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So far Hannah Bracamonte has created 590 blog entries.

The Medicare “Donut Hole”

2024-03-28T21:07:13-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews, Medication|Tags: |

The Coverage Gap The way Medicare Part D was designed there was a planned coverage gap, which has become known as "the donut hole". This gap has caused a great deal of confusion and higher than expected out of pocket costs for medications. When do you reach the gap? The gap begins when a person reaches a predetermined amount during the year based on average retail cost of drugs. In 2011, that amount is set at $2840. Since Medicare drug plans negotiate for a lower price the average retail cost is not what you actually paid out of pocket. Every drug [...]

Medicare and the Part D Donut Hole

2024-03-28T21:07:14-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews, Medication|Tags: |

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? This saying, made famous by Benjamin Franklin, is as true today as it was in the 1700's. Preventative care and early treatment can impact the outcome of most diseases. Mammograms and prostate screening are effective tools against cancer Sunscreens and limiting outdoor exposure to direct sunlight are effective methods to lower the risk for skin cancers The proper use of medication can also prevent conditions from forming or stop existing conditions from worsening. A potential growing gap is forming between what the doctor orders and what the patient may or may [...]

Dual Eligibility Medicare/Medicaid

2024-03-28T21:07:15-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews|

Dual Eligibility refers to a person being eligible in some way for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a federal program while Medicaid is a state program that is available to those with low income and/or resources. Medicare and Medicaid Medicare covers acute care services and Medicaid covers Medicare premiums and cost sharing expenses. Medicaid may also cover expenses for long term care. There are different types of eligibility and this link goes to a report with a table that outlines the differences http://www.medpac.gov/publications%5Ccongressional_reports%5CJune04_ch3.pdf Medicare is considered the primary insurer and covers medically necessary acute care services, including physician, hospital, [...]

Medicare and ESRD

2024-03-28T21:07:18-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews|

Medicare helps to pay for kidney dialysis as well as kidney transplants. Eligibility A person whose kidneys no longer work can get Medicare no matter what their age as long as they meet other criteria. You have worked long enough to qualify for retirement benefits from Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board, or as a government employee You are already receiving retirement benefits You are the spouse or child or a person who meets either of the above criteria In order to receive full benefits you must apply for both Medicare Part A and B and wait the required amount [...]

Medicare 101

2024-03-28T21:07:19-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews|

Medicare Overview Most Americans have heard of Medicare, approximately 45 million people were receiving Medicare benefits in 2008. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has predicted that there will be 78 million people eligible for the program by the year 2030. It might be expected that Medicare is very well understood, but the reality is that there are many pieces and parts that can be very confusing to the average person. A recent search on the internet for the term “Medicare” returned more than 16 million results in less than 1/10th of a second. It would take a person [...]

Kidney Patients and the Donut Hole

2024-03-28T21:07:20-04:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews, Medication|

Can the Medicare "Donut Hole" Affect Kidney Patients? The short answer to this question is "maybe". The longer answer reveals that the gap affects some Medicare recipients more than others. A closer look will help to explain the reason why these two answers are different and how your patient may be affected. What is it? The "donut hole" is a gap in prescription drug coverage under Medicare. This gap begins when a person reaches a predetermined amount during the year based on average retail cost of drugs. In 2011 the gap begins when a person spends $2840 in actual out of [...]

Taking Care of Yourself When You Have Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:07:21-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy|

Taking Time for Fun With or without chronic kidney disease (CKD), life is what you make it. Some patients with CKD may choose to withdraw. Others may choose to do as much as possible and live life to the fullest. The choice is yours. Maybe you want to spend more time with family and friends. If so, plan an outing with them. They’ll appreciate your effort and you can feel good about taking charge. Decide what is most important to you now. Then take the steps necessary to make it happen. Tips for Coping You might feel like you are no [...]

Managing Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-28T21:07:22-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Medication, Nutrition, Stages of Kidney Disease|

As you are being treated for your chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5, there are 2 areas of concern that you and your renal (kidney) care team should discuss. Diet Following a renal-friendly diet can help limit the amount of waste in your body, which will aid in your treatment. You and your renal dietitian can work together to monitor the foods you eat and the fluids you drink. Some things you may discuss include Limiting fluids Avoiding salt Being aware of hidden phosphorus Sticking to the diet you and your dietitian create may not only help you feel better, it [...]

Keeping a Food Diary and Tips for Eating Out

2024-03-28T21:07:23-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Nutrition|

Food Diary A food diary is an easy way to monitor the foods and liquids in your diet. The diary can help you identify trouble spots and make quick fixes. Your renal dietitian can help you get a food diary or you can check for one online. Food labels can help you with your food diary and help you choose healthier, kidney-friendly foods. Talk to your renal dietitian about what to look for before you shop. Since imbalances of minerals such as phosphorus and potassium are a concern for patients on dialysis, ask your renal dietitian how many milligrams (mg) of [...]

Be a Part of Your Kidney Care Team

2024-03-28T21:07:24-04:00December 14th, 2012|Categories: eNews, Treatment|

Communicating Effectively with Your Kidney Care Team You go to dialysis and stay for the entire session. You take your medication as directed by your doctor. You follow your kidney care team’s instructions. Is there anything else you can do to manage your condition? There is. Learn to talk and work with your kidney care team so you understand their expectations and they understand yours. Communicating with your kidney care team is more than just listening to them. It’s asking questions, letting them know your thoughts, and taking action. Be specific when talking with your kidney care team and Write down [...]

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