DON’T STRESS — IT’S DEDUCTIBLE TIME Is Your Copay $500 This Year?
Testimonial
“Chris made getting into Medicare easy.”
I wonder if you heard a big sigh of relief come from 11414 W. Center Road, Suite 250, on Dec. 8 just a month ago.
Annual Election Period (AEP) for Medicare is Oct. 15–Dec. 7. That is when Medicare beneficiaries may change their Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plans. We were running our fingers off entering prescriptions into the Medicare software to determine the most economical plans for clients. We ran hundreds of plans and probably changed an equal number. Every year, Medicare plans adjust drug coverage and copays. Even if your medications have not changed, the plans may change and drastically affect you. It is crucial, especially if you are on expensive medications, to check that you have the best plan for your situation. On Jan. 1, all of the 2022 Part D plans begin. This year, Jan. 1 is on a Saturday, but I do not think that will make any difference. The phone will start ringing off the hook for the first week of the new year. Most of the Part D plans have a $480 deductible. Last year, the deductible was $445. People will go to the pharmacy to pick up their medications, and some will have hefty copays. It happens every year, and I get distress calls. Even from people who have been through this multiple times. They seem to forget January is deductible time.
–Kim S.
Deep-Fried New Year’s ‘Cookies’
Inspired by MennoniteGirlsCanCook.ca
What do you get when you mix a cookie and a doughnut? A portzelky! This traditional Mennonite “New Year’s cookie” is perfect for sharing.
Ingredients • 2 tbsp yeast • 1/2 cup water, warmed • 1/2 cup and 1 tsp sugar, divided • 5 eggs, beaten • 1/4 cup butter, softened
People get used to paying $45 or $35 for their insulin or Eliquis. Then in January, the bill at the pharmacy counter is $500. Shock!
• 2 1/2 cups milk, warmed • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 4 cups raisins • 7 cups flour • 4 cups canola oil
I agree that humongous medication copays are not the way to begin the new year. It is worse than the credit card bill that comes in February. At least with Christmas gifts, you have something to show for the expense. The reality, however, is these copays are part of many people’s permanent budget. Unfortunately, there is no secret Medicare plan out there that takes away the cost. There are 22 Part D plans in this Omaha-Lincoln-Council Bluffs area. No more, no less. A few do not have the $480 deductible, but their premium is significantly higher, and so are the copays — the total cost matters when determining the best plan for the year. I suggest working with your doctor to make sure you have the lowest-cost medications that work for you. Check to see if the medication may be lower at another pharmacy on your plan. Like Baker’s and Walgreens, pharmacies have their own programs that discount certain medications. Discount cards, like GoodRx, offer coupons sometimes that significantly discount medications from what a Part D plan offers. For enormously expensive medications like Enbrel, contacting the pharmaceutical company may be the only viable option. Enbrel can run $6,500 per month. With few exceptions, you cannot change your Part D plan until next year. Call us if you find yourself in a difficult position with your medications. Two heads are better than one in figuring things out.
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine yeast, water, and 1 tsp sugar. Wait 10 minutes. 2. Stir in remaining sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and salt. 3. Fold in the raisins and flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for an hour. 4. In a high-sided pot or deep fryer, heat canola oil to 340 F. Line a plate with paper towels. 5. Drop a rounded tablespoon of dough into the oil. Fry until golden brown, then set aside on the plate. Poke the cookie with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s cooked through! 6. Repeat until the batter is gone.
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