Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020 a enioroioiavvy Senior avvyy avyvy vy ennioorn rniiori How Medicare is Covering Coronavirus Dear Savvy Senior, Is Medicare covering testing for the coronavirus? My husband and I are very nervous about this virus and would like to fi nd out if or when we should get tested, and how Medicare manages it. Dear Nelly, Yes! Medicare is indeed covering the cost of testing for the coronavirus, or COVID-19. But be aware that getting a test isn’t as simple as going to your local pharmacy or doctor’s offi ce and asking for one. Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare is covering, along with how to get tested if you think you may have symptoms. Medicare Coverage Medicare (Part B) will cover the lab test to see if you have coronavirus, but only when your doctor or other health care provider orders it. You will pay no out-of-pocket costs for these tests. In addition, Medicare also covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. While there’s currently no vaccine yet to protect against COVID-19, when one becomes available next year, it too will be covered by all Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D). If you happen to get your Medicare benefi ts through a private Medicare Advantage plan, you will have access to these same benefi ts. In addition, many Advantage plans are also expanding coverage of telemedicine, which allows benefi ciaries to consult with medical professionals without having to go to a doctor’s offi ce. Check with your plan for coverage details. When to Call Your Doctor Older adults, age 60 and older (especially those in their 70s and 80s), and people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease are at a higher risk of serious illness if they contract the coronavirus. So, everyone in these categories need to be vigilant. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death. If you develop any symptoms that are concerning, you should contact your primary-care provider by phone for guidance. If your doctor believes you need testing, he or she will instruct you on what to do. Unfortunately, there have been reports of test shortages across the country, so depending on where you live you may have to wait a few days. Prevention Tips To help you steer clear of COVID-19 the CDC recommends that you avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being out in public, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. To the extent possible, try to avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes. And avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places, like elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, and handshaking with people. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or fi nger if you must touch something. Also, clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces – tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and cell phones. You should also avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick. The CDC also recommends that seniors and high-risk individuals stock up on supplies, such as extra medications and groceries. And, if there is an outbreak in your community, remain at home as much as possible. They also discourage non-essential travel. For more information on the COVID-19, visit Coronavirus.gov. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Prominent Cambridge Resident Of Cambridge, March 18. Beloved husband of Marie (Apruzzese). Treasured son of the late Nicola and Mary (Camelio) DiDomenico. Devoted father of Senator Salvatore DiDomenico and his wife Tricia, Lisa Lavoie, Brenda Giunta and her husband Joseph, Allison DiDomenico and her fi ancé Jonathan Killeen. Cherished grandfather of Emma, Lindsey, Matthew, Salvatore, Marissa, Hailey, Olivia, Ava and Amelia. Loving brother of Marie Vaudo, her late husband Sal, of Burlington and Linda Cafarella, her husband Ron, of Belmont. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to so many. Sal was born on September 20 during the Hurricane of 1938 in East Cambridge, two streets away from where he raised his own family. Sal graduated from Rindge Tech in Cambridge, went on to Boston College and then served in the Army National Guard. He found his calling at the Rittners School of Floral Design. He met the love of his life, Marie, at Moseley's on the Charles and they never stopped dancing. They married in 1970 and spent over 50 glorious years together. In October of 1969, he proudly opened the doors to Flowers by Sal, which became a pillar in the East Cambridge community. This past November, he commemorated the store's 50th anniversary with a ceremony celebrating this milestone. His store was an extension of his home, just downstairs from where he lived. Sal dedicated his life to his work and took so much pride in each piece he created. His fl ower shop wasn't just a fl ower shop, but it was also a place where family and friends gathered. Because of his love of traveling, he also opened and operated Jet-A-Way Travel for many years. Here he brought his customer's vacation plans to life and where he was known for his many bus tours. Sal devoted his life to the S.S. Cosmas and Damian Society, his patron Saints, in Cambridge, where he was a beloved member, Treasurer and Feast Chairman. He always spoke of his Gaeta, Italy heritage and family history. He kept the society's feast, banquets and annuNervous Nelly OBITUARIES Salvatore DiDomenico al traditions alive for more than five decades. Due to his strong faith and devotion to the Saints, he brought the annual feast to new heights and made it one of the largest events in the community. Some of his proudest moments were watching his wife; children and grandchildren carry on this important part of his life. He was also a longtime member of the Dante Alighieri Society, serving on their Board of Governors and was a Past President. He was a member and past Trustee of the Sons of Italy Greater Boston Renaissance Lodge and member of the Pirandello Lyceum. Sal and his wife were fi xtures in the Italian American community. He was also a longtime sponsor of East Cambridge Little League and many organizations throughout the community. He was also honored and given awards by these organizations for his tireless eff orts and true dedication. He put his whole heart into everything he did. Sal was a friend to thousands and touched each one of their lives. He loved his East Cambridge roots, and in 2001, the city recognized his many years of service to the community by dedicating a square to him and his wife, on the corner where his fl ower shop is located. He was a true legend and an unforgettable presence. Although he was proud of all of the above, his favorite titles were Husband, Dad and Papa. He loved his family and always put them before himself, as he did with everyone he met. His nine grandchildren were his world and they shared a very special bond. He knew that the most valuable thing in life was family and treasured every moment with them. He loved family gatherings, holiday celebrations, annual trips to Disney, cruises, Italian beach days or just being at home surrounded by his family. He beamed as he watched his children become adults and his family continued to grow, passing on his traditions to the next generation. With his family he was his happiest. Sal had a larger than life personality, a great sense of humor and was such a bright light in everyone's lives. He made an impact on so many people and was loved and admired by so many. He enjoyed life and was always the fi rst to arrive at an event and the last one to leave. He never met a stranger, because within minutes you were his friend. He had the natural ability to make all feel welcomed and all feel special. He not only told the best stories, but the way he told the story was unmatched. He always had a smile on his face and brought so much love, laughter and joy to everyone's life. He had a zest for life and was always ready to plan the next adventure. He will be missed beyond measure. Services are private. In lieu of fl owers, please make donations to S.S. Cosmas and Damian Society, 17 Porter Street, Cambridge, MA 02141. In the near future there will be a Celebration for Sal's life, where all will be welcomed to honor this great man. Karen Anne (Sullivan) Henneberry At 77 years, in Point of Pines, Revere, formerly of Everett on March 19 (the Feast of St. Joseph). Beloved wife of 54 years to Thomas R. Henneberry. Cherished mother of Thomas J. Henneberry & wife, Betsy of Reading, Kara L. DeNutte & husband Rick of Melrose & Adam M. Henneberry & wife, Denise of Reading. Dear sister of Joan Harcus & her late husband James of Washington State, Jeremiah Sullivan & wife Barbara of Florida, Robert Sullivan & wife Roseanne of Centerville & the late Marjorie Snow & John L. Sullivan, Jr. & his late wife, Carol. Also lovingly survived by many nieces & nephews. Beloved daughter of the late John L. Sullivan, Sr. & Agnes (O’Keefe) Sullivan. Adoring grandmother to Abigail, Daniel, Leah, Ryan & Anna. Most aware of the health crisis, nationwide & particularly here in Massachusetts & the mandate to co-operate with the regulations OBITUARIES | SEE PAGE 15
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