Sleep is essential. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH), getting enough sleep can help us get sick less often, stay at a healthy weight, reduce stress, improve mood, and lower our risk for serious health problems. It’s not uncommon to struggle with getting good sleep, though. Luckily, Mayo Clinic has some habits we can adopt to encourage better sleep:

Stick to a sleep schedule. Consistency is key!
Pay attention to what you eat and drink. (Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed, and note that nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can interfere with sleep.)
Create a restful sleep environment.
Limit daytime naps.
Include physical activity in your daily routine.
Manage worries.
Know when to contact your health care provider. Nearly everyone has an occasional restless night, but if this is a common occurrence, contact your health care provider to identify any underlying causes.

Dear Marci,

I currently have Original Medicare and am considering switching to a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan. I am worried I will regret it and want to switch back, though… Is it easy to switch between the two? How would I switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage again in the future?

-Mathilda (Wasilla, AK)

Dear Mathilda,

Typically, you can only switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage during specific times each year.

First, is the Fall Open Enrollment Period (also known as Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period), which occurs each year from October 15 through December 7. During this period, you can change your choice of health coverage and add, drop, or change Medicare drug coverage. You can make as many changes as you need during this period, and your last coverage choice will take effect January 1. To avoid enrollment problems, it is usually best to make as few changes as possible.

If you are planning to use Fall Open Enrollment to switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is helpful to know that you will have an additional enrollment period early in the new year, called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP). During this time, you can switch from your Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan, or to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D). The MA OEP occurs each year from January 1 through March 31 and changes take effect the first of the month following the month you make the change. For example, if you switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare in February, your new coverage begins March 1. Unlike Fall Open Enrollment, you can only make a single change during the MA OEP. Remember, you can only use this enrollment period if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Additionally, under certain circumstances you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs allow you to change your health and/or drug coverage outside normal enrollment periods. For example, if your Medicare Advantage Plan would leave your area or you would move out of your plan’s service area, you would receive an SEP to switch to another MA Plan or to Original Medicare. There are several circumstances that may trigger an SEP.

To make changes during any of the above enrollment periods, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).

Finally, note that the enrollment rules for Medigaps are different, and changing to a Medicare Advantage Plan may change how other insurance you might have works with your Medicare. If you want to switch from Original Medicare with a Medigap to a Medicare Advantage Plan, learn about and carefully consider when and if you will have the right to re-join your Medigap or buy a new one if you want to switch back to Original Medicare at a later date. There are only a few specific protected times to purchase a Medigap under federal rules, but your state may offer additional rights. To determine whether you can make the switch, I would encourage you to reach out to your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), as they will be familiar with the Medigap rules in your state.

Best of luck!

-Marci

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), “feeling and expressing gratitude is beneficial for your physical health, mental health, and social well-being.” Feeling gratitude likely comes naturally when things are going well in life. When things are not going as well, though, finding something to be grateful for can feel like a real challenge. NCOA reminds us that even when we are facing adversity, we should try our best to feel grateful for something, as small acts of gratitude can make big impacts on our health. If you’re unsure where to start, try writing a thank you note to someone who has helped you recently or made a difference in your life.

Dear Marci,

I have Original Medicare but have been seeing a lot of ads for Medicare Advantage Plans that seem great. I don’t want to fall for just good marketing, though. Are Medicare Advantage Plans better than Original Medicare? How should I choose?

-Lauren (Chicago, IL)

Dear Lauren,

It’s great that you are taking the time to learn about your options before enrolling in a plan. There are many important choices to make about your health care coverage, and being informed can help you make the best decisions for your own needs.

People with Medicare can get their health coverage through either Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as a Medicare private health plan or Part C). While there are many differences between the two, remember that Medicare Advantage Plans must provide the same benefits offered by Original Medicare, but may apply different rules, costs, and restrictions.

Let’s review some of the main differences between these two ways to get your Medicare:

Costs

Original Medicare: You will be charged for standardized Part A and Part B costs, including a monthly Part B premium ($170.10 in 2022). You are responsible for paying a 20% coinsurance for Medicare-covered services if you see a participating provider and after meeting your deductible.
Medicare Advantage: Your cost-sharing varies depending on plan. You usually pay a copayment for in-network care. Plans may charge a monthly premium in addition to Part B premium.
Supplemental insurance
Original Medicare: Have the choice to pay an additional premium for a Medigap policy to cover Medicare cost-sharing.
Medicare Advantage: Cannot purchase a Medigap policy.
Provider access
Original Medicare: Can see any provider and use any facility that accepts Medicare (participating and non-participating).
Medicare Advantage: Typically can only see in-network providers.
Referrals
Original Medicare: Do not need referrals for specialists.
Medicare Advantage: Typically need referrals for specialists.
Drug coverage
Original Medicare: Must sign up for stand-alone prescription drug plan.
Medicare Advantage: In most cases, plan provides prescription drug coverage (you may be required to pay a higher premium).
Other benefits
Original Medicare: Does not cover vision, hearing, or dental services.
Medicare Advantage: May cover additional services, including vision, hearing, and/or dental (additional benefits may increase your premium and/or other out-of-pocket costs).
Out-of-pocket limit
Original Medicare: No out-of-pocket limit.
Medicare Advantage: Annual out-of-pocket limit. Plan pays the full cost of your care after you reach the limit.
Between the two options, one is not better than the other. Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare are just different, and you may prefer one over the other depending on your needs and priorities. To review the differences and receive counseling on your options, I recommend calling your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

-Marci

Health Tip
While hydration is key in these summer months, it is crucial year-round. Water helps our bodies maintain a normal temperature, pump blood to our heart, lubricate and cushion joints, and protect our spinal cord and other sensitive tissues. As we get older and our body composition changes, it’s even more important to stay hydrated. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing found that up to 40% of older adults may be chronically underhydrated. The National Council on Aging provides some tips to increasing water intake:

Keep water with you always

Change it up by adding cucumber or lemon to your water or having sparkling water (but remember that tea and coffee can actually be dehydrating)

Avoid or reduce your alcohol intake

Build hydration into your routine

Choose foods with higher water content if drinking more water is a challenge