Men’s Health Spotlight: How Medicare Can Help You Manage Gout

ebeuttel • June 13, 2025

As someone who works with seniors every day, I’ve supported many male clients dealing with gout—a common and often painful condition that can significantly impact quality of life. With June being Men’s Health Month, I felt it was the right time to help educate men on how Medicare can support the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of gout.

What is Gout and What Causes It?

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain—usually in the big toe, but it can affect other joints like the ankles, knees, elbows, or fingers. The pain can strike at night and linger for days, sometimes even weeks.

Gout occurs when there’s too much uric acid in the blood, which forms sharp crystals in the joints. This buildup is often linked to:

  • Diets high in red meat, seafood, and alcohol
  • Obesity or poor kidney function
  • Certain medications like diuretics or aspirin
  • Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease

Men are more likely than women to develop gout, and the risk increases with age—making it especially relevant for the Medicare population.

Common Symptoms of Gout

Gout attacks can come on suddenly and may include:

  • Intense joint pain (often in the big toe)
  • Swelling and redness
  • Warmth and tenderness in the joint
  • Limited range of motion during flare-ups

It’s important not to ignore these symptoms, especially if they occur more than once. Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term joint damage and improve quality of life.

How Can Medicare Help?

Medicare can play a key role in managing gout effectively:

Check mark icon, dark gray.Doctor Visits
Medicare Part B covers visits to your primary care doctor or a specialist (like a rheumatologist) to diagnose and manage gout.

Check mark icon, dark gray.Lab Work
Part B also covers diagnostic tests, like bloodwork to check uric acid levels and kidney function.

Check mark icon, dark gray.Prescription Medications
Part D (or Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage) can help cover medications used to treat gout, such as:

  • Colchicine (for flare-ups)
  • Allopurinol or Febuxostat (to lower uric acid levels)

Checkmark symbol, dark gray.Preventive Care
Medicare covers an annual wellness visit where you can discuss symptoms, risks, and lifestyle changes with your doctor.

Managing Gout at Home

Aside from medical treatment, lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing gout:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Limit alcohol, red meat, and high-purine foods (like shellfish and organ meats)
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Keep chronic conditions like high blood pressure under control

Final Thoughts …

Gout is painful—but it’s also very manageable with the right plan and support. If you’re experiencing joint pain or have been diagnosed with gout, don’t wait to get help. Medicare offers several benefits that can support you in managing this condition and preventing complications down the road.

If you have questions about your Medicare coverage or which plans offer the best support for your health needs, I’m here to help.

Telephone handset.Call us at 530-303-3366 or schedule a free consultation with us.

Let’s make sure you’re not just covered—but cared for.

Business card of Elizabeth Beuttel, Benefits Specialist with a photo, phone number, email and website.
December 4, 2025
If you’re starting a new Medicare plan on January 1—or even keeping the same one—now is the perfect time to make sure everything is lined up for a smooth start to 2026. We put together a few quick reminders to help you feel prepared and confident as you head into the new year.
Two cyclists near ocean, promotion for Medicare Supplement Plans.
November 6, 2025
Discover how Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans fill coverage gaps, offer nationwide access, and provide predictable, reliable care. Learn more with Beuttel Insurance.
October 24, 2025
Snowbirds, stay covered year-round! Beuttel Insurance explains how to manage Medicare benefits across state lines with confidence.
A thumbnail image of the PDF guide to create a Medicare.gov account.
By Elizabeth Beuttel October 2, 2025
Download this helpful guide from Beuttel Insurance to create an account on the Medicare.gov website and sign in to compare plans in your area.
A thumbnail image of the AEP Checklist from Beuttel Insurance
By Elizabeth Beuttel October 2, 2025
Download this handy checklist to help you through Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period for 2026 coverage.
October 2, 2025
What to Do When Your Medicare Advantage Plan Ends
September 18, 2025
Key Takeaways Medicare Part D won’t cover every dollar spent on prescriptions, but the $2,100 cap is a big step forward. There are programs and resources to help you save — from patient assistance programs and non-profits to state-based help and cost-saving pharmacies . Always check eligibility, since not every program works with Part D coverage. Planning ahead can help you lower your costs and avoid surprises at the pharmacy counter.
2026 Medicare updates
August 28, 2025
Medicare changes are coming in 2026. Learn what’s new, what to review before AEP, price increases, and how to choose the right plan with confidence for your coverage in the new year.
Signpost with text
August 8, 2025
Knowing which path is right for you & when to act — can save you money & stress.
A straw hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen bottle on a white surface with text advising sun safety.
By ebeuttel July 18, 2025
July is UV Safety Awareness Month—a timely reminder for Medicare beneficiaries to stay informed about sun protection and understand what their plan covers. Learn what’s included in Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage when it comes to skin checks, eye exams, and preventive care, plus practical tips for enjoying the outdoors safely this summer. The post Stay Sun-Safe This Summer: What Medicare Covers & How to Protect Yourself appeared first on Beuttel Insurance.
Show More