Ever get a call from someone saying they are reaching out “on behalf of Florida Blue?” With so many phone scams targeting older adults, you might not be sure if you can trust the caller. That’s why we want to share some of our partners that may call you from time to time on our behalf. We partner with several health companies to help make it easier for our BlueMedicare members to get se [...]

Similar to how you use stars to rate a restaurant or hotel, CMS uses a five-star quality rating system to measure the experience people with Medicare have with their health plans and health care system. Every year, the government reviews all the Medicare plans in the country. They look at things like member satisfaction, customer service and patient safety. Then, they give each plan a r [...]

Sometimes it’s hard to let others know the details of your caregiving situation. Yet, often, many friends, family, and neighbors are already aware that there’s something going on and would love to help if they only knew how. Take this holiday season to share the news in a way that is respectful of your loved one, and gives the people who care about both of you the opportunity to give a gift tha [...]

In March 2018, President Trump signed a congressional budget deal that included changes to the timeline for closing the Medicare Part D coverage gap, also called the “donut hole.” You may have heard other health plans tell you the donut hole will completely close in 2019. That isn’t completely true. People with Medicare Part D who have high prescription drug expenses currently pa [...]

Now is the time to think about your health and prescription drug plan. Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP) is the open enrollment window every year for people with Medicare. Starting October 15 you will be able to change your Medicare plan if needed. But you’ll need the right information to make the best choice for you. Ignore the junk mail you’ll soon receive. Take the phone off th [...]

It’s fall. That means there are signs and ads everywhere telling you it’s time to get your flu shot. Many who opt out of getting a flu shot usually say something like “I never get the flu. I don’t need it.” The problem with that is getting a flu shot really isn’t about you at all. When you get a flu shot you are actually protecting everyone around you — your grandchildren, your [...]

If you feel lonely from time to time, you aren’t the only one who feels that way. The New York Times reported that loneliness is a growing health epidemic. How does a “feeling” become a physical health issue? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, older adults who report being lonely or not having enough desired social interaction experience a decline in physic [...]

When you think of health risks, smoking and being overweight probably top the list. But there’s a surprising hidden health threat that affects up to 30 percent of adults over 65 — loneliness. Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation can increase the levels of harmful stress hormones and inflammation in the body. This in turn can raise the risk of conditions like Type 2 di [...]

Certain conditions or disabilities can make it difficult for some of us to go to the gym, take exercise classes or even go for walks. If traditional exercise isn’t an option for you or someone you are caring for, there are still plenty of ways you can get moving. Even the smallest amounts of exercise can be a boost to your health. How will exercise help you? Not only does it improve you [...]

As our bodies age, it often becomes harder not only to start exercising, but also to keep exercising. Exercising and staying active play important roles in keeping us healthy and on the go. In fact, a University of Florida study showed that adults over 70 who walked just a quarter of a mile a day were more likely to stay mobile than their peers who did not exercise. While even a [...]