Health Insurance Counseling: Empowering Seniors to Make Informed Decisions

Light the candles, put on your favorite song, and savor this moment you only turn 65 once! Forget sayings like A lady or gentleman never tells their age, because at ArchWell Health, we believe every birthday is a reason to celebrate. And every age brings new gifts.So if youre turning 65, theres more than Medicare to look forward to although that is one of the perks!Thats why were excited to unwrap this new series, Turning 65, over the coming months. Each post will highlight a different aspect of life in your mid 60s with a positive spin and practical insights.Here are the topics well cover between now and the fall:Understanding Aging: Part of growing older is learning how to listen to the beautiful machine that is you and knowing how to care for it in this new era. Weve got you covered.Drug Management: With increased age often comes an increased number of prescriptions, and thats OK. Weve got tips for managing them all with ease.Maximizing Independence: You might need help with a few things in this next life stage, but you can still keep that independent spirit too. Well show you the ways.Mental Health: There are definitely more things to worry about as you add more candles to the cake. And there are just as many things if not more to be excited about. Well talk about the serious stuff and how to look for the good in healthy ways.Why Turning 65 Is More Than a NumberWhen you were preparing for college, the workforce, marriage, or parenthood, you probably did some goal setting. Why not do the same now?Whether youre close to retirement, have no plans to stop working because you enjoy being busy, or youre caring for parents and possibly adult children and grandkids, take time during your 65th year to set some new goals for the future near term and long term.Start by setting the tone for adventure in this milestone year: create a bucket list of places you want to go, people you want to visit, hobbies you want to rekindle or try for the first time, or volunteer/paid jobs youd like to do.Schedule time to make progress on these goals each week. You dont have to make a big trip across the ocean maybe start by checking out a travel club at the local Y, or coming to an ArchWell Health Center for line dancing, Jeopardy, or Zumba.Understanding MedicareTurning 65 does not mean you suddenly understand Medicare and all its tricky moving parts. We get it! Its confusing, and it changes a lot so well start with the basics.Part C Medicare/Medicare Advantage plans have to cover everything that the Original Medicare plan does. Most also include Part D coverage and extra benefits like vision and dental coverage. You must keep paying your Part B premium and, in some cases, an additional Medicare Advantage premium. Your premium is your monthly bill for health insurance.Private companies also offer Medicare supplement plans (aka Medigap plans). These help you pay for things Parts A and B dont cover, like extra costs that come in the form of copays and deductibles.How and when do you enroll or switch plans?Open enrollment begins on October 15th. During this period, you can sign up for a new Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap plan from the Medicare website. Peruse plans and when you find the one you like, simply click the enroll button.You can also enroll by calling a health plan directly. Prefer a paper form? Just ask your ArchWell Health provider. Make sure to get that form in before December 7th when open enrollment ends.How do you choose the right coverage?If youre happy with the coverage you have, you dont have to do anything else unless your Medicare Advantage, Medigap or Part D drug plan will no longer be available.If youre not happy or you want to shop around do these two things next.Step one: Review your current plans Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which comes in the mail in September. On the ANOC, youll find a list of:Any changes to costs like premiums, deductibles and copaysAny changes to the plans network of providers and pharmaciesAny changes to the plans drug list (formulary)If your Medicare plan is dropping your favorite doctor or health system, it might be time to find a new plan. Want a different provider? This is the time to find someone new. And if an expensive drug you take wont be covered anymore (or it moves to a higher level on the drug list, which makes the price go up), its time to consider a new plan.Step two: Visit the Medicare website. There, youll find a handy tool that lets you compare Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap plans in your area. Log in or enter your ZIP code, then choose the plan you want. You can study all the available options here too. With Medicare Advantage plans, youll see things like:The Medicare star rating, where 5 stars is the highest.The monthly premium and, good news! there are Medicare Advantage plans with $0 premiums.Total drug and premium costs (if youve entered your prescriptions).Other costs (like deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs).What extra benefits the plan includes.If youve logged in, you can even see a side-by-side comparison between your current plan and up to two others.Whats the difference between payer and provider?As you become more familiar with Medicare or if youve been around the healthcare block a few times youll probably hear terms like payers, providers and outcomes. Its important to know what these terms mean as you navigate Medicare.Insurance companies are the payers.Doctors, clinics, physical therapists, and centers like ArchWell Health are the providers.Choosing the right provider makes a difference when it comes to your healthcare experience and outcomes (positive results).Maybe you never paid much attention to your providers before: you were busy working, raising a family, or didnt know you had the opportunity to choose something or someone else. Now you know! And we encourage you for your 65th trip around the sun to prioritize your health by finding the right fit because your care matters.Planning Ahead: Legal, Financial and Lifestyle Planning TipsPlan now so you and your loved ones can have peace later. Many people put off things like writing a will or setting up advanced directives because they think I dont need that yet. But think of preparedness in terms of the whens, not the what ifs. Because ultimately, even if were turning 65 and see another 30 good years ahead of us, we all have to be ready for those moments.The beauty of planning ahead is that you can take your time, knocking out document after document in an orderly, unhurried way. Make sure you have a will, a power of attorney and healthcare proxy to make decisions for you if you become unable to do so, and draw up healthcare directives should the unthinkable happen.Set aside some time each month to look at retirement planning tools like retirement cost calculators, an estate planning checklist, or educational workshops and free legal clinics in your community. Working with a community or trusted partner can help you stay on track and get expert advice to reach your goals. They may also be able to point you in the direction of benefits and discounts available to those 65 and older.Read more about having successful conversations about care plans and how to keep your caregiving paperwork ducks in a row.Perks of Being 65 and WiserWho doesnt love free stuff? Check out this list of discounts and community-based resources to make 65 a banner year at a reduced rate, of course. Youve earned it!Get out and see the worldIts a great time to spread your wings or hit the trails and find new adventures without the high price tag. Here are a few notable offers:Travel by train and get 10% off rail fares through Amtrak.Prefer the bus? Greyhound offers 10% off for seniors too.Want to visit the National Parks across the US? A Senior Lifetime pass is $80, and an Annual Pass is $20.Car rentals: Hertz offers 20% off to those 50 and older, and other companies offer discounts to AARP members.Airline tickets: American Airlines and United both offer senior discounts. Check the website or ask customer service for more details as these may be limited to certain destinations.Stay close to home and save moneyWhether youre visiting the grandkids or looking to be a tourist in your own town, many movie theaters, restaurants, and museums offer senior discounts.Learn something new or study a subject youve always loved through discounted college courses or tuition free programs at universities near you.Want to work out at home for free, or at a local gym? Find out if your health plan participates with Silver Sneakers.Connect in the communityWhen youre not out seeing the world, stay plugged into your local neighborhood happenings through these senior-friendly resource hubs:AARP: The American Association of Retired Persons is still the top organization for all things aging and active older adults. Check out the website to see everything they have to offer for your later life decades.Local Senior Centers: Many cities and towns are still home to senior centers, which are supported by county-based AAAs (Area Agencies on Aging). Find the one closest to you to learn more.ArchWell Health centers: From friendly, caring providers who specialize in the care of seniors to vibrant community events, we have it all. Come visit us and say hello to a new era of wellness.ArchWell Health Celebrates YouWere all about celebrating our members every day birthday or not. Come with your Medicare questions, your nutrition challenges, or with an open mind to participate in our unique center activities focused on wellness for those 65 and up.About the AuthorJudith Ford, MD, Chief Clinical OfficerGrowing up with a father as a physician and a mother as a nurse, Judith Ford, a Medical Doctor (MD), has always had an interest in the medical field and caring for others. After attending college and medical school, she began practicing with a focus on taking care of older patients with complex conditions. With this mission in mind, the move to ArchWell Health was a natural fit. When not practicing medicine, shes spending time with her husband, Chris, and her children, Sara and Jane.

Exercise offers numerous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, managing weight, and reducing stress. Another key benefit is its role in preventing type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, exercise doesnt need to be intense or strenuous to be effective. Activities like walking, gardening, or other enjoyable forms of light exercise can be just as beneficial. However, people with diabetes should keep certain considerations in mind while exercising.Important Considerations for Exercising with Diabetes:Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is especially important for people with diabetes, as they are more prone to dehydration. Be sure to drink water before and after exercise, and take a water break every 20 minutes during physical activity.Foot Care: Pay attention to your feet. Physical activity can sometimes lead to redness, blisters, or sores. If you notice any sores that arent healing, contact your doctor for guidance.Monitor Blood Glucose Levels: Its crucial to test your blood sugar levels before and after exercise to ensure they are within a safe range. Monitoring your glucose levels helps you understand how exercise affects your body.Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before starting any exercise program, consult a doctor or physical therapist. They can advise you on which exercises are most suitable based on your individual health status.Exercise can greatly benefit people with diabetes, but staying mindful of these key considerations will help make it both safe and effective.

Parkinsons Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Early signs may include tremors, slowed movement, stiffness, and changes in speech or facial expression. While there is no cure, therapy can significantly improve quality of life. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help patients maintain independence, manage symptoms, and slow disease progression. Mind & Mobility is a leading provider of Parkinsons therapy in Florida, offering both in-home and outpatient services.Physical therapy for Parkinsons focuses on improving gait, strength, posture, and flexibility. Therapists may use exercises such as large-amplitude movement training, resistance training, and gait re-education. These interventions help reduce rigidity and improve stride length and balance.Occupational therapy supports patients in performing everyday activities like dressing, writing, and meal preparation. Therapists may recommend adaptive tools and suggest ways to modify the environment to enhance safety and ease.Speech therapy addresses soft speech (hypophonia), swallowing issues, and communication challenges. Techniques such as LSVT LOUD can improve vocal projection and clarity. Swallowing therapy helps avoid complications like aspiration. An early multidisciplinary approach is critical. The sooner therapy begins, the more effective it can be in maintaining function and independence. Regular reassessments ensure the therapy plan evolves with the patients needs. Ultimately, personalized therapy can make a powerful difference in slowing Parkinsons impact and preserving quality of life.In addition to therapy, understanding the stages of Parkinsons Disease can help patients and caregivers anticipate changes and plan accordingly. The Hoehn and Yahr scale, commonly used to classify disease progression, ranges from Stage 1 (mild symptoms affecting one side of the body) to Stage 5 (severe disability requiring full-time care). Each stage brings unique challenges, and therapy plans must evolve to meet the changing needs of the individual.Non-motor symptomssuch as sleep disturbances, constipation, depression, anxiety, and cognitive changesare also common in Parkinsons and often under-recognized. These symptoms can significantly affect quality of life, even when motor symptoms are well managed. Occupational therapists often help address fatigue, energy conservation, and task sequencing, while speech therapists may work on strategies for cognitive-communication deficits. Mental health support and regular medical follow-up are critical.Medications like levodopa remain the cornerstone of Parkinsons treatment, but they are most effective when paired with an active therapy regimen. Exercise, especially high-intensity aerobic activity, has been shown to promote neuroplasticity and may help slow the diseases progression. Programs like Rock Steady Boxing, dance therapy, and aquatic exercise have grown in popularity for their ability to combine movement with enjoyment and social interaction.Caregiver education is another essential component of treatment. Therapists can train family members and aides in safe transfer techniques, cueing strategies, and environmental modifications to prevent falls and reduce caregiver strain. Support groups also provide valuable emotional reinforcement and shared resources for both patients and caregivers.Finally, technology is playing a growing role in Parkinsons management. From smartwatches that track movement patterns to apps that guide home exercise routines, digital tools can enhance therapy compliance and symptom monitoring. Telehealth therapy services are also expanding access to care for those with limited mobility or transportation challenges.The journey with Parkinsons is different for everyone, but early intervention, personalized therapy, and a proactive care plan can dramatically improve outcomes. By integrating physical, occupational, and speech therapy from the onset, individuals with Parkinsons can extend their independence, maintain dignity, and preserve their sense of identity far longer than previously thought possible.Mind & Mobility is a leading provider of Parkinsons therapy in Florida, offering both in-home and outpatient services. With a team of expert physical, occupational, and speech therapistsincluding those certified in LSVT BIG and LOUDMind & Mobility is committed to helping individuals with Parkinsons Disease maintain independence, improve quality of life, and age with dignity. Whether you need intensive one-on-one treatment or ongoing support, Parkinsons therapy in Florida from Mind & Mobility ensures care thats compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your journey.