The Senior Scene

(New legislation can save money for people with a Medicare prescription drug plan, writes Marguerite Ro, director of AARP Washington.)

By Marguerite Ro

Medication doesn’t work if you can’t afford it, and too many Washingtonians continue to struggle to fill prescriptions because of their cost. But that’s about to change for some.

A new law took effect on Jan. 1, 2025 for people with a Medicare prescription drug plan, capping out-of-pocket Rx expenses at $2,000 per year. An estimated 42,000 Washington seniors will see these new savings, an average of $1,500 in 2025, and that number will steadily increase over time.
It’s a victory we all share. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of AARP members across the country who have worked hand in hand with AARP’s efforts, we succeeded in passing a prescription drug law in 2022. Your stories and your voices made a difference. We couldn’t have done it without you. 

Between 3 and 4 million Part D plan enrollees nationwide are estimated to benefit from the new out-of-pocket cap every year between 2025 and 2029, according to a report published by AARP.

A 2023 survey from AARP shows that 60 percent of older adults are very or somewhat concerned about being able to afford the prescriptions they or someone in their family need. Rising drug prices have left some older adults with no choice but to skip doses or go without needed medication altogether.
AARP fought tirelessly for the prescription drug law because we knew it would bring much-needed relief to Medicare enrollees trying to keep up with rising costs for everyday essentials like housing, groceries, and utilities. This law is a step toward easing that burden.

Limiting out-of-pocket expenses for medication is just one part of the 2022 law.  It also makes many important vaccines, such as shingles and pneumonia, free. It limits insulin costs to $35 a month for Medicare beneficiaries and gives Medicare the power to negotiate with manufacturers to lower prices for certain high-cost prescriptions. 

AARP’s work doesn’t end with the passing of this law. We will continue to ensure it is fully implemented and benefits older Americans for decades to come.

Marguerite Ro is AARP Washington’s director.

As the colder winter weather settles in, rates of respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV can rise. These infections pose higher risks for older adults and can cause severe illness and hospitalization.

“We all like to gather indoors in the winter because of the cold weather,” said Kari Benson, deputy assistant secretary for aging at the Administration for Community Living. “But those gatherings are easy places for viruses to spread and for older adults to get sick. The good news is there are many ways for older people to lower their risk of serious illness.”

Here are some expert tips for older adults and caregivers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Pan Respiratory Virus Public Education Campaign, “Risk Less. Do More”.

Get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Vaccines are the best protection against serious illness and can cut a person’s risk of being hospitalized for flu or COVID-19 by about half and for RSV by about 70 percent. Most deaths from those illnesses are among people 65 and older, and the risk grows with age.

The 2024-25 flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for all people and ages. RSV vaccines are recommended for anyone 75 and older, as well as those 60 and older with certain health conditions or who live in nursing homes. Older adults and caregivers can talk to their doctors about which vaccines are right for them.

Try to avoid people who are sick.

If family or friends you are planning to see aren’t feeling well, it’s best to reschedule or move your get-together outside. If you must be inside with someone who is sick, wear a mask and ask them to wear one, too. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. You can also improve ventilation by opening doors and windows and using fans.

Limit time spent at large, indoor events.

Viruses can spread quickly in large crowds, especially indoors. Spending extended periods in crowded inside spaces – such as large restaurants or concert and sports venues – can be risky, especially if rates of flu, COVID-19 or RSV are high in your community. Consider skipping these events or going to outdoor events instead.

Respiratory viruses can surge during winter months. However, there are ways to lower your risk of severe illness and hospitalization. To learn more, go to cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor.

Source: Family Features.

(Pictured: Simply washing hands can play a big role in preventing illness.)

Despite the old adage “You’ll catch your death of cold,” cold weather itself doesn’t cause illness. More accurately, the cold is more hospitable to viruses, making it easier for them to spread. While you can’t control Mother Nature, you can take steps to protect your health when temperatures drop.

Protect your immune system.

A weakened immune system makes it harder to ward off intrusive germs. If you’re otherwise healthy, protecting your immune system can be as simple as stepping up typical healthy habits, like eating nutrient-rich produce, getting enough sleep, and exercising. Managing stress and limiting alcohol consumption are also helpful.

If your immune system is compromised by an underlying condition, talk with your doctor about an extra layer of protection during the cooler months, including any vaccines that may help boost immunity.

Combat congestion.

Cool, dry conditions can wreak havoc on nasal passages, drying them out and reducing the protective layer of mucus that helps fight infection. Sinus pressure and congestion are often some of the first warning signs you’re coming down with something.

To treat congestion symptoms, use a non-medicated option like Mucinex Sinus Saline Nasal Spray.

Spend time outdoors.

People naturally spend more time indoors when temperatures drop, but there are some benefits to getting outdoors. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which plays a pivotal role in immunity. Sunlight also triggers the body to produce serotonin, which boosts your mood, and multiple studies show a strong correlation between mental and physical health.

Fresh air and exercise can also help keep your circadian rhythms regulated, which in turn promotes better sleep. What’s more, acute exposure to cold can trigger your body to produce infection-fighting cells, so you’re less prone to illness.

Practice good hygiene.

Washing your hands can play a big role in preventing illness, especially after you spend time in public places. While out and about, you likely come in contact with many surfaces others may have touched, including door handles, shopping carts, touch screens, and menus. Make a habit of wiping down surfaces you touch frequently, such as your keyboard and phone, with disinfectant wipes.

Stay hydrated.

Keeping well-hydrated throughout the day can help ensure all your body’s systems are functioning as they should. If you’re dehydrated, your body can’t properly use the nutrients you consume, which affects immunity. In addition, drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of the body before they can cause an infection.

Source: Family Features.

(Pictured: Making and eating healthy food is one of the New Year resolutions recommended by the American Medical Association.)

Looking to improve your health in 2025 and beyond? Check out these recommendations from the American Medical Association.

“The best way to address the post-holiday doldrums is to do something good for your health,” said Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the AMA. “Even small, positive choices you make now can have a big impact on your long-term wellbeing.

Make nutritional tweaks.

Reduce your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed food, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Drinking sugary beverages, even 100 percent fruit juice, is associated with a higher mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Drink water and choose nutritious whole food, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry.

Get active.

A recent study published in JAMA found that putting down the TV remote and going for a walk can improve healthy aging—highlighting the importance of small everyday habits. Adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

Update vaccines.

Get your vaccines in advance of respiratory virus season—including the annual flu vaccine and the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone six months and older, as well as pregnant people. People 65 and older and those who are moderately or severely immune-compromised should receive a second dose of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine six months later.

RSV can be dangerous for older adults.

 The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people 75 and older, and 60 and older at high risk for severe RSV, should get vaccinated. Immunizations are also available to protect babies from getting very sick from RSV. This is important because RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization nationwide. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including GetMyFluShot.org. You can also reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by covering coughs and sneezes, frequently washing your hands, wearing masks, improving air quality, and staying home if you are sick.

Get screened.

Make an appointment for preventive care, tests, and screenings to help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

Know your blood pressure.

Go online at ManageYourBP.org to understand your blood pressure numbers and take necessary steps to get hypertension under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. If checking your blood pressure at home, find out at ValidateBP.org if your test device has been tested for accuracy.

Learn your type 2 diabetes risk.

Take a two-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, which carries a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss.

Drink only in moderation.

If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Quit tobacco and nicotine.

Ask your doctor for resources and guidance for quitting. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

Follow dosage instructions.

When taking prescription opioids or other medications, store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, take the full course to prevent antibiotic resistance—a serious public health problem.

Manage stress.

Good mental health is part of good overall health. Get sufficient sleep (at least 7 and a half hours per night), exercise, and ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it.

More health resources and tips can be found by visiting ama-assn.org, the American Medical Association’s website.

Source: StatePoint Media