Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper
Thursday, October 22, 2020
11
Health & Fitness
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Choosing a Medicare Part D Plan in the COVID-19 era By Kelle Turner, Medicare Part D Expert, Express Scripts The year 2020 has been like no other. The global pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives. From entertainment and sporting events, to travel and family celebrations—everything has changed. Selecting a Medicare prescription drug plan (also known as Medicare Part D) will also look differently this year. Since the in-person resources used in previous years—such as local workshops or broker consultations—may now need to be scheduled well in advance or held virtually, starting this research early is more important than ever to make sure you choose the plan that works best for your needs and budget.
People in Milwaukee already know! If you are one of the more than 72 percent of Medicare eligible people in Wisconsin who enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan, you already know how important it is to take the time to compare plans. This is especially true for those new to Medicare because the choices made now can impact your costs for the year ahead.
your options, look at the multiple factors which can affect your plan’s overall costs. While a lower premium might save you money upfront, these plans can have much higher copayments, which over time can make it more expensive. RESOURCE: Find reliable tools. RoadmapForMedicare.com is a good resource that offers educational videos, recorded webinars, easy-to-understand articles with helpful tips, and Reviewing the plans avail- an eBook that helps compare able in Milwaukee early will how each plan covers the help ensure you choose the medications you take. one that best meets your prescription needs next year. TIP: Coverage changes Need help to understand annually. Plans change evMedicare Part D? ery year, so do not assume Here are some tips and your coverage will remain resources to compare plans the same. Take the time to during the Medicare Open understand how your medEnrollment season that ends ications will be covered in December 7, 2020. 2021. Check out the plan’s TIP: Look beyond pre- pharmacy network and make miums! While reviewing sure home delivery is an op-
tion. RESOURCE: Compare plans online. Medicare offers an online tool to compare how plans in Milwaukee cover the medications you need. The tool is available at: https://www.medicare. gov/drug-coverage-part-d. If you are being treated for a chronic condition such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension, talk with your doctor so that when you use the online compare tool you not only check your current medications, but also those you may need next year. Choosing the best plan for you can save you money in 2021 Do not procrastinate! Once Part D enrollment closes on December 7 you will need to wait another year before you can switch to a plan that better fits your needs.
Three reasons you’re waking up in the middle of the night Unable to get your beauty sleep? Do you find yourself constantly roused during the wee hours of the night? Being unable to sleep through the night could be a sign of a deeper health issue. Here are a few of the most common causes of nighttime waking and what you can do about it. Anxiety or depression It’s no secret that mental health issues such as anxiety or depression can cause restlessness and the inability to fall or stay asleep at night. In some cases, symptoms can worsen and become so severe, that one may wake up due to panic attacks, nightmares or feelings of uneasiness. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety
disorders are the most common mental disorder, affecting about 40 million adults in the U.S. Symptoms: While occasional anxiety is normal, those with anxiety disorder are, “three to five times more
likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders” than those who don’t suffer from the disorder, the ADAA says. Sufferers may feel constant irrational worry and fear that can
interfere with day-to-day life. How to fix the problem: If one of the two is preventing you from counting sheep, you may need to seek professional help. There are several forms of treatment that may benefit you, including cogni-
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tive-behavior therapy, medication, relaxation techniques or exercise. Nocturia Also called nocturnal polyuria, notcturia is defined as frequent urination at night. For most people, urine production slows down as you slumber. But, with the medical condition, that urge to go never ends, prohibiting you from getting that much needed 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Symptoms: An immediate urge to pee whenever you wake up at night on a regular basis could mean nocturia. How to fix the problem: Say no to fluids before you call it a night — especially tea or coffee, which act as diuretics. Other underlying health problems that can mimic nocturia include: urinary tract infection, pregnancy, kidney woes, an enlarged prostate gland, or even diabetes. Naturally, treatment will vary based on what’s causing your symptoms. Sleep apnea Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Every time this happens, you may be awakened from your sleep. Symptoms: Sufferers may experience migraines, sore throat, dry mouth, and chest pain. Some may even have nightmares, after the fact. How to fix the problem: Once diagnosed, doctors may treat the condition by suggesting certain lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, or quitting smoking as well as the use of a breathing assistance device at night, called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
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