To understand the impact of chronic conditions on seniors, know this: Chronic conditions affect millions of seniors in the United States. In fact, nearly 94.9% of seniors 60+ report having at least one chronic condition, while 78.7 report having two or more.* Getting treatment for these conditions is absolutely essential.
Managing chronic conditions on Medicare is something we can help with. Proper care and regulation is essential for health and independence, and Medicare can play a critical role in helping seniors access the care they need.
What is a Chronic Illness?
A chronic illness is a long-term health condition that often progresses over time. Common chronic conditions include major diseases and illnesses like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and COPD.
Disease management is critical when dealing with chronic illness; this includes ensuring adherence to treatment and ongoing care to maintain quality of life. These illnesses significantly impact both physical and mental well-being.
5 Lifestyle Choices for Managing Chronic Conditions
- Regular Doctor Appointments
It is imperative that you check-in with your doctor. Routine check-ups help monitor symptoms, adjust medications, and ensure that treatments are effective. Consistent visits also create opportunities to catch complications early and adjust treatment as needed. Use this time with your doctor to ask questions and learn more about managing your symptoms and daily routines.
- Stay Active
Participation in physical therapy, or physical activities is not only beneficial to your body, but to your mental health as well. Physical programs can be tailored to individual abilities and reduce symptoms, strengthen the body, and improve mobility. Physical therapy may be necessary for managing pain and enhancing mobility, but activities like walking, stretching, and swimming are great ways to stay active and healthy, no matter what age you are.
- Follow a Nutrient-Rich Diet
A balanced diet full of nutrients helps to control symptoms, maintain energy levels, and support the immune system. Consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian so they can help build an eating plan that addresses specific needs, such as reducing sugar intake for diabetes or managing cholesterol levels for heart health. They can also work around food allergies and intolerances.
- Stay Up to Date On Vaccinations
Anyone managing chronic conditions is more vulnerable to infections, seniors especially. Vaccinations are a necessary preventative measure. Staying current on flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and other recommended vaccines can help protect your health and prevent unnecessary complications, including hospitalization.
- Monitor Medications & Treatment Plans
As we age, it seems like we have to take more and more medications. This is certainly true for anyone managing a chronic illness as oftentimes, it requires multiple medications. Create a calendar you can follow regarding the days and times the medication needs to be taken. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you understand how each medication works, and stay vigilant about side effects. Discuss any side effects with your doctor should you experience any.
Medicare Coverage Matters When Managing Chronic Conditions
When managing chronic illness, Medicare provides support that can significantly lessen out-of-pocket expenses and simplify access to necessary treatments. Here are important factors to consider:
- Out-of-Pocket Costs
While Medicare helps cover many treatments, medication costs, and routine check-ups, some out-of-pocket costs can still add up, especially for those requiring frequent doctor visits or treatments. Particular Medicare plans or supplements can help limit these expenses.
- Severity of Condition
Some chronic illnesses may require additional support services, like transportation to appointments, meal delivery, or in-home assistance. Medicare can help cover many of these needs, especially under certain plans or specific types of chronic care management programs. - Consider a Special Needs Plan (SNP)
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) under Medicare Advantage are designed to meet the needs of those with specific chronic conditions. While an SNP can provide specialized coverage, switching from an SNP back to Original Medicare or another plan can be challenging. Consulting a Medicare expert, like me, before making any changes can help ensure continuity and comprehensive coverage.
Talk To An Independent Agent About Medicare
Finding Medicare coverage for chronic illnesses is something we help seniors with every day. Medicare plans offer coverage options that support preventive care, mental health services, and wellness programs that can keep seniors thriving. We know the ends and outs of working with Medicare qualifiers and finding plans that help pay for the care of chronic conditions.
Healthcare plays an essential role in seniors’ quality of life, and we aim to search the entire market to find the best solutions for your specific needs.
As an independent agent, we are here to help you navigate the Medicare program and all of your health options to create a plan that supports your health and well-being. We want you to thrive and I’m here to provide the support you need.
Get in touch today!
*National Council on Aging. Chronic Inequities: Measuring Disease Cost Burden Among Older Adults in the U.S. A Health and Retirement Study Analysis. Page 5, Figure 2. April 2022.