When is Medicare's Open Enrollment Period?
Every year, October 15 - December 7. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or www.medicare.gov to compare plans.
Questions about Medicare Advantage Programs?
Click this link:
Who can tell me if I am eligible for Medicaid?
Since Medicaid is administered by the Medicaid agency in your state, eligibility may vary from one state to another. Contact your state Medicaid Agency with questions, or see if you qualify by applying . CMS is the federal agency that works with state Medicaid agencies to make sure they comply with federal laws and regulations.
How can I get help to pay for
Nursing Home care?
Approximately three of every four nursing home patients in Alabama are covered by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. In order to qualify for nursing home care, patients must meet medical, financial and other requirements. Click here to apply for Medicaid in the nursing home. A Long Term Care Ombudsman program is available to assist patients and families in resolving problems or concerns with a particular nursing facility.
What is the Alabama Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program?
This program is designed to provide services to allow elderly and/or disabled individuals who would otherwise require care in a nursing facility to live in the community. This waiver is operated by the Alabama Department of Senior Services.
What Is a normal Blood Pressure?:
Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. If you’re an adult and your systolic pressure is 120 to 129, and your diastolic pressure is less than 80, you have elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure is a pressure of 130 systolic or higher, or 80 diastolic or higher, that stays high over time.
Always talk with your Healthcare Provider to get their recommendations for the Blood Pressure numbers best for you.
You can take several steps to maintain normal blood pressure levels:
1. Get your blood pressure checked regularly.
2. Take your blood pressure medication exactly as prescribed.
3. Eat a healthy diet. Eat less fat and salt (sodium).
4. Manage stressors and pain
5. Maintain recommended weight
6. Talk with your Healthcare provider about steps you can take specific to your current health conditions.
How does sodium affect my heart health?
When there’s extra sodium in your bloodstream, it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total amount (volume) of blood inside your blood vessels. With more blood flowing through your blood vessels, blood pressure increases. This puts an extra burden on your heart and blood vessels. In some people, this may lead to or raise high blood pressure. Having less sodium in your diet may help you lower or avoid high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.
Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Severe illness means that the person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die.
Risk for Severe Illness Increases with Age
As you get older, your risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases. For example, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older.
There are also other factors that can increase your risk for severe illness, such as having underlying medical conditions. By understanding the factors that put you at an increased risk, you can make decisions about what kind of precautions to take in your daily life.
Reduce your risk factors.
The best way to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 is to:
If you start feeling sick and think you may have COVID-19, get in touch with your healthcare provider within 24 hours
What are some tips for Senior Home Safety?
1. Secure scatter rug, and cords
so you won't trip
2. Handrails on stairs and in the bathroom
3. Properly label and store all medications
4. Bright lights in all rooms, entryways
5. Have a Medical Alert Systems
6. Family, friends and neighbors do frequent regular calls/visits
Call Amazing Grace Health Ministries to ask about their Home Safety Program.
How can I lower the cost of my medications?
1. Consider switching to generics
2. Choose a plan that offers additional coverage during "the gap"
3. Seek out Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
4. Find out if you qualify for "Low Income Subsidy"
5. Locate community-based charitable programs that can help with drug costs... including Amazing Grace Health Ministries
Where can I find help?
Start with:
1. AL Dept of Senior Services:
1-800-243-5463
2. Central Alabama Aging Consortium
334-240-4680
3. Call 211
4. Montgomery Council on Aging:
334-263-0532
5. Amazing Grace Health Ministries:
334-590-2812