Check out our February newsletter!
LYN’S LEDGER
Lyndon Thomas Insurance
February 2023
We Help You With Medicare.
‘THANK YOU’ IS A YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITY
It was 55 years ago so I don’t quite remember how it all went down, but I have some memory of my first Valentine’s attempt ending in failure. Whether my 8-year-old classmate, Jodi, was pre-occupied, bashful, or just didn’t like me, I never figured out. My Valentine’s attempt 18 years later worked out better. I asked Kathy out for coffee, and we talked for three hours. A year later, she said, “Yes.” Another year after that, she said “I do,” and the rest is history. We’ve been married for 35 years now, and I couldn’t be happier. My readers who know Kathy would agree that I married well. I say that I married up. Her heart for God and for people — including me — her partnership in ministry and her support for my insurance work provide the rock upon which I live. I am truly blessed. As an owner of a local business myself, a local florist will receive a nice order in a few days. But Valentine’s is kind of like Christmas. For those with a Valentine, it’s great. For those without a Valentine or for those who have lost their Valentine, this February thing with roses and chocolates might feel a bit like that other red-hued holiday, Christmas. One is supposed to feel happy, but it can be hard — a reminder of what wasn’t or what once was. So I hesitate to give any witty, insightful relationship advice here in the Valentine month of February. But I would offer that genuinely saying “thank you” as often as possible will help any relationship. A heart-felt “thank you” recognizes the presence, thoughtfulness, and effort the other person has given me. The “thank you” expression of gratitude is the essential basic element of human relations.
Kathy and I were recently at a conference in Florida. We purchased dinner one evening for Wayne and Judy, a couple with whom I have been friends for 45 years. We see them every few years, so we took the opportunity to spend time with them and buy their dinner, which they made easy by splitting an order. As our dinner was drawing to a close, Kathy and I thanked them for their role in our lives, even if it is at the distance of a thousand miles. It was an entirely uplifting time for us to honor them. But that’s not the end of the story. Two days later, Wayne texted me a warm “thank you” for dinner and our time together. A few days later, we received a beautiful thank-you card from Judy. As Kathy and I read her expression of gratitude, we agreed how wonderful it is to have such friends in our life. That Judy handcrafts her own thank-you cards only enhanced our appreciation. Gratitude begets gratitude. We really do receive what we give. The team here at LTI — Beth, Susan, Rod, and I — are genuinely grateful for each of our clients. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to assist you with your Medicare needs and questions. Many clients express their gratitude to us. It makes our day! 2023 is starting out to be an interesting year. Don’t hesitate to call us if we may be of assistance. Blessings,
–Lyn Thomas
1
www.LT-ins.com
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Published by The NewsletterPro • www.NewsletterPro.com
LOOKING FOR A NEW HOBBY? Lyndon Thomas Insurance
Try One of These Unique Options!
STARTING A BOOK CLUB Book clubs are a great way to hold yourself accountable for finishing a book from cover to cover and a fun way to get together with friends or to meet new people with similar interests. RESTORING FURNITURE You’ve likely noticed that people will throw away just about everything — even some great pieces of furniture that, with a little TLC, have great potential! Refinishing and reupholstering old furniture pieces with new paint or fabric is fun and can even make you some extra money! Whatever you’re passionate about, there’s a hobby out there for you. Even if you’re unsure what you might like, you have the freedom to try out all kinds of different activities!
Once the kids have moved out, your newly empty nest provides the best opportunity to rekindle old flames with some of your favorite hobbies or a chance to explore some new ones! Even if you still haven’t reached retirement, having a hobby or two that you are passionate about is essential for your well-being. Here are some exciting hobbies that aren’t your traditional art class or tennis match. UPCYCLING YOUR BELONGINGS Many of us have items around the house we no
jar in the back of your pantry, you can paint and decorate it to repurpose it as a vase. DOING TAI CHI Tai chi, a form of martial arts, combines slow and gentle postures and movements, controlled breathing, and a meditative mindset to deliver a calming practice. It’s a great way to get busy and improve your physical and mental health. The best part is that it doesn’t require any equipment — only your body! PRACTICING ARCHERY Archery is fun and interactive and builds your hand-eye coordination. You can practice archery alone, with friends, or with your spouse or partner. All it requires is a bow, some arrows, and your focus.
longer use. In fact, they’re likely tucked away somewhere collecting dust. By
upcycling them, you can turn them into new treasures. For example, if you have an old glass
Each of us has our own perspective on our medical experiences and the changes in our medical system. For me, during the past 20 years or so in the health insurance business, I have observed the medical system from a step removed, through feedback received from clients and others. Now in the last three years, I’ve had more personal experience with a hospitalization, a right knee replacement a year ago (with the left coming up in two weeks), along with Kathy’s surgeries. A few changes I’ve observed. More physicians than ever are employees. The younger generation entering the medical profession is less likely to want to own and run a business in addition to being a doctor. Many prefer to go home after their workday rather than pay utility bills and employee workers’ comp insurance. Sadly, the era of the independent practitioner is fading. An employee has a different view of things than a business owner. Many physicians are themselves struggling with change. The 2009 Affordable Care Act accelerated the transition to electronic medical records (EMR). The medical industry was migrating to EMR, and Obamacare jammed the fast-forward button. Older physicians who did not grow up interacting with a screen had to midcareer learn an entirely new life skill — run one’s entire patient interaction through a screen. Pen and paper are a thing of the past. Clients have complained, “My doctor never looked at me the entire time he was in the room. He was only looking at that darn computer screen.” Here’s how it goes: Doctor enters the answer to a health question into the screen, up comes a pop-up screen that has to be satisfied before proceeding. Depending on your answer to the question, another pop-up screen may demand an answer before going on. Younger doctors for whom interacting with a screen is second nature probably handle this better. Some medical practices hire more staff (think salary, benefits, health insurance, workers’ comp) to listen in and do the data entry. CHANGE IS CERTAIN, ESPECIALLY IN OUR PERSONAL HEALTH CARE
Industry literature states that the U.S. has been experiencing a primary care physician deficit for the past 25 years. Here in Ojai, four PCPs have retired in the last three years, with only two replacements. Our medical provider system has not yet recovered from COVID-19. Work from home, social distancing, and safety protocols continue to slow scheduling timelines, stretching out the calendar. Don’t get me started! These are just a few factors that add pressure and tension to our lives and our providers’ lives. What can we do? Be proactive in your own health care. 1. Organize your own medical records and history. Yes, one would think that EMR is keeping track of all our medical details. Unfortunately, better results require the patient to track and organize their own records. Don’t wait for the office to call you to confirm your appointment. You confirm your appointment. You are responsible for your own health care. 2. Make a list of questions and details you want to address during the precious 8–10 minutes of physician face-to-face in your next appointment. Most physicians appreciate efficient use of time. 3. Members of Medicare Advantage plans requiring pre- authorization for all services may call their medical group customer service to verify approvals, which may reduce the time for appointment scheduling. And above all, even if you are frustrated out of your gourd, “proactive” does not mean being belligerent and angry with medical staff. Say “thank you” to the staff at every opportunity (see cover article). So much more can be said on this topic. Let us know what you think.
2
CA# 0D96309
1211 Maricopa Hwy, Ste 222, Ojai, CA 93023
www.LT-ins.com
We Help You With Medicare.
CONSIDER LIFE SETTLEMENT
A life insurance policy is an asset and some may want to consider selling their life insurance policy. Perhaps your policy is too expensive to maintain or expiring soon. You may need additional funds for retirement or medical expenses. Perhaps it’s more coverage than you need now. If your policy qualifies, • Your premiums will stop, • You will receive a cash payment within a few days, • The settlement may be tax-free. To find out if your policy qualifies, you may call our associate, Rich Tell, directly at 805-746-0936.
Lyndon Thomas Insurance is your full-service Medicare insurance agency. We also offer several other types of insurance and services that you may need or be interested in. Offering International Short-Term Medical while outside the U.S., as well as a Dental and Vision team that is readily available with your Medicare coverages, LTI also provides Long-Term Care, Final Expense, Life Insurance, and Life Settlement. These are offered directly through our agency or through associates. The next several editions of Lyn’s Ledger will highlight these offerings. This month, we’ll focus on Life Settlement. Life Insurance is purchased to provide financial protection for family or business. As the years pass and circumstances change, the need for protection decreases while the premiums continue and even increase.
SUDOKU
CHOCOLATE POTS DE CREME
Ingredients
•
9 oz high-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped
•
5 tbsp granulated sugar (add an extra tbsp if using bitter chocolate)
• • •
1 1/2 cups whole milk
• •
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
1 tbsp powdered sugar
6 large egg yolks
Directions
1. Place chopped chocolate into a blender. 2. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, whisk the milk, 1 cup of cream, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat. Cook, constantly stirring with a spatula until the mixture is almost boiling, 5–6 minutes. Immediately pour the milk mixture over the chocolate in the blender. 3. Cover and blend until smooth. 4. Divide the mixture among ramekins or small cups and refrigerate until set (about 2 hours). 5. Whip the remaining 1/2 cup cream and the powdered sugar with a mixer until soft peaks form. 6. Top chilled pots de creme with whipped cream and serve.
3
CA# 0D96309
805-646-6409
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
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
2 1
Thank You
5 Unique Hobbies to Try
Change Is Certain, Especially in Our Personal Health Care
3 4
What Is Life Settlement?
Chocolate Pots de Creme
Brushing Up on Cruise Etiquette
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
After a slump in 2020 and 2021, cruises are back in a big way. If you’re planning your first onboard adventure — or it’s been a while since you last set sail — now is the time to brush up on your cruise ship etiquette. Every passenger should read their cruise line’s policies to ensure they know all the specifics before climbing aboard. In the meantime, we’ve listed some of the most essential do’s and don’ts for the savvy traveler. KNOW WHAT TO WEAR. Some cruise lines aim for a fancy atmosphere, while others prefer a casual approach. Ideally, review the dress policy before you book your trip. Bring at least one formal outfit in your luggage for dinner, which tends to have an upscale vibe. The rest of your cruise wear should be casual but tasteful, leaving you looking put together. Most importantly, don’t overpack — the stateroom is smaller than you think. DON’T BE A CHAIR HOG. Everyone wants a prime spot on the sundeck, but you’ve got to rise early in the morning to get one. That’s fine if you can manage it, but “saving” a seat by putting a towel on it and then wandering away for breakfast or a mani-pedi is the best way to get on your fellow travelers’ bad side. Your cruise may also have a policy against it. Going to the bathroom is one thing; you’re only human. Otherwise, if you want the seat, stay in it. ALL ABOARD!
YOUR CRUISE ETIQUETTE BEFORE SETTING SAIL
BE ON TIME. Treat your cruise ship like an airplane — if you’re not on time, it’s probably leaving without you. And if you are lucky enough to have the ocean liner wait, your fellow passengers won’t look at you kindly. Set your watch to ship time (not local time) and prepare to be back an hour before the deadline. That way, if you happen to be late, you’ll still be on time. You may miss out on an extra drink or souvenir shop, but nothing will ruin your cruise faster than being left behind at the dock.
4
1211 Maricopa Hwy, Ste 222, Ojai, CA 93023
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
Published by The NewsletterPro •www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator