October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To discuss some of the issues facing seniors with breast cancer, Seniors Speak Out’s Nona Bear recently spoke with Geri Barish of 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition. Below is an abridged version of the interview.

NB: Can you tell us a little about your organization and the work you do for seniors in your area?

GB: In the late 1980s, a group of women fighting breast cancer got together to discuss issues facing those fighting the disease. We decided to hold a rally to see just how many people on Long Island were affected by breast cancer. The rally was a huge success—over 350 people—women, men, children, seniors, everyone came to show their support for those impacted by the disease and to advocate for more outreach and education. Our rally made the front page and was talked about on local radio; breast cancer really was an issue that was important to the Long Island community. 1 in 9 was formed as the first breast cancer organization on Long Island. We are an organization committed to education, outreach and support for those fighting or surviving breast cancer.

NB: What does your group do to advocate for seniors?

GB: We provide specific programming for seniors who have or have had breast cancer. We offer discussion groups focusing on health care education, finances and other issues facing the senior community. We also run a very successful on-site gardening club that allows seniors with breast cancer to join together to support a common cause—a vegetable garden. While gardening, these women spend time talking with each other about the challenges they face.

NB: What are you doing to commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

GB: In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have a variety of programs aimed to raise awareness and help those currently fighting breast cancer. We are hosting special educational groups and survivor teas where we invite in guest speakers to discuss how to navigate Medicare and other ways to make sure seniors with breast cancer are getting the care they deserve.

NB: This month, what message would you like to share with senior women in particular?

GB: I would like women to remember that no matter what their age, they have a voice and they should use it. Senior women should not be afraid to speak out and demand answers about breast cancer. It doesn’t matter where these women come from, we are all in this fight together, and if we stand as a united front, we will beat breast cancer.

NB: We know detecting breast cancer early is critical. Do you have any tips to help recognize the first signs?

GB: For women of all ages, regular self-breast exams are always important. Senior women should also keep up their regular breast cancer screenings. Breast cancer can come at any time, so keeping a close eye on things is critical. Know your family history and don’t keep it a secret from your family—let your children know if you have shown signs of breast cancer in the past so they know what to look for in the future. The key is really staying healthy, active and alert and making sure you have the right knowledge to recognize the early signs.

NB: What should senior women do if they suspect they might have breast cancer?

GB: See their primary doctor. Your primary doctor is your best resource when you start the fight because they know your history. Once you have consulted with them, visit a breast cancer specialist. Call the American Cancer Society for a recommendation, and make sure to get two—you are entitled to a second opinion with your Medicare coverage. Find a doctor you are comfortable with, and be your own advocate. My best advice is simple, if you suspect something, don’t wait—early detection can save your life.

NB: Are there challenges specific to older women with breast cancer? How might we overcome those challenges?

GB: The main challenge is finding a support system among your peers. No general support group will be as beneficial as a senior-specific support group. A generation of laughter and jokes shared between friends is worth more than anything during the fight against breast cancer. I have seen such great things happen when seniors join together to fight this disease.

NB: What worries you most about the health care options available to senior women with breast cancer?

GB: I’m most afraid of losing our Medicare coverage. People—especially policymakers—don’t understand just how important Medicare is for seniors. Medicare is the only way many seniors with breast cancer can get the care they deserve, and my biggest fear is that it could be taken away.

NB: What gives you hope?

GB: I don’t want to die, I want to live. I want to keep fighting breast cancer and not give in. The research has come so far, but we have to keep fighting for advances. We cannot give up hope because that is all we have. We have seen miracles in the last 40 years, but we must keep fighting.

As many of you already know, Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans over the age of 65 and those with disabilities. Medicare is fundamental to helping seniors like you and me across the United States access needed health care.

The program provides participants with all important access to hospital insurance, medical insurance and prescription drug coverage. Without Medicare, many older Americans would not be able to receive the health care they need including visits to the doctor, medicines and the other services needed to remain healthy.

It is important that we as seniors do what we can to keep Medicare strong. Start by learning about your Medicare coverage options at your local Area Agencies on Aging location. Next, make sure your friends know the benefits of Medicare and are enrolled as soon as they turn 65.

The most effective way to keep Medicare strong—for this generation and the next—is to share your support with your member of Congress. Call your representatives to tell them why this program is essential to your health.

As Medicare open enrollment approaches this fall, we’ll be posting helpful resources to make the most of your coverage. Check back often and visit our Facebook or Twitter to stay informed about your health coverage.

Earlier this year, I wrote to seniors about a harmful proposal that threatened our Medicare coverage. The proposal sought to change one part of Medicare – Part B – by allowing the government to interfere with decisions that should be left between us and our doctors. But seniors spoke out…and we were heard!

The Seniors Speak Out community sent letters urging members of Congress to protect a program that works for us. I’m proud to report that Congress listened!

Many representatives from both sides of the aisle told the Administration they were concerned about the size and scope of the proposal and its potential to impact our access to care.

Despite our letters and efforts from our members of Congress, this harmful proposal is still on the table. These harmful changes to Medicare must be stopped. Please join me on Twitter to thank our supporters in Congress. Together our voice is strong and the fight to protect Medicare is ongoing.

Whether you’ve just become eligible for Medicare or have been enrolled for years, sometimes keeping the different parts of the program straight and navigating all of your options can be a confusing task. When enrolling or changing your plan, it’s important to take the time to consider your health care needs and compare options to ensure you’re getting the best possible coverage at the best price.

Medicare Parts A, B, C and D each represent different health coverage options. To help you understand what each plan covers and figure out what may work best for you, we’ve put together a summary of each below.

The ABCDs of Medicare

Medicare Part A: Part A (hospital insurance) is federally administered coverage for a variety of patient care oriented health services. Part A is what covers your hospital care, nursing facilities, some home health services and hospice care. You’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A when you turn 65, and unlike other elements of the program, you cannot opt out.

Medicare Part B: Part B (medical insurance) is also federally administered and offers sen
iors two types of medical services: necessary and preventative. Necessary medical services include doctor visits and supplies that are required to treat or diagnose medical conditions such wheelchairs, inhalers or x-rays. Health care services to prevent illness, such as vaccinations, are also covered through Part B. Unlike Part A, you can opt out of Medicare Part B but you should consider it carefully because if you choose to sign up for Part B coverage at a later date, you’ll have to pay a penalty.

Medicare Part C: More commonly known as Medicare Advantage, these are private health plans that provide combined coverage for both Part A and B benefits. These plans include Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). They can also cover prescription drugs and additional services like eye and dental benefits.

Medicare Part D: Part D plans cover outpatient prescription drugs and are administered by private insurance plans. Each state has a wide variety of Part D plans to choose from including different co-payments, premiums and formularies.  No matter where you live in the United States you can choose a plan that works best for you.

Open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time period, be sure to research and compare plans to find the best coverage for your individual needs at a price that won’t break the bank. To learn more about the different components of the Medicare program, visit Medicare.gov.