TOP BOOKS TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE EMPTY NEST TRANSITION TURNING THE PAGE
Ah, the empty nest. It’s a bittersweet time when the kids finally fly the coop, and you’re left wondering what to do with all the newfound silence — and space. Whether you’re feeling lost or looking forward to rediscovering your own interests, plenty of books can help you navigate this new phase of life. Here are three top picks every parent of newly adult children should consider adding to their reading list. ‘THE EMPTY NEST: 31 PARENTS TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS, LOVE, AND FREEDOM AFTER THE KIDS FLY THE COOP’ BY KAREN STABINER This collection of essays offers a mosaic of perspectives on the empty nest phase, from the melancholy to the liberating. Compiled by Karen Stabiner, the book
explores the myriad ways parents cope with this transition. It’s comforting to read about other’s experiences and see how they’ve embraced (or struggled with) the changes, making this book a great starting point for those fresh to the empty nest lifestyle. ‘THE JOY OF LESS: A MINIMALIST GUIDE TO DECLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND SIMPLIFY’ BY FRANCINE JAY Now that the kids are out of the house, it’s the perfect time to declutter and simplify your home — a task that symbolizes this new chapter in your life. Francine Jay’s “The Joy of Less” isn’t specifically about empty nesting, but its principles can help you clear out those now-unused spaces and make room for new hobbies and interests you previously set aside.
‘FROM MOM TO ME AGAIN: HOW I SURVIVED MY FIRST EMPTY-NEST YEAR AND REINVENTED THE REST OF MY LIFE’ BY MELISSA T. SHULTZ Melissa T. Shultz shares her transformative journey from a full-time mother to a fulfilled individual with a life enriched by new pursuits and passions. Her story is inspiring and offers practical advice for making the most out of the empty nest period. It’s mainly geared toward mothers facing the daunting question: “Who am I now that I’m not a full-time mom?” Reading these books can provide comfort, inspiration, and practical tips for navigating life’s emotional and practical aspects after your children have grown up and moved out.
Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage program, is about to get exciting updates! These changes aim to make your medication more affordable and the whole process easier to navigate. Let’s break down what you need to know in a simple and friendly way. 1. LOWER OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a cap on out-of-pocket spending. Starting in 2025, you won’t have to pay more than $2,000 annually for your prescription drugs. This is excellent news for anyone who needs expensive medications, as it can save you a lot of money and provide peace of mind. 2. IMPROVED ACCESS TO VACCINES Vaccines are essential for keeping us healthy and will now be more accessible. Medicare Part D will fully cover the cost of recommended vaccines, like the shingles vaccine, starting in 2024. This means you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for these essential preventive measures. 3. SMOOTHER COVERAGE TRANSITION Navigating the “donut hole” coverage gap in the past could be confusing and costly. However, the upcoming changes aim to simplify this process. The new structure will make understanding your benefits and what you owe easier, ensuring you don’t face unexpected expenses. 4. MONTHLY PAYMENT FLEXIBILITY For those with high-cost prescriptions, spreading the cost over the year can be helpful. Starting in 2025, you can spread your EXCITING CHANGES COMING TO MEDICARE PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS
out-of-pocket expenses over the year in monthly payments. This change makes budgeting easier and avoids the financial strain of large upfront costs. 5. PRICE NEGOTIATIONS FOR MEDICATIONS To help keep drug prices down, Medicare will start negotiating prices for certain high-cost medications. This is expected to make many expensive drugs more affordable for everyone on Medicare Part D. While the impact of this change will grow over time, it’s a promising step toward affordable healthcare. 6. ENHANCED PLAN INFORMATION Choosing the right Medicare Part D plan can be overwhelming, but improvements are coming to make this easier. Plan information will be more precise and detailed, helping you make better-informed decisions. This means you can find the plan that best fits your needs without the hassle. 7. IMPROVED SUPPORT FOR LOW-INCOME BENEFICIARIES Extra help is available for those with limited income to pay premiums and other costs. The changes aim to expand this assistance, ensuring more people benefit from lower out-of- pocket costs and improved access to necessary medications. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Stay informed and review your Medicare Part D plan options during the upcoming year. Review the changes and see how they might affect your current plan. If you want to learn more about the changes, don’t hesitate to contact us, your licensed insurance agent. You can also visit the official Medicare website or call their helpline. Your health and well-being are important, and these changes are here to help you get the care you need without the financial stress.
2 • OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator