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MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM Health Matters
MARCH/APRIL 2024
EMPOWER YOUR MIND THROUGH BOOKS Embark on a Literary Journey
Reading, like thinking, praying, talking to a friend, or listening to music, can take you on a journey. From the comfort of our couches, we can visit a fantasy world, another country, a tranquil lake, or a beautiful beach. March 2 is Read Across America Day, and we want to celebrate.
lessons that enrich our lives, stimulate our curiosity, promote contemplation and reflection, and affirm the myriad possibilities available to every person. I’ve found that I’m drawn to a certain type of book — I enjoy novels and stories that can pull me into the story and visualize the words on the pages coming to life. A good book can vividly describe
creating a book takes way longer than you think, reading is my passion. I took my love for books and decided to create my own with Jason’s help. He set up the outline perfectly, and I was able to shovel through the logistics. You need a solid team backing you up to reach a certain level of accomplishment. Having a positive mindset will make all the difference in the world! The success of our new book is due to us staying within the process. Our goal was not to wing but to ensure that a plan in motion made all the difference. We know that simple is more effective. We are so proud of the outcome because we know how much effort and work is dedicated to creating this book. Behind the creation of the book was the desire to share knowledge. It’s not about selling something but helping our readers find what they are looking for. My pride and joy in reading are so strong that I want all of my clients to feel the reward as well. Happy Read Across America Day, everyone!
On Read Across America Day, our nation recognizes the value of
literacy to our democracy. We celebrate the books that inspire people to dream big, expand the limits of their understanding, and explore diverse perspectives and cultures through the eyes of others. We also honor educators, parents, librarians, authors, mentors, and everyone who fosters the power of reading to open doors of opportunity and build greater awareness about the complex world around us. Knowledge is power. Books impart
what you are reading. I am a big fan of Stephen King because his work is funny and scary. Jack London is another of my favorite
authors because he has a special way of capturing images. His writing makes it easy to picture what was happening in my mind. I never realized how much time goes into crafting a book until I sat down to write one myself. At 63, I decided to expand upon my passion for reading and
—Jason Mackey & Tim Hanbury
create a literary work of my own. Although
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Heart disease claims the lives of approximately 647,000 Americans annually, making it the leading cause of death among both men and women. Certain factors increase the risk of developing heart disease, including age and family history. Men and women ages 55 and older, as well as individuals from families with a history of early heart disease, are also susceptible. While genetic factors are beyond our control, Medicare offers preventive measures to manage heart disease risk. Through Medicare’s preventive heart health benefits, individuals can access early screenings to detect health issues, enhancing treatment effectiveness. Many of these services are covered by Medicare Part B at no additional cost. Specifically, Medicare Part B covers cardiovascular screening blood tests, available once every five years, and cardiovascular behavior therapy visits, which individuals can schedule annually with their primary care doctor or in a primary care setting. These services monitor cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels, identify conditions that may lead to heart attacks or strokes, and provide behavioral therapy to mitigate heart disease risk factors. HEART HEALTH IS WEALTH Protect Yourself With Medicare
“I take comfort in knowing any questions I have will be answered.” –Richard Easterlin “You are honest and help us select a plan that meets our expectations and needs. No super hype, just good common sense!” –Robert Formby Jr. What Our Clients Think!
During these visits, physicians offer guidance on preventive measures, such as aspirin use and healthy eating habits, while monitoring blood pressure levels. By leveraging
Medicare’s preventive heart health
benefits, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease- related complications. This preventive care visit allows you and your doctor to collaboratively assess your medical and family health history. Together, you create or review a personalized prevention plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan acts as a checklist, incorporating screenings, vaccinations, and other recommendations your doctor proposes to promote overall health and well-being. Staying proactive with your health is paramount for maintaining your longevity. By taking preventive measures and actively participating in healthcare decisions, you empower yourself to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. Ultimately, investing in your health today ensures a brighter and healthier future for tomorrow.
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MAXIMIZING YOUR MEDICARE MEDICARE PART D
generic or biosimilar competition. The administration highlighted this as the first instance where Medicare refused to accept the drug prices set by pharmaceutical companies. However, it noted that Medicaid, the Department of Defense, and the Veterans Health Administration already possess the authority to negotiate drug prices, typically paying less than Medicare for top-selling brand-name drugs. Medicare remains a principle that offers access to quality healthcare and is a fundamental right for all Americans, regardless of age or income. Through collective efforts and commitment, we can ensure that Medicare continues to fulfill its critical mission of promoting health and well-being for future generations.
Medicare has initiated long-awaited negotiations with pharmaceutical companies to lower the costs of the initial 10 Part D drugs chosen under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. By Sept. 1, 2026, the new negotiated prices for these drugs are anticipated to be disclosed and made effective. As the largest purchaser of prescription drugs in the nation, Medicare plans to select up to an additional 60 drugs for the program over the next four years, followed by up to 20 more drugs annually after that. The participating drugmakers in these negotiations include AstraZeneca AB, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Immunex, Janssen Biotech, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Merck & Co., Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk,
and Pharmacyclics. Last year, Medicare selected the inaugural 10 drugs for inclusion in the program, which encompass Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, Januvia, Farxiga, Entresto, Enbrel, Imbruvica, Stelara, and Fiasp/NovoLog under Part D coverage. In 2022, approximately nine million Medicare beneficiaries were prescribed these drugs in the program’s initial phase. Despite all 10 drugs being priced three to eight times higher in the U.S. than in other countries, drugmakers increased prices on six last month according to a separate statement from the administration. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, this program grants Medicare the authority to directly negotiate prices for certain high-cost, single-source drugs lacking
CHIPOTLE-INSPIRED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL
WORD SEARCH
Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS •
2 boneless chicken breasts
• • • • • • •
2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup white or brown rice, cooked 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
DIRECTIONS
•
• • • • •
1 cup canned corn
1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium- size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
1 cup canned black beans
1 avocado, cubed 1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup shredded cheese
AQUAMARINE BASKETBALL BUTTERFLY CLOVER DAFFODIL GREEN
IDES LEPRECHAUN MADNESS SPRING TANGERINE WOMEN
For Salsa •
1 tbsp chopped cilantro 1/2 tomato, chopped 1/2 onion, chopped 2 tbsp white vinegar
• • • • •
4 tbsp lime juice
Salt, to taste
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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TRANSFORM YOUR MIND WITH READING
2
MEDICARE SUPPORT FOR CARDIOVASCULAR CARE
WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK
3
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
CHIPOTLE-INSPIRED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL
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3 PET HERO STORIES
3 FURRY HEROES Jack, Togo, and Bandit Went Above and Beyond
Sometimes, heroes come sans cape but with fur, paws, and a keen sense of smell. We’ve heard the stories of police dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, and the German shepherd Trakr, who found the last survivor on 9/11. But even untrained pets and strays can be heroic. Meet Jack, a stray dog in New York City known for scavenging through dumpsters. One early morning, his routine search for food took a life-saving turn. Behind one of these dumpsters was a baby, wrapped in a blanket, vulnerable and alone. Instinctively and with remarkable gentleness, Jack picked up the baby in the blanket with his teeth. Whether guided by fate, an extraordinary sense of purpose, or just because it was the closest open business, Jack took the baby to the hospital. The nurses tried to shoo him away when he first ran through the sliding doors. One
nurse, noticing the bundle in the dog’s mouth, was able to get close enough to retrieve the baby. Thanks to Jack, the baby received life-saving medical attention. In the 1920s, the remote town of Nome, Alaska, grappled with a deadly diphtheria epidemic. Children were dying, and the icebound city was inaccessible by plane or boat in the winter. The only way to deliver the needed antitoxins was by dog sled on the Iditarod Trail. Balto, a Siberian husky, received most of the fame, but Togo, another husky, led the team across the most treacherous part of the journey. These dogs delivered life- saving medicine in time and saved many of Nome’s children. Cats can be heroes, too, as proved by a calico cat who lived up to his name in the most unexpected way. One night
in Mississippi, intruders were trying to break into a home. The house cat, Bandit, sensed the danger and sprang into action. The cat’s relentless scratching and tugging at its owner’s blanket finally woke him. Then Bandit led his human downstairs to discover the attempted break-in, which also scared away the intruders. Bandit proved that size and species don’t matter in heroism. In moments of crisis, these four-legged heroes rose to the occasion, not for glory or reward but out of pure love and loyalty. They are potent reminders of the courage and selflessness that animals are capable of.
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