Protecting Seniors

By: Jason Cunningham

    More so than ever, some senior citizens feel threatened on all fronts. Whether it is there checkbook for medications, or the lack of information concerning long-term care, many seniors feel their questions are not answered. Careful attention should be paid to address their issues and concerns.

    Senior citizens often feel the pinch when buying prescription drugs. The idea of a "national prescription drug program has been mentioned, but has not yet materialized. Some of these medications prescribed to seniors may run them $200 - $1000 a month. Well doesn't Medicare or a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy cover the total cost? Not exactly, many times Medicare Supplement policies will require you to pay a deductible and co-insurance. You usually do not have that much coverage, depending on the plan you choose. If you are on a fixed income already, a senior citizen may find themselves choosing between food and medicine.

    Long Term Care Insurance is another important issue that seniors must face. Who will take care of me, and who is going to pay the costs incurred by it? Sometimes it is sad to see seniors abandoned by their families because of a dementia disorder.  If a senior is healthy and it is affordable, you may decide to consider long-term care insurance. If offers healthcare coverage in your home as well as a facility. Medicare does not pay for rehabilitative care if there is no chance of recovery. If you are not eligible for Long Term Care Insurance,  be very careful with spending habits and go to the doctor accordingly.

    Seniors need to have their voices heard. Better education programs should be organized for seniors. People should clearly understand what Medicare A and B pay for, before they can purchase a Supplement Policy. If people knew this information they may elect a more comprehensive Medicare Supplement policy. Also, the difficulty of explaining long-term care, has misled some seniors, who still believe Medicare will pay their bills. Finally, a "National Prescription Drug Program" for seniors would eliminate a lot of the worry, and frustration among senior citizens or will it?