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Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs

Jay Looft Owner/Agent

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Is your wallet prepared for nursing care?

Many believe that Medicare insurance will pay for assisted living and nursing home care, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Medicare will provide coverage up to the first 100 days of Skilled Nursing Care, also referred to as Rehabilitation Care. Staying in a “Rehab” facility usually takes place after a surgery to help get you back on your feet. Rehab is not a long-term care situation. With average costs for full time care in a nursing home now reaching $10,000 per month for a private room (source: seniorliving.org), it is wise to plan ahead. You hope it won’t happen to you, but that is a risky bet. If you are of lower income, you may qualify for Georgia Medicaid; however, that typically requires a “spend down” of your assets. You could also self-pay, but if your long-term care needs last longer than average this could mean a sizable amount of your nest egg being spent to provide for your long-term care.

A better way to preserve what you have worked so hard for is by obtaining Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC Insurance comes at a cost, like most insurances do, but costs are lower if you purchase between the ages of 50 and 60 versus waiting until you are in your seventies. LongTerm Care Insurance companies will examine your health in order to qualify you for their insurance, so it’s better to get it while you are younger and healthier if possible. If you are 70 or older and in good health, it may still be possible to get approved for an affordable LTC plan.

The Long-Term Care Insurance business has changed in recent years, with new policy designs and new companies entering into the business. At SeniorSource Medicare Solutions, we keep up to date with the latest news and changes in the Medicare and Long-Term Care Insurance industries. If you have thought about getting LTC Insurance for yourself or a loved one, please give us a call today! Call us at (770) 913-6464 or visit our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com.

Efudex exhibitionism

Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology

Recently, patients have brought to my attention that people are posting startlingly graphic videos on social media of their experiences using creams like Efudex® to treat precancerous sun damage. Efudex® is a prescriptiononly cream that can help treat certain skin cancers and precancerous lesions. These “influencers” often discuss how many times they have gone through Efudex® treatments and continue to apply medicine long after their skin has become severely irritated. I fear that these individuals are causing themselves suffering and likely damage for dramatic effect, “clicks,” or “likes.” Because social media platforms can financially reward high view counts, there is an incentive for self-treatment to be intentionally extreme.

I do not know whether these individuals are misguided themselves, but what is certain is that they are misleading their viewers. Many of these creators highlight their severe skin reactions, holding themselves up as models for how treatment should be carried out. They report performing multiple rounds of treatment back to back, continuing treatments for weeks after skin is severely inflamed and are likely crafting their own regimens, presumably against medical advice. Contrary to what the influencers imply, “no pain, no gain” doesn’t mean the higher the pain, the higher the gain.

To understand the proper way to use Efudex® (also known as 5-fluorouracil), it helps to understand its mechanism of action. Cells use building blocks called nucleotides to replicate DNA and RNA. Think of these blocks like individual cars in a model train set. Efudex® acts as a counterfeit part that gums up the assembly of the train and then often causes the completed train to break into pieces. Unable to function, the damaged cell is essentially sent to a cellular scrap yard.

Dosing is key. Precancerous cells divide and manufacture proteins much faster than healthy, resting skin cells. But even healthy “resting” skin cells exhibit some degree of growth and division. The strategy with Efudex® is to exploit cancerous cells’ hyperactive metabolism—targeting the abnormal cells while sparing the healthy ones.

Achieving this balance requires aiming for a "Goldilocks zone." In general, the goal is to apply just enough cream to cause severely sun-damaged areas to become inflamed, pink, and mildly scabby, but not enough to turn the entire application area into a raw

field of broken skin.

If the skin seems barely pink or completely unaffected, then the patient is likely under-dosing the medicine, and precancers are not being eliminated. If the entire skin surface is painful and severely inflamed, then both the precancers and the healthy skin are likely being damaged. Very rarely, a patient’s burden of disease may be so severe that a “harsh” result is advised by their dermatologist, but this is generally the exception to the rule.

Severe Efudex® reactions can lead skin to breakdown to such an extent that skin infections and scarring can occur. Many times, the whole point of using a cream like Efudex® is to try to eliminate precancerous lesions and avoid surgery. If the cream itself is overdosed and leads to scarring, then the entire enterprise of using a cream can prove counterproductive, and influencers’ digital martyrdom ultimately hurts our common cause.

Undergoing this treatment under the guidance of a caring and competent dermatologist is vital. A spot of concern might actually be a skin cancer requiring a biopsy rather than a cream. Other spots might be purely cosmetic, requiring entirely different therapies tailored to aesthetic sun damage. Before starting Efudex®, risks, benefits, and alternatives all need to be discussed.

If you have concerns about sun damage, a non-healing spot, or any other skin condition, a consultation with a qualified dermatology provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment options. If you are in the Atlanta area, we would be honored to help.

At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, Dr. Brent Taylor, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C, and our staff are privileged to care for patients and families throughout our community.

Insist on the BEST

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

ISTOCK

Travel smart with mobility devices: tips from the pros!

Brought to you by – Mobility Plus Alpharetta

Think traveling with a mobility device will slow you down? Think again! Read on to find out how to travel safer and smarter:

Accommodations – There are so many accessible destinations in the world! Make sure that your accommodations have doorways that are at least 24” wide, and an access ramp that is 30”-34” wide if you will be riding a mobility scooter or powerchair into your rental unit. Check the specs of your hotel entrances, exits, and bathroom doorways! Older hotels abroad may not be as easy to navigate so research carefully before you book. A blog like this one, dedicated to accessible travel can save you time online: www. wheeltheworld.com

Renting vs. purchasing – Our customers love zipping through the airport with their own devices, skipping to the front of security, and checking their scooters and powerchairs at the gate of the plane. Purchasing a device can save money in the long run, make keeping up with extended family at home much easier, and can allow for more independence from the very start of the trip to the finish. Consider how you will manage long treks through airports, cruise ports or train stations if you choose to rent your mobility device at your destination instead of taking

it with you. Not sure you are ready to invest in a mobility device just yet?

Rent lightweight, folding scooters and powerchairs from us to take on your trip! This allows you to “try before you buy” and have the device with you from the moment you leave the house.

Travel features - Travel-ready mobility devices often fold flat, weigh 27-45 lbs. And have FAA and cruising approved lithium batteries. The max weight capacity on travel equipment is usually 250-300lbs. Additionally, they can travel 7 to 18 miles on one charge. Choosing to purchase from a local mobility equipment dealer at home will ensure that you get a proper fit, and the features that matter most to you. Buying a high-quality, name-brand product with a global network of authorized dealers will ensure peace of mind should you have a service and repair need abroad. Your local dealer can often provide you with a referral to an authorized service provider near your travel destination, so you are prepared in advance! Additionally, they can prep and laminate wheelchair forms in advance with an easy-to-read format for baggage handlers. This can significantly reduce risk of device damage!

Ready to start exploring? Visit Mobility Plus Alpharetta Monday-Friday 10am-5pm or Saturdays 9am-1pm. We look forward to helping you “go where you want to go!”

PROVIDED

Prioritizing skin health during Men’s Health Month

Brought to you by –

Dr. Tiffany Clay-Ramsey, Epiphany Dermatology

June is Men’s Health Month—a time to focus on preventive care and long-term wellness. While many men prioritize their overall health, skin health is often overlooked. As a dermatologist, I encourage men of all backgrounds and skin tones to take a proactive approach to caring for their skin.

Skin cancer remains one of the most important concerns. While it is often perceived as less common in men with darker skin tones, it is frequently diagnosed at later stages—making awareness and early detection critical. In addition, conditions such as acne, folliculitis (especially related to shaving), eczema, and psoriasis are common in men. For those with skin of color, concerns like hyperpigmentation or razor bumps can be particularly persistent and require specialized care.

One of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take is wearing sunscreen daily. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher helps protect against harmful UV rays, which contribute not only to skin cancer but also to uneven skin tone and premature aging. Sunscreen is essential for every skin type and tone.

Equally important is establishing care with a boardcertified dermatologist. Annual skin screenings allow for early detection of skin cancer and provide an opportunity to address concerns involving your skin, hair, and nails with a personalized approach.

This Men’s Health Month, take charge of your skin health. Prevention, protection, and expert care can make all the difference. Call our office at (470) 903-8886 to set up an appointment!

How does putting a home into a trust affect title insurance?

Brought to you by – Wilson Legal

Dear Reader,

Check your title insurance policy if you are planning to place your home in a trust.

When I checked mine it said that it remained valid only while a natural person owns it. Yikes, I thought. My trust is not a natural person. I hurriedly scanned the policy for the definitions to see if a trust was included. It was. A natural person is defined as a natural person and includes a natural person who places the home into a trust for the benefit of that natural

person. Phew!

If you want more certainty that reading the policy to be sure your trust does not invalidate your title policy, call and ask for the trust to be added as an additional insured or ask for an endorsement confirming that your trust is also covered by the company. If your title policy does not cover your trust, you can purchase a new policy for your trust. Either way, you can avoid the unwanted surprise of not being covered and not realizing it until it's too late. As always, we are here to help if you get stuck or have other questions. Call us at 770-205-7861

Is your wallet prepared for nursing care?

Brought to you by - Senior Source Medicare Solutions

With average costs for full time care in a nursing home now reaching $10,000 per month for a private room (source: seniorliving.org), it is wise to plan ahead. You hope it won’t happen to you, but that is a risky bet. If you are of lower income, you may qualify for Georgia Medicaid; however, that typically requires a “spend down” of your assets. You could also self-pay, but if your long-term care needs last longer than average this could mean a sizable amount of your nest egg being spent to provide for your long-term care.

A better way to preserve what you have worked so hard for is by obtaining Long-Term Care Insurance. LTC Insurance comes at a cost, like most insurances do, but costs are lower if you purchase between the ages of 50 and 60 versus waiting until you are in your seventies. Long-Term Care Insurance companies will examine your health in order to qualify you for their insurance, so it’s better to get it while you are younger and healthier if possible. If you are 70 or older and in good health, it may still be possible to get approved for an affordable LTC plan.

The Long-Term Care Insurance business has changed in recent years, with new policy designs and new companies entering into the business. At SeniorSource Medicare Solutions, we keep up to date with the latest news and changes in the Medicare and Long-Term Care Insurance industries. If you have thought about getting LTC Insurance for yourself or a loved one, please give us a call today! Call us at (770) 315-8145 or visit our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com.

WEBINAR - July 17th, 12:30pm to 1:30pm

UPCOMING EVENTS – Check the Event Page on Website for

IN-PERSON – August 20th at UNG Cumming Campus, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

WEBINAR – August 21st,12:30pm to 1:30pm

IN-PERSON – September 10th at UNG Cumming Campus, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

WEBINAR – September 11th,12:30pm to 1:30pm

IN-PERSON – October 15th at UNG Cumming Campus, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

WEBINAR – October 16th,12:30pm to 1:30pm

IN-PERSON – November 19th at UNG Cumming Campus, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

WEBINAR – November 20th,12:30pm to 1:30pm