Medicare And Smoking Cessation
For all those smokers out there, especially those over the age of 65 and on Medicare
, now is the time to stop.
Smoking is the number one most preventable causes of disease and death in the U.S., according to an April 2009 study led by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), with collaborators from the University of Toronto and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. It is followed by high blood pressure and being overweight.
Not only do Medicare beneficiaries risk shortening their lives by smoking, notes Alan Weinstock, an insurance broker at www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com, but with the rising price of cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco-related products, the habit can be expensive.
Important Facts to Know about Smoking, Your Health and Medicare
Smoking contributes to and can worsen heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, macular degeneration and cataracts. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications that many older adults take.
In fact, over 9% of those over the age of 65 smoke cigarettes. Unfortunately, nearly half a million people die annually due to smoking related diseases and more than half are 65 or older. Estimates put Medicare spending at about 10% of its total annual budget on treating smoking-related illnesses. And, of course, most people realize the benefits of quitting smoking include improved lung function along with reduced risk and improved chances of survival of a heart attack.
For these reasons, Medicare offers coverage for smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling for Medicare beneficiaries who have smoking-related illnesses or who take medications that are affected by tobacco use. Interested?
Medicare Offers Smoking Cessation Benefits
Medicare covers two types of counseling: intermediate cessation counseling which is 3 to 10 minutes per session and intensive cessation counseling which is greater than 10 minutes per session.
The Medicare program covers two attempts to quit per year. Each attempt may include up to four intermediate or intensive counseling sessions. The total annual benefit covers up to eight sessions in a 12-month period. Which counseling program you choose is between you and your Medicare provider.
Medicare Part D also covers smoking cessation treatments if they are prescribed by your doctor. Over-the-counter treatments are not included.
It can be tough to go it alone, comments Alan. Having a plan, availing yourself of Medicare benefits and getting the support of those closest to you can go far in helping you kick the habit.
Its important to know your options. Just like when choosing Medicare supplement insurance. Find out the best Medigap plan for you at www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com, a website which offers those 65 and older assistance in finding the right Medicare supplement insurance by providing seniors with the opportunity to compare rates, plans and benefits from several prominent insurance companies.
by: Dallas
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