Hearing loss is a very common medical condition. What’s also common is that it unfortunately often goes untreated due to not recognizing the signs, not taking it seriously, and not wanting to admit it’s something you might now be facing.

People of all ages are now experiencing the kinds of challenges with which many older Americans were already familiar: staying connected with friends and family, remaining active, and finding or forming communities.

If you are on Medicare and have been referred for a colonoscopy, you may have questions about whether your plan will pay for the test. The answer is yes, but there are some limits to how often and when Medicare will cover a colonoscopy. In some cases, you may need to undergo earlier tests or preventive measures.

Even a small mistake in your Medicare choice can have a year-long impact, resulting in added premiums or out-of-pocket costs. Choosing the wrong Medicare plan could also impact your access to needed hospital and medical coverage or limit your choices in the type of care you receive. Here’s what you need to know.

Diamonds in the rough exist, say families who place a high importance on staffing and leadership accountability.

The Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. Each year during this time, you can switch your plan to one that covers the services you need best. It is a good time to make changes to your current plan. For example, you can change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, and vice versa. You can also add supplemental coverage plans or change to other Medicare Advantage plans.

If you’re talking with a loved one who has dementia, providing context is the key to a successful interaction, according to Brent Forester MD and Tom Harrison, authors of The Complete Family Guide to Dementia, published by Guilford Press. Here’s some advice from the authors

During the Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period—also known as AEP—you can evaluate your current Medicare coverage, making sure you have all the benefits you need. There are many unknowns when it comes to Medicare, but we’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions about AEP for you below.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed with the barrage of information during this time of year, so here are a few tips to help you navigate this year’s Annual Enrollment Period. 

Mammograms are one of the best tools for early detection of breast cancer, and being proactive about getting your annual mammogram after you turn 40 is critical for your overall health. While there are certain instances in which you may have to pay out-of-pocket, Medicare Part B and many Medicare Advantage plans both cover 100% of annual mammogram screening costs. Learn more about Medicare coverage for mammograms.