Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM Health Matters
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
YOU NEED TO RESPOND TO OUR RECENT MESSAGES! Have You Heard From Us?
Have you heard from us lately? In late August and early September, you should have received correspondence from us — both in the mail and an email format — regarding updates to Medicare enrollment and plans. We cannot stress this enough: It is important that you respond to our correspondence and provide your care information as soon as possible to ensure your needs are met through Medicare in 2025. Don’t rely on your coverage from 2024; significant changes in Medicare coverage may drastically impact what is covered in 2025. Medicare coverage, pricing, and regulations change every year, but the most recent batch of changes could both positively and negatively impact your Medicare coverage. Below is a simplified explanation of why this is happening. In 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Fortunately, this new act caps out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 annually and improves Medicare Part D prescription benefits.
However, some of the premium adjustments have altered the list of drugs covered by this plan, which could significantly impact some people. Additionally, this cap takes away 40% of the subsidy for those plans. Finally, Medicare Advantage plans — those with all those television advertisements — will be impacted because less money will be available. Unfortunately, we won’t know the scope of the impact of these changes for each person until we receive your care information. The impact could be 50 cents or $50, but we won’t know until we hear from you. If your Medicare plan does not address these changes, you could spend more in 2025 and risk neglecting the vital care you need and deserve. For example, if you have a supplement plan and you’re on a standalone Part B coverage plan, but we don’t change your plan between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, we may be unable to update this for another year.
We don’t want you scrambling for a year; your life and health are too important.
If you have not done so already, please take a moment to send us your information. Together, we can ensure you are protected and covered as best as Medicare will allow in 2025. Be sure to check your mail or email inbox. If you cannot find our correspondence, please contact our team immediately.
Thank you for helping us help you!
—Jason Mackey & Tim Hanbury
888-335-9498
1
As we approach World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, I’ve reflected on how our home became a canine haven. As a lifelong dog lover, I’ve always enjoyed having a dog in the house. But watching my wife’s transformation from reluctant dog owner to devoted “dog mom” has been miraculous. MY WIFE’S CANINE CONVERSION My wife wasn’t always a dog person. She had a bad experience with a dog in her previous marriage and didn’t want another dog. But when we decided to rescue a Goldendoodle, something magical happened. Watching her fall head over heels for our new furry friend melted my heart, and before I knew it, I was surprising her with a second pup for Christmas. Now, our home is filled with the pitter- patter of eight paws and more love than we ever thought possible. I may have slipped to third place in the household hierarchy, but the joy these dogs bring is worth every bit of lost status! PAWS FOR THOUGHT How Pets Boost Mental Health
“You are always willing to answer my questions and are very quick to get back to me. You give me several different options to choose from.” –Susan Crossley “I feel like you’re looking out for me and what is the best coverage for my situation. There is a feeling of trust.” –David Schultz “I really appreciated your proactiveness for the yearly reenrollment. And your personalized suggestions for What Our Clients Think!
DOGGY DELIGHT There’s something special about the way our four-legged friends lift our spirits. Whether it’s the excited tail wags that greet us every morning or the comforting presence during our evening Netflix binges, our furry companions have an uncanny ability to chase away the blues. And let’s not forget the built-in exercise program — daily walks aren’t just good for the dogs; they’re doing wonders for our physical and mental health! A PURPOSE BEYOND OURSELVES One of the most profound impacts I’ve noticed is how our dogs give us a sense of purpose. For many people, especially older folks, pets provide a reason to get up in the morning. There’s something incredibly motivating about knowing that another living being depends on you for care and companionship. It’s a responsibility that can be incredibly fulfilling, giving structure to our days and meaning to our lives.
my current needs.” –Patricia Hairfield
— Tim Hanbury
MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM
2
PAGES OF POSSIBILITY CELEBRATING READ A BOOK DAY
As an avid reader and book enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on Read A Book Day, which is just around the corner. In our fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to forget the simple pleasure of curling up with a good book. But today, I want to remind you why reading is essential for our minds and souls. THE POWER OF AUDIOBOOKS Like many of you, I’ve found it challenging to find time to sit down with a physical book. That’s why I’ve embraced audiobooks as a fantastic alternative. During my daily commute, instead of listening to the radio, I immerse myself in real and imagined stories about countless topics. Audiobooks are a great way to make the most of your time and keep your mind engaged, even when your hands are busy.
books on my counter that I’m eager to dive into when I find the time.
EXPLORING DIFFERENT GENRES While I gravitate toward business and marketing books, I’ve learned that a whole world of literature is out there waiting to be discovered. From gripping mysteries to heartwarming romances, there’s something for everyone. As we approach the cozy fall and winter seasons, why not challenge yourself to explore a new genre? You might be surprised by what you find!
As we celebrate Read A Book Day, I encourage you to carve out some time in your busy schedule for reading. Whether it’s an audiobook during your time in the car, a few pages before bed, or a lazy Sunday afternoon with your favorite novel, make reading a priority. It’s not just entertainment — it’s an investment in your mind and imagination. Let’s celebrate the joy of reading together and rediscover the worlds that await us between the pages. —Jason Mackey
THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF PHYSICAL BOOKS
Despite the convenience of audiobooks, there’s something magical about holding a physical book. The pages’ smell, the book’s weight, and the satisfaction of turning every page are experiences that digital formats can’t replicate. I still have a stack of
PERFECT PEACH COBBLER
WORD SEARCH
INGREDIENTS • Made with fresh, juicy peaches and a buttery, golden crust, this peach cobbler is the perfect blend of sweet and tart.
DIRECTIONS
6 cups sliced fresh peaches 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 tsp baking powder
• • • • • • • • •
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
ABUNDANT APPLES COOKOUT CRUNCHY FALL GOLDEN
GRANDPARENTS HARVEST
LABOR MAPLE SPORTS WINDY
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
• •
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
888-335-9498
3
7 GAMECOCK AVE., STE. 709 CHARLESTON, SC 29407 888-335-9498 MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR IMPORTANT MEDICARE UPDATES!
2
NATURE’S ANSWER TO MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES
WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK
3
REDISCOVER THE MAGIC OF BOOKS THIS FALL
PERFECT PEACH COBBLER
4
THE BELGIAN MALINOIS WHO PROTECTED AMERICA
A TAIL OF COURAGE K-9 Sonya’s Distinguished Service Is Recognized
A national hero from the U.S. Coast Guard had a lot to wag her tail about this year! K-9 Sonya, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois, was honored with the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal this March for her extraordinary heroism over the past nine years. The hardworking dog has a long list of achievements and continues to serve the Coast Guard proudly. Sonya was one of 18 explosive detection canines in the Coast Guard, assigned to two duty stations, the Maritime Safety and Security Team in Seattle and the Maritime Security Response Team West in San Diego. Alongside her human partner, Sonya’s primary job was to detect and detract acts of terrorism in the U.S. She has performed more than 5,000 hours of explosives detection work and more than 8,500 vehicle sweeps. The pooch’s expertise has helped other local law enforcement agencies handle bomb threats in residential and federal buildings, and she has worked with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. One of the highlights of her career was when she found a firearm that was ditched during a high-speed pursuit that was later linked to multiple homicides. Her work ultimately helped to identify the suspect.
Sonya has also had the opportunity to attend major events in the country, protecting guests and fans. Over her career, she worked security for four Super Bowls, the Rose Bowl, the U.S. Track and Field Olympics, U.S. World Athletics, PGA tournaments, and many other mass public gatherings. Sonya has assisted in security for four U.S. presidents, high-ranking dignitaries, and world leaders. Sonya retired in 2023 and was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer, but she didn’t let it stop her from continuing to serve. Sonya worked as the Coast Guard’s first-ever canine recruiter until her passing in April. In a heartfelt message online, Sonya’s handler, Chief Petty Officer James Grant, paid tribute to his partner. “Sonya girl, you were a fighter until the end,” he wrote. “Your loyalty and love will be forever remembered. K9 Sonya, you were the greatest, most loving dog I have ever met.”
Sonya’s brave legacy lives on and continues to inspire.
MEDICAREBLUEPRINT.COM
4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator