Check out our August newsletter!
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Back to School With Health Care Choices
1. HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO MAKE CHANGES TO MY PLAN? Although you know when you can adjust your plans, you may be unsure if changes are actually required. To help you with this decision, your Medicare Advantage or Part D insurance provider will send you a letter in September called the Annual Notice of Change. It’s vital that you take time to review this document because it will tell you if the premium, copays, drug formulary, or pharmacy networks are changing. And to make things even easier, the letter will list the changes side-by-side from 2023 to 2024 so you can easily compare the list of coverage. 2. UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T CHANGE IN YOUR COVERAGE. During the Annual Enrollment Period, you’ll have the opportunity to:
WHAT CAN I DO NOW? Even though we can’t see new plans yet or make changes for next year, we can check your current information and be ready to make changes if necessary.
During our trip to the supermarket this week, we were surprised to see all the back-to-school supplies stuffed on the shelves. No matter where we looked, we could see all kinds of colorful notebooks, various pens and pencils, uniquely shaped erasers, and bookbags of all sizes. It seems like yesterday that this same store had beach towels, sunscreen, and summer supplies out on display. Deciding what kind of supplies you want can be overwhelming — there is just so much to choose from! Thankfully, some stores and school websites help you narrow your choices so it’s not as stressful. But as we thought about how busy the back-to-school season can be, we realized how similar it is to Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. If you think about it, the enrollment period is closer than you think! You can start reviewing and changing specific plans beginning on Oct. 15, 2023, through Dec. 7, 2023! While it may seem like you have lots of time, think about how fast the summer flew by! One minute, all the summer attire is on the shelves, and then the next, school supplies are everywhere. The same can be said about Medicare. Soon, you will receive all kinds of information and see ads about annual enrollment. We understand how confusing annual enrollment can be. Because of all the information thrown at you, understanding how to prepare may be difficult. But similar to how supermarkets and schools provide a list of the exact supplies you need, we’re here to help you review your plan and make any changes if necessary. We can help you see if the plans you have are working and if there are better alternatives available. So, in honor of back-to-school month and annual enrollment right around the corner, here are three ways to prepare for the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
You can schedule a 20-minute phone meeting by calling 844-633-5239.
Our Assistant will ask you to
e-sign a “Scope of Appointment” form via email or text
message. To maximize each appointment, we will also be refreshing your information, so please have the following information handy when you schedule the appointment:
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Enroll in, leave, or change your Medicare Part D drug plan. Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. Change nothing — your current coverage will automatically renew on Jan. 1, 2024.
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Your Medicare Card to verify your Medicare #, how your name appears on the card, and the effective date of your Medicare Part A & B. The name and cost of your additional Medicare Plans (Prescription Plan, Medicare Supplement Plan, or Medicare Advantage Plan)
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Your current address, phone #, and email address
3. LOOK CLOSELY AT YOUR CURRENT COVERAGE. It’s vital to pay close attention to what your current Medicare plan covers because you want to ensure you will continue to receive the same benefits you know and love. However, coverage, costs, networks, and premiums can change from time to time. So, if your plan will be dropping one of your necessary medications from its list, dropping your doctor from its network, or if your premium increases drastically, you may want to consider finding a new drug plan to meet your needs.
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A list of any medications you are taking, including the dose and # of times you take it daily, as well as your preferred pharmacy
We look forward to catching up with you all!
–Lenore and Scott Mizenko
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UNLOCK THE POWER OF BOOKS How Reading Keeps Your Mind Sharp
The written word has a way of moving us. Our imaginations can soar as we envision the descriptions in our minds. If we’re lucky, our reading can also give us something to use in our daily lives. That’s why getting lost in a book is an enjoyable hobby for anyone — especially older adults. Whether you enjoy romance, poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, here are three benefits you can experience through reading. IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION AND MEMORY Daily exercise is recommended to retain muscle and mobility in your body. The same applies to your brain. When reading, you’re technically exercising and flexing your mind — it helps improve basic brain functioning and memory retention. According to a study posted on Neurology, participants who engaged in mental activities (like reading) reduced their rates of memory decline by 32%. Their short-term memory also improved, making it easier to recall daily events. SHARPENS DECISION-MAKING SKILLS As you age, making decisions and solving problems can become more challenging. Fortunately, reading can improve your analytical and reasoning skills! When you read, you stimulate areas of your brain responsible for empathy and emotion, both of which enhance your ability to keep an open mind while processing information. That means making decisions, solving problems, and choosing between options can become easier. REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY You may go for a walk, listen to music, sip your favorite tea or coffee, or turn on your favorite show when you want to relax. However, reading is an even better way to decompress. In a study at Minlab International at the University of Sussex, participants took only six minutes to decrease their heart rate and relax their muscles after they began reading. Another study from the University of Toronto found that those who read often are less likely to make impulsive decisions; they think before reacting and are more open to change. Because frequent readers can process information and prepare for uncertainties more easily, their anxiety levels tend to be lower than those of nonreaders. In honor of National Book Lovers Day this month, take some time to curl up with a good book. What are some of your favorite reads? We would love to hear from you!
When parents become empty nesters, they have much more time on their hands — more time with their spouses, after work, and more time to focus on what they want to do! But for many empty nesters, all this extra time can invoke loneliness — especially if they don’t have friends to share it with. The truth is that having kids and raising a family takes focus. For example, a survey by Action for Children found that 68% of parents felt they had become “cut off from friends, colleagues, and family after the birth of a child.” Another study from Demographic Research found that “the strength of friendships typically decreases after people become parents.” So, it’s unsurprising that many empty nesters feel lonely and isolated after their children leave; friendships have taken the backseat to parenthood over the previous 18 years. Research, however, shows that a lack of social connections as individuals age can lead to a higher risk of depression, poor sleep, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and a weakened immune system. Even though making friends can be challenging for empty nesters and older adults, these three tips can help you find new friends! GET OUT AND PRACTICE! Unfortunately, new friends won’t just show up at your door. Look for events in your community and attend them! It may feel nerve-wracking initially, but most events typically only last an hour, and you can try as many as you’d like! You’ll be around people with similar interests, making finding new friends easier. BE INTENTIONAL. If you attend an event or find yourself out and about, make a concerted effort to make friends, not just idle chit-chat. If you notice someone else sitting alone, strike up a conversation! Or, if you start talking with someone and really click with them, ask for their phone number or email to stay in touch. STAY OPTIMISTIC. Not every person you meet will want to be friends, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Even if all of your efforts only result in one new friendship, that’s one new person you didn’t have in your life before, and sometimes, that’s all it takes to make a difference. FRIENDS WANTED! An Empty Nester’s Guide to New Connections
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DON’T RUN LOW ON RETIREMENT FUNDS!
Tips to Build More Wealth
Knowing how much money you should save for retirement is never easy. The aspirations you had before your retirement may change once you retire. Perhaps economic factors out of your control caused you to rethink your retirement and financial planning. According to research by Cerulli Associates, pre-retirees and retirees are worried they will either outlive their assets or fear they don’t have enough money to last throughout retirement. No matter your situation, it’s not too late to generate more wealth! Here are three things you can do if you don’t have enough money to retire. CONTINUE TO WORK. Delaying retirement has become increasingly popular. However, if you’re currently retired, you could consider working part time to increase your retirement fund. Or, if you have a hobby or passion you could profit from, consider selling your services or creating a business! IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO START INVESTING. Many assets like bonds, dividends from equities, property, and other stocks can generate additional income you can store in your retirement and other financial accounts. Before you start, you’ll want to research what kinds of
assets you want to invest in, how much money you want to invest, and the earnings you could potentially make. Because investing can be confusing, it’s best to meet with a retirement financial advisor to help you choose the right investments for your retirement portfolio. SELL YOUR PROPERTY AND DOWNSIZE. If you own your home or have a lot of equity, selling it could generate funds your retirement accounts need. While the amount you’ll receive depends on the market, the worth of your home, and other factors, selling property is a common way to accumulate wealth. You could live off your profit by downsizing to a cheaper home. Another option you may want to consider is renting out a room in your home to generate an extra source of income. If you or someone you know is worried about running out of money during retirement, please consider working with The Retirement Authority. Scott Mizenko can provide you with information on how to accumulate more wealth and provide additional expert tips. To book an appointment, go to BookLTCcall.com . You can also email him at Scott@scottmizenko.com or call (800) 570-1396 .
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
TAKE A BREAK
GRILLED HALIBUT WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE
Celebrate the last month of summer with this light and fresh recipe!
INGREDIENTS
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1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
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1 tsp kosher salt
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5 garlic cloves
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp sherry vinegar
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1/2 cup olive oil
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2 tsp honey
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4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets
DIRECTIONS
1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.
Learning Meteor Produce Smores Sunscreen Yardwork
Backpack Books
Daffodil Festival Friends Harvest
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Back-to-School: Medicare Annual Enrollment Edition
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Enhance Your Mind and Memory With ... Reading?
When the Kids Are Away, Parents Can Play
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You Can Generate Wealth Even in Retirement!
Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
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A Guardian Angel Covered in Fur
A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS
How Willow Saved Her Owner’s Life
We all wish our pets would be there for us in an emergency. Dogs, cats, and other animals can accomplish amazing feats when provided with enough love and care, and a cat from Liverpool named Willow recently proved that many times over. A cat’s sense of smell is incredibly effective at detecting when something is abnormal, and Willow used her nose to save her owner in the nick of time. For many with diabetes, falling into a diabetic coma is a constant concern, and they regularly check their blood sugar levels and take insulin shots to avoid that scenario. Amanda Jameson, a 51-year-old woman from Liverpool, received a diabetes diagnosis years ago but had always stayed on top of it. In April 2023, she fell asleep while her blood sugar was dangerously low. Thankfully, her cat, Willow, noticed something was wrong and sprang into action.
watching television. Willow proceeded to bite his leg and jump on him until he woke up around 4 a.m. He could tell something was wrong, as this was abnormal behavior for Willow, so he followed her to the bedroom, where he spotted his wife. She was slumped over and unresponsive, and he immediately called her an ambulance. Doctors informed Amanda’s husband that she was moments away from slipping into a diabetic coma, but Willow had smelled something off and gotten help before it was too late. Most pets would get a few extra treats for their heroism, but Willow’s feats earned her a more prestigious award. The National Cat Awards named Willow as a finalist for their “Moggy Marvels” category. If Willow wins, she’ll receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher, and a year subscription to Cats Protection’s “The Cat” magazine. Although Willow likely doesn’t care about the trophy or the subscription, she’ll be happy enough with £200 worth of goodies and her owner safely by her side.
Willow went to the living room, where Amanda’s husband had fallen asleep
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