Does Medicare Cover Prolia?

Osteoporosis affects around one in three women, and one in five men, over the age of 50, meaning that more than 200 million people are suffering from osteoporosis in this country. There are many different kinds of treatments available for osteoporosis, with the current standard treatment being bisphosphonates. There is, though, another drug called Prolia, which clinical trials have found is just as effective as bisphosphonates. How these treatments work differs, so if bisphosphonates aren’t working for you, you might want to talk to your doctor about Prolia. Fortunately, Medicare does cover Prolia, so if this drug is right for you, you will be able to start your journey to healing with the help of Medicare.

How Prolia Works

x-ray of a knee with arthritis
Osteoporosis occurs when bones become weak, but Prolia can help with it.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become thin and weak; it typically affects women more than men. Some common symptoms of osteoporosis can include brittle and weak nails, receding gums, and weakened grip strength. 

Prolia is a prescription drug that’s used to treat osteoporosis and other forms of bone loss. It works by stopping bone cells from breaking down and by further strengthening the bone. It is given as an injection in the side, upper arm, or belly. Prolia is generally used to treat osteoporosis in individuals who are post-menopausal, and at high risk for bone fractures. 

“This drug works by preventing the osteoclasts from maturing or resorbing bone, so it’s a completely different mechanism of action [from that of bisphosphonates]. That said, it appears at the end of the day, in terms of reducing fractures and making bones stronger, the result is about the same as bisphosphonates,” says Nancy E. Lane, MD, director of the Center for Healthy Aging at the University of California, Davis.

The Price of Prolia

The cost of any prescription drug depends on various factors, including the type of coverage you have in addition to Original Medicare. Most Medicare plans will cover Prolia, but it depends on how you take the drug. If you have Original Medicare and self-administer the injection, a Part D plan should cover the cost. But if you have original Medicare and a home health nurse administers your injection, Part B will cover 80% of the cost of the drug, leaving you to pay the other 20% out-of-pocket. 

Medicare Eligibility For Prolia Coverage

While Medicare will usually cover Prolia, there are some criteria. To be Medicare-eligible for osteoporosis drugs in general, you must:

  • Be a woman
  • Have a bone fracture that a doctor has certified is related to postmenopausal osteoporosis. 

Is Prolia Right For You?

As with any drug, you should ask your doctor about the benefits and the risks of Prolia, especially if you have any of the following issues:

  • Thyroid diseaseillustration of a doctor with kidney picture next to him
  • Kidney disease- Kidney problems can cause low calcium levels, and treatment with Prolia can further lower your calcium levels, which can be dangerous. 
  • Low calcium levels- Same as above. Your doctor might recommend that you increase your calcium levels before you begin taking the drug.
  • Weakened immune system
  • Trouble absorbing minerals

In addition, it is important to notify your doctor about any medications you are taking regularly, including over-the-counter medications, so they can inform you of any interactions between these medications and Prolia.

Extra Coverage

If you are interested in receiving the Prolia injection but are afraid of having to pay 20% out-of-pocket every time you get an injection, it might be time to look for extra coverage. Your 20% coinsurance can really add up, especially if you are living on a fixed income, as many Medicare beneficiaries are. Fortunately, though, you can save money on all of your medical expenses and get extra coverage by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Aging Into Poverty: What’s Going On and What Can We Do?

There are a lot of great things about getting older (goodbye, caring so much what other people think!), but we’re not going to sugarcoat it. There are a lot of things to worry about, as well. Your health might be top of your list, but how about your finances? How sure are you that you have enough to keep you secure through your retirement? The sad reality is that many seniors will not have enough money to last them for their whole lives, so many will age into poverty, and find it very difficult to get out of that situation. And we should all care about this issue, not just because it’s affecting our loved ones, friends, and neighbors, but because none of us are immune, no matter how well we think we’ve planned. So what’s going on, and can anything be done? 

How Big Is the Problem?

black and white picture of an older man sitting on a sidewalk
Poverty rates have been climbing for older adults.

If you read government data on older adults and poverty, you might be slightly distressed by the numbers, but you might not come away thinking that the financial distress of seniors is a dire problem in the U.S. But you’d be wrong. So what do the official numbers say? Well, according to the Congressional Research Service:

“The poverty rate for the aged population historically was higher than the rates for younger groups, but the aged have experienced lower poverty rates than children under age 18 since 1974 and lower rates than adults aged 18-64 since the early 1990s. In 2019, the 8.9% poverty rate among individuals aged 65 and older was lower than the 9.4% poverty rate among adults aged 18-64 and the 14.4% poverty rate among children under 18 years old.”

They point out that there are more older people living in poverty now than decades ago, but that they make up a smaller percentage of the population, since we have so many more people in our country now, and because older adults are living longer. That means that, as of 2019 (and not taking into account the financial stress that the pandemic has put on a lot of people), nearly 5 million adults over 65 are living in poverty.

And that huge number doesn’t even tell the whole story, unfortunately. The official measures of what “poverty” means are themselves inadequate. The report by the Congressional Research Service mentioned above even admits that there are certain factors that aren’t often taken into account when measuring poverty, like medical expenses, which can make a huge difference in how much money seniors have in their pockets.

“The official poverty measure used in the United States is defined using cash income only, before taxes, and is computed based on food consumption in 1955 and food costs in 1961, indexed to inflation. That definition…does not consider how certain other costs, such as housing or medical expenses, might affect [seniors] as well. After decades of research, the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) was developed to address some of the official poverty measure’s limitations. The SPM poverty rate for the aged population is higher than the official poverty rate (12.8% compared with 8.9% in 2019).”

The Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston has gone a step further, and created an Elder Economic Security Standard Index. This index provides a better understanding of financial hardship for seniors, taking into account household size, location, housing and health status, among other variables. The index shows that, in 2016, a majority of American seniors lacked “the financial resources required to pay for basic needs.” 

So the situation looks worse when we look at a more realistic measure of what it means to live on a fixed income, and when we look at more real-world scenarios, things are even more worrying. According to numbers out of the Government Accountability Office, being already in poverty isn’t the only issue for older adults: many are headed in that direction, with not much hope of turning things around. Nearly half (48%) of households headed by someone 55 and older lack some form of retirement savings, with that number rising to 62% for African Americans and 69% for Latinos. 

Not only that, but 29% of those who are retired or nearing the traditional retirement stage of life still have no retirement savings or a defined benefit plan, such as a job-based pension, and will need to rely on Social Security.

What’s Gone Wrong?

Don’t get us wrong: Social Security has been a great thing for seniors. It’s probably the reason that the poverty rate among seniors has fallen so much since the middle of the twentieth century. But it’s just not enough: the average Social Security check is a mere $1,543 a month, and about 40% of older Americans rely entirely on Social Security for their income. That’s because many companies no longer offer traditional pensions, lower-income Americans often aren’t offered a feasible way to save for retirement, and many workers are not in the position to contribute to a 401k. picture of a jar of coins pushed over with notes that say "will this be enough" and such

Relying on Social Security alone is especially problematic for older women, who on average, receive $4,500 less per year in Social Security benefits than men because they had lower lifetime earnings and worked fewer quarters to take time out for caregiving.

And these aren’t just issues for people on the lowest end of the income scale. Again according to those working at the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston on the Elder Economic Security Standard Index, “in every state, the share of older adults living ‘in the gap’ between the federal poverty line and the Elder Index is larger than the share living in poverty.” In other words, there are a lot of older adults who are actually living above the poverty line, and so don’t qualify for federal and state benefits like food stamps, housing grants, or  Medicaid, but are still struggling to live a comfortable life.  

Consider this: Fidelity estimates that a retired married couple, aged 65 in 2021, would need $300,000 saved to cover health care expenses in retirement, even with Medicare coverage. That’s a huge amount of money, for just that one living expense! So, even those who have been considered middle-class throughout their working life could end up struggling to pay the bills.

But we also need to remember that the problem starts even before retirement. The New School for Social Research has found that unemployed Americans aged 55 and older who want or need to work have been taking longer to find work than mid-career workers for the first time since 1973. This is partly due to the pandemic, and can have devastating effects on savings. 

According to Teresa Ghilarducci, an economist and director of the New School’s Retirement Equity Lab and a Next Avenue Influencer in Aging, “With almost two million more people forced into unplanned retirement during the pandemic, vulnerable workers are forced out of the labor market at earlier ages…These few years can make or break an individual’s retirement. With fewer job prospects, and less savings, unplanned retirements can mean downward mobility or even poverty for vulnerable workers retiring before sixty-five.”

The problem, though, could also be, as Joe Seldner of the nonprofit Next Avenue puts it, “The millions over 55 without money or reasonable prospects to earn it are being ignored and overlooked, in large part I fear, because in a society driven by youth, older people don’t seem to matter all that much.”

So when we ask: “What’s gone wrong?” when it comes to making sure older adults in this country are financially secure, the answer is complicated, to say the least. Social Security is helpful, but inadequate, especially for women, jobs for older adults are hard to come by, saving for retirement can be a burden, healthcare expenses can be crippling…so what can we do?

Resources for Older Adultsgavel with the scale and a book that says judicial underneath it

As with any civil rights movement, we need to speak out about the issue of seniors’ financial security, and make sure everyone is seen and all voices are heard. It should be considered completely unacceptable that older adults in this country are struggling to survive, even after a lifetime of hard work. This issue needs to be a part of the national conversation, so speak up whenever you can, and consider contacting your members of Congress to urge them not to forget seniors when crafting legislation.

And as we work to make it a part of the national conversation, there are, fortunately, some nonprofits working on the problem, as well as resources for older adults who need assistance. For example:

  • The Stanford Center of Longevity is working on initiatives for seniors, including its “New Map of Life,” which “aims to envision a society that supports people to live secure and high-quality lives for a century or more,” exploring housing, health care and financial security.
  • The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College puts out briefing papers and publishes the “Squared Away” blog, which covers a wide range of topics regarding retirement security and older workers.
  • The National Council on Aging nonprofit offers many resources for older people and their caregivers, including a “Benefits Check-up” that helps you find out if you’re eligible for more than 2,500 benefits programs nationwide. And its “Resources Near Me” locator directs you to ones that can help with food, health care and technology.

And speaking of government programs that helps seniors who are struggling financially, the following are worth looking into:

  • Medicare Extra Help Program
  • Medicare Savings Program
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
  • Seniors Farmer Market Nutrition Program
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Tax credits and deductions, like:
    • Credit for the Elderly or Disabled
    • Standard Deduction for Seniors
    • Itemized deductions for medical expenses

The problem of older adults living in poverty is not going to go away on its own – if anything, more of us are going to be added to the group of those struggling. Now is the time to highlight this issue, and make sure everyone in this country can age in dignity and comfort.

Under the Weather? Know the Difference Between Covid-19 and the Flu

Winter is coming, and so is the annual flu season. It might have been easy to forget about this seasonal virus, since Covid-19 has been the main focus in America for almost two years now, but it hasn’t gone anywhere, and experts are predicting a pretty severe flu season this year. So if you wake up one morning this winter with symptoms like a stuffy nose, fever, and cough, you’ll have to consider whether you might have a case of the flu or of Covid, since both are contagious respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms. If you are feeling under the weather, it is important to differentiate the symptoms of these viruses, so you can get tested for Covid if need be, and get the proper treatment. 

The Difference Between the Flu Virus & the Covid Virus2 different colored viruses floating around

As stated earlier, the flu and Covid are both contagious respiratory viruses, but they are caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, usually influenza A or influenza B, while  Covid-19 is caused by a coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2; this is a novel coronavirus, meaning it has not been seen in humans before now. Because our bodies were never exposed to this virus before 2019, we have not built any antibodies to fight it, which is why the outbreak of this virus has become a global pandemic. 

While the flu cannot turn into Covid, and Covid cannot turn into the flu because they are two different viruses, it is possible to be infected with both at the same time. It’s important to remember that both Covid and the flu can result in severe illness and complications, especially for older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant people. Covid-19 can result in long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs, and the flu can lead to complications such as inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissue, and can even lead to multi-organ failure. 

How Are These Viruses Spread?

Both the flu and Covid spread in similar ways: droplets of small virus particles from a sick person that are transmitted to another person through talking, coughing, sneezing, etc. You can also transfer the virus by touching a surface with germs on it and then touching your face, although most experts believe that Covid is mostly spread through respiratory droplets. Covid-19 spreads more easily than the flu and can cause more serious illness in some people. 

How Long Is the Incubation Period?

calendar up close
Flu symptoms can occur 1-4 days after infection, while Covid symptoms will probably appear around 5-14 days after.

It tends to take longer after infection for someone to experience symptoms of Covid than it does with the flu. If you are infected with the flu, you will most likely experience symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection, while if you are infected with Covid, your symptoms will probably appear around 5 days after infection; in some cases, symptoms will not appear until 14 days after infection. Symptoms will vary from person to person, so if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, confusion, headache, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, it is important to get tested for Covid.

How Long Are You Contagious?

If you are infected with either Covid or the flu, it’s possible to spread these viruses before experiencing any symptoms. People with the flu are contagious for one day before they show symptoms; older children and adults appear to be most contagious during the initial 3 or 4 days of their illness, but remain contagious for a week. If you are infected with Covid, you could be contagious for a longer time than if you have the flu; it can also take longer  to show symptoms, and you could be contagious earlier than 1 day before symptoms begin.

Similarities & Differences Between Covid & Flu Symptoms

Similarities

Many respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms: when bacteria or viruses get into your respiratory system, the whole system, including your airways, lungs, and blood vessels, is affected, resulting in similar symptoms for a head cold, the flu, and Covid. Some symptoms that both Covid-19 and the flu share include:

  • Fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle pain and body aches
  • Fatigue (extreme tiredness or lack of energy) and weakness
  • Nausea or vomiting (more common in children than adults)
  • Diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Both illnesses can result in pneumonia, and both can be asymptomatic, mild, severe, or even fatal, depending on the person. 

Differences In Symptoms

While both viruses often have similar symptoms, there are some key differences to help identify each. Specifically, the flu will usually come on suddenly and appear anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection, while Covid symptoms can be more gradual and can develop 2 days after you’ve been infected, or not show for up to 14 days after infection. You can also look for the following differences:caucasian woman wrapped in a scarf coughing

  • Type of cough– The flu will produce a mild, dry cough, while Covid’s is also dry, but more severe, and can leave you short of breath.
  • Unique symptoms– Covid will cause unique symptoms that are not as common with the flu, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, repeated shaking with chills, and new and sudden loss of taste or smell.

If you are wondering if you might have a common cold, the main difference between a cold and these other viruses is that a common cold will cause a phlegm or mucus-filled cough, while with Covid or the flu the cough is normally dry. 

Treatment

The flu and Covid are treated differently, depending on your symptoms. There are oral antiviral medications available for the flu, but antivirals for Covid are still in the testing stages. If your illness is severe, you might need  to go to the hospital and possibly be put on a ventilator to help you breathe. 

There are vaccines available for both Covid and the flu, which can help prevent infection, or at least help lessen symptoms and usually prevent hospitalization. 

What To Do If You Experience Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, there are a couple of steps that you should take, including:

  • Staying home– If you have a fever, it is important to stay home in order not to spread the virus, whether it is Covid or the flu. Even if you don’t have a fever but have other symptoms, try to refrain from going out.
  • Calling your doctor– You can call your doctor or Telehealth doctors, and notify them of your symptoms. Your doctor will write you a prescription to get tested for Covid, and schedule a testing appointment for you.
  • person with red shirt holding up covid testing kitGetting tested– If you don’t want to call your doctor,  you can schedule the testing yourself at any testing center or some drug stores. Some tests are completely free whether you have health insurance or not.
  • Seeking medical attention– If your symptoms do not go away or are severe, seek medical attention right away, whether at an urgent care or hospital.

Medicare services will cover testing and vaccinations for the flu and Covid-19 at no cost to you! These are just some of the services covered by Medicare, but it’s important to remember that not everything is covered. You will have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot over the year, so it’s definitely worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can. Come to EZ and talk to one of our agents: we work with the top-rated companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplement Plans are an undeniably great way to save money on the medical expenses you incur throughout the year. Having one can help you save hundreds of dollars, especially if you have a chronic condition that requires a lot of medical attention. One important question, though, is if Medicare Supplement Plans are accepted by all doctors, since seeing a doctor who does not accept your plan could mean a huge bill that you have to pay out-of- pocket. And if you’re living on a fixed income, that’s the last thing you need! Find out just how Medicare Supplement Plans work with all doctors. 

How Medicare Supplement Plans Work

illustration of hand on a calculator with paper and money stack in the background
Medicare Supplement Plans will cover the 20% coinsurance that Original Medicare does not cover.

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans; each plan offers different coverage and rates. You’ll pay a monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement Plan, and in return, the plan pays most of your expenses that are not covered by Medicare Parts A & B. For example, if you have a $4,000 ambulance bill and have already met your annual Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the bill. This leaves you to pay the remaining 20%, $800, out-of-pocket. But if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan that covers Part B copayments and coinsurance, it will pay the remaining $800.

In general, all Medicare Supplement plans cover at least part of:

  • Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles
  • Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
  • Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up)
  • Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
  • Part B excess charges
  • Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
  • Blood (first 3 pints)

Some will cover:

  • Foreign travel emergencies (up to plan limits)

Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?

Now onto the really important part! You should be aware that not all doctors accept Medicare Supplement Plans, so before you purchase one, make sure that your doctor and other providers will accept it. Fortunately, though, 95-96% of doctors and hospitals will accept Medicare Supplement Plans: the general rule is that if the doctor accepts Medicare assignment, they will automatically accept your Medicare Supplement Plan, regardless of your insurance company.  doctor writing on a piece of paper

The important thing is not to fall into the trap that some people fall into, and assume that all doctors accept Medicare. Some do not, and those who don’t accept Medicare will bill you up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount, and you will have to pay for all of their services out-of-pocket. 

If you are interested in finding out if the doctors or providers you see accept Medicare, speak to an EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can make sure that the doctor you want to see is covered, so you don’t end up with any extra or unexpected fees. We will also compare all available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area and find the one that is right for you. No obligation, and no hassle. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Important Things To Remember About Medicare During The Annual Enrollment Period

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) only comes around once a year, and it’s your opportunity to change your current Medicare plan to one that better suits your needs for the new year. You will have from October 15 until December 7 to review your current plan, check out other plans, and decide whether to keep or change your plan. But in order to get the most out of your Medicare benefits, there are some important things to consider during the AEP.

Medicare Does Not Cover Everything

white puzzle with a piece missing that is in black
Medicare is a great program for seniors, but it does not cover anything, which means you might need to consider extra insurance.

Whether this is your first time dealing with the AEP, or your tenth time, it is important to remember that Medicare does not cover everything: it will only cover 80% of your Part B medical expenses, and you will still have to meet your Parts A and B deductibles. Keep this in mind when looking over your options during the AEP, especially if you are deciding whether to switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare. Switching back to Original Medicare will allow you to buy a Medicare Supplement Plan to help cover your out-of-pocket expenses, so you could end up saving a lot of money by changing plans.

Little Things Add Up

Sure, they might seem small and insignificant, but monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance can all really add up throughout the year. And if you are like most Medicare beneficiaries, you are living on a fixed income, which means saving as much money as possible is important. 

With that being said, remember not to get caught in the trap of a cheap plan that looks good on paper with its low premiums, but doesn’t provide the coverage you need. With some bargain plans, you will still have to pay for additional out-of-pocket expenses, including doctor copayments and deductibles, meaning that plan that looks so tempting might just cost you more in the long run. Make sure to go over all the possible costs of every plan, as well as what they cover, so that you are not left struggling to pay your medical bills. 

You Don’t Have To Change Doctorsdoctor lab coat with a stethoscope and pocket with pens

When you first enroll in Medicare, you can continue seeing your doctor as long as they accept Medicare patients, and that is true even if you decide to change plans during the AEP, with the possible exception of switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan. With one of these plans, you will have a provider network, which might limit the doctors you can see – so if you have a doctor that you want to continue seeing, take that into consideration when looking for a plan. Medicare Supplement Plans are a great way to continue seeing your doctor because they generally do not have networks. 

Don’t Miss Your Deadlines!

The Annual Enrollment Period is an important time for Medicare beneficiaries, because it is your one opportunity to make changes to a plan that does not suit your needs anymore. If you miss the deadline of December 7, you could be stuck with a plan that either does not provide enough coverage or costs too much. 

The AEP is a busy time that lasts for less than 2 months, which means you will need to go over a lot of information in a short period of time. You will have to review your current plan, its coverage and price changes for next year, and all your other available Medicare options. This can become overwhelming and time-consuming, but an EZ agent can help make it less stressful. Our highly trained agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can compare plans in minutes, so you don’t have to compare plans and try to figure out which is your best option. We will help you find a plan that meets all of your financial and medical needs for the new year. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Hair Loss Treatment?

It’s inevitable: as you age, your body will go through some major changes. Your metabolism will slow down significantly, which could lead to weight gain, your skin will get thinner, meaning you’ll get colder than you used to due to decreased circulation, and so on. Another very common physical change that most older adults deal with is hair loss; in fact, by age 60, about 60% of women suffer from some degree of hair loss, and many men are nearly bald. While this is a normal part of aging, it can be embarrassing, and you might want to seek treatment to help with your hair loss. Many of the most effective treatments can be very expensive, but is it possible to get Medicare to cover them?

What Causes Hair Loss?

four different kinds of medications next to each other on a table
Different medications can contribute to hair loss.

Did you know that every strand of hair on your head has a lifespan anywhere from 2-5 years?  In addition, each hair follicle has a cycle of active growth, transition, and rest; if you are beginning to lose your hair, that means the follicles are remaining in the rest cycle, which can be caused by disease, medications, or your genes. The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss, known as male or female pattern hair loss, but the following medications and medical conditions can contribute to hair loss. Medications include: 

  • Blood thinners
  • Vitamin A supplements
  • Some arthritis medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Gout medications
  • Heart medications
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Birth control pills

Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include:

  • Thyroid disease
  • Lupus
  • Cancer
  • Alopecia areata
  • Scalp infections like ringworm
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Untreated STIs, specifically syphilis

Hair Loss Treatmentshands with blue gloves on inserting a shot into the top of a woman's head

If you experience hair loss or baldness because of the medications you are taking, speak to  your doctor about possible alternative medications that will not have this side effect. For other types of hair loss, treatments include:

  • Laser therapy
  • Hair transplant surgery
  • Medications
  • Wigs or hairpieces

Your doctor might propose one or more of these treatment options. 

What Medicare Covers

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover treatment for hair loss; for example, if you choose to get hair transplant surgery, Medicare will not cover any of the costs. Medicare Part B will only cover medically necessary treatment for any underlying disease or condition that might be causing your hair loss, but will not cover any specific treatments for the hair loss itself. As in all cases, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of treatments and medications for these conditions, and you will be responsible for the 20% coinsurance that Medicare does not cover. 

Preventing Hair Loss

non smoking sign
To help prevent hair loss, you should avoid smoking.

There is no foolproof way to prevent hair loss, but there are some precautions you can take to help slow it down. You can:

  • Use a topical treatment like minoxidil
  • Massage your scalp 
  • Avoid hairstyles that tug on your hair follicles
  • Avoid smoking
  • Make changes to  your diet. A diet high in antioxidants can help reduce stress on your hair follicles, and help keep your hair from falling out. 

If you are concerned that your hair is getting thinner or that you are balding, it is important to seek help from your doctor. Your hair loss might be hereditary, but it could also be due to medications you are taking, or caused by an underlying disease you are unaware of. Your doctor can run some tests and if they do find that you have a health condition, they can treat it – and this treatment will be covered by Medicare Part B. 

While Medicare Part B covers most necessary treatments, it only covers 80% of expenses; If you are looking for more coverage, especially for the 20% coinsurance you are responsible for, a Medicare Supplement Plan might be your best option. One of these plans will not only cover the coinsurance you are responsible for, but  will also cover other things that Medicare does not. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, and EZ can compare all available plans in your area for free. We will find a plan that meets your specific needs and saves you hundreds of dollars. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.