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LYN’S LEDGER
Lyndon Thomas Insurance
August 2022
We Help You With Medicare.
GIVE THANKS AND APPRECIATION To Your Sanitation Workers
Every Tuesday morning around 8 a.m., I’m greeted with the banging of dumpsters and the roar of trucks as my trash is emptied. I can hear the beeping noise as the truck backs up, the engine’s growl as they pull forward, and the sound of garbage falling into the truck. For some, being woken up this way could be irritating. But that’s not the case for me. Instead, I see this as a reminder to be grateful. The men and women who collect our garbage have one of the most hazardous and essential jobs. They ensure our neighborhoods and communities are clean and free of waste. They even remove debris after hurricanes so first responders, police officers, firefighters, and common folks can make their commutes. No matter what the weather is like — if it’s hot and humid or cold and rainy — our garbage collectors work in all the elements every day. Their hard work is inspiring, and I am grateful for them and their dedication to making our communities look clean. Additionally, sanitary workers who clean, maintain, operate, and empty septic tanks have an essential role in our everyday lives. They help us maintain water quality within our homes and businesses. Without them, our water would be contaminated and public health would suffer. Two of my friends work in sanitation, and I admire their work ethic. They aren’t afraid to get dirty, and they put their lives on the line when dealing with harsh chemicals and fecal matter. If we didn’t have clean roads and fresh water, our quality of life would exponentially decrease — life would quickly grind to a halt. I think we take this type of work for granted. Some people may not notice these workers and their effort to make our lifestyle and the air we breathe exceptionally
better. Unfortunately, some only notice their dedication when something goes wrong, and we have big messes to clean up. I’ve always been aware of these workers because I grew up on a farm. I understand the time and effort it takes to do manual labor. Nobody would do the work for us on the farm — if a piece of machinery broke or a cow became ill, we had to take care of it. Likewise, if a problem with the sewer system or trash cropped up, the workers needed to repair it. Without them, our life would look vastly different. This is why I am grateful for these essential workers. Today, some people do not like the state of our country. We see posts on social media all the time. Although they have a right to their opinions and feelings, I think that if people were to show more gratitude and give thanks to those on the frontlines, we’d all have a better perspective. It’s easy to dwell in the negative and stay there, but it’s not the best for our mental or physical health. Showing gratitude and encouraging positivity can do wonders in a world full of negativity. It’s helpful to remember that many people in this world do not have access to clean, fresh water or living spaces that aren’t consumed by waste and trash. I’m grateful for the lifestyle we are so fortunate to have. As the hot days of summer move on, let’s give thanks to those who make our lives better. Don’t take the small things for granted — we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.
–Lyn Thomas
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www.LT-ins.com
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Published by The NewsletterPro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Lyndon Thomas Insurance
Protect Your Belongings
SOAK IN THE SUN WITH NO WORRIES
The best part of summer vacation is definitely spending time at the beach. It’s a great place to relax while soaking in the sun and dipping your toes in the water. One thing that can be a hassle, though, is protecting your valuables. With so much traffic on the sand, it’s an easy place for someone to scoop up a bag or snag a phone that’s sitting on a towel. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your valuables safe while you enjoy the beach. The Pros of the Lifeguard Tower Something as simple as sitting near a lifeguard tower can deter potential thieves. Since lifeguards have a clear view of the area, they’ll be able to spot suspicious-looking people who are creeping too close to your belongings. If there isn’t a tower nearby, consider sitting near a pier. Your items are less likely to be stolen where there are more witnesses. Waterproof Accessories Who says you can’t be stylish on the beach? Wearing a waterproof waist pouch or carrying a waterproof dry bag can create a greater sense of security. Knowing your valuables are right there floating with you can ease your mind. You could even bury your waterproof bag in the sand for extra protection. Disguising Valuables One great way to hide smaller valuables, like keys or cash, is to disguise them in food packages. Items such as Cheez-It boxes or cans of Pringles are a sneaky way to divert attention away from your belongings. If
someone just so happens to creep by your spot, it’s unlikely they’ll grab a snack as they look for valuables to steal.
Someone to Watch Your Belongings If you don’t have acquaintances nearby, find someone who appears trustworthy to watch over your things — families with children may be a safe option. This isn’t an ideal tactic, since it requires you to have a bit of trust in human kindness from a complete stranger. Or you could possibly leave belongings at a restaurant or bar you frequent. Spending vacation at the beach doesn’t need to be stressful. The risk will always be there, but these options can reduce the chances of someone stealing your valuables and can ease your mind while you relax.
AVOID THE ENDLESS TELEPHONE CALLS GET A LOCAL AGENT
I can usually tell when the advertising is getting particularly bad. Clients begin calling me about the TV ads. Ads featuring a couple of good old Joe’s. Can you believe that Joe Namath is 78!? I’ve got big ears, but I hope my ears don’t get that big when I’m 78. Joe talking about getting $144 a month back or Medicare plans with dental, vision, and all kinds of other super-duper benefits you’re supposedly missing out on. These TV and telephone marketing activities are all marketing Medicare Advantage plans. Advantage plans work very well for many people but not for others. So, you bite on the TV ad and call the number Old Broadway Joe tells you to. Then what? You’ve given marketers permission to call you, and call, and call until you enroll. After that, you will never talk to that telephone agent again. So, who do you call when you have a question or problem? Advantage plan provider network contracting can be complex, and a freshly-licensed 21-year-old agent — I confess to reverse “ageism,” since I’m 62 — who is probably ten states away looking at a computer screen just doesn’t know the nuances of locally managed care networks. For example, here in Ventura County, while Humana and SCAN work with both Community Memorial Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center, the available provider medical groups are different
and exclusive to one or the other. While all of these providers show up online, our 21-year-old sales agent in Florida will not be aware from the website directories alone that access to VCMC requires enrolling in the ValleyCare IPA network. Or that a Primary Care Physician in the SeaView IPA network is required for CMH access. A competent, local, independent agent will know these network nuances. As for the TV ads, these are nationwide ads. While there may be a $144 Part B premium refund somewhere in the U.S., no plan in Southern California gives back $144! Medicare Advantage plan benefits may vary significantly from state to state. During the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall, keep in mind that all of our TV ads come
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CA# 0D96309
1211 Maricopa Hwy, Ste 222, Ojai, CA 93023
www.LT-ins.com
We Help You With Medicare.
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from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties. Advantage plans in those counties vary significantly from Ventura County.
law. And it’s gotten bad. You know, you get all the calls! On April 1, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled on an update that strengthens the definition of ATDS and their regulation. Hopefully that will put a dent in this. Medicare is trying to see what can be done. Since many of these call centers are outside the U.S., it is often difficult to intervene. There is some interest in Congress for going further in protecting the consumer, but time will tell. Most of these noncompliant, if not illegal, telephone calls come from third-party lead generators (not the insurance companies) with one goal: to get you to give them permission to call. As with any telemarketing, these leads (your name and phone number) are then sold to as many insurance brokers as will buy them. (Lyndon Thomas Insurance last purchased leads more than seven years ago). This is where a local independent agent is able to provide a Medicare-compliant service. We don’t cold-call. We abide by the requirement that Medicare beneficiaries make first telephone, text, or email contact with us. We follow up once initial contact is made. LTI contracts with most of the companies that are being promoted. We complete annual certifications with both Medicare and know the benefits for each company with whom we contract. So let the calls go to voicemail, mute TV advertisements, and give us a call with any questions about Medicare or the plans being advertised.
Then there are the telephone calls! The endless telephone calls! Why are you getting so many phone calls, when there are supposedly federal regulations and Do Not Call lists in place to keep this from happening? I’ve done some research, attended a couple of seminars, and have arrived at an admittedly simplistic understanding of a very complex legal matter. So, here it goes: A significant governing legislation is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA). Computer and telephone technology have progressed light years since then. Now with artificial intelligence and computer-generated voicing, automatic telephone dialing systems (ATDS) behave in a way that the TCPA did not anticipate and are able to exploit loopholes in the
Thank you again for the opportunity to assist you with your Medicare needs.
SUDOKU
TASTY BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN
Ingredients
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4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• • • • • •
3 tomatoes, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste 4 slices mozzarella cheese Parmesan cheese, grated
• • • •
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice, divided
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Directions
1. Add chicken to a large resealable bag. 2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour over chicken and seal. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Turn a grill to medium-high heat and add the chicken. Discard the marinade. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. 4. Combine the remaining lemon juice, tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add salt and pepper, to taste. 5. Before taking the chicken off the grill, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes, then serve topped with the tomato mixture and grated Parmesan cheese.
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CA# 0D96309
805-646-6409
Inspired by Delish.com
Lyndon Thomas Insurance
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
PO Box 207 Ojai, CA 93024
INSIDE
CA# 0D96309 | www.LT-ins.com | 805-646-6409
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Showing Gratitude Does Wonders
Keep Your Valuables Safe on the Beach
Avoid the Endless Telephone Calls
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Sudoku
Tasty Bruschetta Chicken
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What to Consider Before Buying an RV
EMBARKING ON AN RV JOURNEY Seniors around the country are all aboard the RV train because it’s a great way to get up close and personal with nature while traveling freely. One morning, your backyard can be Yellowstone National Park, and the next, the Mojave Desert! If you’re looking to purchase an RV, be sure to use these tips.
3 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING AN RV
Rent one first. Renting an RV lets you take it for a nice long test drive and determine which features are must-haves and which you can do without. It’s also a great way to make sure you’re okay being in such a small space with your family, partner, or travel buddy! Don’t rule out pre-owned RVs. RVs can be expensive, so opting to purchase a pre-owned RV can save you a great deal of money. If you get a great deal, you can repair, renovate, and redecorate your RV with the money you saved. An additional perk is that insurance is usually cheaper on pre-owned RVs. Do your research. There is more to buying an RV than the shopping experience. You have to also learn to drive and/or tow it! Before making a purchase, look up reviews on the driving experiences of other owners of the same make and model.
An RV can be a second home, so take your time and make sure you’re getting exactly what you want.
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1211 Maricopa Hwy, Ste 222, Ojai, CA 93023
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Published by The NewsletterPro •www.NewsletterPro.com
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