James McSpadden

Feb 23, 2024 | blog.aarp.org | Beth Carter |women’s health. AARP |James McSpadden

In 2023, for the first time ever, vaccines for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) became available, offering protection against an infection that causes tens of thousands of hospitalizations and deaths among older adults every year. Two RSV vaccines were approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2023 and are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for adults 60 and older who have discussed it with their health care provider.

Nov 13, 2023 | blog.aarp.org | James McSpadden

Last fall my aunt called asking for help. Her pharmacist had just told her that in January she would need to pay over $500 to fill a one-month supply of her brand-name blood thinner. Her dilemma, while seemingly straightforward, involved some additional consideration.

Oct 17, 2023 | blog.aarp.org | James McSpadden

En español | This time each year, as Medicare open enrollment begins, I embark on an annual tradition: helping my parents compare Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. In the coming weeks I will take my parent’s current drug list (which, by the way, they faithfully keep up to date) and plug those drugs into Medicare’s Plan Finder tool, a helpful consumer resource. When I do, the tool will give me a customized comparison of available Medicare Part D plans.