When your spouse retires and gets Medicare, they (and you) will lose their work health insurance. 

For example, Sylvia is 63 years old. Her husband Mike is 65. Mike is about to retire and will soon receive Medicare benefits. They will lose Mike’s employment group insurance (a benefit they’ve both enjoyed for decades). Sylvia will not be eligible for Medicare coverage for another two years. For the first time, she will be without health coverage.

NOTE: Medicare does not cover family members. Your spouse will apply for Medicare benefits at retirement age. Once you are eligible to receive benefits, you will apply separately to your spouse.

Here are some things to consider as you start the process of getting coverage until you age into Medicare.

Start with your health care needs

Unlike the group coverage you accessed through your spouse’s employment, this insurance is solely for you! Before you speak with your plan specialist, take a moment to evaluate your healthcare needs and preferences:

1) How often do you go to the doctor?

It could be that since you last updated your insurance, your health needs have changed. Maybe your visits to the doctor are less frequent. Perhaps you have health concerns you’d like to give more attention to (e.g., skin health and nutrition counseling).  

Also, think about your dental and prescription needs. Did your dentist create a long-term treatment plan that may exceed your current insurance’s expiration? Without coverage, what are the possible costs for your medications?

2) How important is it that you keep your existing health care provider?

If you have a close relationship with your physician and want to continue with them, that will be an important consideration when choosing a new plan. Generally, an in-network physician will be more cost-effective than choosing to go out of network.

3) Do you want coverage only until you’re Medicare eligible?

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want a plan to get you through the period between losing your spouse’s work coverage and getting your Medicare benefits. As you explore your options, keep in mind the coverage you’ve had until now—what you like and don’t like and the coverage that’s important to you.

Know your healthcare budget

As your spouse heads into retirement, your household income level will probably change. As you explore coverage to carry you through to your retirement, take into consideration your budget and how much you want to apply to deductibles and monthly premium costs. 

Having a cost range in mind will make the process of choosing a pre-Medicare plan more straightforward.

For example, depending on your income level, you may qualify for financial assistance through your state or the Federal government. 

If you don’t qualify for assistance, your plan specialist will help you find coverage to fit your budget and health needs.

Also, you may qualify for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). This plan allows you to keep your group health coverage for up to 18 months after retirement. However, COBRA tends to be expensive, as most employers don’t subsidize the plan. The beneficiary must cover that additional cost.

Once your spouse retires and gets Medicare, you’ll need to find your own coverage

As you prepare for your spouse’s retirement, you’ll be navigating new territory. You’ll have to adjust to changes in income, your spouse’s leisure time, and your health insurance. 

Take the opportunity to explore your previous coverage, as well as your care preferences, your health status, and financial needs. The more you prepare now, the easier the transition to retirement, signing up for Medicare, and for you—getting pre-Medicare coverage—will be! 

Source: My Senior Health Plan

Summer tips for seniors can be a practical reminder for staying safe, healthy, and happy as the temperatures soar. Whether you like to stay active, enjoy local tourist activities, or take a road trip, the following tips will help you enjoy the hotter months.

1) Hydrate (with personalized flavors)

You’ve probably heard this before: During the summer months, make sure you drink extra water. It’s sound advice, as the human body must stay hydrated to stay healthy. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already in a state of dehydration.

Your fluid intake does not have to be extreme—just consistent. People often forget to take in fluids throughout the day while some don’t care for the taste of water.

You can create a simple plan for the type of fluids to take in and when. For example, decide how you like to drink water. Room temperature or cold? Whatever your personal preference, take some time to set up your water source (e.g., bottled water in the fridge or a filter pitcher on the counter). 

Need a little flavor? Try adding a slice of lemon or cucumber or a few mint leaves to give your water a flavor lift. 

Cold-brewed caffeine-free teas (such as lemongrass, peppermint, and ginger) will make water appealing and delicious. Drop a couple of tea bags in a pitcher of room-temperature or cold water and put it in the fridge overnight. By morning, you’ll have a refreshing beverage to enjoy throughout the day.

2) Stay indoors during the hottest hours (Mediterranean-style)

There are times of the day during summer when it’s better (and safer) to get away from the searing sun and high temperatures by staying indoors.

For Italians living in the Mediterranean region (e.g., Sardinia and Sicily), riposo (the middle-of-the-day hours spent at home) is a way to beat the summer heat! 

People get up early to take care of errands and food preparation. Late morning to early afternoon, shops close, and everyone heads indoors to eat and relax where it’s cool and comfortable. As the sun lowers, people start moving about again, rested, and ready for the evening. 

It may take a little planning, but creating your own riposo during the summer months will get you through the hottest hours of the day—safely. Additionally, you can enjoy a routine of working (and playing) in the cooler hours while relaxing indoors as temperatures soar.

3) Make your road trip safe, comfortable, and fun

If you’re looking to make a road trip during the summer months, you can set up your vehicle for safety, comfort, and fun. 

Safety: Your car will work harder during the higher summer temperatures. Therefore, before you take to the open road, make sure your vehicle is in top working condition (that may include having your car serviced). Before you hit the road:

• Check all your car’s fluids: Top up your engine coolant and motor oil, as well as transmission, power steering, and brake fluids.
• Inspect tires: replace worn tires and check tire pressure levels.
• Test your car’s air conditioning: Efficient air conditioning is essential for summer driving. Have a certified mechanic check the refrigerant levels to ensure you stay cool throughout your travels.
• Update your car emergency kit: Even a well-maintained vehicle can experience problems. Ensure you have everything you need in the event of a breakdown: jumper cables, a working flashlight, and road flares or emergency warning triangles (and plenty of bottled water should you have to wait for assistance).

Comfort: You’ll spend many hours in your car. Create a plan for what you will need to keep you comfortable. Pack a small cooler with drinks and healthy snacks. Also, you can put heat-sensitive items in a cooler (with cold packs). During times when the car is parked, your sunscreen, lotions, lip balm, and medications will be cool and protected.

Additionally, make sure you have easy access to essential items. For example, keep your water bottle within reach. Before you leave, make sure it fits the cup holder securely (it shouldn’t wobble and be easy to remove and replace).

Fun: Load your smartphone with your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may experience service interruptions (e.g., through mountain ranges or sparsely populated areas). Download what you’ll need before you leave. 

Alternatively, if you use your car’s CD player for entertainment, you can stock up on music and audiobooks from your local library. 

Whether using a smartphone or CD player, test the sound and system’s functions before you start driving.

Summer tips for seniors matter

The hotter months and higher temperatures can be a challenge at any age. However, older populations tend to be at greater risk for heat-related health complications. With some simple precautions, you can enjoy all the fantastic social and travel opportunities that summer brings.

Source: My Senior Health Plan