The new year is a signal to many that it’s time for a fresh start or to make a change. Oftentimes, the desired changes are health-related – a healthier diet, more exercise, cutting out smoking – and they can be hard to make. Even after making those changes, following through to make the new habits stick is a separate hurdle.

It’s important to set realistic goals that are attainable and sustainable. How do you do that? You can start with our tips below and remember that your healthcare team – including your pharmacist – is here to support you on your health journey.

How do I set my goals?

It’s tempting to make lofty goals as New Year’s Resolutions – and make lots of them. But, according to the American Psychological Association, setting goals that are smaller and realistic are the way to go. These goals are less daunting and thus more likely to be achieved long-term. Some things to keep in mind as you set your goals are: ¹

• Start small. Change happens with the first step, and you can build off the change over time. For instance, if you currently don’t exercise, don’t think you’ll be able to jump to exercising every day of the week right off the bat. Start with a few days of the week, and work up from there.
• Don’t change everything at once. It’s hard enough to make major change in one area of your life. Trying to change all your habits at once can lead to you just being overwhelmed and giving up. Tackle one goal at a time to build up healthy habits over time.
• Have a support system. Making sure you have someone – or lots of people – in your corner while you make changes can make the goal much less intimidating. The support system can be family or friends, a therapist or coach, or even a support group. Sharing your journey with others can keep you accountable, offer support or just a friendly shoulder to lean on, or help adjust expectations to keep you aiming for an attainable and healthy goal.
• Take it easy on yourself. Goals can be hard to meet, and habits can be hard to maintain. It’s ok to miss a step and not to achieve those goals to perfection. Any change in a healthy direction is good change. If you fall off the wagon, leave it in the past; just resolve to get back on track and keep going!

What are some goals to consider?

The goal of resolutions is to make change that sticks – so these goals could really be the same year to year. Maintaining that healthy change is a lifetime commitment. Some things to consider are:

• Wash your hands. It seems like a somewhat silly goal to set, but improving your handwashing habits can make a huge difference. We have seen an increased emphasis on this since the beginning of the pandemic, but it’s always important. Good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of germs between you and your loved ones.
• Go to your yearly check-ups. The annual check-ups at your doctor, dentist, and eye doctor can help detect problems before they are severe and allow you to get any questions or concerns resolved. The annual medical exam is a great time to get up-to-date on any needed vaccinations, too!
• Quit smoking. Smoking is especially hard to quit cold turkey, so take it slow. Some of the health benefits occur within minutes of quitting, while others take much longer. Leaning on your support system and healthcare team can be especially important for this goal to be successful in the short term and in the long term.
• Improve your diet. Fad diets are rarely a long-term option, so find something that works with what your body needs and what appeals to you. If you are cutting out a food group, make sure to account for that and consider any supplements to replace the nutrients your body would get from that (i.e., vegetarians may miss out on important proteins and essential fats that occur naturally in meat – so consider adding those vitamins to your regimen).
• Add more exercise. Like everything else, you don’t need to go from 0 to 60 on this. If you don’t have much exercise in your routine now, try adding a walk a few times a week or do at-home yoga videos. Even taking the stairs instead of the elevator can make a difference.

Looking for more tips on these? We go into more detail on the last two goals below!

Goal: Improve Your Diet

If you are thinking about making changes to your diet, it’s important to think about your unique needs. Some healthy eating options can apply to you regardless of life stage, such as focusing on adding more fruits and vegetables and cutting down on salt and sugar intake.

But other changes are more important during certain stages of life, so be sure to take that into account before making sweeping changes, especially following a trend – for example, age can affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12, so older adults may need to add fortified foods compared to younger adults. MyPlate.gov has lots of tips for eating as well as supplement considerations for any life stage. ²

Don’t forget to take any health conditions into consideration when changing your diet, too. It’s especially important to limit salt intake for those with high blood pressure and cutting back on saturated fat can help manage cholesterol. ³ Other changes are more specific – it’s not enough to just add more vegetables if you live with diabetes; you will want to add non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, green beans) rather than starchy vegetables (corn, potatoes, turnips) to better manage your blood sugar spikes. ⁴

The American Heart Association recently updated its guidelines for a heart-healthy diet to acknowledge that dietary needs vary on an individual basis. Instead, they focus on balance and more general suggestions that allow for personal likes and dislikes to be taken into account. ⁵

Working with a dietician can help you make a plan that makes sense for your unique needs – and they can help fit the diet to what you actually want to eat, making it easier to maintain.

 

Goal: Add more exercise ⁶

Physical activity can do more than help you lose or maintain weight. Exercise can reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and lower a person’s risk of many chronic conditions. Staying active can make it easier to do day-to-day tasks, too, such as household chores, carrying boxes, or going up stairs. Activity is important regardless of life stage or situation – there are health benefits of being active for those who are abled and those disabled alike.

Adults between 18 and 64 years old should aim to get somewhere between 2.5 and 5 hours of exercise on a weekly basis. It’s more beneficial to spread the activity out over at least 3 days in a week rather than doing it all at once, and this can cut down on the risk of hurting yourself while exercising or getting overly tired.

This exercise doesn’t need to be high intensity; moderate-intensity activity, such as a brisk walk or Vinyasa yoga, is beneficial. Sports like tennis or swimming work, too, as do ballroom dancing or even yardwork.

To gauge your exercise’s intensity level, use the “Talk Test” – if you can talk while exercising but not sing, you are doing a moderate-intensity activity. If the activity that is considered “moderate” leaves you unable to talk, start with “light” activity and work your way toward more vigorous exercise. Listen to your body, and don’t push yourself further than you can safely handle.

If you have been generally inactive previously, work toward the goals for active adults – begin with light activity for shorter periods of time. Take the same considerations into account if chronic conditions, age, or other concerns prevent you from meeting the standard goal. Some activity is better than none!

Going on walks or doing other activity outdoors is an easy way to exercise, but that’s not an option all the time. Looking for ways to be active when the weather isn’t ideal? Try these tips: ⁷

• Plan for the weather. Maybe the day is going to be cold, but it will be sunny in the afternoon – the sun can help warm you up while you’re outside. Looking like a light rain? Take your rain jacket along with you.
• Wear layers. Cold weather doesn’t have to keep you inside. Layering your clothes can allow for you to keep cozy at the beginning of your outdoor activity but can also be removed as your body warms with the activity.
• Try online workouts. The internet is a great source of free or low-cost classes that can be done from the comfort of your home. These could be done on your own, or you could find an online workout class to join! Some may require plenty of space at home, but others take up almost no space at all.
• Do your housework. Physical activity doesn’t have to mean a sport or a walk. You can get health benefits from chores – vacuuming, cleaning your shower, going up and down stairs while you do some organization. Having those to-dos done is just an added bonus!

Whatever goal you have, remember that it should be your goal – don’t set goals based on others’ lifestyles and abilities. Find changes that are attainable and sustainable for you, and don’t forget that there are all sorts of people here to cheer you on and offer support, including our team at our pharmacy!

 

Sources:

¹ https://www.apa.org/topics/behavioral-health/new-year-resolutions

² https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/

³ https://medlineplus.gov/howtolowercholesterolwithdiet.html

⁴ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/meal-plan-method.html

⁵ https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/11/02/balance-is-the-key-word-in-new-dietary-guidance-for-heart-health

⁶ https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf

⁷ https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/stay-active-this-winter/index.html

It’s a world of technology and accessibility. With online shopping, fast shipping, and one-click purchases available at our fingertips, it’s clear why people may want that same convenience with their healthcare. But is the most convenient option really the most beneficial? What many don’t know is that their local pharmacy offers that same great convenience but with quality care to back it up.

Your medications are personal – and having your prescriptions filled from a warehouse across the country by strangers is the opposite of personal. Choosing the right pharmacy for you and your family is as important as choosing the right doctor, and you should trust your health to someone who gets to know you.

Why is picking a pharmacy so important?

Many people put a lot of thought into picking a doctor – they look around, ask around, and sometimes change their minds after visiting. But research shows that the average person sees their pharmacist 7 to 10 times more often than they see their doctor, so it’s even more important to put the same level of thought into picking the right pharmacist. When choosing a pharmacist and pharmacy, look for a pharmacy that can fulfill all your healthcare needs, not just filling one prescription. Using multiple pharmacies to fill different prescriptions can mean that no one pharmacy knows everything that you are needing, and still may not account for over-the-counter medications you are taking as well. This can lead to negative drug interactions or side effects because the pharmacy team doesn’t have the full picture.

Finding the right pharmacy for you does not need to be a long or difficult process. A good place to start is by asking yourself some basic questions:

• Does your pharmacist take the time to talk with you about your medications and answer your questions?
• Does your pharmacy team offer a variety of health and wellness services such as immunizations, diabetes management, asthma control, or other health-related offerings?
• Does the pharmacy team seem genuinely interested in you and your family’s health care needs?
• Does your pharmacy offer recommendations on over-the-counter products and inform you which ones NOT to take with your prescription?

Why should I choose an independent pharmacy?

There are a lot of options out there for getting your prescriptions filled, and many offer delivery now. But not all convenient services are created equal – that’s why you should go with a local team that you can trust with delivering the medications you need.

An independent pharmacy can offer more than the convenient refills, though they can do that, too! Community pharmacies can bring you peace of mind that not only are you getting a medication, you’re getting the right one, at the right time – all from people you trust to know what you need.

Along with prescription peace of mind, your community pharmacist will often:

• provide medication reviews and counseling
• educate on a number of health conditions
• monitor health goals and offer wellness solutions
• communicate needed refills — and also communicate when they may not be needed anymore
• administer immunizations, including flu and COVID-19

The list of services offered at a local independent pharmacy is continually growing and evolving to best serve our communities. Pharmacists work closely with local prescribers to ensure our patients have all the information and guidance needed to live a long and healthy life. Take advantage of the numerous ways your independent pharmacy can help. The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) conducted a census of community pharmacists in the United States, and they reported that in 2021: ¹

• 88% consider themselves full-line pharmacies
• 92% provide wound care
• 91% provide medication synchronization
• 77% offer compliance packaging
• 87% administer flu shots
• 70% offer delivery

It is not always about the fastest option or the most convenient one. Your health and that of your family is too important to settle for just convenience. When you choose an independent pharmacy, you will experience more than fast and easy.

Why should I pick an independent instead of mail order?

The convenience of getting your medications delivered in the mail may seem like a perk, but there are some significant risks associated with it. Your prescription could be lost or never arrive. You could the wrong amount – or the wrong drug entirely. According to the 2021 NCPA Digest, ¹

• 60% of community pharmacists reported that patients had mail order medication left outside rather than being delivered to the patient directly. Medications can lose their effectiveness when left in too hot or too cold of temperatures.
• 44% reported patients getting the wrong amount of a drug.
• 26% said patients received the wrong medicine.
• 25% reported patients’ medication going to the wrong address.
• 98% have had patients that received the delivery late or never received their medication at all.

An article from Consumer Action for a Strong Economy (CAS) states, “While mailing a prescription may sound routine, most patients forced to wait for these services are those with complex or life-threatening conditions such as cancer. Delaying these treatments can have serious repercussions for these patients’ health and potentially lessens their outlook.” ² Before opting in to receiving your medications via mail order, compare the perceived convenience to the benefits of working with a local pharmacy.

One-on-one medication counseling

When using mail-order services, there is no way of knowing who is filling your prescription from month to month. It may not even be a pharmacist filling it. The lack of two-way communication puts you at higher risk because they may not be aware of changes in your health or any medication side affects you may be experiencing. Your pharmacist should help you feel comfortable asking questions about your health and can offer a faster response to your medication needs.

Customized care

Mail order pharmacies are only able to provide the medications themselves. Local pharmacies offer a variety of complementary services to address your whole health. Providing recommendations on supplements, access to a pharmacist who can answer any questions or issues that may arise, and regular follow-ups to ensure you get the quality care you deserve.

Accurate refills

When receiving your medications in the mail, you are accepting multiple risks that are completely out of your control. What happens if your doctor forgets to send in your prescription or refills for a few days? Now, not only do you not have your medications, but you will also have to wait days or maybe even weeks for them to arrive. Alternatively, mail order companies may have outdated information and automatically send you refills for medications you no longer need. Now you have a large supply of medications on-hand, increasing your risk of taking the wrong medication.

 

Why should I pick an independent instead of a chain pharmacy?

Often people list convenience as the number one reason they choose a chain over an independent pharmacy. Whether it is their hours of operation or a larger selection of products, the flexibility they offer is just about the only benefit they provide compared to independent pharmacies. According to a 2018 Consumer Reports’ survey, “Independent pharmacies earned high scores on such measures as courtesy, helpfulness, and speed of checkout and filling prescriptions, as well as pharmacists’ knowledge and accuracy. At the bottom, large national chain pharmacies.” ³

Let’s review some of the myths and misconceptions about independent pharmacies compared to chain pharmacies.

Myth: Independent pharmacies are more expensive.

According to that same Consumer Reports’ survey, independent pharmacies do better than big chain drugstores with regards to cost. Members who went to independent pharmacies were also more likely to report that the pharmacist suggested a lower-cost drug—21 percent—while only nine percent reported chain pharmacists offering them a lower-price option. Worse, national chains tended to have some of the highest out-of-pocket prices. While prices at independents fell in the middle, CR members said they found the lowest prices at Costco. CR secret shoppers found that some independent and grocery store pharmacies can offer even lower prices than Costco—you will just need to call around in your area and ask for their “cash” or retail price. ³

Myth: Independent pharmacies do not have what I need.

Overall, 21 percent of Consumer Reports members reported that a drug they needed was out of stock in the past year. As a group, independents were more likely than other types of pharmacies to fill the prescription later that same day or the next. Members who used an independent pharmacist were also more likely to say that the pharmacy went out of its way to fill prescriptions faster; 41 percent of people said that happened at independent pharmacies compared to just 20 percent at pharmacy chains. ³

Myth: Independent pharmacies do not accept my insurance.

Every year, independent pharmacies must combat the misconception that, because they are small, they do not accept most insurance. Larger insurance companies, many of which own pharmacies themselves, spend a lot of time and money each year telling patients that they are required to use certain pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. Oftentimes, you can use a local pharmacy, you just do not know it. Before taking the word of your insurance provider, call your local pharmacy to see what your copay is.

 

Your pharmacist may be the health professional you see most often and talk with about your health. It’s important to take advantage of the many ways your pharmacist can help you manage your health and medications. Pharmacists work closely with your doctor or nurse to give you expert information and guidance about your health and any conditions you may have. All this information & all these services are available at your local pharmacy… now that sounds like convenience! As a member of the local independent pharmacy community, we are your trusted medication experts – and we look forward to serving you and your family.

 

Sources:

¹ 2021 NCPA Digest, sponsored by Cardinal Health

² https://caseforconsumers.org/2019/02/26/forced-mail-order-pharmacies-unfair-to-patients-and-wasteful/

³ https://www.consumerreports.org/pharmacies/consumers-still-prefer-independent-pharmacies-consumer-reports-ratings-show/

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/pharmacies/buying-guide/index.htm

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, and it can harm nearly every part of a person’s body. The majority of adult smokers want to quit. So why don’t they just do it? Simple – it’s really hard to do sometimes. Nicotine is very addictive, and the withdrawal and cravings can be overpowering. More than half of adult smokers have tried to quit in 2018, but only 7.5% of them succeeded. ¹

If you or a loved one smoke, it’s important to understand the risks associated with tobacco use to you and those around you. We are here to help educate you on the risks as well as the benefits of quitting and to provide resources to help you on your journey to a tobacco-free life.

What are the risks associated with smoking? ²

First and foremost, smoking is the leading cause of cancer in the United States. Lung cancer is especially common and is the foremost cause of cancer death in the United States. Not only does it increase a person’s risk for lung cancer, it can also increase the risk for cancer of throat, mouth, stomach, kidney, bladder, cervix, and more. Depending on how long someone has smoked, this risk can be 2 to 10 times higher than if they never smoked a cigarette.

The health risk to a smoker is not limited to cancer. Smoking is associated with other diseases such as heart disease and stroke, may be linked to developing cataracts or a bone disease, and can even cause problems in getting pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy may also be associated with low birth weight in the baby.

Smoking doesn’t affect just the smoker, either. Those around smoke can inhale the smoke or exhalations of smokers nearby, which is called secondhand smoke. The amount of chemicals and toxins inhaled from secondhand smoke is less than what the smoker is breathing in, but it is still dangerous and can increase their chances of developing cancer or other diseases as well. Secondhand smoke can cause additional problems in children especially, including lung infections, asthma, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Are e-cigarettes safe to use? ³

E-cigarettes (also known by e-cigs, vape pens, and many other names) deliver the nicotine or other drug as an aerosol vapor rather than the traditional smoke. These products are generally less toxic than a traditional cigarette, but they are still harmful. Most contain nicotine (often even those marketed to be nicotine-free), which is toxic and addictive itself. They can also have other cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, harmful flavoring, and more.

As a cigarette substitute, studies have mixed results on the efficacy. They may help cigarette users quit, but what often happens is “dual-use” – adding vaping into the routine in addition to regular cigarettes instead of in replacement of them. E-cigarettes are not an FDA-approved smoking cessation aid.

E-cigarettes are relatively new, and studies are still being conducted – but the short conclusion so far is that they are still harmful and it’s better to never start than to use this less harmful alternative. There is no tobacco product that is harmless, nor is there a safe level of smoking.

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

While smoking increases a person’s risk of developing health concerns, quitting can help lower that risk. Some of the health benefits of quitting are immediate while some take longer to manifest. Within minutes of a person’s last cigarette, the heart rate drops to a healthier level; within a day, the nicotine in the blood is gone. Within a year, coughing will decrease; risk of cancers and stroke decreases in the years following. ⁴

CDC_Timeline of Health Benefits of Smoking Cessation.png

Even if already diagnosed with cancer, it’s not too late to benefit from quitting. For patients with some cancers, quitting smoking at the time of diagnosis may reduce the risk of dying by 30 to 40 percent. Quitting also helps the body heal better from surgery and respond better to therapy, and it lowers the risk of cancer coming back or that another cancer will develop. ⁵

I’m ready to quit – where should I start?

Reach out to your healthcare team.

According to the National Cancer Institute, those who have counseling from their doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional are more likely to actually quit smoking – even one session can increase your likelihood of succeeding. ²

Your healthcare team can help you on your journey to quitting by:

• Asking about your smoking history so you both have a good understanding of where you’re starting.
• Helping you plan the journey by setting goals and providing support materials.
• Following up regularly to support you and help you stay accountable.
• Offering options for group or peer counseling.
• Recommending nicotine replacement therapy or other treatment options

There are also other means of support available outside of visiting a doctor. You can get confidential coaching through 1-800-QUIT-NOW or join a free messaging program like SmokefreeTXT. There are even mobile apps like quitSTART that can help support you while and after you quit. ⁶

Set yourself up for success.

Prepare for the side effects. ⁷

Nicotine withdrawal is different for every person, but most people do have some symptoms of it. These symptoms can be unpleasant, but you can get through them. The thing that will hurt you the most is if you give into the withdrawal and smoke again.

As you try to quit smoking, you may experience one or more of these temporary withdrawal symptoms:

• Nicotine cravings
• Anger, frustration, or irritability
• Jumpiness or restlessness
• Trouble concentrating or sleeping
• Anxiety or depression
• Hunger or weight gain

Know the common triggers.

Experiencing cravings as part of withdrawal is bad enough – having reminders of smoking in your day-to-day life can make it even harder to stay committed to quitting. Triggers don’t have to be just seeing a pack of cigarettes out on the table – they can be a mood or a feeling, or even just a normal part of the day when you usually would have a cigarette. These triggers can be different for each person, so taking the time to identify your triggers is crucial to staying in control.

Some triggers for smoking may include:

• Being around smokers
• Your morning or evening routine
• Stress
• Driving or riding in a car
• Eating or drinking
• Boredom

Once you can recognize the triggers, the next step is avoid them in your life. Some tips for removing triggers and for dealing with them if they do happen are:

• Remove tobacco products and things associated with smoking, like ash trays.
• Avoid spending time with other people while they smoke and ask them to not smoke around you.
• Ask for help you keep on this path. This can include asking that they not buy cigarettes for you – or that they don’t ask you to buy cigarettes for them.
• Stay busy. When you have something to distract yourself, you will be less focused on satisfying the craving for a cigarette.
• Exercise! Not only is it a good distractor as well, but it can also help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Staying active can also help lift your mood, which can help with side effects as well. Any exercise is better than no exercise, so do what you can!

Cancer.gov and the CDC are great resources for dealing with different withdrawal symptoms as well as addressing health concerns where smokers may normally turn to a cigarette to cope.

Try cutting back instead of going “cold turkey.”

If drug therapy or nicotine replacement products aren’t the right fit for you, try limiting how many cigarettes you smoke to try to slowly eliminate nicotine. Many people think they could quit at anytime, but the addictiveness of nicotine is often underestimated. When you cut out nicotine all at once – “cold turkey” style – it can be harder than you may expect to withstand the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. ⁸

Consider treatment. ⁷

Managing withdrawal symptoms sometimes takes outside help. Medications can make the cravings and withdrawal symptoms easier to bear, which can make it easier to stick to your goal of quitting.

Using a type of drug treatment, regardless of type, can increase a person’s chances at successfully quitting. There are several options when looking at drug treatment:

1. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs)

Nicotine replacement therapies are products that work to slowly cut back a person’s use and dependence of nicotine. These products do have nicotine in them, but they are much safer to use these products than smoking a cigarette.

The over the counter (OTC) options available are:

• Nicotine patches
• Nicotine gum (available in two strengths)
• Nicotine lozenge (available in two strengths)

The prescription NRT options are:

• Nicotine nasal spray
• Nicotine inhaler

The nicotine patch can be combined with another NRT to increase your chances of successfully quitting. Different products work better for different people and situations. It’s best to check the precautions and side effects of each product and discuss your plans with a healthcare professional before beginning, especially if you plan to use the combination therapy method.

2. Non-nicotine medications

There are two non-nicotine prescription medications that a doctor can prescribe. There are side effects associated with both, so discussing the pros and cons with your doctor is an important step.

• Bupropion (Zyban®) is an antidepressant that has been approved to treat nicotine addiction since 1997. This can be used safely with other NRTs. Bupropion works by reducing the withdrawal symptoms and the cravings for a cigarette.
• Varenicline (Chantix®) has been approved to help people stop smoking since 2006. This medication works by reducing cravings for a cigarette as well as by blocking the pleasurable feelings felt if the person does have a cigarette.

Many treatments may be covered by your insurance. Talk to your healthcare team and insurance to see what coverage you have.

Quitting is hard, and it can take a long time to achieve. But it is doable, and it starts with that first step of wanting to stop. Remember that your friends, family, and healthcare team are here to support you. If you have any questions, please reach out to our staff.

 

Sources:

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/smoking-cessation-fast-facts/index.html

² https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/quit-smoking-pdq

³ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm

⁴ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/benefits/index.htm

⁵ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cessation-fact-sheet

⁶ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/index.htm

⁷ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/

⁸ https://www.quit.com/quit-smoking-faqs.html

 

The information in this blog pertains mostly to those who are aged 65 and up and do not already qualify for Medicare due to a disability. The information provided is meant to serve as a guideline and does not qualify as legal advice. For questions or more information, we recommend you visit the medicare.gov website or speak with a local insurance agent.

It is highly recommended that everyone reviews their Medicare plan annually as your plan often does not reflect changes to your health and medication needs. Additionally, plans also change every year, so there may be a plan out there that better fits your needs.

Which Medicare plan is right for me?

Knowing which Medicare Part D plan is right for you can be difficult. However, there are six key things to consider when reviewing your plan as well as other plan options.

1. Is my medication in the same coverage tier?

Your current plan’s formulary may change, and your medications could then be placed into different tiers. This often changes year to year, so be sure to look at this closely when it is time to review and renew your plan.

2. Do I take the same medication as last year?

Your medication needs often change over time. Whether you have switched to a new medication formula, are taking an additional prescription to treat something new, or no longer need to take a medication that you had been taking last year, reviewing which plans are best based on your current medication needs is crucial. For example, you may have previously selected a specific plan that had a high premium because it placed a needed recurring medication in a low tier; since last enrollment period, you switched to a generic version of that medication that is less expensive across all plans. In this scenario, you  may be able to pay a lower premium and still have the coverage you need. ¹

3. Is my pharmacy in the plan’s network?

Insurance companies often instruct plan participants to use certain pharmacies or mail-order services. Before signing up for a plan, talk with your current pharmacy to ensure you will be able to use them or if there is another plan that will work that also allows you to keep your current pharmacy.

4. Am I paying for a high premium that I don’t use?

It’s sometimes worth paying up for a Part D plan that offers better coverage because whatever you spend in premiums, you make up for in copay savings. But if you don’t have any ongoing prescriptions or if your medications are covered on a lower-premium plan, then you may be better off opting for a lower-cost plan. ¹

5. Does my income affect my benefit eligibility?

If you have a lower income, you may qualify for better benefits. Low-income members, including those who have both Medicare and Medicaid, can apply for different benefits. It is important to know all your options. Click here for more information on the “Extra Help” program.

6. Does the Medicare plan have a good record?

A plan’s quality of customer service and attention to detail are measured in star ratings. Good star ratings – especially ratings of four stars and above – can mean a plan has demonstrated quality customer service and has a track record of paying attention to your many healthcare needs (such as periodic screenings or health assessments). Conversely, you should be wary of plans with fewer than four stars. Those plans often have a history of mistreating their members, providing underwhelming customer service, and being slow to process member claims and appeals – delaying or even preventing access to needed health care. ²

When can I enroll in a Medicare plan?

You can enroll in Medicare coverage during designated enrollment periods. The enrollment period varies for different situations. The three main periods to pay attention to are:

1. Initial enrollment is a seven-month period that begins three months prior to your 65^th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and extends another three months after your 65^th If you sign up for a plan during the three months prior to your 65^th birthday, your coverage begins the first day of the month you turn 65. If you sign up during your birthday month or in the three months after your birth month, coverage beings the first day of the month after you ask to join the plan. ³
2. Open enrollment occurs annually from October 15 through December 7. During this time, you can join, switch, or drop your plan. Coverage under whichever plan you select begins January 1.

   If you didn’t enroll in Medicare when you were first eligible, you cannot use the fall open enrollment period to enroll. Instead, you must use the Medicare general enrollment period, which runs from January 1 to March 31. ⁴

3. Medicare General Enrollment and Medicare Advantage open enrollment is from January 1 through March 31 every year. If you enroll during the general enrollment period, your coverage will take effect July 1. ⁴

What can I do during open enrollment?

There are several changes that can be made during the Open Enrollment period: ³

• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage.
• Join a Medicare drug plan.
• Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan.
• Drop your Medicare drug coverage completely.

You cannot, however, make changes to any Medigap plans. These plans are only guaranteed-issue in most states during a beneficiary’s initial enrollment period and during limited special enrollment periods. ⁴

What is Medigap?

Medigap is another name for Medicare Supplement insurance plans that help patients pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs that may be incurred with Original Medicare Parts A and B. Medigap enrollment is a six-month period beginning the first day of the month you turn 65 years old. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to be able to purchase a Medigap plan. During that time, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, regardless of your health status. During the six-month Medigap enrollment period, insurers must charge people with preexisting conditions the same price as they charge people in good health. ⁵

If you apply for Medigap coverage outside of your open enrollment period, insurers are allowed to use medical underwriting to deny or charge more for coverage in most states. This means you may pay more or be denied coverage if you have preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, or if you are facing an upcoming surgery. ⁶

 

Sources:

¹ https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-benefits/four-signs-you-need-a-new-medicare-part-d-plan/

² https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-benefits/seven-rules-for-shopping-medicare-part-d-plans/

³ https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/joining-a-health-or-drug-plan

⁴ https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-open-enrollment/

⁵ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/medicare/what-is-medicare

⁶ https://www.medicareresources.org/states/

Across the United States, hospitals are reaching their capacity again while treating patients with COVID-19. It has become crucial that we do what we can to help prevent the spread of the flu and reduce the burden on the doctors and nurses who have been fighting against COVID-19 for so long.

People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. ¹

Beyond that, people with the flu are contagious beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. This means you may be sick with flu and pass it on to someone else before you even experience any symptoms. Children, and some of those with weakened immune systems, may pass on the virus for longer than 7 days. Even if you experience zero symptoms, you are still able to pass the virus on to others. ¹

To keep you and your family healthy all flu season long, let’s look at the 5 best habits to employ to avoid getting and/or spreading the flu.

Keep your distance

Much like COVID-19, adding physical space between yourself and others will significantly reduce your risk of contracting the flu. It is believed that the flu can be spread to others up to approximately 6 feet away, so keeping your distance from others is a great way to protect yourself. Additionally, personal contact with an infected person, such as a handshake or hug, is a common way these viruses spread. ²

Whenever possible, keep interactions outside as the risk for spreading the flu decreases when compared to indoors. However, outdoor transmissions do happen, and being outdoors does not make you immune to contracting or spreading the virus.

Stay home when sick

For flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine. ³ Additionally, people may still be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without fever. Other flu symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea.

Prescribed antiviral drugs can make your flu milder or shorten the time you are sick and may also reduce the risk of serious complications. Studies have shown that antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick but starting them later can still be helpful. ³ If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, talk with your doctor to see if antiviral prescriptions may be right for you.

Cover yourself

Since the flu and other respiratory illness are usually spread via droplets made when people cough, sneeze, or talk – it is crucial that you cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Additionally, avoid using your hands whenever possible and opt for a tissue or your elbow. COVID-19, RSV, and whopping cough are other examples of respiratory illnesses that can be spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.

Wearing a mask is another great way to prevent the contraction and spread of respiratory illnesses. Public health and clinical laboratories estimated about 38 million people were sick with the flu during the 2019-2020 season. However, the agency reported a mere 2,038 flu cases during the season from Sept. 27, 2020, to April 24, 2021, according to the CDC. ⁴ Experts believe that the social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, and stay at home prevention measures that were implemented to fight COVID-19, rendered the 2020-2021 flu season virtually nonexistent. As annoying or inconvenient as these measures where, there is no denying that they significantly reduced the spread of the flu.

Get vaccinated

The single best way to prevent seasonal influenza is to get vaccinated every year. Everyone ages 6 months and older is eligible to get a flu vaccine and it is especially important for those who are a higher risk of developing serious flu complications. Higher risk individuals include young children, pregnant people, people with certain chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people ages 65 years and older.

Timing also matters when it comes to getting your flu vaccine. It takes two weeks to be fully protected after receiving your vaccine, so it is best to get it prior to any holiday traveling or celebrations. Additionally, vaccine effectiveness isn’t permanent – which is why we must get the vaccine every year – so it is best to avoid getting it too early so you can be protected throughout the duration of flu season, which typically ends around April. The CDC recommends getting your flu vaccine by the end of October.

Keep clean

This applies to yourself, your home, and your office. Washing your hands with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand rub are the best ways to keep your hands clean. Unclean heads are a leading cause of spread, as flu germs are easily transmissible through touch and can last on surfaces up to 24 hours. You should avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth whenever possible, and routinely clean and sanitize frequently touched objects such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.

By implementing these simple, preventative actions into your daily life, you set yourself apart and reduce your risk of exposure, and transmission, of the flu. If we all do our part, we can keep the flu from spreading and protect not only ourselves, but our friends, family, and coworkers. For questions or more information, please contact our team today.

Sources:

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/expert-answers/infectious-disease/faq-20057907

³ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm

⁴ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/05/10/flu-cases-historically-low-during-covid-what-expect-fall/7088318002/

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm