Kristen R. Matthews, Esq

11 Things You Can Do Online Via the Social Security Website

The Social Security Administration (SSA) website hosts a wealth of online tools that offer you convenient access to benefits information. To make the most of these tools, simply create a my Social Security account online. It is free to set up a mySSA account. More than 65 million people are currently collecting Social Security benefits. Whether or […]

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OTC Hearing Aids Prevent Dementia

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), hearing loss affects one-third of older adults. As difficulty hearing can lead to communication challenges and social withdrawal, it can also increase the risk of dementia. Dementia includes diseases affecting memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities and affects 55 million people worldwide, per the World Health Organization.

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How Changes in the Student Loan Landscape May Affect You

According to AARP, people aged 60 and older owe upwards of $290 billion in student loan debt. Thankfully, many federal student loan borrowers have experienced payment reprieves for the past few years due to multiple payment pauses enacted during the pandemic by the CARES Act and other loan relief efforts. These pauses on making payments for federal student loans

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Remaining Social Promotes Health in Older Adults

More Americans are living longer, with the number of people older than 65 projected to increase to more than 80 million by 2040. As this population reaches retirement age, the risk of social isolation substantially increases – along with its negative effects. Keeping older adults socially engaged is an important part of their overall well-being. Older people

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What Is a Medicare Flex Card?

Some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive Medicare flex cards, pre-paid debit cards for qualifying expenses, as part of their benefits. The U.S. government does not issue Medicare flex cards. This benefit is only available on select Medicare Advantage plans, a private alternative to Medicare. Traditional Medicare does not offer flex cards. Certain Medicare Advantage plans provide beneficiaries

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Home Health Services Underutilized by Seniors, Study Shows

Health Affairs estimates that 4 million older adults can only leave their homes with assistance, making accessing care challenging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.3 million Americans receive care in nursing homes. According to A Place For Mom, more than 810,000 reside in assisted living. Home health care presents an alternative to nursing homes

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RSV Vaccine Options for U.S. Seniors to Become Available

Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have each developed a vaccine to protect older adults from a virus known as RSV. People over 60 are at significant risk of serious complications if they contract RSV. Fortunately, with the recent FDA approval of Pfizer’s Abrysvo vaccine and GSK’s Arexvy vaccine, along with practical safety measures, seniors

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How No Surprises Act May Help With Unexpected Medical Bills

Help for Seniors The No Surprises Act is a federal law enacted to protect patients from unexpected medical bills incurred on or after January 1, 2022. It aims to address the issue of surprise medical billing, which can occur when patients receive unexpected charges for their medical care. The Act applies to out-of-network emergency services,

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What Is Memory Care and What Are Its Benefits?

Memory care is specialized care for patients living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other conditions that cause memory loss. Hospitals and nursing homes may have memory care units or a separate entity dedicated to this service. Memory care provides seniors with meals, opportunities to socialize, mentally stimulating activities, and support for their caregivers.  Benefits of Memory

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