Table of Contents: Seeing Family & Friends Recreation Travel Working From Home Technology Doctor’s Visits Mask Wearing Staying Safe Psychological Effects As COVID-19 cases steadily decline and the percentage of vaccinated Americans continues to r[...]

Table of Contents: What Is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period? Who Is Eligible for the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period? What Are My Options During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period? Why Take Advantage of this Enrollme[...]

Table of Contents: COVID-19 and Isolation The Effects of Isolation on Seniors Fighting Loneliness and Isolation Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing regulations have aimed to protect the most vulnerable populations from infection and d[...]

Table of Contents: What Is Food Insecurity? Economic and Food Insecurity Among American Seniors Responding to Food Insecurity During COVID-19 How You Can Help Throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts have taken pains to emphasi[...]

Table of Contents: When Can I Get Vaccinated? Rolling Out the Vaccine Getting Vaccinated After You’ve Been Vaccinated COVID-19 vaccines have arrived and with them comes hope that 2021 will be the year we beat the virus and return to lives of relative[...]

Table of Contents: How Do Vaccines Work? Are More Vaccines in Development? Have There Been Any Side Effects to the COVID-19 Vaccines? Will Medicare Cover the COVID-19 Vaccines? What Is Emergency Use Authorization? When Can I Get Vaccinated? Do I Stil[...]

Table of Contents: RNC Recap Highlights from the Party’s Platform Republican Platform Summary RNC Recap The Republican National Convention was held in late August in Charlotte, North Carolina. Traditionally, the dual purpose of the convention h[...]

Table of Contents: DNC Recap Highlights from the Party’s Platform Democratic Platform Summary DNC Recap The Democratic National Convention was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in mid-August. As is tradition for the quadrennial event, the convention[...]

Table of Contents: How Changes Have Affected USPS Staff How Changes to the USPS Will Affect the Populace The United States Postal Service is an agency of the federal government that Americans rely on for delivery of everything from prescription medic[...]

Table of Contents: When Is Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period? What Changes Can I Make During the Annual Enrollment Period? Additional Enrollment Periods Preparing for the Annual Enrollment Period Some people act like they know it all. Our new serie[...]

Table of Contents: What Is Medicare Fraud? Medicare Fraud vs. Medicare Abuse Recognizing Medicare Fraud Reporting Medicare Fraud Avoiding Medicare Fraud Some people act like they know it all. Our new series Explain Like I’m 65 is for the rest of us. [...]

Table of Contents: Boston Terrier Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chihuahua Maltese Miniature Schnauzer Pekingese Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis Pug Toy Poodle Is a Dog Right For You? Retirement is restful, but it can also be lonely. For seniors ex[...]

Table of Contents: COVID-19 and the Flu How Do Flu Shots Work? Getting Your Flu Shot The upcoming fall and winter months could see another major nationwide surge in COVID-19 infections. Public health experts are even more wary, however, of another po[...]

Table of Contents: A Rejected Proposal What’s in the HEALS Act? Negotiations to Come Four months after the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act , Senate Republicans have unveiled their proposal for a second relief bill. The Heal[...]

Table of Contents: Mixed Messaging on Masks The Anti-Mask Crowd The Pro-Mask Crowd Is Your Mask Effective? Throughout the first half of 2020, the news has focused largely on one thing in particular: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the subject ma[...]

Table of Contents: Medicare Advantage: An Alternative to Original Medicare Medicare Supplement: Original Medicare and More Health Insurance Post-2020 Medicare is trusted by millions of Americans, but it doesn’t cover every healthcare need — far[...]

Table of Contents: Calculating Social Security Benefits A Flaw in the Formula How Big Is the Problem? How Should Congress Respond? Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the American populace and economy, it is unclear whether more federal [...]

Table of Contents: A Change of Plans Politicians Respond The Fight Against COVID-19 The European Union formalized its plans for reopening this week. Starting on July 1st, residents of 15 different countries will be permitted to travel into any EU nat[...]

Table of Contents: COVID-19 Drug Trials Dexamethasone: A Breakthrough Caution Since COVID-19 was first identified, scientists around the globe have been hard at work developing and testing potential vaccines. Despite constant efforts, public health e[...]

Table of Contents: The State of Reopening New Surges in COVID-19 What’s Next? The United States has suffered more COVID-19 deaths than any other country and, this week, surpassed 2 million infections. This grim milestone comes as more and more states[...]

On June 3, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a new study into hydroxychloroquine’s effectiveness against COVID-19. The double-blind study, conducted at the University of Minnesota, began in March. When it started, hydroxych[...]

Thus far, a single news story has dominated 2020: the spread of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Since it was identified in January, COVID-19 has spread from Wuhan, China to nearly every country on the planet. Infections currently number near the mill[...]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have officially designated six new symptoms as potential COVID-19 warning signs. This follows several weeks of anecdotal reporting on additional, often non-respiratory, symptoms. Symptoms When COVI[...]

Table of Contents: A Potential Cure? Disappointing Findings Ongoing Trials Hydroxychloroquine was not a household name when the year started. Outside of the world of virology, few Americans had heard of the malaria drug, let alone considered taking i[...]

Table of Contents: All-Natural vs. Organic Eating Well on a Budget Some people act like they know it all. Our new series Explain Like I’m 65 is for the rest of us. It will provide clear, digestible summaries to help seniors sort through the noise and[...]

Table of Contents: Addressing COVID-19 An Olive Branch? Moving Forward Together On April 8th, Senator Bernie Sanders suspended his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. The move leaves former Vice President Joe Biden alone in what was [...]

Across the country, doctors are conducting several clinical trials to assess the efficacy of possible COVID-19 treatments. STAT News reports that a Chicago hospital has seen promising results from Gilead Science’s antiviral drug remdesivir. The drug,[...]

More than 90% of Americans are currently under stay-at-home orders and non-essential businesses across the country have shut their doors. Grocery stores are among the few businesses that qualify as essential, though many have had to update their hour[...]

Table of Contents: Hospitals Are Not Overwhelmed Tests Are Available Infected Individuals Are Monitored Reduction in Cases for Two Weeks Do Your Part How long will it be until Americans can safely return to school, work, and social gatherings? That’s[...]

Table of Contents: The Immune System Types of Vaccines Herd Immunity Some people act like they know it all. Our new series Explain Like I’m 65 is for the rest of us. It will provide clear, digestible summaries to help seniors sort through the noise a[...]

Table of Contents: Troubling New Data Unanswered Questions The Response Stay Informed COVID-19 is primarily thought to be a respiratory disease. Global health experts have warned citizens to cover their mouths and watch out for symptoms like a dry co[...]

Table of Contents: Load Up on Protein and Fiber Don’t Be Afraid of Canned and Frozen Foods Understand Your Benefits Start Eating Better Today Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is hard work. Rounding up the right ingredients and sweating over reci[...]

Table of Contents: Physical Health Tips Mental Health Tips Stay Healthy Businesses and schools all over the country have shut their doors in an attempt to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep Americans safe. More recently, state and local govern[...]

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, both the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have discouraged most people from using cloth masks. Citing low efficacy and dwindling supplies, they have advised that masks only be [...]

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11th and, in the weeks since, the outbreak has become exponentially more severe. Non-essential businesses have shut their doors, citizens are adhering to stay-at-home orders, a[...]

Table of Contents: Worst Case Scenario What Needs to Happen Our Role   No one knows when the COVID-19 outbreak will end. It is clear, however, that the United States has mounted an unusually ineffective response. President Trump and his administ[...]

The ongoing outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has led non-essential businesses in every state to close their doors and inspired many state and local governments to issue stay-at-home orders. Public health experts say our best way to avoid a [...]

Table of Contents: President Donald Trump Joe Biden Bernie Sanders Stay Safe and Informed The ongoing spread of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has inspired an inconsistent response from the U.S. government, to say the least. President Donald Trump Wh[...]

Table of Contents: What is Social Distancing? Why? FAQs Stay Safe Some people act like they know it all. Our new series Explain Like I’m 65 is for the rest of us. It will provide clear, digestible summaries to help seniors sort through the noise and [...]

If you’ve braved a trip to the grocery store lately, you’re probably aware that things have taken a turn for the chaotic. The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has inspired a wave of panic-shopping around the country. Essentials are flying off of shelves and[...]

Table of Contents: Endemic vs. Epidemic vs. Pandemic Staying Safe and Healthy Some people act like they know it all. Our new series Explain Like I’m 65 is for the rest of us. It will provide clear, digestible summaries to help seniors sort through th[...]

Keep Stress to a Minimum It sounds like a bad joke, but it’s true. Stressing yourself out over COVID-19 can increase your chances of contracting it. That’s largely because of stress hormones like cortisol. Over short periods, cortisol reduces inflamm[...]

Table of Contents: Garlic Silver Solutions Alcohol Water Expert Advice COVID-19 only recently reached pandemic status, but it inspired an “infodemic” almost immediately. Conspiracy theories and misleading medical advice have followed the virus from C[...]

Table of Contents: Planning for Short-Term Pet Care Planning for Long-Term Pet Care Do You Need Help Today? Seniors take precautions to ensure their loved ones are taken care of after they’re gone. They purchase life insurance and make careful arrang[...]

Table of Contents: Background Medicare for All Act of 2019 What Will it Cost Me? Will it Actually Happen? Some people act like they know it all. Our new series Explain Like I’m 65 is for the rest of us. It will provide clear, digestible summaries to [...]

Table of Contents: Symptoms to Look Out For Ways to Stay Safe Seeking Treatment The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has governments and health organizations scrambling to stem the flow of disinformation and keep citizens safe. So far, they’ve[...]

This week, the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) announced that it would endorse House Resolution (H.R.) 5958, commonly known as the Senior Health Planning Account Act. An endorsement from one of the oldest and largest players in the life [...]

What’s the best way to avoid contracting coronavirus (COVID-19)? It’s not purchasing a surgical mask. No, not even an N95. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the U.S. Surgeon General, the best [...]

No, seniors do not need facemasks to keep safe from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). While a mask might prevent you from infecting others, there is little evidence to suggest it will keep you from contracting it in the first place. Surgeon Gener[...]

Table of Contents: Vaccines in the Works Bills in the Works Staying Safe in the Meantime Due to their aging immune systems, seniors run a greater risk of contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) that’s currently spreading across the globe. They’re also[...]

Table of Contents: What is Supplemental Security Insurance? Am I Eligible for Supplemental Security Insurance? The Future of Supplemental Security Insurance The 2020 election has seen candidates on both sides of the aisle propose major changes to lon[...]

Table of Contents: It’s Personal Getting to M4A Expanding Social Security Senator Elizabeth Warren has a lot of plans. You can read several dozen of them on her campaign website. Though they cover a broad range of topics, they all come down to one th[...]

The World Health Organization (WHO) has its hands full addressing the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Beginning in China’s Wuhan province, the virus has spread around the globe and infected people on nearly every continent. An “Infodemic” CO[...]

A Public Option On the Same Page Bloomberg’s Record A late entry to the 2020 Democratic field, Mike Bloomberg has already made history by spending more money more quickly than any previous candidate. The former New York City Mayor has become a nightl[...]

Facebook has announced it is cracking down on ads promoting fake coronavirus cures and misleading prevention tips. “We’re taking steps to stop ads for products that refer to the coronavirus and create a sense of urgency, like implying a limited suppl[...]

Table of Contents: Falls Burns Keep Yourself and Your Home Safe Aging tends to make it tougher to get around safely. For many seniors, even moving around the house and carrying out everyday tasks presents its own challenges. What are the most common [...]

Table of Contents: “The Damn Bill” Sanders vs. The Drug Companies Will My Taxes Go Up? Senator Bernie Sanders is nothing if not consistent. Acolytes and detractors alike acknowledge that the 78-year-old Independent has argued many of the same points [...]

Table of Contents: What is Coronavirus? Clean Hands with Soap and Water Disinfect High-Touch Objects and Surfaces Practice Respiratory Hygiene Safety First On February 25th, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) warned the American public that the wor[...]

Table of Contents: Building on Obamacare Taking on Big Pharma Former Vice President Joe Biden has distinguished himself as one of the Democratic primaries’ more moderate voices. On the debate stage, he has characterized the “Medicare for All” plan to[...]

Table of Contents: Types of Companion Animals Factors to Consider Alternatives Retirement means countless opportunities to rest and relax, but all that alone time can begin to feel . . . well, lonely. That’s especially true for seniors who are bereav[...]

Table of Contents: Senior Pets Are (Relatively) Low Maintenance Many Senior Pets Are House-Trained Old Animals Are Eager for Companionship Things to Keep in Mind About Senior Pets Puppies and kittens steal all the attention on social media, but shelt[...]

Table of Contents: The New “Third Rail” Medicare for All vs. Today’s Medicare Common Ground The New “Third Rail” Conventional wisdom holds that Social Security is the “third rail” of American politics. So many Americans (1 in 6) depend on the s[...]

Table of Contents: Medicare and HSAs Using an HSA Once on Medicare Contributing to a health savings account, or HSA, is one of the smartest moves you can make to prepare for retirement. HSA funds can be used at any age to pay for qualified medical ex[...]

Healthcare is an enormous expense for working Americans and seniors alike, but it can be particularly burdensome for retirees on a fixed income. Thankfully, there are steps you can take during your working years to make healthcare more affordable dur[...]

Table of Contents: Ask for Generics Order Your Medication in Bulk Choose the Right Medicare Part D Plan Ask for Help Healthcare is a major expense for seniors, and it can also be an unpredictable one. Changes to your medical needs could result in a w[...]

Table of Contents: What Does Long-Term Cost? How to Keep Long-Term Costs Down Healthcare is the one expense that tends to catch seniors off-guard. Cost projection software provider HealthView Services estimates that the average healthy 65-year-old co[...]

Older employees often grapple with the decision to retire, because leaving the workforce means losing the security of a steady paycheck. Unfortunately, salary isn’t the only thing you’ll kiss goodbye when you end your career; you’ll also [...]

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2020 is in full swing. Here is all of the information you need to know before updating your enrollment status: Timeline: Open enrollment began on October 15 and ends on December 7. Eligibility and Enrollment: I[...]

Once you become eligible for Medicare, you have a choice between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage coverage. With the former, you get hospital care under Part A, diagnostic and preventive care under Part B, and prescription medication under Pa[...]

Within the last year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent out new cards to every Medicare beneficiary. These cards were designed to help protect seniors against identity theft, which is a growing problem in America. Old cards [...]

Table of Contents: Enrolling Late Choosing the Wrong Part D Plan Automatically Sticking to the Same Part D plan Going Out-of-Network with Medicare Advantage Medicare provides health benefits to millions of seniors, but if you’re not careful, you coul[...]

Table of Contents: Routine Dental Care Vision Care Hearing Aids Long-Term Care How to Get Coverage for the Services You Need Know Your Costs Under Medicare Millions of seniors get health benefits through Medicare, but many are surprised to learn that[...]

Table of Contents: Choose the Right Part D Plan Ask for Generics Order Your Medications in Bulk Look into Manufacturer Discounts Healthcare is one of the senior community’s greatest ongoing expenses, and medications account for a big part of that exp[...]

Old age is a period in flux, altered not only by physical transformations, but changes in financial standing and social status. Fear of change is to be expected, especially in relation to income, which may explain the recent trend of later-life retir[...]

Table of Contents: Part B Premiums Deductibles Coinsurance Supplemental Insurance Late Enrollment Penalties Millions of seniors get health benefits through Medicare, but new enrollees are often caught off-guard when they see the associated expenses. [...]

Table of Contents: Medicare Advantage Plans Medigap Plans Know Your Costs Medicare provides critical health benefits to millions of Americans, and while it is a federally run program, the state you live in could impact the price you pay for it and th[...]

Table of Contents: Your Monthly Costs Under Original Medicare Your Monthly Costs Under Medicare Advantage Additional Costs Under Medicare Many seniors are shocked to learn that Medicare coverage is by no means free. The amount you pay for coverage ea[...]