Lyndon Thomas Insurance Spring 2019

LYN’S LEDGER

Lyndon Thomas Insurance

Spring 2019

We Help You With Medicare.

ALL RISE

HOW FULFILLING JURY DUTY SHED LIGHT ONMEDICARE

good thing, as the judge told us in the morning, because the problems and disagreements going on upstairs were getting settled without us. While we’d rather enjoy great health and not have to use our Medicare, it sure is great to have it there when we need it. Earlier this week, a client who’s been in Medicare for a little more than a year called me with a question about a detail of his policy. After we discussed the question, I asked him how it was working overall for him. Now, whenever I ask you this question, it’s with a little hesitation. Because — annual physical and preventive screenings aside — if you’re actually using the program we’ve enrolled you in, it probably means that a health challenge of one magnitude or another has roared into your life like a freight train. Otherwise in excellent health, my client recounted how a recent vacation went suddenly awry with an accident and injury. It was a real joy for me to hear how his Medicare plan performed for him, covering the services and therapies needed at a significantly lower cost than he had been paying before Medicare.

The guy behind me is snoring. The teacher across the table is correcting math tests. A few people around the room are writing. Open laptops are scattered around the room. Half or more of my neighbors are looking at their phones. Several old-stylers are actually reading books. Others are staring into space. All 200-plus of us are hoping for an uneventful day. If by now you are thinking, “It sounds like Lyn has jury duty,” you’re correct! The jury services manager started the day by informing us that there were 29 cases before the courts and our presence, regardless of whether we were chosen for a trial, was incentive for the individuals and parties on the third and fourth floors of the Hall of Justice to move forward and resolve matters without going to trial. The morning passed without anyone being called upstairs for jury selection. After having lunch with a friend, we settled back in for the afternoon. The number of trials on the board was reduced to 10. This was widely received by all as good news. Afternoon break arrived without a group having been called. At 3:25 p.m., the manager changed the 10 on the board to a zero, and then came on the microphone to congratulate us for a fantastic job of doing nothing all day! We were dismissed — duty fulfilled. A cheer went up from the crowd, “We get to go home early!”

Thank you for the opportunity to assist you with your Medicare needs.

Blessings,

Today’s jury duty experience reminds me of our health and Medicare. Not being used as a juror was actually a

–Lyn Thomas

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www.LT-ins.com

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Lyndon Thomas Insurance

GAME-FULLY EMPLOYED Turning to Video Games After Retirement

MACRA CHANGES TO MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2020 Information about changes to Medicare supplement policies has been causing some confusion recently. Please do not confuse the “parts” of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) with Medicare “supplement policies,” which are identified by some of the same letters. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS (MEDICARE PART C) AND STAND-ALONE PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) made a significant change to Medicare supplemental plans (also known as medigap policies). MACRA prohibits Medicare supplemental plans from providing first-dollar coverage of the Medicare Part B deductible for “newly eligible” beneficiaries on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Newly eligible individuals are those who turn 65 on or after Jan. 1, 2020, and those who become eligible for Medicare benefits for the first time due to age, disability, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Medicare supplemental Plans C, F, and High Deductible F (HDF) have traditionally covered 100 percent of the Part B deductible ($185 in 2019). For that reason, those plans will no longer be options for newly eligible beneficiaries on or after Jan. 1, 2020. WHAT’S HAPPENING TO SUPPLEMENT F?

The rise in popularity of game-streaming platforms like Twitch— a service seemingly only used by snarky teens playing under quirky aliases —has paved the way for a whole new generation of video game enthusiasts. They just might not be the type you had in mind. Clips and articles are popping up online showcasing how older generations of tech aficionados have taken to gaming en masse. Long gone are the days of grandparents calling grandsons in frustration to ask how to send an email. The current generation of seniors bucks the stereotypical ignorance of technology, embracing hand-held controllers and battle cries as they take on their decades-younger counterparts in the digital arena. One team in particular has stolen the spotlight of late: The Silver Snipers, bringers of destruction in “Counter-Strike” leagues around the world. The team from Stockholm, Sweden, took their talents to the stage of Dreamhack 2017, an esports tournament, where they battled it out against some of the world’s most skilled esports players. Their mission was simple: to show the world that gaming is for people of all ages. Each member picked up the game for different reasons; some played as a way to connect to their grandkids, while others did it to pass the time. One thing’s for certain: This alliance has turned into a hellscape for their opponents. With every team member being over the age of 60, the combination of BirDie, Windy, Knitting Knight, Teen Slayer, and Berra Bang — all gaming aliases — has proved to be a first-of-its- kind powerhouse in the growing circle of older gamers. As one member explained, the game is not just for having fun. Gaming has given the team a chance to connect and be a part of a massive worldwide community. The gameplay also allows for mental exercise. It offers teamwork challenges and improves cognitive function, multitasking skills, and reflexes.

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If The Silver Snipers are passing along one message, it’s that you’re never too young for an old-fashioned digital beat down.

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We Help You With Medicare.

... continued from page 2

eligible for Medicare prior to Jan. 1, 2020, Plans C, F, and HDF will remain available options and will include coverage of the Part B deductible. So, beginning in 2020, supplemental Plan G will be the new top-of-the-line plan. After the Part B annual deductible is paid, the G supplement functions exactly as an F — paying all out-of-pocket expenses after Medicare first approves and pays for medically necessary health care services.

SUDOKU Currently, Medicare supplemental plan options include 10 standardized plans, each with its own specified benefits/coverage levels. For those individuals eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020, there will only be eight plans from which to choose. Existing Plans C, F, and HDF will not be options for these newly eligible individuals. In other words, Plans C, F, and HDF will not be available to sell to Medicare beneficiaries who turn 65 on or after Jan. 1, 2020. However, Plans D and G will be available and will have similar benefits to Plans C and F (except for Part B deductible coverage). Existing, currently in-force Medicare supplemental Plans C, F, and HDF are not being discontinued. If you are currently enrolled in one of these plans, your C, F, or HDF will continue unchanged. For those who are

The changes discussed in this article affect only those who become eligible for Medicare

starting in January — for example, new 65-year-olds who are choosing a Medicare supplemental policy. Medicare Advantage plan members and stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans are not affected in any way by these changes.

EVERYTHING POPCORN

Instructions

Ingredients

1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. 2. In a large saucepan, combine popcorn kernels and oil. Cook over medium- high heat, covered, until popcorn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve.

• • • • • • • •

3/4 cup popcorn kernels 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds 2 teaspoons granulated garlic 2 teaspoons granulated onion

1/3 cup canola oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

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CA# 0D96309

805-646-6409

Lyndon Thomas Insurance

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

PO Box 207 Ojai, CA 93024

INSIDE

CA# 0D96309 | www.LT-ins.com | 805-646-6409

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There When You Need It

Age Is Only a Level Number

What’s Happening to Supplement F?

Everything Popcorn

Don’t Let the Rain Dampen Your Spirits

4 RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES

CREATE YOUR OWN FILM FESTIVAL Having a movie or TV series marathon is another great way to pass the time. You can watch some of the classics, like “Forrest Gump” or “Singing in the Rain,” fill the day with “The Lord of the Rings” series, or start a new Netflix show. If you want to involve your kids in the binge-watching, you can let them pick out one of their favorite movies too. PIECE TOGETHER A PUZZLE A rainy day is a great opportunity to pull out a puzzle. You can also grab your friends or family members and make the puzzle a team activity. With the whole day ahead of you, you’ll have several hours to devote to one of your favorite hobbies.

As the weather warms up, the urge to get out of the house becomes stronger. However, any plans you might have can be abruptly canceled due to rain. If you find yourself stuck inside for the day, here are a few activities to keep you occupied. GET BAKIN’ A wet and chilly day is an excellent opportunity to warm yourself up with some baked goods. Bake your favorite snickerdoodle cookies or fudge brownies, and pour yourself a mug full of hot chocolate or cider to get through the stormy day. READ A BOOK If you have a bookshelf full of novels you’ve not cracked open, a rainy day is the perfect time to jump in. Settle down on the sofa with a cuddly blanket and enjoy some uninterrupted reading. The rain smattering against your windows creates the perfect background noise to delve into the pages of a new adventure.

Don’t let the rain keep you down! Instead, take advantage of the weather and enjoy a cozy day at home.

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216-B E. Matilija St., Ojai, CA 93023

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