Medicare supplement plans

Medicare supplement plans have been primarily the same since 1992, when they were originally standardized. However, as of June 1, 2010, two new plans, M and N, are being introduced, among other changes to Medicare Supplements. This article is intended to explain how the two newest plans, Medigap Plan M and Medigap Plan N, work and the coverage that they will provide.

Medicare Supplements, Plan M and N, are the newest standardized Medigap plans offered by private insurers in South Carolina and nationwide. These two new plans provide a lower-premium alternative to the existing Medicare Supplements, and many feel that these new plans will gain traction as very popular choices in the Medicare Supplement marketplace, particularly with the upcoming major changes to the Medicare Advantage program.

The HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan gives you access to a nationwide network of doctors, predictable out of pocket costs, $0 co pays for most preventative care, and more. The PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan offers the benefits of an HMO with the flexibility to choose out of network providers for an additional fee.

The PFFS (Private Fee For Service) plan has no network of care providers. You are free to choose which doctors you see and which hospital you use. Also offered are Special Needs plans which allows coverage to be tailored to an individual's unique circumstance. For supplemental insurance coverage, or Medigap, Aetna Medicare offers Plans A, B and F. These plans help to cover expenses not covered by Medicare Parts A and B coverage.

Electric muscle stimulator

Electric muscle stimulator (EMS), also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or electromyostimulation, is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses. The impulses are generated by a device and delivered through electrodes on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated. The impulses mimic the action potential coming from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract.

The electrodes are generally pads that adhere to the skin. EMS is both a form of electrotherapy and of muscle training. It is cited by important authors as complementary technique for sport training, and there is published research on the results obtained. In the United States, EMS devices are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Are EMS Products Safe?

In the U.S., EMS products are approved by the FDA, Food and Drug Administration, and are certified in two categories: over-the-counter products that you could go out and buy today, and prescription products that are designed for treating a medical condition and must be used under supervision.

Typically, an electric muscle stimulator is perfectly safe. However, in accordance with FDA guidelines, all products must carry literature about the possible side effects and the danger for certain groups of people, for example, those with pacemakers.