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Part D Drug Plans
This is the time to check your Part D drug plan. During the Annual Enrollment Period, November 15-December 31, you can change from one plan to another for 2010. No matter what prescriptions you now need, all plans must accept you at the same price as everyone else. Since drug plans change from year to year, we strongly recommend doing a drug plan check-up to make sure you'll be in the best one for you next year.
You can do it yourself on the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, or one of our certified Medicare counselors can help you. For personal help, call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222.
Do It Now! In the Fall! |
Flu Season
We all know it's flu season. But this year there is more than one virus to deal with. So what should you do?
For older adults the seasonal flu can be very serious. Over 50% of flu-related hospitalizations and 90% of flu-related deaths are people over 65 years old. Yet, 30% of those over 65 don't get vaccinated. Do not be one of those! Everyone over 50 should get a flu shot as son as possible unless you have a health condition that would indicate otherwise. Check with your doctor if you're not sure.
Flu shots are available in many places. The VNA has clinics scheduled now. Call them at 648-3777 or go to the VNA website,www.ccvna.com, for dates and locations. Many local pharmacies also have flu shots available without appointments. Remember, Medicare Part B pays for the seasonal flu shot.
But, what about the H1N1/swine flu? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "People 65 and older are the group that is least likely to get infected with this new virus." It's estimated that about 1/3 of those over 60 have developed an immunity to the H1N1 virus through previous exposure to other viruses. So, older persons are not one of the risk groups scheduled to receive swine flu shots immediately. Nevertheless, older persons who do become infected are at greater risk of having serious complications from their illness. So check with your doctor if you have a condition that puts you at risk. A good source of information on the Internet iswww.flu.gov.