HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Cost-Saving Tips

Long-Term Care Insurance

Medical Care

Long-term care insurance is meant to cover the cost of nursing home care and long-term home health care. Medicare and private health insurances do not cover these costs. This kind of insurance is not government regulated. You may want to purchase this for yourself. Your children may want to purchase it for you to protect themselves from having to pay for your long-term care or to protect their future inheritance.

Find out more about long-term care insurance from:

* LongTermCare.gov athttp://longtermcare.gov. Learn the basics of long-term care and ways to pay for it. Use the LTC PathFinder tool to get information on long-term care insurance that is most relevant and useful to you now.

* National Advisory Center for Long-Term Care Insurance atwww.longtermcareinsurance.org. Get help from an unbiased long-term care insurance advisor. Ask for multi-company comparative quotes for long-term care insurance.

* Consider a policy that starts paying on the 90th day instead of day 1. The difference in price can be 30%. Do this only if you can afford the long-term care center’s cost for the first 3 months on your own.

* Check Moody’s and Standard & Poors at your local library. Look for insurers rated “A” or better.

* Read the complete policy coverage. Consult an attorney or knowledgeable person to review it with you.

* Pay premiums, by check, directly to the insurance company. Never pay in cash.

* Fill out the policy application yourself or with a friend or relative. Don’t allow someone to do it for you.

* Be cautious of companies advertised by celebrities.

* Insist on coverage that does not require a hospital stay before going to a nursing home.

* Resist high pressure insurance agents or claims that their long-term care insurance is endorsed by the government.

Be cautious before you purchase a policy. Ask the following questions:

* Will the policy cover home health care? Does this include “aides” or housekeeping coverage or just “skilled” care?

* Does the policy cover Alzheimer’s disease, specifically?

* Must you be medically ill to receive benefits? What about custodial care?

* Does the coverage include nursing home custodial care, adult day care, or other community-based services?

* Does the policy require a prior hospital stay before entering a nursing home?

* Are there exclusions for “pre-existing” illnesses? Are there waiting periods?

* How long is a stay in a nursing home covered? (The average stay is just under 4 years.)

* How much will the nursing home be paid on a daily basis from this policy? What is the daily charge of the nursing home? You will have to pay the difference between the insurance coverage and what the nursing home charges.

* If premiums are being paid, is there a guarantee that the policy can be renewed?

* Is the policy one that can’t be canceled?

* Will your coverage keep up with inflation?

* Are premiums waived while getting benefits?

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Medicare

Medical Care

Medicare is health insurance funded by the federal government. There is a lot to know about Medicare. For information, call the Medicare Choices Helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). Ask that a copy of the Medicare guide be mailed to you. You can also find out about Medicare on the Internet atwww.medicare.gov.

To be “eligible” for Medicare means:

* You are 65 years or older. You must also be eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits, or

* You must be disabled for life and you have received Social Security Disability Insurance payments for at least 24 months, or

* You have end stage renal disease needing transplant or dialysis.

To apply for medicare, call the Social Security Administration. The number is 1-800-772-1213. Call 3 months before you turn age 65. Don’t wait any longer than 3 months after your 65th birthday to call. If you receive social security payments, you should automatically get a Medicare card, but don’t take a chance. Call the Social Security Administration as mentioned above.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Better Health Is In Your Pocket

SELF-CARE CORNER

Most people spend time every day on their smartphone or tablet. Why not put that time to good use by downloading an app that can help you improve your health? There are thousands of health apps available to suit many different health goals and personality types. Check out some of these health apps you can start using today:

Relax Melodies by Ipnos Software(for iPhone and Android)

Quality sleep and stress management are an important part of good health. This app lets you choose your favorite sounds to create a personalized relaxing song that helps you relieve stress and sleep better.

Calorie Counter by MyFitnessPal(for Android)

For those trying to make better food choices or lose weight, sometimes knowing how much you eat can make a big difference. This app allows you to track food intake and exercise with a large food database. Connect with other users for encouragement and support.

Diet Controller by Margaret Dangerfield(for iPhone)

This app can help you view your eating and fitness activities on your devices. Log and track your daily food intake with a USDA-based food database. Users also can create charts and reports while tracking nutrients, calories and exercise.

Hydro Coach by Codium App Ideas(for Android) orWater App by Inspiring Life Technologies(for iPhone)

Drinking water is an easy, healthy way to fight fatigue and may help you consume fewer calories. These apps are designed to help you track how much you’re drinking and to offer reminders when it’s time for another glass.

Quitter’s Circle by Pfizer Inc. and the American Lung Association(for iPhone and Android)

For those trying to quit smoking, this app allows you to create a personalized quit plan, connect with others for support, get quitting tips, and celebrate milestones.

Hundreds of health-related apps are available today – and many of them cost less than $10. Try an app that suits your life for a high-tech way to be healthier!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Make The Most Of Your Health Care Dollars

SELF-CARE CORNER

So you’ve got that high deductible health plan or flexible spending account. How can you save money-and spend your dollars wisely? Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware offers these suggestions:

*Stay in-network.Make sure your doctors, laboratory, and hospital are a part of your health plan’s provider network so you save on copays and coinsurance amounts.

*Use alternatives to emergency services.A visit to the hospital ER is generally unnecessary for issues such as the flu, minor cuts and sprains, or urinary tract infections. Overall costs are usually lower at walk-in clinics and urgent care centers. Check your health plan’s provider directory for nearby centers.

*Take the tests.Receive the screenings, tests, vaccines, and other care that your plan covers, as recommended by your doctor. When you and your family stay healthy, you can avoid doctor visits and time off from work.

*Take your medicine.To receive the full benefit of your medicine, remember to take the recommended dosage for as long as your doctor prescribes it. People who take their medicine as prescribed need less health care-and less expensive care. If you don’t understand how to take your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

*Find the best price for the medication you need.Always ask if a generic prescription drug or an over-the-counter (OTC) drug would be best for you. For any brand-name drug, research the manufacturer before you fill the prescription. Then check its website for any discount coupons or free copay programs that may be available for that drug.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026