Just in time for winter virus season, the U.S. government is once again shipping free at-home COVID-19 tests to American households through the U.S. mail.

Each household can order four free tests on the website covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). If you skipped out on ordering a round of tests earlier this fall, you can now place a double order for eight free tests.

More than 16,200 Americans were hospitalized with COVID-19 last week, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Did you know you have choices in your Medicare prescription drug and health coverage? Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) is your chance to think about what matters most to you. 

Plans can change from year to year, and your health needs
may change, too. So it's important to know your options.verage Optio

You have 2 main ways to get your Medicare coverage —
1.Original Medicare
2.Medicare Advantage (Medicare-approved plans from private companies).

It's important to understand the differences between the 2 options.

Start at Medicare.gov, your official source to find the type of coverage that fits you best. If you need more help comparing options:

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE during Open Enrollment.
• Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiphelp.org to get the phone number for your state.

NOTE: If you make less than $22,000 a year ($30,000 for married couples), it's worth applying for "Extra Help." Extra Help can pay for your prescription drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. Visit ssa.gov/extrahelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply for Extra Help.

On September 20, the Biden administration  announced  that it is reviving a program to mail free rapid coronavirus tests to Americans.

Starting Sept. 25, you can request four free tests per household at covidtests.gov. These new tests can detect the latest variants and are intended to be used through the end of the year. Many of the free government supplied tests that we have stockpiled  have expired, although the Food and Drug Administration extended some of the expiration dates

Since the coronavirus pandemic started, COVID cases and hospitalizations have risen every winter due to the cold weather and holidays.  

Vaccination is recommended by the CDC and other officials as the best way for Americans to protect themselves against severe COVID infection.. An updated coronavirus vaccine targeting the latest versions of the virus was recommended last week by the CDC and is now available at some pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

FDA Guide to COVID, Flu and RSV

 CDC COVID information page

CDC COVID Tracker

On September 11, the Food and Drug Administration  approved a reformulated coronavirus vaccine.  There has been a late-summer uptick of covid-19 cases and hospitalizations.  It is hoped the reformulated vaccine will help to protect individuals as the Fall Flu season approaches

The shots target an omicron subvariant.  The FDA cleared the shots for everyone 6 months and older.  They are manufactured by Moderna and by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech.  the vaccine shots might  become available in pharmacies, clinics and doctor’s offices by September 18.

You can get the Flu and Covid shot at the same visit to your doctor or pharmacy.

For more information:

FDA Guide to COVID, Flu and RSV

 CDC COVID information page

CDC COVID Tracker

The Washington Post  FDA Approves new COVID Vaccine 

People are thinking that they should get a COVID booster shot now given the  uptick in Covid-19 cases and students going back to school.  Experts are encouraging you to wait a month or two for the new booster shots.  The new COVID booster formulation target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant, as recommended by a FDA advisory panel in June.

Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are now working to update, test and mass-produce their vaccines.  They should be  available to the public by late September or early October, after they are officially authorized by the F.D.A.

Read more at The New York Times

By Mary Ann Kilheeney

Did you know that EG.5 is now the most prevalent variant of COVID in the U.S.? EG.5 accounts for more than 17% of cases in the U.S.  This variant has virologists, a medical researcher or scientist who studies viruses and diseases caused by them, following EG.5 closely.  EG.5 transmissibility can evade immunity.

Data indicates that symptoms of EG.5 are the same as other variants. Current tools still work:  the antivirals currently available should work against it and the diagnostic tests (both the at-home rapid tests and tests received at medical facilities) all  recognize this variant.

It is very possible that EG.5 is the most prevalent variant of COVID around because of waning population immunity. Especially since it has been some time since boosters have been provided.  The good news is that there should be new COVID vaccine and booster shots available in Fall 2023. Talk with your doctor about scheduling  your booster when you sign up to get the Flu shot this fall.

Older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are more susceptible to COVID.  They should always take need precautions, such as frequent handwashing, wearing a mask and avoiding crowds.

For more information, please visit https://publichealth.jhu.edu .

Read more at The New York Times

The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 ends on May 11, 2023. What does this mean for you?

• Medicare will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost.
• You'll be able to get COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests with no out-of-pocket costs when ordered by a doctor.
• Expanded telehealth services will continue through December 31, 2024.More Info

After May 11, 2023, Medicare will no longer cover or pay for over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may have more access to tests depending on your benefits. Make sure to check with your plan.

Your personal my Social Security account gives you immediate access to important information and tools, putting you in control of your time.  If you have an account, you can check your benefits, change your address or telephone number, start or change direct deposit, get a replacement Medicare card, and get a benefit verification letter.  You can also choose to opt out of mailed notices for those items available online.

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccountto sing in or create your account.

Much is known about the memory inducing power of music.  We all have a song that will take us back to our first High School dance, or that special song we share with our significant other. 

Researchers are studying the effect of music on the brain as a therapy   for dementia and other memory disorders, anxiety, stress and depression, learning disabilities and many physical illnesses, such as chronic pain, cancer and Parkinson’s disease.  Music has been found to  improve mood, help us learn, and to socially bond with other people  Music is part of our identity and brings back memories of a previous time and place.  Music can positively affect the brain's reward/pleasure system and lead to reduction in stress producing hormones.

Experts look at the different types of memory involved to understand the impact of music on one's memory.  Performing music uses "procedural" memory, a type of long-term implicit memory, the coconscious ability to remember how to do something, a routine or habit, like riding a bike or typing on a keyboard.  "Episodic" is a long-term explicit memory, a conscious recollection, a memory that can transport us back to a time and place when we heard the piece of music.

Some experts are researching how music can ease agitation in those suffering from dementia...could music be an alternative to sedating medications, perhaps allowing patients to keep living at home.

Read more at the Washington Post