QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, May 1, 2014 Page 30
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Helpful websites for seniors
Medicare Advantage at risk Nearly 15 million seniors and people with disabilities are The proposed cuts could mean higher out-of-pocket enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in this country. That costs, limited choice of doctors, fewer plans managing number adds up to almost one third of the total Medicare chronic conditions and fewer plans offering dental/vision population. Some provisions in the new Affordable Care Act, coverage and enhanced wellness/fitness services. Data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey if implemented, could jeopardize Medicare Advantage beneshows that Medicare Advantage plans continue to be a vital fits for each and every one of those 15 million Americans. source of coverage for low-income and While Medicare Advantage benefits have minority beneficiaries. For example, 31 peralready been reduced, they now face addicent of African-American Medicare benefitional cuts, as much as $200 billion over ciaries and 38 percent of Hispanic benefithe next 10 years. Seniors and the disabled ciaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage are expected to bear the brunt of these plans, and 41 percent of Medicare beneficuts, reducing the benefits they receive. ciaries with Medicare Advantage plans had “Medicare Advantage has allowed us to annual incomes of less than $20,000. provide far better overall care to our These programs are particularly critical to patients,� says Dr. Donald Rebhun, Health- If you or a loved one has a Care Partners medical director. “And that Medicare Advantage plan, the well-being of thousands of low-income level of care is at risk if these additional you should take time to individuals who may not qualify for Medicaid research the funding cuts and would therefore lack access to chronic cuts go through.� and reimbursement changes. disease management services. Because of According to the Coalition for Medicare PHOTO COURTESY BRANDPOINT these cuts, out-of-pocket costs for seniors Choices, Medicare Advantage is a health benefits program available to individuals who are 65 or and individuals with disabilities could also rise and premiumolder or those with permanent disabilities. The coverage is free comprehensive drug coverage would be in jeopardy. If you or a loved one has a Medicare Advantage plan, provided through private health plans rather than the government and is required to meet or exceed the standards take time to research the funding cuts and reimbursement changes. Make your voice heard and tell your federal and set by the original Medicare program. In addition to hospital and physician coverage, Medicare state representatives to stop further cuts and continue to Advantage plans often include other benefits such as pre- protect your benefits. To reach your representatives, visit P scription drug, vision, hearing, dental, fitness, mental health ProtectMyMA.com/Today. — Brandpoint and management of chronic illness. !"#$%&' () !*+#'+'
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Administration on Aging (aoa.gov). The Administration on Aging website educates older people and their caregivers about benefits and services that can help them. American Association of Retired Persons (aarp.org). This site has information, education, advocacy, and community information for people over 50. Benefits Check Up (benefitscheck up.org ) . Created by the National Council on the Aging this free, easy-touse website helps older Americans identify their eligibility for a wide range of public assistance programs. It compares the information you give with eligibility requirements for Social Security, Medicaid, food stamps, weatherization, in-home services, pharmacy programs and state programs. A printable report of programs and enrollment information is available.
Healthy Aging for Older Adults (cdc. gov/aging/). The Healthy Aging for Older Adults website sponsored by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion provides information on a wide range of topics including: health-related behaviors, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, immunizations for adults and injuries among older adults. Medicare Interactive ( Medicare Int er ac t ive.org/aarp). Medicare Interactive provides Medicare-related information on topics such as eligibility and enrollment, coverage, rights and protections, health plan options, prescription drugs and programs for people with lower income. NIH SeniorHealth (nihseniorhealth. gov). The NIH SeniorHealth website containing information for older adults on Aging and the National Library of Medicine. This website contains a wide range of information on many health topics including: Alzheimer’s, arthritis, balance problems, cancer, diabetes, exercise, hearing loss, taking mediP cines and many more. — Medicare.gov
Susan G. Love, D.P.M.
25 ! Years
Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine
Serving The Community For Over 25 years
PODIATRISTS - FOOT SPECIALISTS
Vito La Puma, D.P.M.
2012
HIGH QUALITY & AFFORDABLE DENTAL CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
2013
Our Fully Equipped Facility ity Offers:
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- DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND - X-RAY - HYDROTHERAPY
state of the art location
2012
LASER TREATMENT OF FUNGAL NAILS NEW LOWER PRICES!
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$59 Exam, X-rays, Cleaning (with this ad only)
718.658.0123 168-14 JAMAICA AVE 4446%78!!:!*+%76$( dr. douglas garczynski
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We Treat All Foot Disorders, ALBD-060379
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Access America for Seniors (seniors.gov). The Access America for Seniors website has information that will help seniors conduct business with federal agencies faster and easier.
Including: • Diabetic Care • Heel Pain • Wound Care • Ingrown Nails • Warts, Corns & Calluses • Plantar Fasciitis Same-Day Emergency Appointments
• Onychomycosis/ Nail Fungus • Fractures • Sports Injuries • Athlete’s Foot • Bunions and Hammertoes Evening & Saturday Appointments Available
Dr. Susan G. Love
MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED
159-05 92 St., Howard Beach • 718-845-0741 nd