Medicare for the first time will cover screenings for depression and anxiety. Plans now may cover benzodiazepines, a class of drugs that includes Valium and is used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Also covered are certain barbiturates such as those used to treat chronic mental disorders.
This is important news since many seniors suffer from depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. In the past, these prescriptions have been out of pocket, so the expanded drug coverage, along with mental health testing, are the type of services that have a big impact on the quality of a seniors retirement and length of life.
Causes of Depression in the Elderly
Chronic illness is a big cause of depression in seniors. Not feeling well, day after day, can wear on any person’s desire to stay social and interact with others. If an elderly person stops being social feelings of lonliness can creep in. Seniors facing loneliness start to believe that they are insignificant, unloved, and not worth anyone’s time.
Senior citizens who depressed often lose interest in the world around them will start to isolate themselves eve more. Isolation can deplete one’s sense of purpose, usefullness and feelings of belonging. Fear of dying is another factor that can lead to depression or anxiety in the elderly.
Look Into Which Medicare Policy is Best
The fact that Medicare will now covers these costs signals a shift in understanding the issues seniors face and may encourage some seniors to get diagnosed. If you need help determining which policy will be the best for you or the senior in your life, contact Broker’s Assistance. Broker’s Assistance has qualified professionals ready to sit down and listen to the issues you are currently facing.