoscopy. The test is allowed every 3 years for those ages 50-85 who have no symptoms of colorectal disease, no Crohn’s, IBS, colitis, or polyps. Visit www.cca.org for more information.
If you have questions about this show or others, please contact me. I love to hear from you and answer whatever questions you have! Thanks for listening!

Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!

www.CallSamm.com

The Politics of Medicare - Q and A Feb 27, 2016

Show notes

Do you know how your Medicare benefits would be affected by the changes in government that would come from a new President? It's time to think about it and weigh in on what you think is best for you and for the country. Listen as Diane talks to real people who have an opinion.

Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!

www.CallSamm.com

You Can Win the Fight Against Colon and Colorectal Cancer Feb 19, 2016

Show notes

Welcome, Medicare Nation! Today’s guest is Lee Silverstein, who is a colon cancer survivor. Lee is here to discuss the risks, prevalence, and treatments for this disease. Colorectal cancer is the most commonly diagnosed but also the most preventable through proper screening. The American Cancer Society estimates that 95,000 people will be newly diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016. Over their lifetimes, 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women will be diagnosed! Colon cancer is clearly not “the old man’s disease” that many of us have been led to believe. Let’s hear Lee’s amazing story!

Why has colon cancer become so widespread for people under age 40?

“Over the last few years, the rates for diagnosis have remained steady, with a huge increase in the number of cases in people under age 40. It is scary, alarming, and unexplainable by doctors. I recently attended a conference on colon cancer and met a newly diagnosed 23-year-old. The common risk factors are being overweight, a lack of physical activity, a diet rich in red meat, heavy smoking and alcohol use. Keep in mind that you can have NONE of these risk factors and still be diagnosed with the disease, like what happened to me.”

Would you mind telling our Medicare Nation listeners your personal story?

“Not at all—I would love to share my story. I had NO risk factors and had just turned 50, living a very health-conscious life. I exercised regularly and was eating smart. I had a colonoscopy in March 2011, and the doctor couldn’t get the scope where he needed it to go. I wasn’t alarmed, but received a call from the doctor two days later saying I had a tumor in my transverse colon. This colonoscopy saved my life!”

Would you share what your treatment was?

“I had colon cancer and needed to have the tumor removed; the surgeon was confident that he could remove it all. My cancer was classified as Stage 2, which meant it was borderline as to whether there were benefits to undergoing chemotherapy. I got three opinions and determined that the benefits of chemo did NOT outweigh the risk. My follow-up exam included a CT scan and bloodwork, which showed a small spot on my liver. A biopsy was ordered and showed that my colon cancer had spread to my liver, even though it was a small spot and slow-growing. Surgery was recommended and chemotherapy. I went to Sloan-Kettering, which was the hospital I had been treated at as a child when I had a rare kidney cancer. The liver surgeon there was confident that I would be fine. Surgery was scheduled for January 2013 and I finished chemo treatments in August. In 2014, two small spots on my lungs were discovered. The doctor suspected that it was colon cancer that had metastasized to my lungs. He wanted to treat it with SBRT, a cyberknife-type targeted radiation procedure. In normal radiation, low doses are given over a wide area over a long period of time, with damage to the surrounding tissue. In this procedure, pinpointed high doses are given over a short time. I had the treatment with no side effects, and was even able to continue training for a race. The one spot disappeared and the other shrunk significantly. I’m not cancer-free, but I am stable. The goal of colon cancer treatment is to make it a chronic manageable disease.”

Can you tell Medicare Nation listeners about the Colon Cancer Alliance?

“I found this organization when I was first diagnosed. They are the largest patient support non-profit organization for colon cancer, based in Washington, DC. They do research and provide online support.”

Medicare provides several levels of preventive care and testing for colon cancer:

Barium enema is allowed every 24 or 48 months, depending on the risk.
Colonoscopy is allowed every 120 or 48 months, depending on the risk.
Fecal blood tests are allowed every 12 months.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is allowed every 48 months for people over 50.
Multitargeted DNA test is allowed every 3 years for people aged 50-85. This is a new test with many stipulations.
Plans, coverage, and co-payments differ.
Some procedures are free, but related surgical procedures (like to remove polyps) are NOT free.

Tell our listeners about your podcast.

“I started The Colon Cancer Podcast about a year ago. I interview survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals. We share stories of struggle, hope, and survival in the face of colorectal cancer.”

Tell us about the “Undie Run.”

“These are 5K events sponsored by the Colon Cancer Alliance. We run around in our underwear! Events are held 2-3 times each month, in different cities around the country from February through October. The events are to raise funds and raise awareness of the disease.”

Resources:

www.ccalliance.org

877-422-2030

Find the Facebook group: Blue Hope Nation

Special Bonus! Stay tuned to the entire show where Diane Daniels answers listener questions after the interview!

Do you have questions or feedback? I’d love to hear it!

email me:

support@themedicarenation.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)

Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website!

www.CallSamm.com

Broken Bones Can Hurt You! How to Prevent Osteporosis Feb 12, 2016

Show notes

Welcome, Medicare Nation! My guest today is Dr. Andrea Singer, who is a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Singer is the Director of Women’s Primary Care and the Director of the Bone Densitometry program. She is a trustee and clinical director for the National Osteoporosis Foundation and a national lecturer on the subject. Dr. Singer has published extensively on many women’s issues and is active in the education of medical students and residents at Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Singer is here to teach us about osteoporosis and how it affects our lives and health.

Can you define osteoporosis for Medicare Nation listeners?

“Yes—I value this opportunity and hope it can be a call to action for your listeners. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones in which too much bone is lost or the body simply makes too little bone. The bones become weak and can break from minor falls or simple actions, even like bumping into furniture or sneezing!”

How prevalent is osteoporosis in the US?

“It’s a very common disease and I’ll give you some statistics: 50% of people age 50 or older (54 million of the 99 million) have either osteoporosis or low bone mass. The number jumps to 65% of people age 65 or older who are at risk for broken bones.”

Do these numbers apply to both genders, or just to women?

“They apply to both genders, even though it’s commonly thought of as a woman’s disease. Interestingly, men have a harder time recovering after a broken bone incident. Of the population age 50 or older, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their remaining years.”

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

“Risk factors can be broken into two categories: non-modifiable and modifiable factors. Non-modifiable risk factors are those that you can’t control, like age, gender, family history, low body weight/frame, and previous bone fractures. Modifiable risk factors include lack of calcium/vitamin D, inactive lifestyle, smoking, and too much alcohol. Regarding previous fractures, those of the spine, hip, wrist, shoulder, and pelvis are classic osteoporosis fractures. Also, certain medications for other disorders can increase bone loss. If you have these risk factors, you should speak to your health care provider and ask about being evaluated for osteoporosis.”

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

“Doctors will look at risk factors and do physical exams and lab tests, but the only real way to find osteoporosis is to do a bone density test. The lower the bone density, the greater the risk will be. The DXA scan is the bone density test, and is covered under the Welcome to Medicare package for women. Men are not covered for this test unless they fall into one of the following categories: on long-term steroid therapy, diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, already on osteoporosis therapy, or has a vertebral abnormality or deformity found on an x-ray. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that men be screened at age 70, but the bone density test isn’t covered unless one of the four criteria is met.”

Why are there not many people being screened for osteoporosis?

“Osteoporosis is under diagnosed, under recognized, and under treated. It’s thought of as ‘my grandmother’s disease,’ and many people don’t recognize the risk factors. In addition, there are fewer health providers doing DXA scans. For many, they lack the realization that broken bones over age 50 is a strong indicator of osteoporosis. We need to raise awareness so that people who are candidates for osteoporosis will get tested. I hope that this discussion empowers people to take charge of their bone health, be proactive and advocate for yourself to your doctor.”

How is the medical community treating osteoporosis?

“People need to get adequate calcium and vitamin D, either through diet or supplements. Weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening exercise can help stimulate the bones to remodel themselves and reduces the risk for falls. Fall prevention is a big part of treatment, and there are medications that can slow the bone breakdown or build new bone.”

What are the options for osteoporosis medications?

“Prescription pills can be taken daily, weekly, or monthly. These are covered under Medicare Part D. Injections can be given daily, once yearly, or 4x/year; these are covered under Medicare Part B or Part A, depending on where they are administered. The important point is that there is a medication to fit everyone who is at risk.”

Where can Medicare Nation listeners go for more information and resources?

Visit the website of the National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org. You can also find the Foundation on Twitter: @osteoporosisnof or on Facebook. There is also a new app available on iTunes or Google Play: Food4Bones. Check out these valuable resources for more information!

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