Understanding Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans Can Help Parents Age Well

Because open enrollment ends Dec. 7, I’m adding this post today

I was perusing the November 22 online Huff Post 50 topics, when “25 Things You Absolutely Positively Must Do Before You Die” captured my attention. But that was only momentary. Since I didn’t plan to die right away, another article won out: “7 Tips to Help You Pick The Best Medicare Advantage Plan,”.

This informative, clearly explained article, written by journalist, Bob Rosenblatt, is also on his blog, Help With Aging, where he writes: “I developed the Los Angeles Times’ first beat on aging, and wrote a column for the Times’ health section on these issues…I am now a free-lance writer and a Senior Fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), a bi-partisan think tank, where I have been a writer and conducted training sessions for reporters covering Social Security and Medicare….” The subheading of his blog is “Expert reporting on the Finances of Aging.” In my opinion, it certainly is.

As I’ve aged, I realize I have less patience with those lengthly, important, fact-filled articles that I would gobble up (pun not intended) in graduate school. That said, healthcare is important, fills the news these days, so I resolved to read what I thought would be something long and tedious, but isn’t. While relatively long, it doesn’t seem so. It’s an easy read–instructive for those of us with aging parents–pointing out what to be aware of with Medicare Advantage Program offerings and how and where they differ from Medicare’s offerings. Worthwhile reading whether considering the Advantage programs or not.

I will be adding Help With Aging to my “Blogs and Sites I Like” tab (above). Also of interest:“Tax Breaks For Caregivers: Siblings Can Share Deductions” and “Your Job is Safe When You Take Time Off For Caregiving” Check them out.

As adult children of aging parents, most of us are well aware that helping parents age well also involves helping ourselves–so we can help them. Think airplane advice: “put the mask over your nose and mouth first, then assist others.” The “7 Tips” provide useful information for both generations.

Changing weekly: “Of Current Interest”(right sidebar). Links to timely information and research from top universities, plus some free and some fun stuff–to help parents age well.