Check out the very first edition of our newsletter!
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IS MEDICARE STRESSING YOU OUT? The Medicare Authority Is Here to Help!
As you head to your mailbox and sort through all your bills, junk mail, packages, and other items, you may have been shocked to see a newsletter from us. Surprise! It’s your friends at The Medicare Authority! Now, moving forward, you will receive a newsletter from us every month as we cover all things Medicare. But why did we decide to create a monthly newsletter? While you can contact us by phone, email, and in person, we wanted to create an outlet to provide resources on different topics and further help you as you venture into the world of Medicare. As you know, Medicare can be extremely confusing. What is covered under Medicare? Are you using all your benefits? What is included in each Medicare part? How do you know which plan is right for you? These questions and many others may race through your mind as you try to understand what plays a role in your plan. Additionally, TV and the internet provide a lot of information about Medicare. Unfortunately, most of it is incorrect. Many scams involving Medicare can be a source of stress for you and your family. Unfortunately, 2.4 million instances of fraud, identity theft, and other scams were reported to the Federal Trade Commission this year. More than 332,000 of these scammers were Medicare imposters! To bridge the gap and ensure scammers never victimize you, we wanted to create this newsletter to share credible information and help you weed through the garbage and false advertisement. Additionally, we wanted to highlight any changes within Medicare,
enjoying retirement, working part time, or spending time with your family. We all wear many different hats and take on several roles in our everyday lives, and it can be challenging to nurture relationships. Therefore, this newsletter is a tool to connect with you and strengthen our existing relationships. We are so excited to start this new chapter and happy you are joining us along this journey! We value you and your time, so thank you for your continued support. It’s been an honor working alongside you and helping you throughout the years. We look forward to strengthening our relationship and assisting you in the future. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re here for anything you may need. Be sure to check your mailbox every month; you may have something from us there!
“We are so excited to start this new chapter and happy you are joining us along this journey!”
advertise upcoming events, and share ways you can get the most out of your plan. Our newsletter will be your go-to place for all things Medicare!
–Lenore and Scott Mizenko
But most importantly, we wanted to stay in contact with all of our amazing clients. Everyone is extremely busy in their daily lives. Perhaps you’re
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SOCIAL SECURITY AND TAXES What You Need to Know
Many parents whose children have left home now find themselves with one or a few empty bedrooms. Some parents leave the rooms as-is in case anyone visits, but if you want to utilize the space, make your dog’s dreams come true by converting it into a doggy den! These rooms can help your dog feel safe and even give them a sense of security when alone. They also provide your four-legged family member with a space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed, like when grandkids visit or a stranger comes to repair your appliances. If you’re interested in turning an empty room into your pup’s playhouse, here’s what you need to know. CLOSE THE SPACE. Dogs love enclosed spaces, especially when they’re seeking time to themselves. This is why when converting an old bedroom to a doggy room, install a gate with a doggy door. It will allow your pup to go in and out while barring strangers walking around or toddlers trotting after them, which helps make your dog feel comfortable. MAKE IT SAFE! The most important part of converting your child’s bedroom into a dog room is to dog-proof it beforehand. Dogs are crafty, and when left to their own devices, they can get into things that may be poisonous for them. To make a room dog-proof, do the following: • Move any cleaning supplies or food (even if wrapped!) into another room. • Cover electrical cords with heavy-duty tape or rubber cord protectors. • Take out any trash cans or ensure they have a secured lid. • Remove any shoes, clothing, toys, or valuable items the dog should not chew. CONSIDER A SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM. If your pup is going to be left alone in this room, especially when you’re not home, it might be a good idea to install a camera to watch them. This way, if your dog does get into anything it’s not supposed to, you can immediately be made aware and take action. GET YOUR PUP SOME GAMES! Providing lick toys, such as Kongs or treat-dispensing balls, and puzzle toys to your dog gives them something to do when they’re in their new pad. You can even take some of their favorite treats and hide them around the room for them to find! These can occupy your dog’s time and keep them calm, even if your house gets rowdy. WHEN THE KIDS ARE AWAY, THE DOGS … MOVE IN?
As we help our clients navigate the world of Medicare, there is one thing we always get questions on — Social Security and taxes. In honor of tax season, here are four things you need to know about Social Security and taxes. IT’S ALL ABOUT INCOME — NOT YOUR AGE. A misconception people have about Social Security is that you will stop paying taxes on your Social Security once you reach a certain age. But that’s not true. The amount you pay in taxes on your benefits is determined by how much income you bring in. The IRS will add your adjusted gross income (AGI), tax-exempt interest income, and half of your Social Security benefits for the year to determine how much you owe. YOU CAN PRE-PAY A PORTION OF YOUR TAXES. You can opt-into withholding if you have to pay taxes on some of your Social Security benefits. When your taxes are withheld from your monthly Social Security payments, you can pre-pay part of the amount you owe in advance. When you sign up for Social Security, you can opt- in for withholding. Or you can sign up later by filling out IRS Form W-4V. THIS TAXATION RULE IS FOR ALL SS BENEFITS. If you have other Social Security benefits like retirement benefits, survivor benefits, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the tax rule applies to these as well. However, the amount you owe (if any) depends on your overall income. The one benefit that isn’t taxed is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). THESE TAXES HELP PAY FOR OTHER BENEFITS. Paying taxes on your Social Security benefits will go into the government’s Social Security and Medicare trust funds to pay for future benefits. So, while paying federal income taxes on a portion of your benefits may be annoying and confusing, you’re contributing to other benefits that come along in the future. Your friends at The Medicare Authority are here to help you understand your benefits and the best avenue to take to ensure you get the coverage you need. However, if you have any specific tax-related questions, please contact your tax advisor, or ask them about your Social Security benefits during your tax filing appointment.
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DON’T WAIT FOR THINGS TO GET BETTER
Are You Losing Money From Your 401(K)?
401(k)s. Seeing your hard-earned money be ripped away from you is heartbreaking, and you can’t afford to “wait for things to get better.” But all hope is not gone! With the help of The Retirement Authority, you don’t have to worry about your financial future. That means you can spend more time doing what you want to do during your retirement. The Retirement Authority can find the best solution for you and your needs. To book an appointment with Scott Mizenko, go to BookLTCcall.com. For additional resources, go to NorthEastLTCResources.com to
“Scott and Lenore have been helping me for five years, starting when I initially needed Medicare and all the confusing extras needed to go along with that. Each year, we review the plans to make sure I have the ones best suited to me. This year, however, I needed more help than just with Medicare. I called Scott and asked for his help with my retirement issues. Mainly just one issue, actually. The money I had saved for a lifetime was disappearing at an incredible rate before my eyes. It was terrifying. “I am 74 and cannot afford to wait for ‘things to turn around and come back.’ Scott has helped me get a plan in place that will secure my future. Throughout the planning sessions, Scott has always been beyond patient with me. He literally helps me every step of the way. He explains everything in terms I can understand. He always returns phone calls and texts. At 74, life can be stressful enough. I should not have to worry about my financial future, and now, thanks to Scott, I don’t.”
–Mary B.
You just read a testimonial from one of our clients, Mary, who needed help with her retirement accounts. We can all relate to Mary’s story and hardship — you shouldn’t have to worry about your financial future. Unfortunately, millions of people now have to reconsider their retirement and financial future due to thousands of dollars being taken out of their
grab your FREE copy of Scott’s new report, “10 Crucial Things Seniors and Children of Seniors, Need to Know About Long-Term Care.” Additionally, if you would like a FREE copy of Scott’s new book, “How to Fix the Ticking Time Bomb in Your Retirement,” go to NorthEastLTCResources.com/Survey to take our survey and receive a copy of Scott’s book.
Inspired by DinnerAtTheZoo.com
TAKE A BREAK
TASTY SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
Celebrate Earth Day by eating a tasty and healthy snack — spinach artichoke dip!
INGREDIENTS:
• • • •
8 oz spinach leaves
8 oz cream cheese, softened
• • •
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Sliced bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving
3/4 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
• •
1 tsp minced garlic
•
1/2 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat a small baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In a medium pan, steam or sauté spinach until wilted. When spinach cools, wring out excess water, then chop coarsely. 3. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. 4. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. 5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is bubbly. Turn the oven to broil and cook for an
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additional 2–3 minutes so the cheese will begin to brown. 6. Immediately serve with bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.
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Why Is This Newsletter in Your Mailbox?
Do You Pay Taxes on Your Social Security Benefits?
Convert Your Empty Bedrooms Into Doggy Playrooms!
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Contact The Retirement Authority to Take Action!
Tasty Spinach Artichoke Dip
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Want a Vitamin Boost?
SOAK UP THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN
Health Benefits of Vitamin D
With spring on the horizon, we all will be able to get outdoors a little more and soak up some sun — and extra vitamin D! Bring on the picnics, pool days, hiking, sports activities, and leisurely walks through the park! Let’s take a look at the many benefits this vitamin provides for our bodies. IT BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. Vitamin D helps your body fight off sickness. In fact, it’s been proven that deficiencies in vitamin D are connected to an increased possibility of developing infections and autoimmune diseases such as the flu, heart disease, and diabetes. IT COUNTERS OSTEOPOROSIS. Osteoporosis, a loss in bone mass, is common as we get older. However, vitamin D is one of the key players in helping to slow down bone loss and prevent or treat osteoporosis so we can maintain a healthy skeletal system. IT REDUCES THE RISKS OF DEPRESSION. Studies have shown that those who are deficient in vitamin D become more prone to mood disorders
and depression. To ensure that you support your mental health, step outside and get some happy, feel-good rays! IT’S POSSIBLY LINKED TO WEIGHT LOSS. While it’s not fully proven that vitamin D helps with weight loss, many studies have found links between vitamin D supplements and shedding a few pounds. In one study, one group of people taking vitamin D and calcium supplements lost more weight than another group taking placebos. IT PREVENTS AND HELPS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. Not only is vitamin D proven to lower a person’s chances of getting this horrible disease, but for those who already have it, it can also reduce symptoms or slow down the disease’s progression. This spring, be sure to get outdoors and soak up some vitamin D; however, don’t forget to protect your skin, too! To avoid overexposure, only about 10–15 minutes a day of unprotected sun is recommended.
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