Medicare and Stroke – Facts, Resources & Media Kit Information
Medicare and Stroke – Facts, Resources & Media Kit Information
talkingMEDICARE; News to Use for Agents in the Senior Market
What is a stroke?
“A stroke is a “brain attack”. It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost.” http://www.stroke.org/
How big of a problem are strokes?
- Each year more than 500,000 people over the age of 65 suffer a stroke.
- A stroke happens every 40 seconds.
- Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Every 4 minutes someone dies from stroke.
- Up to 80 percent of recurring strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
- 2X more women die from stroke each year compared to breast cancer.
Acting F.A.S.T. Is Key for Stroke
Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
When someone is having a stroke, every minute counts. Just as putting out a fire quickly can stop it from spreading, treating a stroke quickly can reduce damage to the brain. If you learn how to recognize the telltale signs of a stroke, you can act quickly and save a life—maybe even your own.
Acting F.A.S.T. can help stroke patients get the treatments they desperately need. The stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away
As an Agent, why is this important?
As you meet with your clients you offer products that provide peace of mind through protecting their finances and offering them access to care. Access to care can come in many forms. Help your clients through knowing when and where a person can get care and just how much Medicare can be involved during an especially trying period. Strokes can be especially difficult because they can create sudden and extreme life changes. If you find out your clients life has been impacted by stroke the attached links to resources can prove to be invaluable tools for them to get the care they need. The information on prevention can head off many issues and the education to watch for the signs of a stroke can buy lifesaving seconds to a victim.
Medicare Stroke Related Coverage Resources
- Skilled Nursing Facility – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/skilled-nursing-facility-snf-care
- Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care Publication – https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10153.pdf?
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage
- Home Health Services – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services
- Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy/Speech-Language Pathology Services – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/physical-therapyoccupational-therapyspeech-language-pathology-services
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility – https://www.medicare.gov/inpatientrehabilitationfacilitycompare/
- Medicare Cardiovascular Disease Screenings – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/cardiovascular-disease-screenings
- Cardiovascular Disease (behavioral therapy) – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/cardiovascular-disease-behavioral-therapy
- Smoking & Tobacco use Cessation (counseling to stop smoking or using tobacco products) – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/smoking-tobacco-use-cessation-counseling-to-stop-smoking-or-using-tobacco-products
- Staying Healthy Medicare’s Preventive Services – https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11100-Staying-Healthy.pdf?
Additional Resources
- Stroke Association – Finances After Stroke Guide Publication – https://www.strokeassociation.org/idc/groups/stroke-public/@wcm/@hcm/@sta/documents/downloadable/ucm_489492.pdf
- Types of Stroke – https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/types_of_stroke.htm
- Prevalence of Stroke by County – https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/Dashboard/chronic-conditions-county/cc_county_dashboard.html
- CDC Media Kit (including social media posts, shareable graphics, and videos)- https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/communications_kit.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fstroke%2Fmedia%2Findex.htm
Download the printable talkingMedicare fact sheet on Medicare and Stroke here.