by Mary Beth Daley, Staff Accountant Wikipedia tell us, “Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as ‘Mental Health Month’) has been observed in May in the United States since 1949, reaching millions of people in the United State through the media, local events, and screenings.” Since its origin, in 1949, by the Mental Health America organization (known at that time as the National Association of … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Month
by Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Coordinator National American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed annually on the 4th Tuesday in March, this day is intended to be a 1-day wake-up call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes, particularly when diabetes is left undiagnosed or untreated. Diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans or about 9 percent of the U.S. population. It’s … Continue reading National American Diabetes Association Alert Day
by Sara Jackson, MiCAFE Network Specialist October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month and a few weeks leading up to the beginning of October, you will start to see a lot of bright pink items on the shelves in just about every store you go in. These items are to help bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many families are affected … Continue reading Breast Cancer Awareness Month
by Gay Nell Jenkins, MiCAFE Community Partner Liaison Many older people have a higher risk of overmedication and medication interactions which are very harmful and deadly to them. Anytime a senior takes more than one medication, the medications can interact with each other. Most seniors do not ask questions regarding new medications prescribed or a change of dosage of the current medication because they trust the doctor, or feel … Continue reading Avoiding Overmedication and Harmful Medication Interactions
by David Jones, J.D., Hotline Attorney A Medicare Supplement insurance policy (commonly called a Medigap policy) helps to pay medical costs not covered by Medicare for covered services: e.g., deductibles and co-insurance. Currently, the most popular Medigap policy in Michigan is the Blue Cross-Blue Shield (BCBS) Legacy Plan C. It has a little under 50 % of the total enrollees. It uniformly costs $122.86 per month, which … Continue reading Changes in Medicare Supplemental Policies (Medigap)
by Mary Beth Daley, Staff Accountant Most everyone has been exposed to the devastating effects and aftermath of a stroke. Most all of us have a close friend or family member who has experienced one of the three basic types of stroke. My family has been personally affected by two of the three. A number of years ago, my 69 year old mother suffered a … Continue reading Stroke Awareness Month
by Lyndsy Gamet, MiCAFE Outreach and Training Coordinator Wise Healthcare Consumer month is here, sponsored by The American Institute for Preventative Medicine. It aims to bring attention to being a good healthcare consumer. Are you taking the steps necessary to ensure your healthcare is working properly for you? Speak up. Self advocacy is crucial to getting the most from your healthcare. If you do not like … Continue reading 6 Simple Steps to be a Wise Healthcare Consumer
by Pat Ocheltree, MiCAFE Application Assistant There is a lot of confusion about Medicare, what it covers, how individuals get coverage, etc. Generally, if you receive Social Security benefits, you will automatically become eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Medicare Part B (medical) during the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months following your 65th birthday. Medicare A is fully paid for unless you … Continue reading 4 Important Medicare Tips
by Kathryn Larlee, J.D., Hotline Attorney The spectre of medical debts haunts many people and especially those who are living on fixed incomes. According to a study done at Harvard University, the leading cause of bankruptcy is medical debt in this country. The study also shows that 78% of filers had some form of insurance, so those with medical insurance are not immune to the … Continue reading Medical Debt and Non-Profit Hospitals
