Testosterone is an important part of a man’s health. It’s most commonly associated with sex drive. But testosterone also plays a crucial role in sperm production, can impact bone and muscle mass, and may even change the way fat is stored in their bodies.
As men get older, changes start to occur in their testosterone production. But what are these changes? And how much do they really matter? Keep reading to find out.
Men’s bodies begin producing testosterone in significant quantities when they hit puberty. After that, testosterone gradually increases until about the age of 30. At that point, it begins to dip. In fact, men over 30 typically lose about 1% of their testosterone levels per year.
For the most part, this is a normal part of the aging process. But some men lose their testosterone faster than others. This can lead to a condition called Low Testosterone, or simply “Low T.”
Low testosterone occurs when a man’s testosterone levels are below the average range for his age group. Symptoms of Low T include:
If you’re getting older and you’re starting to notice some of these symptoms in yourself, then low testosterone could be the problem.
Testosterone levels can be measured with a simple blood test. Normal males are supposed to have between 280 and 1,100 nanograms per deciliter of testosterone in their blood. If the blood test shows that your levels are below 280, then you have Low T.
If you have low testosterone, don’t worry. There are several different ways that you can treat it. The most common approach is hormone replacement therapy. This involves using a patch, oral gel, or injection to boost your testosterone levels up to the healthy range.
Original Medicare may or may not cover the costs of your testosterone treatment. It depends on what type of replacement therapy your doctor recommends. For example, if you receive a shot in a Medicare facility, then your Part B outpatient coverage may be able to offset the costs of the treatment.
However, if you’re prescribed a testosterone gel that can be applied at home, then you likely won’t have any coverage for the treatment under Original Medicare.
That being said, your coverage options will change if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Many of these plans cover the prescriptions that you might be given in order to treat your Low T.
Unfortunately, Original Medicare offers no coverage for testosterone testing either. But Medicare Advantage plans usually do.
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If you think you might have low T and are interested in a Medicare Advantage plan that will cover your treatments, reach out to a partnered licensed agent through Time for 65.
Agents are Medicare experts who can tell you more about your policy options and make specific recommendations to meet your needs.
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