Learning to Live Abroad Through Retirement

Oral health is about much more than a clean smile. For older adults, brushing and flossing can become difficult due to arthritis, memory loss, or physical limitations. When dental care is missed, harmful bacteria build up. And they dont stay in the mouth.Research has found links between gum disease and a range of serious health issues: heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes complications, and more recently, dementia. In studies, bacteria associated with gum infections have even been found in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease, suggesting a role in inflammation and cognitive decline.The good (but not-so-new) news? Professional cleanings and oral screenings help reduce bacteria, spot issues early, and protect overall health. And theyre not just for those with medical conditionseven healthy individuals benefit from reaching the areas daily brushing and flossing miss.Dental care is healthcare. For aging adults, it plays a vital role in maintaining comfort, dignity, and quality of life.Mouth health is whole-body healthespecially as we age. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jacob H. Nguyen, RDH. Jacob is a Direct Access Dental Hygienist and Founder of Dental Carvan. For more information he may be reached at 303-210-0999.

One of the things many people look forward to in retirement is the opportunity to travel. Visiting new places, seeing new things. However, no one wants to think about needing medical care while traveling. Its important to review your Medicare plans travel rules long before you ever need help. Understanding Medicares travel rules can save your dream vacation from becoming a nightmare.Different plans = different rulesEvery Medicare plan has its own rules. You will want to review your own coverage restrictions before planning a trip, especially if planning an international trip. Rules can change depending on where you travel so read carefully.Traveling within the United StatesWhen traveling within the United States, you will have Medicare coverage throughout the nation. But what counts as the U.S. is a little different than just the 50 states, youre used to thinking about. United States Medicare coverage includes all 50 states plus territories and U.S. waters. That means that your Medicare coverage will count in Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands as part of the U.S.Traveling with Original MedicareIf you have Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, you can travel anywhere within the U.S. and have Medicare coverage anywhere that accepts Medicare. Outside the U.S., your coverage is limited. There are a few exceptions:Emergency services in Canada: If youre going between Alaska and another state, your travel route is direct and without unreasonable delay, and the closest hospital that can treat you is in Canada, you may have coverage for those services.Medical care on a cruise ship: If the ship is in U.S. territorial waters when you receive care or within 6 hours of your departure or arrival from port, then your Medicare will cover those services. Beyond that, coverage gets murky.Nonemergency inpatient services (under Part A): If the foreign hospital is closer to your home residence than the nearest U.S. hospital, then coverage may occur.Traveling with Part D Prescription Drug PlansPart D Prescription Drug Plan coverage depends on where you are intending to travel. Medicare drug plans don't cover prescription drugs purchased outside the U.S. Within the U.S., your coverage will be limited based on whether you have a carrier network. If you have a network, you will need to find a pharmacy that is in your network. Most insurance carriers have an online tool to help you search for an in-network pharmacy within a ZIP code.Traveling with Medicare AdvantageMedicare Advantage coverage while traveling depends on your plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover medical emergencies outside the U.S. If you have or are considering a Medicare Advantage plan and are planning to travel outside the country, please verify with your carrier that they cover emergency care.Within the U.S., plan networks might be an issue as well; although it is worth noting that, regardless of your plan, all plans are legally required to cover emergency care if it occurs within the U.S.International plans? Get travelers insuranceMany Medicare users can benefit from purchasing travelers insurance when traveling outside the country, especially if youre taking a longer trip. This will guarantee health coverage if/when you need it and give you peace of mind. For those who have scheduled with a travel agency, they will often have suggestions of good travelers insurance plans for the country youre visiting. If not, we would be happy to help you find an option that fits your travel plans.Long-term travel and movingLong-term travelIf you are traveling outside the U.S. for more than 6 months, you will automatically be disenrolled from your current Medicare Advantage plan and given a Special Enrollment Period to choose a new coverage plan.MovingWhether you are moving inside or outside the U.S., you should contact a licensed insurance agent to verify your coverage. Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans are location-based and you may need to change plans before you move.ConclusionTraveling can be a lot of fun. Your insurance should not be a reason to avoid or delay your travel plans. But just like you make sure your passport is up to date, you should check in on your Medicare coverage long before you need it.If you are traveling and have Medicare questions or are planning on moving, call to set up a free consultation with one of our licensed insurance agents. We are happy to answer your questions to help you get ready for your big trip.PlanEnroll is a brand operated by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC and used by its affiliated licensed insurance agencies that are certified to sell Medicare products. PlanEnroll is not endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or any other government agency.

Selling a home that has been lived in for many years can be a difficult process whether a loved one has passed or is just moving into a nursing home.  Many memories have been made that hold a multitude of emotions and it is hard to let it all go.  Here are a few steps to help ease the stress of preparing your loved ones home for sale.Be PatientIf time isnt of the essence put a 60-90 day freeze on all decision making.  During that time leave everything in the home as-is except for expiring food, medicines, and anything else that could leave a bad odor.  This hold-over time period will give friends and family time to grieve, time to process the options, and time to remember the home exactly how it was while your loved one still lived there.Get Expert HelpA lawyer should be one of your first calls as they can help get the necessary paperwork in order such as a power of attorney and will.  They can also help you navigate through probate.  Seeking legal advice about selling a home is always advised as it can greatly affect the title of the home.Next, a realtor will be able to talk about all of your options when it comes to selling. Since a realtor doesnt have any emotional attachment to the house, they will be able to be matter of fact and tell you the current market value of the home.  A realtor will also let you know which items should be updated to get the most money out of the house.DeclutterIt can be difficult to let things go, but a house must be de-personalized in order to sell for top dollar. If the process is too difficult or daunting to do on your own, you might consider hiring an estate sale company to host an estate sale. If this is the route you go, it is best to step away from the process and let the professionals do their job.If you prefer to go through items yourself, consider hiring an appraiser or specialist to look at antiques to find out their true value.  Less valuable items can be donated so you know they are going to a good home. Non-profit businesses that are usually seeking donations include Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity Restores.Update/RepairsA lived-in home will have signs of wear & tear.  At a minimum fix cracked tiles, patch holes in walls, give the home a coat of fresh neutral paint, replace burned out lightbulbs, and remove curtains to let the most light in. You might also consider installing new carpet and flooring.To get the most money out of the home, consider doing a kitchen and bathroom remodel as those spaces tend to be the biggest selling points of a house. If you dont have time for a major renovation you can update simple items such as replacing light fixtures, faucets, and hinges. In the bathrooms add a few stacked washcloths tied with a ribbon, add lightly scented candles, and buy matching bathmats & towels in a light green, blue or white tone.Your realtor might also suggest hiring a professional stager, who will bring in contemporary furniture to enhance the homes attractiveness to potential buyers.Clean, Clean, CleanOne of the last steps inside the home is to give it a good cleaning.  If you dont mind putting in the elbow grease, then begin with washing the windows, vacuuming, dusting, wiping down all surfaces, and polishing appliances. You can also consider hiring a cleaning company, who can come in and make the home sparkle in just a few hours.Curb AppealLastly, spruce up the landscaping and front entrance of the home which might have become neglected.  Trim shrubs, add flowers, mow the lawn, give the front door a fresh coat of paint, and paint faded trim.  In addition, certain buyers loan types such as FHA & VA will require rotted deck boards be replaced, that peeling paint is fixed, and any broken windows be repaired.If you are ready to take the next step in selling, call lMike Lies with Gold Compass Real Estate at 303-325-5690.