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Club MED
February 2025
How Did I Land at Omaha Insurance Solutions? A Tale of Fate, Buns, and Chihuahuas
If you’re wondering how I ended up at Omaha Insurance Solutions, let me take you on a journey of destiny, Texas Roadhouse restaurant magic, and more buttery buns than you can count. Picture this: A packed Texas Roadhouse on a buzzing evening, with me hustling as a waitress. (If you’ve ever wrangled a tray of those irresistible warm Texas Roadhouse buns, you know it’s no ordinary feat — it’s practically an Olympic sport!) Suddenly, my friend Hollie Hittner calls me with life-changing news: She’s bringing Chris — my soon-to-be boss and unofficial life coach, although I didn’t know it then — to my waitress section for dinner. Oh, and there’s a twist — Chris wanted to interview me for a job at Omaha Insurance Solutions. Chris and Hollie showed up, we chatted while I served them, and they ate dinner. By the end of the night, Chris slid a nice tip across the table, along with an offer letter.
Definitely. But I survived, thrived, and learned more in a few months than I thought possible. Here’s a little about me. I was born and raised in Omaha, graduated from Bellevue West, and earned my degree at Grand View University in Des Moines while on a basketball scholarship. After trying a few career paths, I’ve found my home here at Omaha Insurance Solutions, where I get to help people (like my own parents) navigate the twists and turns of Medicare. It’s rewarding, humbling, and honestly, just plain awesome.
no-go . Keeping this secret from Cara — my daily chat buddy — was no small feat.
Fast forward, and when Riley popped the question, she said yes! They met six years ago at Kearney State University, and now they’re living their dream life in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Riley, a medical superstar, was named Resident of the Year at his hospital, while Cara works her magic at AdventHealth as a nurse. Tampa is their happy place — and mine, too, mostly because Pepe and Penny love Florida vacations (to work on their tans). This Christmas was extra special. My mom, sister Meaghan, and I threw an intimate engagement party for Cara and Riley. Surrounded by loved ones (and, of course, my Chihuahuas on hors d’oeuvre patrol), it was everything Cara dreamed of.
By Monday, I was neck-deep in Medicare Open Enrollment chaos. Overwhelmed?
When I’m not diving into Medicare plans, I’m learning how to manage life as a first-time homeowner with my chill
Chihuahua roommates, Pepe and Penny. They rule the backyard, soak up the sun, and act as celebrities with the neighborhood kids.
But wait, there’s more! A few weeks ago, I got a call from Riley — my sister Cara’s boyfriend. Dr. Riley shared his plan to propose during their trip to Prague. I had to pull over because crying and driving is a
Now, we’re diving into wedding planning — fingers crossed for a sunny beach
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Medicare Insurance Made Easy
402-614-3389 • 1
TIPS TO LEVEL UP YOUR HOME COOKING! BREAK FREE FROM BORING
Do you regularly make meals for yourself or your family? Have you ever struggled to decide what to make? Are you tired of your regular menu of recipes and dishes? If you answered yes to these questions, know that you’re not alone. Many individuals grow tired of cooking the same dishes, especially if they get on a routine of making the same five dinners every week. However, you don’t need to feel this way. Trying something new in the kitchen is easier than ever! Here are two ways to revitalize your passion for cooking while discovering new recipes. GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. How many different cultures do you know recipes from? You are probably familiar with Italian, Mexican, and even some
Chinese dishes, but how often do you explore dishes from cultures you know little about? Trying out recipes from new cultures can be incredibly fun. However, it can be challenging to know where to
start. Simply pick a country with a cuisine that interests you and Google what they eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll receive a few different options to choose from. Want to get even more adventurous? Consider combining ideas from multiple cuisines to create a unique fusion dish! DEVIATE FROM THE RECIPE. Many amateur cooks follow each recipe without missing a step. However, if you’re making the same things every week, these recipes can grow stale quickly. Instead of trying to find something brand- new to make, consider swapping out ingredients. Change out the spices, sides, or even the proteins to create something entirely new and delicious. KEY POINTS ABOUT M3P: 1. There is no cost to participate, and it’s voluntary. 2. Payments are evenly spread throughout the year — easier on your budget! 3. Costs can adjust if your medications change. 4. Ideal for those hit with high costs early in the year. 5. You’ll pay your insurance plan directly instead of the pharmacy.
INTRODUCING THE M3P
Picture this: It’s January and my phone rings. On the other end, I hear an angry, stressed voice, “Chris, I’m at the pharmacy, and the pharmacist just told me I owe $2,000 for my meds! What the heck is going on?” Sound familiar? If you’re nodding your head, stick around — I’ve got answers! LET’S TALK ABOUT THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT. In 2022, while we were all distracted by infrastructure spending and COVID-19 relief, Congress snuck in massive Medicare changes. The biggest since Medicare began in 1965! If you’re on high-cost meds like Eliquis, Ozempic, or Xarelto, you know the pain of the infamous donut hole. (Spoiler alert: It’s not a tasty treat — it’s a nightmare for your wallet!) THE GOOD NEWS? No more donut hole! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, there’s now a $2,000 cap on your out-of-pocket drug costs. That means no more $4,000 or $5,000 bills.
THE CATCH? To fund the cap, many Medicare Advantage plans added deductibles to their drug coverage. For some, January has been a shocker at the pharmacy counter. Even if your meds aren’t super expensive, that deductible can still sting. SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO? Introducing the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P) — also called “Smoothing.”
Pro tip: The earlier you enroll, the more manageable your payments will be.
The bottom line? Your Medicare drug
plan has changed. You now have the option to level off your copays instead of paying a big lump sum upfront.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Instead of paying a $2,000 bill all at once (ouch!), you can spread the cost evenly over the year. Let’s say your meds cost $2,000 in January. Instead of scrambling to pay that, you enroll in
QUESTIONS? NEED HELP? Call us at 402-614-3389 or
visit OmahaInsuranceSolutions. com to speak with a licensed insurance agent professional.
We are here to make Medicare less stressful and your prescriptions more affordable. Helping you navigate Medicare is what we do best. Let’s tackle those pharmacy bills together!
the M3P program and set up a monthly payment plan — just $167/month. No financing fees, no surprises, just manageable monthly payments.
2 • OmahaInsuranceSolutions.com
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celebration in Tampa! As I look ahead to 2025, I feel incredibly blessed. With a thriving career, a wedding to plan,
Decluttering sentimental items can often tug at the heartstrings, turning a well-intentioned clean-up session into a stroll down memory lane ( without decluttering anything ). However, with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of organization, you can transform this emotional task into a fulfilling journey. Here’s how to declutter with joy and without regrets! SENTIMENTAL SORTING WITH STRATEGY When it comes to sentimental clutter, every item seems to tug at your heartstrings. To navigate this emotional landscape, employ the three- box method: one for keepsakes, one for giveaways, and one for those undecided items. For the keepsakes, focus on functionality. If an item can be used regularly rather than stored away, it makes the cut. This method clears your space and ensures your items are meaningful and useful. Then, follow through, donate the giveaways, and commit to reexamining the undecided items in the future. HOW TO EVALUATE EMOTIONAL VALUE Not all treasures are worth their weight in storage space. When deciding on items like family heirlooms, consider their stories and significance. Are they precious family artifacts or just items passing through generations without purpose? Understanding the history of an item can clarify its importance, or lack thereof, in your life. If it’s valuable beyond sentiment — think antiques or rare collectibles — getting a professional valuation can guide your decision on whether to keep, sell, or donate. REPURPOSE WITH PURPOSE What to do with those memory-filled items that don’t quite fit anywhere? Get creative! Transform old T-shirts into a cozy quilt, or turn drawings into framed art. Repurposing gives these items new life and a place in your home beyond the attic. If you’re not ready to part with something, consider photographing it for a digital memory book. This way, you keep the memories alive without the physical clutter. EMBRACE SPACE OVER STUFF It’s easy to fall into the “what if I need it someday?” trap. Here’s a little trick to help you move past this hurdle: Ask yourself if the item is easily replaceable and whether it costs less than $50 to replace. If yes, it’s probably safe to say goodbye. Chuckle at the chaos, dance through the piles, and remember that every item you let go of is a step toward a lighter, more joyful living space. Let’s make room for new memories, minus the mess! A GUIDE TO DECLUTTERING SENTIMENTAL ITEMS LIGHTEN THE LOAD
and two adorable sidekicks by my side, this chapter exceeded every childhood dream I ever had. From me, Pepe, and Penny, here’s to a fabulous New Year filled with laughter, love, and maybe even a few Texas Roadhouse buns!
Warmest wishes, Anna Dolezal.
Inspired by LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Ingredients • 2 tbsp butter • 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp herbes de Provence • 3/4 cup canned sun- dried tomatoes, drained and julienned • 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup shredded
Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup pine nuts • 1 cup spinach
• Fresh thyme, for topping • Salt and pepper to taste • Cooked rice or linguine, for serving
Directions 1. Coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and arrange frozen rolls in the pan to thaw according to package instructions. 2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. 3. In the same pan, add garlic, herbes de Provence, tomatoes, chicken broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts, and spinach and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, and stir periodically until thickened and spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to the pan and top with salt, pepper, more Parmesan cheese, and thyme, and serve over rice or linguine.
402-614-3389 • 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 84026_01302025_MK
INSIDE This Issue
How Anna Dolezal Found Omaha Insurance 1
Fun Ways to Diversify Your Weekly Menu!
2
2
Introducing the M3P
How to Declutter Sentimental Items Without Regrets
3
Skillet Chicken in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
3
4
The Ideal Fitness Trend for Aging Americans
Revive Your Love for Cycling How E-Bikes Make Fitness Fun and Accessible for Older Adults
As we age, staying physically active whenever possible becomes increasingly important. However, many of us start to experience difficulties with our normal exercise routines as we approach our senior years. It’s not as easy to go for an extended run, lift weights, or participate in sports, so we have to start looking for less intense alternatives that still boost our physical fitness and keep us entertained. Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are becoming a popular fitness trend for older Americans. When did you last take your bicycle from the garage or storage and ride around town? It’s probably been several years, but many of us have fond memories from our youth of biking to a friend’s house or a local hotspot. E-bikes are making it possible for us to relive those memories without risking injury or overexertion. The technology behind e-bikes has improved significantly in recent years. They’re now more user-friendly and accessible than ever before. Some models even have built-in GPS to ensure you never get lost, regardless of whether you’re riding through city streets, peaceful neighborhoods, or scenic nature trails. Many e-bikes are lightweight and easier to maneuver than traditional bikes.
E-biking provides amazing physical and mental health benefits that are easily noticeable after only a few rides. You’ll see improvements in cardiovascular health, muscle strength, weight management, balance, and mood. Plus, it’s a low-impact activity, so you can explore to your heart’s content while also being kind to your joints. While e-bikes present opportunities to improve your physical fitness while limiting your risk for injury, they’re also a great way to meet like-minded people in your community. You can find e-biking clubs and events nationwide, and many host group rides throughout the year. It’s a great way to meet new friends! An e-bike can boost your overall well-being, but follow all safety measures, such as wearing a helmet and obeying road signs. Even though e-bikes are safer and more efficient than ever, you can still get injured while riding, especially if you are going too fast for road conditions — some e-bikes can get up to speeds of almost 30 mph.
What are you waiting for? Get riding! Your body and mind will thank you!
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