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Lights, Camera… Medicare? Smart Marketing, Right to Your TV June 2025
When most people think about Medicare insurance, they picture paperwork, plans, and maybe a headache or two. But for me and everyone at Omaha Insurance Solutions, this business is about people . It’s about understanding your health, budget, and needs and helping you navigate all the moving parts of Medicare with clarity and confidence.
Prairie , don’t be surprised when you see my shiny head pop up mid-program. Full disclosure: I hate being on camera. I love writing
That’s the heart of what we do. But here’s the truth: None of that matters if people don’t know we exist.
the ad scripts and planning
the campaign. But acting? Nope. Still, this isn’t Hollywood — it’s Medicare. And I’m the brand, so the show must go on. We finally got the footage after 27 takes, three sighs, and one near tantrum. Next time, I’m bringing Irish whiskey disguised as herbal tea. Anna, on the other hand? A natural. Cool, calm, and camera-ready. I suspect she may have had a little “liquid confidence” beforehand. And even Bev, who swore she’d never do it, stepped in to save the day. With her warm voice and reassuring tone, she absolutely nailed it. Honestly, I’d buy insurance from her, too. But here’s what makes this all worth it: We can target these ads directly to people 64 and older, right in their living rooms . It’s not just marketing. It’s smart marketing.
Which brings me to the real beast in the room: marketing . Marketing is how we get the word out. It’s how people find us instead of getting lost in a sea of junk mail, robocalls, and "free Las Vegas trip!" Medicare scams. And marketing isn’t cheap or easy. I briefly considered putting Anna on the corner of 114th and Center with a “Medicare Help Here!” sign. She might even enjoy it … especially if we let her add dance moves. I haven’t tested her twirls yet, but don’t rule it out. Instead, we’re doing something a little more refined: TV commercials . Yes, we’ve entered the glamorous world of local advertising. We’ve run spots on WOWT and now — brace yourself — we’re back with a new batch of ads. We even hit the streaming world on COZI. So, if you’re watching Bonanza , Gunsmoke , or Little House on the
So, if you happen to see a slightly awkward, bald, middle-aged guy talking about Medicare on your TV … that's me. Your trusted, experienced, and hopefully not-too- cringey licensed insurance agent. We’re doing this to keep helping people like you — and your friends, neighbors, and Aunt Judy — get the right Medicare coverage, from someone you trust.
And no, we’re not offering a free trip to Vegas. But we are offering peace of mind.
Licensed Insurance Agent –Christopher J. Grimmond
Call 402-614-3389 to speak with a licensed insurance agent! • 1
Medicare Insurance Made Easy
UNDERSTANDING PRIOR AUTHORIZATION IN MEDICARE PART D WHY CAN’T I JUST GET MY MEDICINE?!
ONE PLAN MAY APPROVE IT — ANOTHER MIGHT NOT
WHAT NEEDS TO BE ON THE FORM? • The correct diagnosis • A history of your condition or symptoms • Why other (cheaper) drugs won’t work • Follow the instructions closely
You may have heard about prior authorization in the news, or maybe you’ve run into it yourself. It’s when your Medicare plan says, “Hold on a minute … before we cover that, we need more info.” Over the past few years, prior authorization has become a big issue with Medicare Advantage plans. And now in 2025, we’re starting to see more problems with prescription drugs under Part D. Several clients called or emailed me this year about delays or denials in getting their medications. That’s new. So, let’s talk about what’s going on and what you can do about it. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING NOW? Because of the Inflation Reduction Act, your out-of-pocket drug costs will be capped at $2,000 . That’s great news for you, but it also means drug plans are now paying more. And when companies pay more, they ask more questions. That’s where prior authorization comes in.
One man told me he changed to a cheaper plan that saved him a few hundred dollars a year. But now, his expensive Tier 5 specialty drug needs prior authorization, and he can’t get it approved. He’s frustrated. But here’s the thing: I checked, and every plan in his area requires authorization for that medication. There was no way around it. Even some Tier 3 (preferred brand) and Tier 2 (generics) can require approval now. So, always check before switching plans. EVERY PLAN HAS ITS OWN FORMS AND PROCESS Another client said he waited two weeks for approval, only to find out his doctor sent the wrong form . That’s frustrating. Some forms are one page, others are nine pages long. You can find the right one by searching online for: “Part D prior authorization form for [Your Drug Plan Name]”
And yes, the form must be fully filled out or they’ll reject it.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? • Standard requests must be answered in 72 hours. • Urgent requests can be handled within 24 hours. But remember, that clock doesn’t start until the form is fully submitted with all the correct info. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP While your doctor is the one who submits the request, you can help make things go smoother: • Check your plan’s documents to see if your meds require prior authorization. • Don’t wait until the last minute — be proactive. • Print the right form and bring it to your doctor. • Watch your mail (or online account) for updates. • During Open Enrollment, shop around — but compare the pros and cons. Prior authorization can feel like a pain, but we need to deal with it more often now. And even though your doctor is in charge of the paperwork, you’re still part of the team. So, stay informed, stay ahead of it, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help. We're here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with a licensed insurance agent.
WHY DO DRUG PLANS WANT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION?
You can also call the plan directly — just be ready to wait on hold.
Here are the top three reasons:
WHO CAN SUBMIT THE REQUEST? • The doctor is the best person — they know why you need the medication. • You , the patient, can also submit it, with help from your doctor. • The pharmacist may be able to help, but can’t always do it alone. Example: A woman ran out of medicine and went to the pharmacy on a Sunday. She was shocked to learn she needed prior authorization. The pharmacist couldn’t help, and the doctor wasn’t available. That’s a tough spot.
• There’s a cheaper drug that works just as well. • The drug might be covered under Part A (hospital) or Part B (medical) instead of Part D. • The drug isn’t being used for what it’s usually approved for.
Other reasons might include:
• Medications that need extra monitoring. • Unusual doses or forms of a drug. • Controlled substances. • Drugs that could interact with others you’re taking.
2 • OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
Testimonial
No matter what we do, we can’t stop time. We grow a little older as every minute, hour, and day passes. We might not feel older mentally, but our bodies don’t move as well as they used to. It seems like it would happen as a slow, natural progression, but many people report feeling an onset of aging once they cross certain thresholds. A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that our bodies age faster when we enter our mid-40s and early 60s than at any other point in life. The study reviewed data from 108 people who donated blood and other biological samples throughout several years. Through their efforts, researchers found that nearly 81% of the studied molecules demonstrated age-related fluctuations when subjects reached their mid-40s and early 60s. Both age groups sustained molecule changes related to cardiovascular disease, caffeine metabolism, and skin and muscle groups. Those in their mid-40s saw changes related to alcohol metabolism, and those in their early 60s had changes in immune regulation and kidney function. The results of the study may make you feel powerless to stop these molecular changes once you reach these specific ages. However, like most health-related scenarios, you can take action to help offset age- related changes. Maintaining a balanced diet is one of the best ways to do this. You can eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins to improve and maintain your heart health. Eggs, chicken breast, and salmon can help strengthen your muscles. Citrus, leafy greens, and ginger are great for immune support. If you’re already committed to a healthy diet and are still worried about these changes, incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. Also, remember to get quality sleep. A regular and sound sleep schedule benefits our health in more ways than one. Aging doesn’t have to be stressful or scary. Knowing what to expect and countering potential obstacles will help you enjoy a long life full of happy moments! TIME TO TAKE CONTROL YOUR MIDLIFE MOLECULES ARE REVOLTING
“I highly recommend the Omaha Insurance Solutions Agency for your Medicare needs. When I scheduled my appointment to come into the office and speak with Chris, I had no idea the education he would provide me, making sure I understood my options as well as Chris understanding my needs. Medicare can certainly be confusing, but Chris took the time to efficiently answer my questions and explain the various benefits and costs. Anna and Hollie are a joy to work with as well. They have always promptly returned a call while providing exceptionally professional friendly service.” —Mary K.
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
This light, flavorful dish of tender, marinated beef slices can serve as a protein-rich appetizer or a tasty entree for a summer evening. Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional) • 1/2 cup water • 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch- thick slices • Bamboo skewers soaked in water Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
Call 402-614-3389 to speak with a licensed insurance agent! • 3
11414 W. Center Rd., Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68144
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
402-614-3389 OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com Chris@OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
Code 85755_06112025_JL
INSIDE This Issue
1
We Have New TV Ads!
Prior Authorization in Medicare Part D 2
You Can’t Stop Time, But You Can Slow
the Damage 3
Teriyaki Beef Skewers 3
4 The Hidden Innovators Behind Baseball’s Greatest Gear
Meet the Minds Behind Baseball’s Iconic Equipment A Glove, Bat, and Ball Transformed Baseball Forever
Baseball may be America’s pastime, but it didn’t appear out of thin air. The game we know and love today is a patchwork of early stick-and-ball games, tracing back centuries to England’s cricket and even as far back as ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Egyptians. But modern baseball started taking shape in 19th-century New York. Enter the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, which set the foundation in 1846 with official rules that included base paths, foul lines, and, mercifully , the elimination of tagging runners out by hurling the ball at them. Of course, baseball wouldn’t be what it is today without the brilliant minds who revolutionized its equipment . Three inventors, George Rawlings, John Hillerich, and Benjamin Shibe, took baseball’s core components and transformed them into game-changers.
George Rawlings was the first to look at a player’s bruised and battered hands and think, “There’s got to be a better way.” As a sporting goods store owner, Rawlings designed a padded baseball glove, patenting it in 1885. With added felt and rubber padding, his glove gave players much-needed protection while fielding fast-moving balls. Today, Rawlings’ baseball gloves are as essential to the game as the bases themselves. Then there’s John Hillerich, a German immigrant and skilled woodworker who ran a shop in Louisville, Kentucky. His game-changing moment came when his baseball-loving son needed a better bat. Hillerich’s new design had a harder surface to help players drive the ball farther, and in 1902, the famous Louisville Slugger was patented. More than a century later, the
bat remains one of the most iconic pieces of baseball equipment, wielded by legends past and present. And finally, Benjamin Shibe, the “Edison of baseball.” Before Shibe, baseballs lacked the durability needed for a high-powered sport. In 1909, he patented the cork- centered baseball, a tougher, more resilient ball that allowed for stronger, farther hits. His creation became the official ball of Major League Baseball in 1911, forever altering how the game was played. These three inventors helped shape baseball into the thrilling sport it is today. Next time you watch a game, remember that every leaping grab at the warning track, every solidly hit line drive, and every soaring home run snagged by an enthusiastic fan are built on a legacy of innovation.
4 • OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
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