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MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM Health Matters
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
Do What Makes You Happy, and Do It Now! The Whole World Awaits
Life sure can be unpredictable, with everything going on — inflation, war, all sorts of risks — it looks pretty negative if you really start to focus on it. So, what do you do to snap yourself out of it? Please, go do whatever it is you wanted to do, and do it
that he did it, especially at that age. He’s even gone skydiving, and they take those videos of them jumping out and floating in the air, and all you can see is him smiling and really enjoying himself. Which is what it’s all about.
now! If you’re reading this, you may be retired or about to. You have worked hard, saved your money, and now it’s time to invest in yourself. The distance and the destination are not critical — it’s the fact that you’re doing it at all. We only have one life to live, so go out and do the things that bring joy and happiness, whatever that may be. We get all caught up in politics and gas prices being five bucks, and don’t get me wrong,
We tend to not realize or appreciate how lucky we are. But when we visit different places and try new things, we can appreciate what the world has to offer. Traveling is a unique experience that will stay with you forever. Not many people are able to travel when they’re younger, and traveling isn’t cheap, to be honest. Therefore, most people only get
“You have worked hard, saved your money, and now it’s time to invest in yourself.”
it doesn’t mean I don’t get annoyed, either. But take advantage of the endless opportunities to have a positive attitude and enjoy the life you’re living. You could travel to a new city, immerse yourself in a new culture, or even go see a national park! That’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I’d love to rent an RV or something and go out and look at what nature has to offer. I would just encourage folks to figure out what they have always wanted to do. Now that you have some time on your hands, make the most of it! My father turned 92 this past May, but when he was in his 70s, he took my nephew out on a rafting trip down the Grand Canyon. I believe it is a 2–3 year appointment you have to plan and book out, and he’s an older gentleman out there waiting to ride a raft! Rafting is not like a stroll in the park, either, so it’s very impressive
to travel when they are in retirement — but hey, better late than never! I’ve had a client send me an email from Italy, greeting me in Italian, and another who told me about how he drove an Indy car a couple of laps around the track, and those things get up to like 150 mph! Anything you can possibly think of is out there if you can do it. The truth is that the world we live in — though crazy and unpredictable — is extraordinary and will never stop amazing us. So, whether you visit an exotic country, take a simple trip to a new city, or try something you’ve always wanted to do, do it now! Treat yourself to a new experience, because you deserve it.
—Tim Hanbury
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HEADS UP!
Recorded Calls Starting Oct. 1
What Our Clients Think!
We have seen many questions regarding the Medicare final rule that requires agents to record telephonic conversations with beneficiaries beginning Oct. 1, 2022. The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) spoke with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officials from the Division of Surveillance, Compliance, and Marketing to gain further insight into the scope of the final rule’s requirements for recording beneficiary phone calls. The recording requirement will apply to all agents who enroll beneficiaries into new plans, whether they are current or new clients. Online applications that agents walk through with their clients are also subject to recording. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPS) are exempt from this rule.
“You were available when needed. You patiently answered my questions. You offered rationales when I was stuck between choices. You pointed out that I would get a discount if both members in the same family use the same company for our supplemental provider. It didn’t make me feel rushed or pressured to make a decision. You even made phone calls to drug companies to see if they could assist with outrageous prices of medications. You are thorough and understanding. You don’t charge a fee for your service.”
We will continue to keep you updated and informed as we move forward with these discussions.
–Kevin Lenehan, client since 2019
“Medicare, is one of the most difficult, complicated programs I have ever tried to make the correct choices about! Jason Mackey breaks everything down where the average person can understand and choose the perfect plan for them! He is always a phone call or visit away! So glad to have him on my side! I recommend him to anyone who has health insurance questions! Thanks again!”
–Sheila Restivo, client since 2018
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Understand the Value of a Local Agent PUTTING THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE TOGETHER
When it comes to sales pitches about insurance to fill the gaps in Medicare coverage, a lot of incomplete and deceptive information can be involved. Sometimes, even total misinformation. Back in 2018, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath spoke in a television advertisement telling viewers to get everything they’re entitled to, at no extra cost, and it’s completely
to telling the full story of Medicare plan benefits offered in your area.
claims and put those into a spreadsheet to make sure everything is going to the right places. This also means they will be in the know about any upcoming changes within Medicare, so you won’t be caught off guard. Since different areas offer different plans, it’s essential to have a local agent who is well-versed in the plans and products they offer in your area. This protects you from enrolling in plans that may not have what you need in its network. If the right agent knows what you need and what plans are in your specific area, finding a suitable Medicare plan is much more likely. So, if you want to look into it, by all means, please, give us a call! We’ll be more than happy to investigate it as long as you provide us with all the information we need to do a good job for you.
Working with a local agent can help you better understand your coverage and benefits versus a call center. Call centers are designed to sell products, and sometimes it’s hard to wrap your head around it if you don’t understand your benefits. Most questions will lead to more questions, and the search for a plan can be
free when you call the number on the screen.
The problem is that the actual cost can be substantial compared to Namath’s claim that it is free. Pitches like Namath’s can be very misleading and do not even come close
downright confusing with all the options they offer.
None of it is hard, though, if you speak with a local agent. They put the pieces of the puzzle
together for you. They pull every one of your
GRAPE, GOAT CHEESE, AND HONEY STUFFED SWEET POTATOES
This sweet and savory appetizer is perfect for the transition between summer and fall.
WORD SEARCH
Inspired by HowSweetEats.com
DIRECTIONS
1. 2.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
With a fork, poke holes in potatoes. Tightly wrap each in aluminum foil. On a baking sheet, place potatoes and roast for 45–60 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove and unwrap foil. With a knife, slit each potato down the middle.
3.
4.
INGREDIENTS • 4 sweet potatoes •
5. Increase oven to 450 F. 6. On a nonstick baking sheet, drizzle the grapes with grapeseed oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast for 20–25 minutes. Using a spoon, remove sweet potato flesh while keeping shape intact. 8. In a large bowl, mash sweet potato flesh with 3 oz goat cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and honey. 9. 7. Scoop filling back into potatoes. Top with remaining goat cheese, grapes, and drizzled honey.
2 cups seedless red grapes
•
1 tsp grapeseed oil
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1/4 tsp salt, plus a pinch
APPLES BOOKBAG CIDER FOOTBALL HERITAGE HONEY
LABOR LITERACY MUSHROOM
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1/4 tsp pepper, plus a pinch
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4 oz goat cheese, divided
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2 tbsp honey, plus additional for drizzling
SAPPHIRE SUPPLIES UNION
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Pinch of cinnamon
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Pinch of nutmeg
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE
DISCLAIMER FROM MEDICARE BLUEPRINT ADVISERS WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK
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LET THEM WALK YOUR THROUGH THE PROCESS GRAPE, GOAT CHEESE, AND HONEY STUFFED SWEET POTATOES
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DIY FALL SCAVENGER HUNT FOR THE FAMILY
READY, SET, SCAVENGE! Explore What Autumn Offers
As the leaves begin to fall and the air becomes cooler, it is a sure sign that summer is slowly coming to an end. Though we will miss the pool parties and backyard barbecues, there is still lots to look forward to during fall. Autumn is known as the season of change, and getting the kids outside allows them to understand and explore the changes going on in the world around them. Creating a fall scavenger hunt is a great way for kids to practice their reading and observation skills, all while still enjoying the outdoors. SIGNS OF FALL Creating a specific scavenger hunt for signs of autumn is a great way to enhance your child’s observation skills.
FALL COLOR WHEEL The best way
to explore autumn’s colors is by creating a fall color wheel hunt! Since the leaves are the surest signs of fall, kids can compare and contrast the different colors of each leaf they find, making this a fun hands-on activity. You can either download a color wheel template from the internet or make one yourself! All you need is a piece of paper that’s big enough for kids to tape the leaves onto and different areas for the colors red, yellow, orange, and brown. This will help kids see the different kinds of leaves as well as their visual changes during the season. The weather is getting colder, but it doesn’t mean you have to hibernate too! Bundle up with a cozy sweater and beanie, and encourage the family to get outside to explore all of the wonderful changes autumn has to offer.
Consider the following for your signs of fall hunt:
1. Leaves that have changed colors 2. Tree seeds or pine cones that have fallen to the ground 3. Items from a fall harvest (like pumpkins, sunflowers, or hay bales) 4. Changes among people’s apparel (such as jackets, hats, and scarves) 5. Animals hibernating or migrating
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