The CDC reports that nearly 21% of U.S. adults (almost 52 million) during 2021 experienced chronic pain. Furthermore, close to 7% (over 17 million) experienced high-impact chronic pain, which limits a person’s daily life or work activities on most days or every day. Consequently, chronic pain has been linked with depression, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Among people aged 65 and older with arthritis, nearly 27 million have chronic pain and over 10 million suffer debilitating pain. In addition, over 25 million people (about the population of Texas) in this age group have cardiovascular hypertension. Untreated high blood pressure can quietly damage the arteries, heart, and brain. This can result in angina (chest pain), myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke (brain damage).
Furthermore, over 21 million people (about the population of New York) in this age group also have chronic pain with high cholesterol. High blood pressure and high cholesterol increase the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up inside the artery wall). As a result, blood flow is blocked, which can cause chest pain as well as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The classic symptom of PAD is pain in the legs while walking.
To help manage your chronic pain, Medicare covers the following services after you meet your Part B deductible:
Pain assessment
Medication management
Care coordination and planning
Medicare Chronic Pain Management FAQs
Medication Therapy Management Services
Medicare plans with drug coverage must offer Medication Therapy Management Services (MTM) if you meet certain requirements or you are in a Drug Management Program. Pharmacists or healthcare providers usually review your medications, and you may get:
A comprehensive review of all your drugs, as well as why you take them
A printed summary of your medication review
A Recommended To-Do List and Medication List
You can shop for Medicare plans with drug coverage at Senior Healthcare Direct. Call a licensed agent at 1-833-463-3262.
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