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How to Get the Most Out of Your Medicare Plan What’s All This About a Food Allowance With Medicare?
Every year, we get calls from existing clients inquiring about the latest advertisements for Medicare. This year, it’s all about the Food Card! Somewhere along the way, you’ve seen a TV commercial or a YouTube video with folks telling you that you may qualify for hundreds of dollars
on a Food Card and that you should call to see if you qualify or if it’s available in your area.
The keywords are “if you qualify” or “in your area.”
Some Medicare Advantage plans do offer a Food Allowance, but most of the time, this is only for folks in a low-income category who have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, end-stage renal disease, or heart disease. Also, the amounts vary greatly by area.
So, chances are that you won’t qualify!
Keep in mind that when we looked at your Medicare options, we were looking to get you the best insurance coverage at the best price for you personally — we were not looking at Food Cards! Most of our clients have chosen a Medicare Supplement Plan with a Part D drug plan over a Medicare Advantage plan, which gives them better flexibility to choose their doctors, pay a predictable monthly premium, and minimize out-of-pocket expenses (to almost zero). These Medicare Supplement Plans can be reviewed any time of year, and we encourage you to call now for a policy review to see if we can get you a better price on your plan. We can shop your plan as long as you’re in reasonably good health. In other words, if you’ve had any major medical issues, such as heart attack, stroke, or cancer in the last three years, we likely won’t be able to move you to another insurance company for a lower price. As you know, drug plans can only be changed during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
–Lenore and Scott
1-844-633-5239 1
THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC Target Overweight Prevention and Management
Obesity is a pressing public health issue with significant implications for health care systems like Medicare. As obesity rates continue to rise, Medicare faces increasing challenges in providing comprehensive care to individuals affected by obesity-related conditions. From managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease to addressing the aspects of obesity, Medicare must adapt its policies and programs to support prevention, treatment, and management strategies for this growing population. Addressing obesity with Medicare requires a multifaceted approach that integrates medical interventions, behavioral changes, and community support systems to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce obesity-related health care costs. A comprehensive analysis of Medicare data from 2020 revealed that a substantial portion of beneficiaries diagnosed with cardiovascular disease also struggle with weight issues. This group, totaling 3.6 million, accounts for a striking 265 million of all Medicare beneficiaries who are classified as overweight or obese. These patients may be eligible for Medicare coverage, highlighting the need for expanded treatment access. Before reaching the new cap on annual drug spending, Medicare beneficiaries could face substantial out-of-pocket expenses, ranging from $325 to $430 per month. This financial burden may pose challenges for patients, particularly those with fixed incomes or limited resources. In light of these developments, it is imperative to advocate for broader Medicare coverage of medications to address the complex health care needs of patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity. By removing barriers to access and ensuring affordability, policymakers can help improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of preventable cardiovascular events among Medicare benefits. Ongoing research and monitoring of medication utilization and cost trends are essential to inform policy decisions and optimize health care delivery for these individuals. By advocating for expanded Medicare coverage and addressing affordability challenges, we can work toward a health care system that promotes the well-being of all patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
As your fledglings spread their wings and fly off into the world, it’s time to feather your own nest with some extra cash. From selling stuff in your closet to starting your own business, you have many ways to make money at this stage of your life. Let’s get started and rake in some extra dough this month with these three tips. SELL YOUR STUFF. You likely have clothes hanging in your closet you haven’t worn in years or electronics sitting around the house you don’t need anymore. Do a big cleaning excursion in your home and gather everything you no longer use. You can resell clothing and other items online or at resale stores like Play Again Sports or Plato’s Closet. If you opt to sell online, many websites offer extra ease by providing pre-paid shipping and packaging for your deliveries. TRADE IN GIFT CARDS. If you have old, unused, or partially spent gift cards, those are gifts that can keep on giving! Various websites, like CardCash and ClipKard, will trade or buy gift cards from you. You can earn 80%–92% of the card’s value or choose another card you would use. You can gain greater value if you trade for another card at a retailer you use often for household items, like Amazon or Target. START A SIDE HUSTLE. Do you have a passion, unique skill set, and time? Creating your own business or side hustle can be an excellent way to generate additional income. If you have a hobby where you make things, you can set up a structure to sell those items online. Additionally, if you have a specific skill to share, you can earn income by teaching online or writing and selling an e-book. A side hustle can grow into your primary source of income, or you can keep the scale small. From turning clutter into cash or unleashing your entrepreneurial spirit with a side hustle, the opportunities to generate additional income are as boundless as the sky. So, fly high with these excellent money-earning tips and watch your bank account soar. EMPTY NEST, FULL WALLET Innovative Ways to Make Extra Money
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BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY Safeguarding Against Medicare Fraud and Abuse
Let’s explore the various aspects of Medicare fraud and abuse and strategies to identify, report, and prevent such occurrences. One of the primary defenses against Medicare fraud is the vigilant protection of personal information, particularly Medicare and Social Security numbers. When compromised, these sensitive identifiers invite fraud. Therefore, individuals must adopt measures to safeguard these credentials, treating their Medicare card with the same caution as a credit card. By comparing the information on these documents with personal records, individuals can ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of the services provided. Any discrepancies or suspicious charges should
prompt immediate action, including contacting health care providers or reporting the matter to Medicare authorities. In the event of fraud, Medicare offers hotlines and online reporting for individuals to report fraudulent and suspicious activities as soon as possible. Medical identity theft emerges as a daunting part of Medicare fraud. To safeguard against this threat, individuals must avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown parties or individuals. The fight against Medicare fraud is a collective effort involving all parties. By fostering awareness and promoting accountability, we can help maintain the Medicare system’s integrity and protect its beneficiaries’ well-being.
With the rise of digital communication and fraudulent schemes, safeguarding personal information has become imperative. As we set the stage for preventing Medicare fraud, we must first understand the causes and effects to protect our assets. These activities can occur anywhere, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to protect personal information and scrutinize Medicare claims.
Inspired by DamnDelicious.net
TAKE A BREAK
SHEET PAN SHRIMP FAJITAS
Packed with juicy shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of spices, this recipe is a must-try!
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • • •
2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
• •
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 bell peppers, sliced
Tortillas
1 onion, sliced 3 tbsp olive oil
Topping Options •
2 tsp chili powder
Sliced avocado
2 tsp cumin
• • •
Salsa
1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp garlic powder
Sour cream
Chopped cilantro
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Place bell pepper and onion on the baking sheet. 4. Drizzle evenly with 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with the chili powder mixture; reserve some for shrimp. Bake for 12 minutes. 5. Remove sheet pan from oven and push veggies to one side. Add shrimp to the empty side. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and spices. Return sheet pan to oven and bake for another 6 minutes, until shrimp are pink. 6. Serve on warm tortillas with desired toppings.
Adventure Camping Father Gemini Hiking Juneteenth
Park Picnic Pride
Sandals Sunburn Swimming
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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R E A
S
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Medicare Plan
2
Challenges and Solutions for Medicare Beneficiaries
Unlock the Secrets to Extra Income After Kids Fly the Coop
3
Protect Yourself Against Medicare Fraud
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
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Tips for Affordable Grocery Shopping
EATING WELL ON A BUDGET
Your Guide to Frugal Grocery Shopping
Are you tired of spending more money on fewer ingredients? You are not alone. While prices for most consumer goods have increased, food costs have increased even more . Grocery prices have increased by 25% since 2020, outpacing inflation by 6%. By buying food that costs less, lasts longer, and feeds more people, you can keep your grocery bills manageable while still eating well. Look for these foods at the grocery store to keep your wallet and pantry full! GROUND MEAT Whether it’s chicken, beef, turkey, or pork, ground meat is cheap and usable in many recipes. In addition to a range of options to meet dietary restrictions and preferences, ground meat is sold in larger quantities and costs less than many other forms of meat. Despite not being a “prime cut” option, ground meat is still full of protein that satisfies your hunger. PEANUT BUTTER While everyone loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, this inexpensive ingredient can also be used in a number of other recipes. It can be used as a delicious protein additive to smoothies or spread on celery to make ants on a log. TORTILLAS Tortillas come in two main varieties: corn and flour. The former is more traditional and less expensive, but if you prefer flour, it’s still an economical option. While you can buy pre-cooked tortillas, the flavor is much better when you cook them yourself. If you buy in bulk, you can save the tortillas you aren’t ready to use by freezing them, allowing you to save more and only use what you need. Tortillas are also used by astronauts as a substitute for bread since they don’t leave crumbs when you eat them. If they are good enough for astronauts, they’re good enough for us!
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