Published on: 29 August 2019
Last Updated on: 31 January 2024
You must first decide which plan you want when you are deciding to compare Medicare plans. This means deciding whether you want Original Medicare or if you would like a Medicare advantage plan. Original Medicare includes part A, which is hospital insurance, and part B, which is medical insurance. These plans are provided by Medicare and will give you your choice of hospitals and doctors, as well as other providers. You will typically have to pay for a monthly premium, with plan B. After choosing one of these plans, you may decide if you want part D Medicare, which is prescription drug coverage.
How To Successfully Choose Medicare Plans:
Medicare Part A
This is hospital insurance. Everyone who is eligible receives this portion. Medicare hospital insurance covers inpatient care. Inpatient care includes hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and care, hospice facilities. Some home health care is also included. Long-term or custodial care is not covered by Part A. Most people do not have to pay a premium for this portion of Medicare.
Medicare Part B
This is medical insurance. The purpose of this portion is to cover medically necessary services. These include doctors’ services, diagnostic tests, outpatient care, physical therapy, and some preventive screenings. Does Medicare cover hearing aids? If you have this question on your mind, this is the plan you need to go for. Part A does not cover these services, even if you are in the hospital. Medicare Part B is optional and you have to pay a premium.
Medicare Part C
This is otherwise known as Medicare Advantage. With C, you get at least the same coverage as you get with parts A and B combined. The difference is a private insurer has contracted with the government to take over the administration of your benefits. Your benefits are provided by the insurer, and you pay your premiums directly to this insurer. You can choose Part C in lieu of A and B, but you still pay the Part B premium.
Medicare Advantage is similar to Medicare supplemental insurance in that it covers the gaps left by Medicare. You chose one or the other. The difference is that the Advantage program pays instead of Medicare and supplemental insurance pays after Medicare pays.
Medicare Part D
This is prescription drug coverage. This is usually approved and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as this is well offered by private companies. It is optional and requires you to pay a premium directly to the private insurance company.
Medicare helps defer the costs of health care for seniors and those with certain disabilities. The plan initially consisted of simply hospital insurance. It later evolved to pay for medical services and prescription drugs. This evolution had created four parts of the plan. Part A, B, and D are all about different facets of coverage. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are really a replacement policy for A, B, and D where you pay a private insurer.
If you do not want original Medicare, your other option, while you compare, is to choose a Medicare advantage plan. These may include a PPO or an HMO plan. Part C of Medicare includes both part A and part B, meaning you will have medical insurance and hospital insurance. If you choose this coverage, you will have access to private insurance companies that are Medicare-approved. Depending on your plan, the costs, rules, and extra coverage vary. You will usually pay a monthly premium in addition to the premium you pay for part B, as well as coinsurance and copayment.
You may choose drug coverage for either plan when you compare each of these plans. For original Medicare, you are required to choose a prescription drug plan, which is run by Medicare-approved private companies. If it is not offered by your plan, you may choose to join a prescription drug plan offered by Medicare. For advantage plans, you do not need a Medigap policy. If you already have one, you cannot use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that you have under your advantage plan.
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When individuals approach the twilight of their lives, they often confront a whirlwind of emotions—fear, regret, hope, acceptance, and more.
This intense period termed the end-of-life phase, sees many grappling with existential questions and seeking answers to life's most profound mysteries. This search for clarity and solace is where the spiritual dimension of human existence comes to the forefront.
Many turn to spirituality as a source of comfort, a beacon of hope, and a framework for making sense of their experiences. It's within this complex tapestry of emotions and spiritual quests that hospice chaplains, representing the realm of hospice chaplaincy, emerge as pivotal figures.
These professionals dedicate themselves to guiding individuals through this intricate journey, helping them find spiritual serenity amidst the tumultuous currents of approaching mortality. The subsequent sections delve deeper into understanding the multifaceted role of these spiritual caregivers.
The Integral Role of a Hospice Chaplain
Defining the Role in Greater Detail: Hospice chaplains stand at the crossroads of spirituality and caregiving. They aren't just religious figures; they are trained professionals skilled in offering spiritual support tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Their role goes beyond mere ritualistic practices. They act as confidants, counselors, and guides, providing a listening ear, heartfelt advice, and spiritual interventions tailored to the individual's beliefs and wishes. Whether helping patients find peace with their life's journey, facilitating forgiveness and reconciliation, or simply being present during moments of deep reflection, hospice chaplains are there to ensure that the spiritual dimension of end-of-life care is addressed with the utmost sensitivity and respect.
The Spectrum of Interfaith Approaches: One of the most remarkable aspects of hospice chaplaincy is its inclusiveness. Recognizing the diverse tapestry of beliefs and spiritual outlooks in our globalized world, hospice chaplains are trained to cater to various religious and spiritual traditions. Whether a person identifies with a major world religion, a lesser-known spiritual path, or even if they consider themselves secular or agnostic, chaplains are there to provide support. This approach ensures that every individual, irrespective of their belief system, has access to spiritual care that resonates with them. By adopting such an inclusive approach, hospice chaplains affirm the idea that every end-of-life journey is unique and every individual's spiritual needs deserve to be met with understanding, respect, and personalized care.
The end-of-life journey is a deeply personal and transformative phase. While medical professionals focus on alleviating physical pain and discomfort, hospice chaplains address the soul's yearnings, questions, and quest for peace. By offering tailored spiritual interventions and an inclusive approach that honors diverse beliefs, they ensure that individuals and their families find the spiritual solace they seek during these poignant moments.
Delving Deeper: Spiritual Needs, Interventions, and Family Impact in the End-of-Life Journey
Spiritual Needs at the End of Life
Seeking Meaning and Purpose: The imminence of death often prompts deep introspection. Many individuals reflect upon their life's journey, trying to discern its purpose. These reflections might encompass personal achievements, missed opportunities, unfulfilled dreams, and significant life events. In such times, spiritual guidance assists individuals in navigating these contemplations, helping them find peace with their life narrative, celebrating accomplishments, and making peace with regrets.
Reconciliation: Estrangements and unresolved conflicts become especially poignant during the end-of-life phase. Many individuals desire to reconnect, apologize, or seek forgiveness from loved ones. The urge to mend relationships, settle old disputes, or express unspoken feelings becomes vital. The spiritual guide aids in facilitating these reconciliations, offering counsel, and, if necessary, acting as a mediator.
Fear and Hope: The mystery of what comes after death is a source of both trepidation and anticipation. The fear of the unknown contrasts starkly with hopes or beliefs of an afterlife, reincarnation, or spiritual continuation. By addressing these concerns, chaplains help balance these emotions, emphasizing the transformative nature of death in various spiritual traditions.
Cultural and Traditional Rites: Every culture and religion has rituals that honor the dying and the deceased. Whether it's a specific prayer, a song, a way, or even silence, these rites are paramount for the person passing and their family. Respecting and facilitating these practices is crucial to providing a sense of closure, continuity, and respect for the individual's spiritual and cultural identity.
Interventions by Hospice Chaplains
Active Listening: One of the most profound gifts a chaplain can offer is the gift of presence—simply being there, offering a listening ear. By actively listening, they provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to voice their deepest feelings, concerns, and reflections, guided.
Meditations and Prayers: Tailoring spiritual practices to individual needs, chaplains might guide patients through meditations or prayers that align with their beliefs. These sessions can instill a sense of calm, acceptance, and connection with the divine or the universe.
Scripture Readings: For those who find solace in religious texts, chaplains can read passages that resonate with the patient's current emotions or questions. Scriptures, whether from the Bible, Quran, Torah, Bhagavad Gita, or other religious texts, can offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of continuity.
Ritual Facilitation: Be it sacraments, candle lighting, or even non-religious rituals like listening to a specific song or watching a sunset, chaplains assist in organizing and facilitating these rites, ensuring the Grief Support: The dying process isn't just about the individual; it encompasses the family and loved ones. Chaplains extend their support to these grieving souls, offering a shoulder to lean on, words of comfort, and guidance through their emotional journey.
The Impact on Families
Emotional Anchoring: In the tumultuous sea of emotions, chaplains act as an anchor for families. Their calm presence and experience in navigating such situations provide a stabilizing effect, helping families cope more effectively.
Guidance through Rituals: Families often seek direction in performing end-of-life rituals correctly and meaningfully. Chaplains offer insights, respect cultural nuances, and sometimes even take the lead in ensuring these rites are conducted reverently.
After-death Support: The journey doesn't end with the passing of a loved one. Grief, memories, and the void left behind are real and profound. Chaplains continue to support families, providing bereavement counseling, helping them process their loss, and guiding them toward healing and acceptance.
The spiritual dimensions of the end-of-life journey are intricate, deeply personal, and encompass more than just the dying individual. Hospice chaplains, with their nuanced understanding, play an instrumental role in ensuring that this journey, for both the individual and their families, is navigated with dignity, respect, and profound compassion.
Continuous Education and Self-care
Training: The importance of ongoing training for chaplains to stay updated on best practices and religious rites.
Self-care Rituals: Chaplains must cultivate personal rituals or practices to manage their well-being.
Peer Support: Engaging with fellow chaplains or professionals to discuss challenges and share experiences.
Conclusion
The journey towards the end of life is deeply personal, and the spiritual terrain can be complex. Hospice chaplains, with their expertise and compassion, play an indispensable role in facilitating spiritual transitions during this phase. Their ability to address the deep-seated spiritual needs of the dying and their families ensures that the end-of-life journey is one of meaning, reconciliation, and peace.
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Typically, as a patient who needs an X-ray, you don’t have much say in the matter. It’s a necessary tool to diagnose things like broken bones or other internal issues. And refusing to allow the X-ray could have serious consequences for the state of your care. But it’s still good to know what potential risks you are facing in any procedure.
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is an imaging procedure that uses electromagnetic energy to produce light rays to produce images visible to the naked eye. Basically, an X-ray allows hard matter like bone tissue to show up white in an image. And it shows softer matter like skin in shades of black or gray. This is why it is an effective tool for checking for broken bones. But this emission of energy is called radiation, and it does come with some potential risks.
What are the risks of X-rays?
Any medical procedure or medication is not without some type of risk, and X-rays are no exception. The potential harm from X-rays comes from the exposure to radiation. And, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, the main risk is the increased possibility of cancer. However, the risk is thought to be very small with normal exposure. In other words, receiving routine X-rays from a procedure will probably never result in any harmful side effects. But the risks, of course, could increase with continued exposure.
What procedures expose you to radiation?
X-rays may be used for various conditions besides just broken bones. Doctors also use them to check for things like breast tumors, blocked blood vessels, lung conditions, arthritis and infections. Dentists use them to check for tooth decay and misalignments. Several other types of procedures produce X-ray images. Radiography, for example, uses the smallest amount of radiation and is common for bones. A Computed tomography, or CT scan, produces a 3D image that can be taken in sections. CT scans are common for brain injuries or suspected tumors. And fluoroscopy is used to get real-time images of internal workings. It’s most commonly used to view heart functions.
What precautions can you take to limit exposure?
Because the risk of side effects for X-rays is so minimal, most patients do not require additional protection. But in some cases, a technician may place some sort of protection over certain areas. This is usually only necessary when a patient has already had cancer or has been identified as someone at risk. For example, an X-ray technician might place a lead thyroid shield over a patient’s neck to keep from exposing a thyroid to radiation. This might be done if the patient has or had thyroid cancer. Or they might place a lead apron over areas such as the ovaries or gonads if they will be conducting numerous X-rays on them.
The real risk of radiation exposure is to the personnel continually performing the procedures. X-ray technicians usually perform a number of X-rays every day and are exposed to the rays for many hours. This is why they wear protective gear. Specially designed lead aprons and lead glasses are examples of some of the gear they might use on a daily basis. The X-ray rooms may also be designed with at least one wall containing lead that a technician may stand behind when he or she activates the machine.
All in all, the benefits associated with X-rays far outweighs any potential risk. After all, a physician may be able to save your life by detecting a tumor. And the risk of a tumor being fatal is much greater than the risk of an adverse radiation effect.
Humanity was forced to live inside their homes, isolated from each other in 2020. This is the year when the coming of the Covid pandemic shook every person in the world. Hailing from Wuhan, China, this disease infected billions globally and caused the death of millions.
This pandemic forced humanity to rethink its approach to survival. People who were lucky to have desk jobs were forced to work from home. The same also went for the students as well, who all received education from their laptop screens.
However, as the world was in a period of crisis, Covid vaccinations became the only means of survival. As more and more people started getting vaccinated, the fear of getting infected by this virus slowly started dwindling.
Workspaces, public transportation, restaurants, theatres, and schools started reopening again. Everything started going back to normal slowly. However, to gain access to any such facilities, you need to show them your Covid vaccination certificate.
This constant check of vaccination certificates became a hassle for most places, especially in schools. Since you were required to take multiple vaccine doses, you had to update your certification as necessary. This made regulation and checking even more difficult.
To make matters easier for schools, the Los Angeles government introduced the system of the highly acclaimed LAUSD Daily Pass. This made regulating and updating information regarding the vaccination certification of students easier than before.
Read this post till the end to learn more about this Daily Pass.
What Is LAUSD Daily Pass?
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So far, to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, every student enrolled in Los Angeles schools must submit weekly certifications. Here, these weekly certifications refer to compulsory weekly Covid tests that the students had to go through. Therefore, if you tested negative every week, only you were allowed to enter the school premises.
However, getting weekly Covid is a pretty time-consuming process. Therefore, to make matters easier for parents and students, the LAUSD Daily Pass System was introduced.
So far, all the Covid tests were PCR tests that the school conducted on their premises. Therefore, school administrations were forced to take extra steps to ensure the safety of the students during such tests. Here, many parents voiced their opinions regarding the slow and cumbersome nature of such tasks, that too since they were done every week.
This is why the administration of the Los Angeles Unified Schools changed the way they operated. Instead of conducting weekly tests, they now started handing out Covid Antigen Test kits to all students.
With these test kits, parents can conduct Covid tests for the students from the comforts of their homes. Gone is the time-consuming process of lining up outside school premises to get Covid PCR tests done.
You can simply use these test kits to test for the presence of Covid antibodies in your system. If you have a healthy amount of such antibodies in your system, you are relatively free from getting infected by Coronavirus again.
Plus, it’s relatively easy to use the LAUSD Daily Pass. All you need to do as a parent is to use the kit to conduct tests yourself. After the reports are out in a few hours, you can simply upload the results on the LAUSD online portal using the LAUSD App.
Who Can Access The LAUSD Daily Pass?
LAUSD Daily Pass Checklist For Student And Family
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The official LAUSD Daily Pass website has uploaded a checklist for the students and their parents. These act as core policies that all must adhere to. Here are all the points that have been mentioned on this checklist.
First and foremost, you must conduct a Covid test using the Antigen kit that has been provided to each student. In addition, after taking the test, you must ensure the results are negative. Here, it’s advised that the tests are done on weekends.
After the tests are negative, you must go to this website - dailypass.lausd.net. Here, you must manually upload your test results to get the LAUSD Daily Pass.
After you get your LAUSD Daily Pass, you will also get a QR code. When your ward goes to school the next day (preferably on a Monday), you must present this QR code at your school entrance. In addition, you must ensure that your ward reaches the school gates by 8 AM and get their temperatures checked there.
How To Use LAUSD Daily Pass System?
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As a parent, using the LAUSD Daily Pass is vital. To use it without any mistakes, simply follow these steps as explained below:
First, go to the website dailypass.lausd.net.
Then, you will be asked a series of health check questions. Answer them one by one as they appear on the screen. It will take a maximum of two minutes to do so.
After that, you are requested to submit your Antigen test reports to get the qualification QR code, as mentioned in the section above.
If you are worried about what questions you will have to answer here, then fear not. I have made a list of all the potential questions you will be asked. See if you can answer them here now!
Do you agree to take safety precautions in school (wear masks, use hand sanitizers, avoid inviting too many guests at home, practice distancing, etc.)?
Did you have any of the following symptoms in the last 14 days? - Fever (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit), breathing problems, fatigue, body chills, sore throat, cough and cold, loss of taste and smell, nausea, diarrhea?
Did you take a Covid test in the last 14 days?
By any chance, did you come in close proximity to a person infected by the Coronavirus?
Have you traveled outside Southern California in the last 14 days?
Are you under any isolation or quarantine order by the Los Angeles Health Department?
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