The leaves haven’t started falling, but I thought it would be good to share my annual reminder to prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment early – particularly this year.
Each year the insurance companies can adjust their Medicare plans, and the Open Enrollment period (October 15th through December 7th) allows you to decide whether your Medicare plan is still the best option for you or if it’s time to switch. This year is particularly important because 2025 Part D prescription drug plans must cap out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs at $2,000 a year. This is good news, saving hundreds of dollars for many Medicare recipients. But according to AARP, “That change will have a ripple effect on Part D and Medicare Advantage plans’ other costs and coverage, making it especially important to review your options during open enrollment this year”.
Start by reviewing your plan’s “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). It describes any changes to your current plan for next year. Then ask yourself the big three Medicare questions.
1.) Does my plan allow me to go to the providers I want, including my pharmacy?
2.) Are my prescription drugs covered?
3.) How much does the plan cost?
To help navigate your way through the Medicare maze there is help. You can visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan, study the Medicare & You handbook you received in the mail, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) where help is available 24/7.
If you’d rather talk to someone face-to-face, you can meet with a private insurance broker who specializes in Medicare. Also in Oregon, you can schedule an appointment with a trained impartial SHIBA volunteer counselor by contacting Halla Graves, the SHIBA Coordinator, at 541-288-8341 or email her at hallagravesshiba@gmail.com. To find assistance in Klickitat County, contact Senior Services Information and Assistance to schedule an appointment: Jill in White Salmon at 509-493-3068 or Doreen in Goldendale at 509-773-3757. And in Skamania County call 509-427-3990.
It’s important to understand your Medicare options so you can make informed decisions – both for your health and your pocketbook.
The Oregon and Southwest Washington Alzheimer’s Association will host two Mini-McGintys: single-day conferences featuring the latest in Alzheimer’s and dementia science, tips and practical information for maintaining brain health, and community resources for those affected by or concerned about dementia. These events are free and open to the public, and lunch will be provided!
The first will be held on Monday, September 23rd from 10:00 to 2:00 in Hood River at the FISH Food Bank at 1130 Tucker Rd. The second will be held on September 24th from 12:00 to 4:00 in The Dalles at the Bargeway Pub.
BRAIN TEASE: One more Anagram puzzle. You know the drill: unscramble the letters to make a word and then determine what the four words have in common.
MANY DO; SEA DUTY; SANDY WEED; YARD HUTS
The next question for your “Soul Portrait”: What memorable events do you treasure?
In 1965 Sonny and Cher recorded their first hit song “I Got You Babe”. I received correct answers from Sandy Haechrel, Nancy Higgins, Dave Lutgens, Lana Tepfer, Jess Birge, Judy Kiser, Bruce Johnson, Rebecca Abrams, Donna Mollet, Eva Summers, Debbie Medina, Craig Terry, and Shelley Hinatsu this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
And last week I missed Dave Lutgens, Donna Mollet, and Rebecca Abrams, who all remembered “My Girl”.
For this week I want to go back a little further to 1960 when this song was released. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the song primarily written by Lou Adler and Herb Alpert and sung by Sam Cooke that included the following lyrics?
Don’t know much about history / Don’t know much biology / Don’t know much about a science book / Don’t know much about the French I took / But I do know that I love you / And I know that if you love me too …
Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a DVD of the 1978 film Animal House in which it was featured.
Well, it’s been another week, observing life from the off-ramp. Until we meet again, as Garrison Keillor advised, “When in doubt – look intelligent.”
“Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.” Dennis Waitley
Answers: ˙ʞǝǝʍ ǝɥʇ ɟo sʎɐp ǝɹɐ ʎɐpsɹnɥ┴ puɐ ‘ʎɐpsǝupǝM ‘ʎɐpsǝn┴ ‘ʎɐpuoW
