Together, we make good health happen!
We help you get the best medical help by assisting you with the right insurance plan.
So take care of your health, and we will cover your medical needs.
Medicare Advantage Plans
HMO Plans
Our Health Maintenance Organization Plans cover all your medical emergency needs if you live or work in the service area. With this plan, under the right eligibility, you will be provided integrated care with a prime focus on wellness.
PPO Plans
If you're looking for insurance policies to cover medical, consultation, and hospital expenses at a lesser than usual cost, opt for these services. We will do the best we can to deliver the necessary services.
PFFS Plans
It is another medicare advantage plan we provide that does not include any cost-control measures or prior authorization. Under the suitable eligibility, we offer services at the set rates.
Medicare Supplement Plan
If you're looking for hospital and medical insurance coverage at a set time or during emergencies to complement the original medical coverage, we are here for you!
Women Care Plan
We have specifically designed women's care plans to help with the medical and hospital needs of women and their families.
FHO Plan
Family Health Optima plans are issued for the entire family under one insured sum. Therefore, it is considered a super saver plan to take care of the entire family's medical expenses.
Why Do You Need Health Insurance?
Health Insurance helps you be better prepared for the possibilities of accidents and illnesses in the future.
Changing Lifestyle
The modern-day lifestyle poses many health risks to individuals. Health insurance is vital in this day and age, more than ever.
Rising Medical Costs
With healthcare becoming more expensive day by day, it is best to have sufficient backup. You and your family can lead a worry-free life.
Number Speaks
Over 150k people have put their trust in us to care for their healthcare, medical and
hospitalization needs. This is your chance to be the next one!
Satisfied Clients
Here is what our customers say about us!
"Their response time is perfect, and they
reply to queries within a minute."
Violet C. Hunt
"The entire team which handles my policy is professional and friendly and helps clear my doubts."
Willie L. Hanson
"When I was hospitalized for a week, I got terrific
benefits from their policies."
Harold V. Piner
"I got their PFFS plan, which has helped me in various
healthcare and emergencies."
Laurie A. Dabbs
Why Choose Us?
Why Choose Universal American For Your Medicare Coverage?
Universal American’s Medicare plans are backed by our unique approach to keeping you healthy.
Latest Blog Posts
Why Under-Eye Fillers Aren’t Covered by Medicare — But Should They Be?
Under-eye fillers are among the most sought-after aesthetic treatments today, especially in cities like Chicago, where appearance-conscious culture meets cutting-edge cosmetic care. For those pursuing a filler treatment for dark circles in Chicago, the goal is simple: reduce under-eye hollows, refresh tired eyes, and restore a more youthful, alert look — all without surgery. Yet, despite their popularity and emotional impact, under-eye fillers are not covered by Medicare. This raises a timely question: Should they be? As the demand for minimally invasive enhancements grows, so too does the debate over what healthcare should consider “medically necessary” in a modern aging society.
The Basics: What Are Under-Eye Fillers?
Under-eye fillers are injectable treatments typically made of hyaluronic acid (like Restylane or Juvéderm) used to restore volume beneath the eyes. They’re a go-to solution for people experiencing:
- Tear trough hollows
- Dark shadows or discoloration
- A tired or aged appearance
Though the treatment is quick and minimally invasive, results can be transformative, with patients looking refreshed and more alert.
However, these fillers are universally categorized as elective cosmetic procedures by insurers — including Medicare — and are therefore not eligible for coverage.
Medicare’s Cosmetic Exclusion Policy
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals 65 and older, has clear rules: it does not cover cosmetic procedures unless they are necessary for reconstructive purposes or to correct a functional impairment.
For example, Medicare might cover eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) if sagging lids interfere with vision. But under-eye fillers? Not a chance. They are labeled purely cosmetic, even though their benefits may extend beyond appearance.
This black-and-white definition leaves no room for nuance — and that’s where the debate begins.
Cosmetic vs. Medically Necessary: Where’s the Line?
The term “medically necessary” is supposed to mean treatments required to diagnose or treat illness, injury, or other medical conditions. However, this definition doesn’t account for mental health, self-esteem, or emotional well-being — factors that cosmetic procedures, including fillers, often impact profoundly.
Consider this:
- For someone who has lost facial volume due to illness (like HIV-related lipoatrophy), fillers may restore not just appearance, but dignity.
- In cases of post-traumatic injury or congenital deformity, fillers might improve symmetry and reduce psychological distress.
- And for aging individuals who feel socially or professionally sidelined due to a tired, aged look, under-eye fillers can genuinely boost confidence and interaction.
Shouldn’t these factors be considered when determining medical necessity?
The Aging Population and Aesthetic Care
The growing demand for aesthetic procedures among Medicare-aged individuals challenges traditional ideas of cosmetic medicine. Today’s seniors are living longer, working later, and staying more socially active. They want to look as vibrant as they feel.
In cities like Chicago, this trend is evident. Many providers who offer under eye fillers in Chicago, IL, report a rise in clients aged 60 and above — many of whom are frustrated that treatments impacting their self-image aren’t supported by their health insurance.
As the line between “healthcare” and “self-care” blurs, Medicare’s outdated exclusions start to feel more like barriers than protections.
The Psychological Argument
Numerous studies link appearance-related concerns with mental health outcomes, particularly in older adults who may already struggle with issues like loneliness or low self-esteem. A refreshed facial appearance — especially in the eye area — can lead to:
- Increased social engagement
- Greater willingness to return to work or volunteer
- Reduction in symptoms of depression or anxiety
In this context, under-eye fillers could be seen as preventive mental health care, rather than frivolous indulgence. Yet Medicare doesn’t currently recognize emotional or psychological quality of life as a valid medical justification.
What Would It Take to Change?
To shift Medicare’s policy on under-eye fillers, a few things would need to happen:
- Clinical Data: More research connecting cosmetic procedures with improved mental and functional health outcomes.
- Reclassification: Recognition of certain filler applications as restorative or reconstructive rather than elective.
- Policy Advocacy: Support from professional organizations in dermatology, plastic surgery, and geriatrics to lobby for policy changes.
- Pilot Programs: Medicare Advantage plans (the private alternative to original Medicare) could test limited coverage as part of wellness or supplemental benefits.
It’s worth noting that Medicare has made exceptions before — such as covering breast reconstruction post-mastectomy or facial procedures after cancer surgery. So there is precedent for shifting the boundaries.
A Fair Middle Ground?
Even if full coverage for aesthetic fillers isn’t realistic, partial reimbursement or coverage under specific diagnoses could be a compromise. For example:
- Fillers prescribed as part of facial trauma recovery
- Treatments tied to psychiatric evaluations
- Coverage under mental health or preventive wellness programs in Medicare Advantage
These models would reflect a more modern, holistic view of health that includes emotional and social well-being.
Final Thoughts
Under-eye fillers may seem like a luxury, but for many — especially older adults — they represent something more: agency, vitality, and confidence. In cities like Chicago where aesthetic treatments are both accessible and normalized, it feels increasingly outdated for Medicare to lump all fillers into the “cosmetic only” bin.
As our healthcare system evolves, so too should our understanding of what it means to care for the whole person. It’s time to reexamine whether procedures like under-eye fillers deserve a place in the Medicare conversation — not just for how they make people look, but for how they help people feel.
Protecting Senior Health: Understanding Mold Exposure and Medicare Coverage
The Growing Concern of Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality significantly impacts senior health, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries spending more time at home. Mold exposure presents a serious health risk for older adults, especially those with compromised immune systems or existing respiratory conditions.
Environmental studies from a company called Mold Remediation Indianapolis Indiana indicate that seniors spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, increasing their exposure to potential air quality issues. Poor ventilation and hidden moisture problems in aging homes create perfect conditions for mold growth that can severely impact elderly residents.
Understanding Mold’s Impact on Senior Health
Respiratory issues from mold exposure can exacerbate existing conditions common among Medicare recipients. Seniors with COPD, asthma, or other chronic respiratory conditions face increased risks when exposed to mold spores in their living environments.
Research shows that elderly individuals exposed to mold environments are three times more likely to experience severe respiratory complications. The immune system changes associated with aging make seniors particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of certain mold species.
Medicare Coverage and Mold-Related Health Issues
Medicare Part B may cover medical visits and testing for symptoms linked to environmental exposure, if deemed medically necessary by a provider. Seniors experiencing respiratory distress, allergic reactions, or other mold-related health issues should document their symptoms thoroughly for Medicare coverage purposes.
Coverage extends to specialized pulmonary function tests and allergist consultations when properly documented by healthcare providers. Understanding these coverage options helps seniors access necessary medical care without unexpected financial burden.
Prevention and Home Health Considerations
Home health assessments covered by Medicare often reveal environmental hazards including mold growth. Professional home health workers can identify potential mold issues during routine visits, helping prevent serious health complications before they develop.
Regular environmental assessments through Medicare-approved home health services provide crucial early warning systems for seniors. These preventive measures help identify moisture issues and potential mold growth before they create serious health impacts.
The Role of Medical Documentation
Healthcare providers must clearly document the connection between mold exposure and health symptoms for Medicare coverage. Proper medical documentation helps ensure coverage for necessary treatments and ongoing care related to mold exposure.
Medicare guidelines require specific documentation linking environmental exposures to health conditions for coverage approval. Detailed medical records should include exposure history, symptom progression, and professional assessments of indoor air quality impacts.
Treatment Options Under Medicare
Medicare covers various treatments for mold-related health conditions, including certain respiratory therapies. Seniors should consult their healthcare providers about available treatment options covered under their Medicare plans.
Coverage often includes specialized treatments such as nebulizer therapy and medically recommended antifungal treatments. Understanding available treatment options helps seniors make informed decisions about their healthcare while maximizing Medicare benefits.
Long-term Health Management
Chronic health conditions exacerbated by mold exposure require ongoing management under Medicare coverage. Regular medical monitoring helps track condition progression and treatment effectiveness for seniors affected by mold exposure.
Long-term management plans often incorporate regular pulmonary function testing and environmental health assessments. Medicare coverage for ongoing monitoring provides essential support for seniors managing chronic conditions related to mold exposure.
Professional Remediation Importance
While Medicare doesn’t cover mold remediation services directly, addressing mold issues prevents escalating health problems requiring costly medical interventions. Professional mold remediation protects seniors’ health and reduces long-term medical expenses.
Proper remediation often costs less than ongoing medical treatment for chronic mold-related health issues. Investing in professional mold removal services can significantly reduce future Medicare claims related to environmental health problems.
Medicare Advantage Considerations
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage for preventive services related to environmental health. Beneficiaries should review their plan details regarding coverage for environmental health assessments and related services.
Many Advantage plans include home safety assessments that can identify potential mold issues before they impact health. These expanded benefits often provide more comprehensive coverage for environmental health concerns than traditional Medicare.
Working with Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers can help Medicare beneficiaries document health impacts from mold exposure properly. Regular communication with medical professionals ensures proper diagnosis and treatment documentation for Medicare coverage purposes.
Building a strong relationship with healthcare providers creates better outcomes for managing mold-related health issues. Medical professionals familiar with environmental health impacts can better advocate for necessary treatments under Medicare coverage.
Home Health Assessment Benefits
Medicare-covered home health assessments can identify environmental health risks before they cause serious medical issues. These assessments provide valuable opportunities to identify potential mold problems early.
Trained home health professionals understand the connection between environmental conditions and senior health. Their expertise helps identify hidden moisture problems that could lead to mold growth and health complications.
Understanding Emergency Coverage
Some Medicare plans may cover emergency care for severe respiratory reactions. Seniors should consult their plan providers for specific details. Seniors experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, understanding their Medicare coverage for emergency services.
Emergency coverage includes ambulance services and urgent care when mold exposure triggers severe reactions. Quick response to serious symptoms prevents more severe health complications and reduces long-term Medicare expenses.
Prevention Strategies for Seniors
Creating healthy living environments helps prevent mold-related health issues among Medicare beneficiaries. Regular home maintenance and moisture control reduce risks of developing serious mold-related health conditions.
Prevention strategies include proper ventilation, prompt repair of water leaks, and regular home inspections. These proactive measures help seniors avoid health complications that would require extensive Medicare coverage.
Coordinating Care Services
Effective coordination between healthcare providers ensures comprehensive treatment for mold-related health issues under Medicare. A well-coordinated care team helps maximize Medicare benefits while addressing health concerns related to mold exposure.
Case managers can help navigate complex Medicare coverage requirements for environmental health issues. Their expertise ensures seniors receive appropriate care while maintaining compliance with Medicare guidelines.
Rooting for Better Healthcare: Lessons from Tree Services in Austin
The city of Austin, Texas, is renowned for its verdant landscapes and robust tree conservation efforts. Its tree services are a paragon of meticulous care and sustainable management, ensuring the longevity and health of the city’s green canopy. Surprisingly, there’s much to learn from these arboricultural methods that can be applied to the healthcare system. Here, we unearth the parallels between the two and explore how lessons from Austin’s tree services (know more here – https://treeservicesaustin.net/) can inspire a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.
Cultivating a Strong Foundation
Preventive Measures
In tree care, the focus is often on preventing disease before it starts. Arborists regularly check for signs of stress or illness in trees, addressing potential issues early to prevent more significant problems later. Similarly, in healthcare, preventive medicine is the foundation of a healthy society. Vaccinations, regular health screenings, and education about healthy lifestyles play an equivalent role in preventing disease in humans. By investing more in preventive care, healthcare systems can reduce the burden of chronic diseases and acute illnesses, just as Austin’s trees are maintained to prevent decay.
Early Intervention
Tree services in Austin don’t just wait for visible signs of distress; they use technology to detect potential issues within a tree’s structure before they become apparent. This proactive approach could revolutionize healthcare, where early detection of conditions like cancer or heart disease can mean the difference between a simple treatment and a life-threatening situation. Incorporating regular screenings and advanced diagnostics into routine care could help catch diseases early when they’re most treatable.
Pruning for Growth
Specialized Care
Just as arborists selectively prune trees to promote healthy growth and remove hazardous limbs, healthcare providers must tailor treatments to each patient. Personalized medicine, where treatments are customized based on an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and other factors, can lead to better health outcomes. This concept is akin to the precision with which tree specialists in Austin approach each tree, understanding that a one-size-fits-all strategy does not work for the diverse species and conditions they encounter.
Cutting Out Inefficiencies
In tree maintenance, every cut is made with intention. This efficiency minimizes harm and maximizes the tree’s health. The healthcare system too needs such strategic ‘pruning.’ Cutting out inefficiencies could involve streamlining administrative processes, reducing redundant testing, or implementing better technology systems for patient records. By ensuring that every action taken is with the patient’s best interest in mind, healthcare can grow more robust, just like Austin’s trees.
Deeply Rooted in Community
Education and Involvement
A critical aspect of Austin’s tree services is community education and involvement. Citizens are encouraged to understand and participate in the care of their local trees. This model is invaluable for healthcare. Educating communities about health risks and involving them in health-related decisions can lead to more engaged patients who are proactive about their health. Additionally, community health programs can address local health concerns effectively, just as community-led tree planting and care initiatives maintain the health of Austin’s urban forest.
Equity in Care
Just as Austin’s tree services strive to maintain trees in all areas of the city, healthcare must be equitable. Access to healthcare services should not be determined by socioeconomic status or geography. In the same way that Austin ensures all its neighborhoods benefit from a healthy tree canopy, healthcare systems should ensure that all individuals have access to the care they need. This involves addressing healthcare deserts, much like tree-planting initiatives aim to green urban spaces lacking canopy coverage.
Sustainability and Longevity
Long-Term Planning
Austin’s approach to tree care involves long-term planning, recognizing that the benefits of today’s work will be reaped decades into the future. The healthcare system needs a similar long-range perspective, focusing on sustainable practices that support the health of future generations. This could mean investing in sustainable healthcare facilities, promoting research into long-term health conditions, and considering the environmental impact of healthcare practices.
Adapting to Change
Tree services in Austin are well aware of the challenges posed by climate change, and they adapt their strategies accordingly. The healthcare system, too, must be adaptable, ready to meet the challenges of a changing world. This might involve preparing for new health threats, incorporating telemedicine, or adopting new treatment methods as they are developed.
The Resilient Canopy of Healthcare
The parallels between tree services and healthcare are evident. Both are essential to the wellbeing of the community, require a focus on prevention and early intervention, benefit from specialized and efficient practices, depend on community involvement and equity, and must be sustainable and adaptable to ensure longevity.
Austin’s tree services show us that with the right care and attention, trees can thrive for centuries. If we apply these lessons to healthcare, we can build a system that not only survives but thrives, providing shade and shelter to generations to come. As we root for better healthcare, let’s take inspiration from the care given to Austin’s trees and aspire for a future where the health of our community is as perennial as the trees that adorn our city.
What Is Medicare? How Does It Work?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the US and many other countries that offer health insurance programs to the following people:
- Elders who are 65 years and above
- Young people with disabilities
- People with permanent kidney failure who require transplants or dialysis
There are different parts of Medicare insurance that cover specific services, including:
- Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance: Covers inpatient hospital stays, hospital services, skilled nursing facilities, and certain healthcare services. Some individuals qualify for premium-free Part A, while others may purchase it for $506 per month in 2023.
- Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance: Covers outpatient hospital and doctor’s services, including medical supplies and preventive services. The standard premium for Part B in 2023 is $164.90 per month.
- Medicare Part D – Cost Assistance: Medicare Part D helps reduce certain out-of-pocket expenses for covered healthcare services..
How Does Medicare Work?
Medicare offers different options for hospital and healthcare coverage. Once a person enrolls, they can choose how to receive their coverage through one of two main options:
Original Medicare
- Includes Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B)
- Individuals pay for services as they use them, with an annual deductible and a 20% coinsurance responsibility.
- People can opt for additional cost assistance through Medicare-approved plans for broader coverage.
This includes Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). People generally pay for the services as they use them, with an annual deductible and a 20% coinsurance responsibility. Additional cost assistance is available through Medicare-approved programs.
Medicare Advantage
- A bundled plan from private providers, including Part A, Part B, and sometimes Part D.
- May offer extra benefits not included in Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing services.
- These plans operate on annual contracts and follow specific coverage guidelines.
Medicare Part D provides financial support for certain eligible healthcare services. One prerequisite for this plan is to enroll in a Medicare-approved program that offers additional cost-saving options. Although costs and coverage details vary, these plans typically categorize services into different cost levels based on Medicare guidelines.