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OSHIIP is Hiring!
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is seeking dedicated individuals to help Ohioans navigate Medicare with confidence.
Work for a respected organization and make a real impact! Current openings:
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Immunization Awareness Month is held every August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Maintaining health becomes increasingly important as people age, and vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing serious illnesses.
Here are certain vaccines for seniors along with Medicare coverage details:
- Covid-19: Vaccines and boosters covered 100% by Medicare Part B.
- Influenza: Recommended annually for those 65+. Covered by Medicare Part B.
- Pneumonia: Protection against bacteria that cause pneumonia. Covered by Medicare Part B once in a person's lifetime.
- Shingles: Two-dose Shingrix vaccine recommended for those 50+. Covered by Medicare Part D, but coverage varies.
- Tdap: One-time dose for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, with a Td booster every 10 years. Covered by Medicare Part D.
- RSV: Vaccine recommended for those 60+, especially during fall and winter. Coverage varies under Medicare Part D.
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CMS Announces New Prior Authorization Activities in Traditional Medicare
Beginning January 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will start a prior authorization in Traditional Medicare. Called the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, the new model will operate in six states (Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington) and will apply to 17 services, including knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis, various nerve stimulators, and some steroid injections for pain.
The model will be operated by technology companies who are currently engaged in prior authorization activities in other health systems, and they will receive a percentage of the savings from denials.
Here is the list of the services that will go through a prior authorization process in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington, between Jan. 1, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2031.
- Electrical nerve stimulators
- Sacral nerve stimulation for urinary incontinence
- Phrenic nerve stimulator
- Deep brain stimulation for essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease
- Vagus nerve stimulation
- Induced lesions of nerve tracts
- Epidural steroid injections for pain management
- Excluding facet joint injections
- Percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) for vertebral compression fracture
- Cervical fusion
- Arthroscopic lavage and arthroscopic debridement for the osteoarthritic knee
- Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea
- Incontinence control devices
- Diagnosis and treatment of impotence
- Percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression for spinal stenosis
- Skin and Tissue Substitutes
- Application of bioengineered skin substitutes to lower extremity chronic non-healing wounds
- Wound Application of cellular and/or tissue based products (CTPs), lower extremities
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OSHIIP Holding "Welcome to Medicare" Monthly Webinars
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is holding "Welcome to Medicare" monthly webinars. The next webinar is Aug. 5.
OSHIIP's representatives provide an overview of Medicare, Part A and B benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, and important deadlines.
OSHIIP, nationally recognized for its exceptional service, helped Ohioans on Medicare save $54 million in 2024.
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Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. The skilled, judgment-free counselors are there to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.
Text 988 or CHAT WITH THE 988 LIFELINE
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