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YOUR MEDICARE PLAN PRO
OCTOBER 2024
Trick-or-Treats and Life’s Biggest Leaps Conquering the Fear of the Unknown Halloween is a little different at my house than it used to be now that my children have gotten older. But, in the good old days, we always dressed up and participated in all the standard traditions. My parents used to go all out, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for the trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood. They transformed the whole cul-de-sac into a big party, and Mom would make a special witch’s brew (homemade root beer) for the kids. As Halloween approaches, I’m thinking about the topic of fear. The scariest thing I’ve had to face wasn’t anything out of a horror movie or haunted house; it was the fear of starting something new. Years ago, when I decided to open this business, I had to face the fear of leaving the familiar comfort of working with my dad and diving into the insurance world. It wasn’t easy, but just like facing any fear, I learned that sometimes, you have to step into the unknown to discover what you’re truly capable of. I worked for my dad’s concrete business most of my life and loved the job. There’s something really special about working alongside your dad, brothers, and friends. It takes a lot to leave your people and do something new. I felt drawn to start doing insurance because I connected with the idea of helping people. I didn’t enjoy the thought of closing this chapter at my dad’s company, but I ultimately had to make the leap. Overcoming my fear of starting this business led to great things and a company I’m proud of. It’s never easy stepping away from what we know and love, but I realized that if I hadn’t leaped, I’d always wonder what could have been. Challenges are inevitable in life, but it’s worth taking a risk if you have a passion for something; the rewards outweigh the hardships. You have to understand that things will get hard sometimes,
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and you’ll have to push through it. But I’ve found that if you do what you love, it will always work out. This is a busy time of year at the office because Medicare enrollment starts ramping up from October to December. Navigating Medicare, with its many changes from year to year, can be intimidating and cause a lot of fear of the unknown, especially with the ads that play on repeat over the season that are designed to scare or confuse you. If you feel afraid or confused about Medicare, please reach out. I’m here to help you and guide you through the noise. This year, changes are coming in how prescription drugs are being paid through Medicare, but much of what you hear on those TV ads is just a way to make you second-guess yourself. Remember, many of those advertisements come from people outside the U.S. who don’t know the specifics of insurance in Arizona. I’m here to help make sure that no matter what circumstances change in your life, your plan will be there to protect you. So, don’t let the fear of the unknown stand in your way. Just like I faced my fears when I started this business, you can face the uncertainty of Medicare or another challenge. I’m here to be your trusted guide. After all, facing fear head-on is how we grow; together, we can ensure you’re set up for success.
OCT. 15 ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD BEGINS
DEC. 7 ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD ENDS
JAN. 1 YOUR COVERAGE BEGINS
APPLE BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY NAP PARADE PIE STUFFING TURKEY VETERAN WORD SEARCH FIREPLACE GRATITUDE LEAVES
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IT’S TIME! Annual Medicare Enrollment Dear Valued Client, Your Medicare Annual Enrollment will be open from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. We can’t thank you enough for trusting us to help you with your Medicare. IMPORTANT: Please review the specific instructions to the right and the actions needed based on your Medicare plan type. Changes to Plans in 2025 Please review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter from your respective carrier (coming any day now). Part D Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans will be changing next year. If you are happy with the changes, no action is needed; your plan will simply roll over into next year. BEWARE Ads and Commercials Misleading ads and commercials continue to run. If you see an ad and want to know the truth, call us at 480-442-9498. We are licensed with every plan available and will always properly educate you. We are happy to help your friends and family with their Medicare questions. Feel free to pass along our information as you see fit.
YOUR PLAN TYPE ACTIONS NEEDED
Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO & PPO Plans)
Expect your plan to have changes next year. If you want to discuss other types of Medicare Advantage plans, please call or text us at 480-442-9498 to schedule a call. If you are on a “stand-alone” Prescription Drug Plan, expect big changes next year. It will be very important to “shop” drug plans for 2025. We are happy to help you with this. You may email your current drug list to jesse@ insuranceproaz.com or steph. marino@insuranceproaz.com. We will complete the Part D analysis the first week of November. Please give us time to get to your evaluation: we promise to be in touch no later than Nov. 30. If this Your Medicare Supplement plans stay the same (as far as the coverage goes). But expect rate increases. Inflation and high health care costs are going to cause rates to continue to increase. If you’re considering moving from a Supplement Plan to a Medicare Advantage Plan, now is the time to do it. Please call or text us at 480-442-9498 to schedule a time to talk. If you have both Medicare & Medicaid (AHCCCS), and are on a Dual Medicare Advantage Plan, then no action is needed. You’re on the best plan. However, call me at 480-442-9498 if you have questions, or want to look at other plans. I’m licensed with every plan available in your area and can help you switch if you desire. needs to be done before Nov. 30, please bug us!
Part D Prescription Drug Plan (Typically paired with a Medicare Supplement Plan)
Medicare Supplement Plan (Plan G, N, etc.)
REMEMBER: Review your specific Plan Type instructions for your Actions Needed.
Medicare/ Medicaid Dual Plans
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need more information. Sincerely, Jesse Goodman (jesse@insuranceproaz.com) 480-980-0843 Stephanie Marino (steph.marino@insuranceproaz.com) 480-780-0405
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YOUR MEDICARE PLAN PRO 3521 E. Brown Rd., Suite 101 • Mesa, AZ 85213 MedicareInsuranceAZ.com • 480-442-9498
Jesse Goodman
Stephanie Marino
INSIDE
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The Scariest Thing I’ve Ever Done Important Information for Annual Medicare Enrollment Curb Your Cough: Discover the Soothing Power of Hot Tea
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QUELL YOUR COUGH WITH HOT TEA
The rattle of coughing is the soundtrack of winter, and about 1 in 5 adults suffer from coughs during the peak cold and flu season. While coughing can signify serious illness, sufferers need short-term relief more often. You should always ask a health care professional for advice when you are ill. But simpler, natural treatments for an irritating cough may be as close as your kitchen cupboard: A steaming cup of hot tea can soothe irritation in your throat and chest. As winter draws near, consider stocking your shelves with teas offering these therapeutic effects. Anti-Inflammatory Properties Licorice root, chamomile, elderberry, and green tea are all linked to reducing inflammation in airways. Licorice root also has
anti-spasmodic properties that can help calm irritated tissues, and it is an ingredient in many leading tea brands, including Traditional Medicinals, Yogi, and Pukka. However, it’s best to consume licorice root tea in moderation. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems licorice root safe, consuming large amounts can cause side effects, including high blood pressure. Soothing, Lubricating Teas While mucilage may sound like the name of an old-fashioned glue, it is actually a viscous, gelatinous plant substance that soothes and moistens irritated tissues. Mucilage is found in teas containing licorice root, marshmallow root, and mullein. Expectorant Effects An expectorant can lubricate your airways and thin the mucus in your
respiratory system. This, in turn, makes your cough more productive, easing discomfort, expelling bacteria, and helping heal your airways more quickly. Teas containing ginger and mullein offer this benefit. Opening Airways Some of the most popular herbal teas also help ease cold symptoms. Eucalyptus teas can help open up constricted airways, and teas containing peppermint and thyme also relieve sinus and cold symptoms. In all cases, you can amplify tea’s therapeutic benefits by adding a spoonful of honey! Honey’s throat- coating consistency soothes irritated tissues.
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