when should you call acentra health?

• If you are not ready to be discharged from the hospital.
• If your Medicare skilled services are ending too soon. Examples of skilled services include things like physical therapy and nursing services.
• If you have a concern about the quality of care you received.
• If you have a concern about your medical care that needs to be taken care of right away.

Click on the button below for the phone number for your state. These services are free for people who have Medicare. 

Telephone Numbers

new podcast episode

If you want to learn more about how to help prevent Medicare fraud, tune in to this recent podcast from Acentra Health.

Our guest will share information about the Senior Medicare Patrol and how this organization helps fight Medicare fraud.

Listen now:

Episode 31: Learn about the Senior Medicare Patrol - Helping People to Fight Medicare Fraud

For more information about Medicare fraud, visit the Senior Medicare Patrol website.

think you’re too old for allergies? think again!

Myth 1: “I’m too old to get allergies.”

False! You can develop allergies at any age. Your immune system changes as you get older, and new allergies can appear. If you have sneezing, itchy eyes, or congestion that won’t go away, it might be allergies.

Myth 2: “Over-the-counter allergy medicine is always safe.”

False! Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dizziness or interact with other medicines. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an over-the-counter medicine, especially if you’re also taking prescription medicines.

Myth 3: “Allergies aren’t serious, so I don’t need treatment.”

False! Untreated allergies can lead to conditions such as sinus infections, breathing issues, and poor sleep. They can also make asthma or other conditions worse.

Myth 4: “Medicare doesn’t cover allergy care.”

False! Medicare Part B covers allergy testing if it’s medically necessary. Part D may help pay for allergy medicines, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra allergy care. Check your Medicare benefits to see what’s covered.

don't keep this a secret

Share this newsletter with friends who have Medicare by sharing this link: www.acentraqio.com/ohf/April2025

spring allergies: what medicare covers and how to stay healthy

March 20 was the first day of Spring. What a beautiful time of year!

Unfortunately, allergies can make the season hard to enjoy. Symptoms of allergies can include sneezing, itchy eyes, or a stuffy nose. While these issues are frustrating, the good news is that Medicare can help you manage allergy symptoms and stay healthy.

allergies, cold, or flu?

Allergies, colds, and the flu can have similar symptoms. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Read more about the differences among flu, colds, and allergies

• Infographic: Is it a Cold, the Flu, or COVID-19? (National Institute on Aging)
• Cold vs Flu (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

does medicare cover allergy testing?

If allergy symptoms are stopping you from enjoying your daily life, your doctor may suggest allergy testing. Testing could be a skin test where a small amount of allergens is placed on your skin to check for a reaction. A blood test is another option that measures your body’s response to allergens.

Medicare Part B covers allergy tests if your doctor says they are needed for your health. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer more benefits. Always check with Medicare or your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

If you take allergy medicine, including over-the-counter medications, make sure it doesn’t interfere with your other prescriptions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

easy ways to prevent allergy symptoms

• Visit pollen.com or your local weather website to check the pollen count before going outside. High pollen counts mean more allergens in the air, which can trigger symptoms. As pollen counts drop during these periods, late afternoons, evenings, and rainy days are often better times to go outside.
• If you have air conditioning, keep your windows closed, so the air can be filtered as it enters your home.
• After being outside, change your clothes and wash your skin to remove pollen from your body.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat to help keep pollen out of your eyes and hair, reducing allergy symptoms.
• Use Medicare-covered services if allergies are affecting your health and schedule a visit with your doctor for treatment and advice.

public health week: how medicare supports your health and well-being

Public Health Week (April 7-13) is a time to focus on staying healthy both physically and mentally. If you have Medicare, you have access to many services that can help you take care of your body and mind.

Knowing what Medicare pays for can help you make the most of your benefits and stay well.

medicare's preventive health services

Medicare covers many preventive care services to help you stay healthy. These include:

• Annual Wellness Visit: A free yearly check-up to review your health and create a prevention plan.
• Screenings for Chronic Diseases: These can include tests for diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
• Vaccines: These include flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines as well as other important immunizations.
• Nutrition Counseling: This can be especially helpful if you’re managing a chronic condition such as diabetes or kidney disease. Medicare may cover nutrition therapy to help you eat well and manage your condition.

Learn more about Medicare-covered preventive services: Medicare.gov

medicare and mental health care

Mental health is just as important as physical health. You may consider these types of services if you feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed most of the time, have trouble sleeping or eating, struggle with daily tasks, or feel isolated. If stress, grief, or life changes are making it hard to cope, talking to a doctor or therapist can help.

Medicare helps cover the costs of mental health services, including:

• Individual and group therapy and counseling sessions
• Mental health screenings, including those for depression
• Mental health treatment in a hospital or outpatient setting

Medicare covers mental health screenings, therapy, and other services to support your well-being. If you need immediate help, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org.

Publication No. R146810-133-4/2025. This material was prepared by Acentra Health, a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.