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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Senior Health
How often should women have bone tests?
A study of nearly 5,000 women suggests that women with healthy bone density on their first bone desity test might safely wait 15 years before getting tested again.
The coming nursing home shortage
The latest casualty of the Great Recession may soon be the nation’s elderly. Cuts in government payments for patient care and less construction of new nursing homes are already taking a toll. Add to this the aging baby boom generation and you have a worst-case scenario.
Long-term care insurance can come up short
Will it cover your needs? Can you pay for it? Can you afford not to have it?
Tips for buying long-term care insurance
Don’t buy if the out-of-pocket cost for the coverage would be more than you can afford. Policies differ greatly so know what you are buying. Shop around.
Winter safety tips from Public Health – Seattle & King County
Stay warm safely. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep your food safe. And check on friends, neighbors, and especially the elderly.
Burn ban issued for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties
The use of fireplaces and uncertified wood stoves is prohibited as a high-pressure system brings cold temperatures and calm winds to the region. Air quality is expected to worsen, especially in communities where residential wood burning is common. Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
Alert: Medicare offers extra enrollment time for seniors who call today
Federal officials are extending the Dec. 7 deadline for three days for some people who have had trouble enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug or private health plan because of the crush of last-minute sign-ups. Calls to Medicare’s toll-free information line, 800-633-4227 can be made until midnight tonight. “It is critical that people with Medicare who want to make a change in their coverage act today.”
Tools help you choose a good nursing home
Finding a high-quality nursing home is a daunting task. Fortunately, there is information online that can help you learn about nursing home quality.
Medicare open enrollment deadline looms
Seniors have only two weeks left to choose a new Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan, if they want to change from their current ones.
More than 25% of Medicare drug plans get poor ratings
More than a quarter of Medicare’s rated prescription drug plans and, unless they take steps to improve, face expulsion from Medicare.
New website to help seniors get fit
Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign for children now has a counterpart for the 50-plus set. The National Institute on Aging on Wednesday launched its “Go4Life” campaign, aimed at increasing physical activity among Baby Boomers and their parents.
Webwatch: The best online reads
What’s a person, exactly? Could Herman Cain get health insurance today? A new approach to caring for the elderly?
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