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Club MED
June 2021
A REFLECTION ON FATHER’S DAY The Burden of Tough Love
I recently overheard my brother tell my nephews, “Study hard at school, so you’re not digging ditches.” I thought it was funny because our father used to say the exact same thing. Although I was not too fond of it while growing up, I am singing the same song. Now, with Father’s Day rolling around, I’ve started reflecting more on fatherhood in my life. Our dad was a very tough, hardworking guy. My brothers and I all worked steady jobs since we were 12 years old but, looking back, his stern advice deserves a lot of credit. If he hadn’t taught us how to have more grit in life, I wouldn’t have been able to push myself as far as I am today.
But even though I’ve always kept my distance, I really care about him. I worry about him. I wish he had more direction and drive. Even though I’m not in the official parent role, I feel the pull of the worry and responsibility. When Mason was growing up, I was traveling a lot, so I wasn’t around for him. Then he was off to college — then California. How do you give a kid advice and motivation about his future when you’re not the real parent? He’s always done a great job making movies, though. He’s definitely a talented creative. In short film competitions, he consistently ranked in the top three. He’s also written movie reviews for “The Reader” in Omaha for years. I hope Mason finds something that motivates him to drive as hard as he can. Maybe it’s the way I was raised, but there’s nothing more thrilling than dedicating time to sharpening your skills and being rewarded for it, even if it is not easy. Although I try to advise him now and then, it never feels like it’s my place, but I hope whatever place I do have in his life, it’ll help as much as my father helped me. A couple of days ago, Bev called. Mason had a medical emergency and was in an ambulance heading to the hospital. It’s a phone call every parent dreads. You definitely know how connected you are when you fly out the door before hanging up the phone.
Digging with a spade is hard work. It is even a harder way to earn a living. I saw what my father meant. Although my father’s tough love taught me a lot — and I feel like I learned from it — it is difficult to share the same lessons with a new generation. By the time I became part of Bev’s life, her son, Mason, had been without a father for a couple of years. His dad died from cancer at 36. Bev didn’t want me to take on the responsibility of another man’s child, so she made it clear from the beginning she would raise Mason. I’ve always respected that. Then recently, Mason and his girlfriend, whom he’d been with for eight years, broke up. He moved back home from California. It was a trying time for Mason. He stayed with us for a while as he got back on his feet, got a new job, then recently moved out. That’s all good news, of course, and he’s been handling the breakup well. House is quiet now. I miss the noise.
While I was in Mexico and trying to learn Spanish, I saw people digging
ditches to lay pipes. It’s a lot cheaper to pay people pennies rather than using an expensive machine. That type of work is exhausting. When I was in a rural parish, the male neighbors dug the grave for the deceased. I pitched in a few times.
Christopher J. Grimmond
Medicare Insurance Made Easy
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DROWNED BY BEER: THE 1814 LONDON BEER FLOOD
Were there consequences for the brewery? The streets of St. Giles smelled like beer for many months afterward. The flood cost the brewery over £23,000 pounds (£1.25 million pounds today), but they were able to reclaim the excise duty paid on the beer and were granted £7,250 (£400,000 today) as compensation for the barrels of lost beer, which saved them from bankruptcy. But what about the deaths? Although the brewery was taken to court, the London courts ruled the flood was an “Act of God,” and the eight victims had lost their lives “casually, accidentally, and by misfortune.” Nobody was held responsible. We’re not so certain the Horse Shoe Brewery would’ve been as lucky in American courts! Thanks for joining us in remembering this very strange historical event, and we’ll see you next month.
Drowning from beer became a real and dangerous cause of death in 1814, when the iron rings on massive vats of beer snapped loose. This bizarre, tragic event claimed the lives of eight people. Here’s the story about the time a tsunami of hot, fermenting beer came pouring down on densely populated streets of London.
snapped. An hour later, the whole tank broke open, releasing hot, fermenting ale with such incredible force that the back wall of the brewery collapsed. It also crashed open several more vats, releasing nearly 320,000 gallons of beer into the area. It created a 15-foot wave of beer and debris. The flood swept through the St. Giles Rookery, a densely populated London slum filled with cheap housing inhabited by prostitutes, criminals, and the destitute. Eight people — Irish mourners in a basement, a mother and her child, and a teenage barmaid — were killed. Despite the dangers, some people scooped up as much liquid as they could in whatever containers they could find. Consequently, a ninth death was reported days later due to alcohol poisoning.
An ‘Act of God,’ London courts proclaimed.
In St. Giles, London, the Horse Shoe Brewery stood at the corner of Great Russell Street and Tottenham Court Road — which is nearly in the exact middle of London. They had 22-foot- high wooden fermentation tanks installed on the premises, held together by massive iron rings. These vats held over 3,500 barrels of brown porter ale, which is a beer similar to stout.
During one busy afternoon on Oct. 17, 1814, an iron ring around the tank
UNIQUE MEDICARE 2021 CHANGES, PART III HISTORIC MEDICARE CHANGES THIS YEAR
In the nine years I have offered Medicare Advantage plans, I have seen the number and especially the quality of the plans increase significantly. Nationally, more Medicare Advantage plans are offered now than ever before. In Nebraska and Iowa, I have seen the number of counties offering quality plans explode. There are now over 4,800 Medicare Advantage plans nationwide, an increase of 76% over 2017. The average person will choose from 33 plans offered by eight different insurance companies, with some areas having as many as 60 different plans. Besides, the number of Special Needs Plans (SNPs) also increased to nearly 1,000 in 2021, a sizable jump. SNPs are for the chronically ill or very poor. The increase in SNPs means more people have access to low-cost plans with extra benefits to manage chronic conditions and diseases. Medicare Advantage Premiums in 2021 Average Medicare Advantage premiums dropped for the fourth consecutive year to $21 in 2021, down from $25 in 2020. Nearly 90% of all Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Another thing to note is that the Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket maximum will increase to $7,550 in 2021, up significantly from $6,700 in 2020. However, the vast majority of insurance companies set their out-of-pocket max well below the government limit. In 2020, the average Medicare Advantage out-of-pocket maximum was $4,900. Medicare Advantage and ESRD The most heartening plan change for Medicare Advantage is ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease). When I first started, the only preexisting condition that excluded someone from enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan was ESRD. While I didn’t have that situation very often, it was sad when I couldn’t offer Part C to clients. There’s good news for people with ESRD in 2021. For the first time, people with ESRD have low-cost options to control their health care expenses with a Medicare Advantage plan. Access to Medicare Advantage when you have ESRD is massive, so let me and my team know if this applies to you or someone you love and stay tuned for more Medicare information.
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SPEND ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT! Save on Medigap
There are two ways to get your Medicare: Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap). For those of you who have a Medicare Supplement policy, you are paying a monthly premium. When I enrolled you, we chose the lowest cost supplement because Medigap plans are “exactly the same coverage,” as the official Medicare handbook says. The only difference is the price. Prices, however, go up. Inflation for April 2021 was 4.2%, according to the CPI (Consumer Price Index – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Last April 2020, inflation was closer to 0. That is a significant increase. When medical costs go up, an insurance company keeps pace in two ways: age increases and rate increases. The age increases are hard- baked into the policy. We know those numbers going into the Medigap plan. I look at those age increases, and that goes into which Medigap plans I suggest. Rate increases, however, depend on a lot of factors, like inflation, the number of claims in your region, Medicare shared costs. Shared costs are Part B premium, deductibles, and coinsurance. The Medigap policy must cover those costs. If they expand, then the Medigap policy takes on more expense. All those factors are in the future and are unknown.
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... continued from Front
One of the reasons I call you on your birthday, besides wishing you a happy birthday, is to find out how your Medicare plan is working. If you are on a Medigap policy, I want to check your monthly premium. There may be a lower-cost plan available. Saving money is a good thing. I am sure you have other things and people you would like to spend the money on. My executive assistant, Angie Armstrong, can take a quick application over the phone. No need to come into the office. The biggest Medicare mistake I run into repeatedly is finding people who think they can only change their Medicare Supplement during “Open Enrollment” in the fall. No, you can change your policy year-round. You answer some simple health questions, fill out the application, and you have a response back in a couple of days. If you do not pass underwriting, you stay on your current Medigap policy. If you are approved, you move seamlessly over to the same coverage at a lower cost. The Annual Election Period (AEP) is Oct. 15— Dec. 7 . (People call it open enrollment). That is the time to change Part D drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare Supplements, however, can be changed all year round. The annual election period is a super busy time, so it would be much better for everyone to look at
“Christopher J. Grimmond helped me to select new insurance that cut my costs nearly in half, yet has provided very good coverage. Chris has stayed in touch and continued to offer his services and gives me information about what is happening in the world of insurance coverage. He does this in a personable way that communicates service rather than high pressure sales.” –Paul F. “I remember three years ago the daunting task of understanding the intricate facets of Medicare and all of the insurance plans available. Chris simplified the task. He and Angie have guided me yearly as needed to the same insurance coverage, with lower premiums. Both have their clients well-being in mind. It is peace of mind that the client doesn’t have to do the leg work looking at plans for the best dollar value. They do that service for you. Omaha Insurance Solutions is professional, thorough, easily accessible, and personable. The service and people are great!”
–Dwaine L.
your Medigap policy now. Please, give us a call. We can quote you a Medigap policy rate over the phone. If it makes sense, we can make the change. Save on your Medigap policy so you can spend it on what’s important!
“Very helpful. Saved me money because of his expertise. Cannot thank him enough for his help. Him and Angie are truly wonderful to work with.”
–Barbara E.
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Reduce Joint Pain With These 5 Healthy Foods If you’re experiencing joint pain, proper exercise is one of the most important things you can do to reduce it. However, managing your weight and eating healthy are also very important factors. With these five delicious healthy foods, you’ll be surprised how youthful you can feel! No. 1: Colorful Fruits Try popping a cup of blueberries or apples into a green smoothie. Their antioxidants can help “turn off” the inflammatory responses in your body. Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delicious ways to get healthy, fresh fruits into your diet. For example, tomatoes are indeed fruits and are also rich with antioxidants! It’s as good an excuse as any to cook up a fresh pot of marinara pasta.
Testimonial
“I am very impressed. Chris did a wonderful job explaining my Medicare options. He even came to my house several times to make it easier for me and so my husband could be a part of the meeting. I know that if I have any questions, I can get them answered right away. I will be recommending Omaha Insurance Solutions to my family members.” –Vicki T.
Happy belated birthday to Bertha Krantz, who turned 102 on May 2!
No. 2: Brassica Vegetables Also known as cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens like mustard greens, arugula, kale, and purple cabbage are in the brassica family. Other
Iced Green Tea, 2 Ways
Inspired by 101Cookbooks.com
popular brassicas include broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. This subset of vegetables is known to block an enzyme that causes swelling in your
Nothing says summer like a glass of iced tea. Enjoy these two twists on a classic summer soother.
joints. They’re also full of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients for your overall well-being, so you won’t regret eating brassicas regularly. No. 3: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Whether you’re getting these fatty acids from coldwater fish or olive oil, it’s very important to consume a healthy amount of omega-3s to reduce pain. Not only do omega- 3s reduce inflammatory proteins in the body, but they’ll also improve your brain function and lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. No. 4: Garlic and Root Vegetables Garlic, ginger, turmeric, and onions all have anti- inflammatory properties. Many studies (and historical healers) have relied on these root vegetables to treat symptoms of arthritis and other joint pain. Luckily, it’s easy and delicious to tie in these ingredients to boost any meal’s flavor. No. 5: Bone Broth It’s not just a trend! Glucosamine, chondroitin, and amino acids are scientifically proven to help maintain healthy joints. Even better, you’ll also find calcium in bone broth to support bone density. There’s still debate about whether the collagen in bone broth can help stimulate regrowth of cartilage, but, in any case, it’s been shown to reduce joint pain and increase function for people with arthritis.
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp loose-leaf green tea • 4 cups filtered water, divided Option 1: Rose and Coriander • 1 tbsp dried rose petals • 1 tbsp whole coriander seeds Option 2: Ginger Mint • 1 handful fresh mint leaves • 1 inch fresh ginger, cut into coins
Directions
For Rose and Coriander Tea: 1. In a large pitcher, place green tea, rose petals, and coriander seeds. 2. Bring 1/2 cup water to just below boiling. 3. Pour hot water over tea leaves, petals, and seeds. Let steep for 10 seconds, then add the remaining 3 1/2 cups water. 4. Refrigerate 4–8 hours until tea reaches your desired strength. Strain and serve over ice. For Ginger Mint Tea: 1. Follow the instructions above, substituting the mint leaves and ginger coins for the rose petals and coriander seeds.
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INSIDE This Issue
1
The Burden of Tough Love
2
The 1814 London Beer Flood
2
People With ESRD Can Now Qualify for Medicare
3
Reduce Joint Pain With These 5 Healthy Foods
3
Iced Green Tea, 2 Ways
4
Superfoods Are Not So New ...
Kale, Seaweed, and Other Not-So-New Superfoods
There’s nothing so trendy as a new superfood or diet, and the “in vogue” ones change constantly. Older readers may remember the Atkins diets and other fads of the early 2000s, but younger ones may not even remember a time before the paleo diet was a thing — and it’s already almost a thing of the past. Many things we associate with these trends, though, are anything but new. We see this most clearly with the grains we turn to in the name of health. Westerners generally wouldn’t be familiar with quinoa, amaranth, teff, or kamut if it weren’t for their presence in the hippest healthy-eating Instagram
for 3,000–5,000 years. Teff, which is technically a grass seed, was one of the first domesticated plants, emerging thousands of years ago in what is now Ethiopia. Alternate sources of protein and fiber show a similar trend. Seaweed — the perennial favorite of Twitter dieters everywhere — has been consumed in China, Korea, and Japan since before recorded history. If you know anything about recorded history in those regions, then you know that’s a long time! And kale, whose reputation precedes itself, has been cultivated since at least 2,000 B.C. in Greece, Asia Minor, and other parts of the Mediterranean. So, the next time you dig into your favorite health food, take a moment to Google what you are eating. You might be part of a long line of human beings who have turned to that food for sustenance over the millennia!
feeds. Many of these foods hail from Africa or the Far East, so it’s understandable we don’t know them all — but there’s nothing really new about them. People in the Americas and the Old World have eaten quinoa
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