Lyndon Thomas July 2017

LYN’S LEDGER

Lyndon Thomas Insurance

July 2017

We Help You With Medicare.

Who Are You Going To Call? WHY I GO THE EXTRAMILE

W hen people ask what I do as a full- service Medicare agent, the simplest answer I can give is that I bring nearly 15 years of experience in the Medicare field to help people knowledgeably solve the health care coverage piece of their retirement planning. Turning 65 is a critical transition in someone’s life, whether they think of themselves as officially a senior or consider it just another birthday. I’m here to help guide you through the new health care coverages available to you, and to help you make the best decisions possible. During your working years, you may have received health coverage individually or from your employer. You learn the language the insurance providers use — words like “family deductible,” “employer contribution,” and “PPO.” Then you enter Medicare and the language changes. I remove the frustration of trying to figure this out on your own and make sure that you don’t wind up enrolled in a program you don’t want to be in, or worse, end up lacking the coverage or access to doctors you need. Another thing I do is lend an ear to any questions you might have after you’ve enrolled in Medicare coverage. Sure, you can enroll yourself online or over the phone, but you won’t receive the same customer service that I pride myself on providing. If you have questions about the complex details of Medicare, who are you going to call? I’m here for my clients whenever they need a clear answer. If there’s one thing that insurance companies love to do, it’s cut costs. One of the easiest ways to do that is automating client service. I have the opposite philosophy — I want to provide

the most personalized help possible and develop real relationships with my clients.

Creating lasting connections with the members of my community isn’t just limited to my work as a Medicare agent. I’ve been an ordained minister for nearly 30 years, serving a wonderful congregation here in Ojai now for 24 years. I’m also heavily involved with the local not-for-profit Ojai Valley Family Shelter. Seeing the people I interact with thriving, and assisting them in getting the best health care possible, are integral parts of achieving this goal. I wish Medicare enrollment was a simpler process, but don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen. I handle every facet of Medicare coverage, including supplements, prescription drug programs, and Medicare Advantage Plans. If you need help with any of these pieces, I’m here for you. I’m compensated by the companies, so if I earn your business, the commissions take care of themselves. I return phone calls, and I am always happy to put my experience to work for you. You don’t get that if you enroll online. If you’re reading this newsletter, I hope you’ll reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment. I’m looking forward to sharing a bit about myself every month, and I’d like to get to know you as well. You shouldn’t spend the best years of your life struggling with paperwork and bureaucracy. Let me handle that so you can get back to enjoying time with your grandkids, or taking that trip!

– Lyn Thomas

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Foods for Youthful Exuberance

THE FULL-SERVICE DIFFERENCE

What we eat influences not only our overall health, but how we age. Diets high in fat and sugar tend to age us quicker — and they can be detrimental to the brain, especially when it comes to memory and cognition. Want to maintain a youthful spark and keep your mind sharp as you age? It’s all a matter of incorporating the following foods into your diet (while cutting down on the junk). Avocados These green machines are high in fat, but it’s a healthy, monounsaturated fat. It helps maintain a more ideal blood pressure and can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure as you age. Because avocados are high in fat — as healthy as it may be — you still want to watch how much you eat. Like any of the foods on this list, consuming too much of a good thing can ultimately negate the positive health benefits. Blueberries These juicy little blue balls of goodness are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants help keep cells functioning at peak performance. That includes cells in the brain and those believed to be associated with both short- and long-term memory. Eat blueberries as a snack, toss them in a smoothie, or add a handful to some salad, oatmeal, or cottage cheese. Flaxseed One of the easiest ways to boost your omega-3 fatty acid intake is to add a few tablespoons of ground flaxseed to foods you already eat (freshly ground is best). Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Flaxseed is also high in fiber. All of these wonderful things come together to lower LDL cholesterol. Nuts Not all nuts are created equal. Almonds and walnuts are kings of the nut world when it comes to nutrition. They are both great sources of vitamin E — another nutrient that helps keep your brain sharp. Walnuts have the added benefit of being yet another source of fatty acids. But between these two nuts, is one truly better than the other? Not really — it all comes down to personal preference. Salmon This is one fishy friend that’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids (notice the trend?). Salmon is one of the heart-healthiest sources of protein you can put on your plate. Other varieties of fish are exceptionally heart-healthy as well, namely sardines and anchovies, but those can be more of an acquired taste for some folks (though they are great in salads).

When people ask what separates me from other Medicare agents, I tell them that I’m truly full-service. There’s no shortage of people who can help you enroll, but it can be pretty difficult to get ahold of them once you’ve signed up and the commission has been paid. Call a company directly and you’ll speak to a different person every time you call. My goal, on the other hand, is to develop real relationships with clients and be there for them, no matter where they are in the Medicare process. When it comes to the services I offer, I could be called a jack- of-all-trades. Whether you need help with just one part of Medicare or you want more hands-on assistance, I’m there for you. Since I’m compensated directly by the companies, I don’t charge fees for my time and consultations. When you call the office, you’ll speak to me (or I’ll call you back), rather than being passed off. It’s my name on the door, and it’s my personal service that you’ll get. Once you’ve signed up for the programs most beneficial to you, our relationship isn’t over. Whether you have questions during the annual enrollment period or the rest of the year, I’m available to answer them. There’s no expiration date on my service. I’ve been working with Medicare insurance for years, and my experience is put to work every day for my clients. I hope you’ll consider contacting Lyndon Thomas Insurance when you have Medicare insurance questions. I take great pride in being a full-service agent. My door and phone line will always be open to you, and you’ll know your interests are looked after by someone who cares about you as a person. My office is located at 216-B E. Matilija St., Ojai.

2 216-B E. Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023 www.LT-ins.com

We Help You With Medicare.

The Big Retirement Benefits

Common knowledge is that Social Security and Medicare are the two big benefits available to us in our mature years. Less common, however, is understanding how the two connect. Navigating these two institutions can be complex, so I’d like to give you a few pointers to help you understand the overlap between Social Security and Medicare. Social Security is designed to provide a modicum of financial protection after our working days are over. You may enroll for Social Security payments at age 62, but if you plan on working beyond that age, you may defer retirement payments. Your Social Security payout depends on what you earned during your 35 highest-earning years. If you are receiving Social Security payments prior to 65, you will automatically be placed in the Medicare database. As you near 65, you’ll start finding Medicare enrollment forms in your mailbox. If you are still working past 65, are deferring Social Security, and want Medicare, be proactive. Go to ssa.gov, set up an online profile, and enroll in Medicare Part B. Alternatively, you can visit a local Social Security office to enroll. While you may continue on employer-provided coverage past age 65

without Medicare, plan to enroll your Medicare in preparation for leaving the group plan.

Now let’s talk about how you pay for Medicare. Medicare Part A may be received “premium-free,” provided you have paid a minimum of 40 quarters of Medicare tax during your working years. Part B is more complicated. Once you enroll in Social Security, Part B premiums will be automatically drawn from your monthly deposit. If you begin Medicare before Social Security, you will receive a quarterly invoice for your Part B premium. However, beware! You will incur a late enrollment penalty if you delay Part B enrollment past 65 without a valid reason. The final required component of Medicare is the Prescription Drug Program, which can be provided through a stand-alone Part D plan or through a Medicare Advantage Health Plan (Part C). You may also enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan at your own discretion. As your “full-service” Medicare agent, I am able to assist you with information about and enrollments in stand-alone prescription drug plans, supplements, and advantage plans.

SUDOKU

MARVELOUS MACARONI SALAD

Dressing •

Salad •

1 cup mayonnaise

½ pound macaroni, cooked, drained, and cooled 1 cup sliced celery ½ cup chopped green pepper

• • • • •

2 tablespoons vinegar 1 tablespoon mustard 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper

• •

• •

½ cup chopped red pepper

½ cup chopped green onion

Instruction

1. Mix together dressing ingredients. 2. Mix together salad ingredients. 3. Mix dressing and salad together. Chill before serving. 4. Enjoy!

Solution

Recipe inspired by Food.com.

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Lyndon Thomas Insurance

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INSIDE

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Why I Go the Extra Mile

5 Foods for Youthful Exuberance

The Full-Service Difference

The 2 Big Benefits

Marvelous Macaroni Salad

Household Falls

Stay on Your Feet Prevent Falls at Home This Year

It might have been Johnny Carson (or was it Yogi Berra?) who said, “100 percent of all household accidents happen in the home.” Whomever it was, their joke had a point: Every year, millions of Americans are treated for household injuries. Among seniors, a lot of those injuries come from slips, trips, and falls. But don’t worry— there’s a lot you can do this year to make your home safer. Start by tidying up. You may not have banana peels lying about, but anything on the floor —especially throw rugs—can serve as a slip or trip hazard. And a little TLC will go a long way— for example, moving that extension cord or changing out lightbulbs. More light will make it easier to see potential trip and slip hazards. Many choose to take extensive action, such as installing railings on both sides of the stairs and grab bars in the bathroom. A bar in the shower and near the toilet will not only provide a safeguard against falls, it will also make normal bathroom use easier. And while railings on one side of the stairs is helpful, railing on both sides is even better.

taking time to get someone to help or spot you. Even standing on a stool or chair to reach the top shelf of the cupboard is risking it. Instead, reorganize the kitchen so everything is easy to access while standing on solid ground. Plan out potentially hazardous activities. Later, you’ll be grateful that you did. If you have concerns about fall safety, your doctor is always a good person to talk to. This is especially true if you suffer from dizziness or have balance issues, or are taking medication with those side effects. Regular exercise will strengthen your body. And eye exams ensure you can see obstacles ahead of time. This year, stay on top of your health and your home—and stay on your feet.

Much of fall prevention is about thinking ahead. As tempting as it is to climb ladders by yourself or clean out the gutters, it’s worth

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216-B E. Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023

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