Archives for November 2020

November 6, 2020 by Sofia

How to Compare Supplement Insurance Plans

Health insurance can be incredibly helpful not only when it comes to keeping you healthy, but also in helping you save on healthcare-related costs. It is important for everyone, but certainly becomes more important as you get older.

While individuals over 65 can be covered by Medicare, the coverage does have some gaps. In an effort to fill these gaps, individuals can get Medicare Supplement health insurance, which is also known as Medigap. However, with so many different options, it becomes quite important to be able to compare one plan to another.

With that in mind, this article is going to go over some tips on how to compare Medicare Supplement plans to ensure you find the best one for your needs.

Know the Standardized Options

If you want to get a Medicare Supplement plan, you have a couple of choices to become familiar with. The policies are identified by letters, which include A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N. However, it is important to note that plans C and F are no longer available to those who are new to Medicare as of 2020.

Each of these plans features different benefits and coverage, so no matter your needs and preferences, finding a plan that works for you will be possible. Be sure to go through each lettered plan and read up on if it makes sense for you.

These plans are all standardized, so they include the same things no matter which provider you have or state you are in. So no matter where you are, Plan A is Plan A. All of the plans offer the basics, but each lettered plan will differ when it comes to the extras that are included.

Be Aware of Your Exact Needs

Of course, in order to truly compare which plan is best for you, you need to evaluate your needs. Everyone is different, so simply because a plan works for your friend doesn’t mean it will work for you. The choice you make will depend on things like how often you visit the doctor, any ailments you are currently dealing with and even your budget.

Don’t only think about your needs right this second, either. You should also think about your needs over the next few months. For example, if you plan on travelling, you will likely want a plan that has you covered in the case of an emergency when you are gone.

Look at the Costs

In addition to each standardized option having different inclusions and exclusions, they also have different costs. Plans that offer more coverage or benefits, will generally come along with higher costs to account for the better coverage. Also, the makeup of the costs can also differ. Some plans might have larger deductibles but smaller premiums, while others will be the opposite.

Also, while the options are standardized and all cover the same things, this doesn’t mean the same plan will always cost the same. Different providers can (and often will) include different costs for the plans. So before you simply go with the first option you see that seems okay, be sure to compare the costs between plans and providers, to ensure you end up with a cost you are comfortable with and can handle.

Being able to compare Medicare Supplement insurance plans will make sure that you are able to find the exact plan that works for you. While Medigap plans are standardized, you still need to compare costs, know which each option includes and be aware of your own needs in order to find the right plan.

November 6, 2020 by Sofia

How to Help Your Loved One Choose the Best Retirement Facility

Watching a loved one get older is never pleasant, but with your help, they can choose the best retirement accommodation to support them through their golden years. If you have an elderly loved one who is in need of a more suitable home life and more support in their older years, there are various retirement accommodation options and communities to choose from that will ensure they are comfortable and supported. Here are some of the main factors to consider when choosing a retirement home for your loved one.

Independence

Independence is one of the key factors to consider when choosing retirement accommodation for an elderly loved one. Most older people will prefer to stay as independent as possible and it’s important to make sure that they can do this. Studies have shown that older people who get to retain as much independence as possible tend to be happier and less likely to suffer from mental health problems like depression. Keep this in mind when choosing an independent or assisted living facility. Assisted living may be more suitable if your loved one needs some support as these facilities tend to allow as much independence as possible while having employees on hand to help around the clock.

Location

The location is another key factor to think about when choosing a retirement facility. Most people will want to find a retirement facility in the local area to make it easier to visit their loved one as much as possible; however, their preferences should also be taken into account. Perhaps your relative has always wanted to live in a certain area – it’s worth considering any retirement facilities here so that they can spend their golden years in a location that they really enjoy.

Activities

It is also worth considering the activities and events that are on offer at the retirement facility of your choosing. Both independent and assisted living facilities tend to offer a wide range of things to do from on-site gyms and swimming pools, art and cooking classes, book clubs, competitions and games, and much more. Think about the hobbies that your relative already enjoys and speak to them about anything that they would like to be able to try.

Reputation

Not all retirement facilities are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before making a final choice. An online search should bring up information about the facility along with online reviews written by current and past residents and their families. Make sure that the facility you choose has a strong reputation for being supportive and providing a safe, calm, and happy environment for the residents.

Support

Finally, consider the type of support that your relative needs and what is available at the facility. A completely independent living facility might not be ideal for somebody who needs a caregiver to visit daily, for example. Different facilities offer different levels of support from having staff on-site around the clock who can respond to calls, to caregivers who visit at various times of the day to help residents with various tasks. If your relative has any medical needs, ensure that the facility has suitable healthcare staff on-site.

If your loved one is ready to move into a retirement facility, there are many factors to consider to help them choose the right one.

November 4, 2020 by Sofia

Don’t Forget Your Furry Family This Holiday! 5 Pleasant Presents for Puppers

Christmas is right around the corner, and you’re probably already working on the list of people you need to buy gifts for. But while you’re making that list, don’t forget your furry friend, the family dog. You already consider your pupper a part of the family, so why not add them to your Christmas list? In this article, you’ll find a few pleasant presents for the puppy dog in your life.

Ear Cleaner

In a human, there is nothing worse than having an ear infection, it’s almost as bad as having toothache. You try to prevent those aches by keeping your ears clean and the same holds true for your dog. But since you can’t get down into your dog’s ear canal with a Q-tip, getting them a dog ear cleaner for Christmas is the best way to keep your dog’s ears healthy. Not only does it work to prevent infections, but the cleaner also keeps their ears clean and increases the ability to hear as well.

Dog Harness

You’re probably going to be taking a lot of walks with your furry friend over the busy holiday season, whether it’s to get them out of the house when preparations are being made for the holidays, or simply for your daily walks. The streets are certainly going to be busier with holiday travel being on the uptick, so you want to make sure you have the best dog harness available to keep your pup secure, safe, and comfy on your walks. A lightweight but durable dog harness, with a helpful adjustment strap, makes the perfect present for your canine pal, because it keeps them safe and secure as the holidays proceed but is the perfect fit all year round!

Chew Toys

What dog, big or small, doesn’t love to get chew toys as presents? Not to mention that all-natural chew toys have quite a few different benefits, from helping with dental care, to giving your pup something to do when you’re busy with Christmas preparations. It’s natural for your dog to chew on things, so giving them chew toys for Christmas is helpful to them and better for your furniture as well.

Subscription Box

The trend of subscription boxes has really picked up in the last couple of years. You can get a box for everything from books to self-care items and kitchen stuff to coffee. You can also get subscription boxes for your dog. Why not start a subscription for your pup for Christmas this year. You can keep it all year long and it’ll be like Christmas morning once a month for the two of you.

Doggy Bed

Your pup might already have a doggie bed, but it’s never a bad idea to upgrade. Besides, today they have doggy beds that are heated and even some that massage your dog as they sleep. On top of upgrading, you need to have the right type of bed for your dog anyway. The bed that was right when your dog was a puppy, certainly isn’t going to be right for your pup now that he’s an adult. He’s probably outgrown that first bed, and they do wear with age and become less comfortable for your pal. Wrap up one of those amazing modern beds for your pup this Christmas. You’ll be glad you did and your pup will thank you.

These are just a few of the best gifts you can give the furry member of your family for Christmas this upcoming season. Don’t forget, in the midst of the hustle and bustle, that the best gift you can give your furry bundle of joy is your time, love, and compassion. The holidays can be rough on a dog, so make sure to calm them and spend as much time with your pup as you can.

November 3, 2020 by Sofia

4 Little-Known Facts About Infertility in 2020

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about infertility, despite it being fairly common across the world. Whether you’re looking to conceive yourself or are simply hoping to understand this condition better, infertility impacts many but today is also largely treatable. Fertility technology is more advanced than ever in 2020, as is scientists’ and doctors’ knowledge about what the causes and symptoms of infertility are, and what steps could be taken to help prevent it. With today’s ongoing scientific developments in this area, this fertility issue is more straightforward to address than ever. Below, you’ll find some little known facts and well-kept secrets about infertility than anyone hoping to conceive in this day and age should be aware of.

1. IVF Technology Continues To Advance

Many people dealing with fertility problems turn to IVF treatment as a way to increase their odds of a viable pregnancy. IVF, short for in vitro fertilization, is a process that involves fertilizing an egg and then directly implanting it in the uterus, hence the name of the treatment. The process can take multiple months to complete and depending on the patient, the first round may not be successful, but the technology has solid scientific backing that continues to attract those hoping to conceive. Additionally, there is evidence that not only effectiveness but also overall safety continues to improve with the passage of time.

2. Male Infertility Is Possible

An old wives’ tale holds that infertility is primarily an issue on the part of women. However, you might be surprised to learn that male infertility is entirely possible as well. The difference lies in the cause. Infertility in women may be due to factors like damage to the fallopian tubes, uterine or cervix, or to conditions like endometriosis. In men, infertility is typically linked to sperm issues such as inadequate production or incomplete delivery. Anyone’s fertility can be affected by factors such as undergoing treatment for cancer.

3. The Definition Is Narrower Than You May Think

One common misconception about infertility is that this diagnosis means you are fully incapable of having children and will never be able to get pregnant. However, the official definition is much narrower than you might have thought. According to the Centers for Disease Control, infertility is when you are unable to conceive after one year or more of unprotected intercourse. This is also dependent on age restrictions – for example, if a woman is older than 35, the time window is reduced to six months.

4. Lifestyle Choices May Help Improve Fertility

After a deep dive into the facts of infertility, you might be wondering whether there’s anything you can do now to prevent it later on, especially if you don’t plan on trying to conceive for a while. Thankfully, the answer is yes. While not a cure-all in every situation, there’s strong evidence that healthy lifestyle choices can make a difference in your fertility. If you smoke, quitting is the way to go. You may also want to reduce alcohol use and ask your doctor whether any medications you’re on impact fertility. Getting enough sleep and exercise, eating well and maintaining a stable, healthy weight all play a role as well.

Infertility is a frequent issue many people run into worldwide, but whether due to persistent myths or inadequate public knowledge campaigns, literacy on the topic isn’t always at levels helpful for those looking to conceive. If you are struggling with infertility, however, you can rest assured that this is not an uncommon concern and in many cases can be treated. Additionally, with a deeper understanding of the issue, you can take steps to prevent it. Given today’s consistent advances in technology, the odds of getting pregnant for those dealing with infertility are on the rise.