It’s that time of year again

My annual doctor’s visit seems to come around a little quicker every year. Fortunately, I have an excellent doctor who listens well, discusses options, and allows me to help decide the best course of action should any be necessary. Of course, I always look forward to reviewing my blood panel analysis. 

Yesterday, I started my “what has happened over the last year” list. My health journal is the basis for this list. It is my observations and comparisons to one year ago. The list gives us an opportunity to discuss if these issues are related to Kennedy’s Disease, aging, another health issue, or a combination of any of these.

This year’s list is interesting and I thought I would share a few items. As usual, there is some good mixed in with the bad. 

A.     Noticeable loss of strength:

·         Arms, shoulders, hand and fingers (More than normal over the last few years)

·         Nasal passage muscles (I am much more nasally sounding)

B.     Little or no difference from last year:

·         Leg strength (Quads, knee, calf, ankle and hip)

·         Neuropathy in the feet (Doesn’t appear to be any worse)

·         Choking and swallowing

C.     Having greater difficulties with:

·         Taking showers and drying myself afterward

·         Holding things like a glass of water, a plate, etc. (I am dropping more things these days)

·         Getting dressed and undressed (i.e., putting on socks and pants - especially when it is cold)

D.     Unchanged Routines:

·         I still exercise every day - odd days are 90-100 minutes of exercises and even days are 15-20 minutes

·         Every 3-4 hours each day I perform 36-50 standing leg lifts

E.      Changes in Routines:

·         I eat a large salad every day for lunch

·         I quit eating ice cream (After six decades of this daily addiction, I found out I don’t miss it)

·         Bread consumption is now a rarity (I don’t miss this either)

F.      Medications:

·         Dutasteride (Avodart) (I believe this has worked well for me)

I look forward to another stimulating conversation as we lay out my 2015 health care plan. And, hopefully, I won’t have to see him again until December of next year.

New Health Insurance Marketplace begins this fall

Below is a press release from NORD referencing the new health insurance marketplace that will open October 01, 2013 for coverage that will begin January 01, 2014.  This is a major change under the Obama-care program for national and state-based marketplaces and the Navigator program.

For those of us living with Kennedy's Disease, this program might be of help when other more affordable healthcare options are not available. 

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CMS Issues Proposed Rule for Marketplace Navigators

TO NORD MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS:

Open enrollment in the new health insurance Marketplace begins Oct. 1, 2013, with coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2014.  The following is a press release from CMS about a proposed rule regarding Marketplace "Navigators".  Read the proposed rule here.  Please feel free to share this information with your members.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a proposed rule outlining standards that Navigators in Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Marketplaces must meet and clarifying earlier guidance about the Navigator program.

Navigators are organizations that will provide unbiased information to consumers about health insurance, the new Health Insurance Marketplace, qualified health plans, and public programs including Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

"Navigators will be an important resource for consumers who want to learn about and apply for coverage in the new Marketplace," said CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.

Millions of Americans will be eligible for new coverage opportunities in 2014.  For those who are not familiar with health insurance, have limited English literacy, or are living with disabilities, navigators will serve an important role in ensuring that people understand the health coverage options available to them.  Navigators will provide accurate and impartial assistance to consumers shopping for coverage plans in the new Marketplace.

In addition to navigators, consumers will have access to assistance through services such as a call center, where customer service representatives can provide referrals to the appropriate state or federal agencies, or other forms of assistance programs including in-person assistance personnel, certified application counselors and agents and brokers.