Medicare Blueprint Advisors - May/June 2022

Medicare Blueprint Advisors - May/June 2022

MED I CAREBLUEPR INT.COM Health Matters

MAY/JUNE 2022

A Tribute to the PeopleWho Raised Me For Mom and Dad

We recently cut down a pine tree in our yard, so I rented a small backhoe with a bucket to move the wood from my yard. I asked my dad to help me. He worked in construction his entire life, spending 43 years with the same company to support our family. I knew he would have some insight that could help me; I just didn’t realize how much he would! Try as I might, I couldn’t operate the backhoe with precision and ease like my father did. After decades spent operating large machinery, my dad swiftly maneuvered the backhoe’s arm, scooped up the pine tree, and removed it from my yard. There wasn’t a shake, wiggle, or hesitation. The machine became an extension of him. I once

could tell her anything. Even if it wasn’t what I should say, I always felt safe with my mom. I can still picture her running out of the house screaming, “Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!” as I got into a fist fight with a kid at the bus stop down the road. I was mortified! No kid wants their school buddies to hear the nicknames we have at home! Today, I would give anything to hear her say that again. I’m grateful my father is still alive. Many people tell me I inherited his work ethic, but I believe there is no man who worked (and still works) as hard as my father. I once saw his yearly timecards from the ’80s and ’90s, and he was working 2,700-hour to 2,900-

hour years! If you divide that by 52 weeks, my father was working more than 50 hours every week. Again, we never wanted for anything when I was a child. As an adult, I now understand why.

“I had a comfortable, happy childhood because of the lifestyle my parents built and maintained.”

asked him what made him such a great operator. He said, “Well, I don’t break the equipment.” That’s fair, I guess. People like to discredit blue-collar work as menial or insubstantial, but few people could do what my dad did that day. It’s yet another reason why I admire and value him.

I never wanted to disappoint my parents, so after high school, I went to college. Looking back, I’m glad I did. Their influence and support pushed me to do something with my life, and I enjoy the life I have today because of it. I will always be grateful for my parents. We may have lost my mom too soon, but I appreciate each moment I spend with my dad to this day and the memories I have of my mom.

As we approach Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, I can’t help but recall this backhoe moment and the dozens of other times my parents proved to me just how lucky I am to be their son. I never wanted for anything, and while we were never “wealthy” by any means, I had a comfortable, happy childhood because of the lifestyle my parents built and maintained.

Happy Mother’s and Father’s Day.

—Tim Hanbury

Sadly, my mother passed away more than 30 years ago. I miss her terribly to this day. She was the perfect stay-at-home mom, and I

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The Hanbury family has grown — by four paws! This February, Tim and his family adopted Charlie, a goldendoodle with a playful, sweet personality. When sweet Charlie —who was then named Penelope —was looking for a home, Tim’s wife and stepdaughter couldn’t say no. And they never gave Tim the chance to! Charlie was just 6 months old when she joined the Hanbury family, and she’s doing everything she can to prove she is a sweet pup. In typical puppy fashion, she had a few accidents and tore down the blinds, but even Tim admits Charlie has become the perfect addition to their family. But adopting Charlie may have been very wise for the Hanbury family, too. Many studies have found that pets provide numerous health benefits for our physical and mental well-being. ANXIETY RELIEF Animals have a way of calming us down. Perhaps it’s the unconditional expectations or the fact that they listen without speaking back. Whatever it is, multiple studies have shown that owning an animal, or being around one, can lower our WANT TO AGE WELL? Consider Owning a Pet!

What Our Clients Think!

“Explaining to me my coverage that I understood. Thank you!”

anxiety. For instance, playing with a pet can boost serotonin production, which is a feel- good hormone. ENCOURAGE ACTIVITY Pets require a lot of work, and the more outdoorsy your pet is, like a dog, the more work you likely have to do. Therefore, pets are great reminders and opportunities to

–Wanda McCormick, Customer since 2022

“Our first meeting with Jason solved all of our anxiety about the unknowns of signing up for Medicare. It is a big step with many parts and his knowledge and guidance made it all come together. We left Jason’s office with confidence and comfort knowing we will be well covered with the correct choices for years to come. Many, many thanks Jason!”

stay active. Whether it’s going for a walk, meeting new people because of

said walks, or taking on extra responsibilities for our pets’ needs, owning a pet requires you to move!

–Gay Corr, Customer since 2019

EFFECTIVE FOR ALZHEIMER’S Other studies have found that those with dementia face less anxiety with a pet in the home. Pets can also be a conversation starter for greater engagement with those who have more advanced dementia. Furthermore, pets can stave off the effects of loneliness, providing companionship to a population that needs greater mental health support.

“I’ve recommended you to several friends.”

–Esther Doyle, Customer since 2018

Owning and caring for a pet is a huge responsibility. To learn more about pet ownership as you age, visit AARP.org.

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Don’t Miss This Diabetes News! MEDICARE REMOVES AN OLD RULE

Medicare has recently announced a change in its procedure for supplying an important diabetes tool — and it’s huge! Living with diabetes is no easy feat, but certain tools can help those with diabetes better track their well-being and blood

BANANA BARSWITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING As of July 2021, that rule is null and void. Today, any person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who is on insulin can qualify for a CGM, which can help patients better track and manage their diabetes. Our very own Jason Mackey has diabetes, and he knows firsthand how life-changing a CGM can be. As the name suggests, CGMs can continually track a patient’s glucose levels, providing them with continual and up-to- date readings. This can prevent diabetes- related issues, and it can also help patients make the best decisions for their health. Additionally, doing away with this outdated and unfounded rule creates greater access for those with diabetes. Despite requiring at least four finger pricks per day to receive the CGM, Medicare only provided diabetes patients with three test strips. Enrollees were on the hook for at least one costly

strip. Furthermore, the cost of a CGM can be very high. If the need for a CGM was urgent, a patient with diabetes may not have the capacity to undergo four finger pricks per day in order to obtain the monitor.

sugar levels. Among these tools are continuous glucose monitors (CGM).

Medicare has provided CGMs to its recipients in the past, but rules set in place because of unfounded claims have made these monitors nearly impossible for Medicare enrollees to obtain through the program. In the past, people with diabetes had to undergo four finger prick tests each day and track their results. Medicare’s experts claimed there were scientific reasons for doing so, but many experts have found this number to be completely arbitrary.

Simply put: This rule was outdated, costly, and not based in fact.

But the good news is that this is no longer a requirement! If you have diabetes, are on insulin, and would like to receive your CGM, please contact our team today. We can help you access this valuable product so you can live a full, healthy life despite a diabetes diagnosis.

These sweet, refreshing dessert bars will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

WORD SEARCH

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter and sugar for 5–7 minutes with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla and beat until smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet mixture. Stir in bananas. 4. In a greased pan, spread the mixture evenly and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove from oven to cool. 5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup butter, and vanilla until the mixture is fluffy for frosting. Gradually beat in enough powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency. 6. When bars are completely cool, frost and cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator.

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • • • • • • •

1 cup butter, softened and divided

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 cup sour cream 1 tsp vanilla extract

CINCO FOURTH FREEDOM GRADUATE HAWTHORN LEMONADE

LIBRARY MAYPOLE MEMORIAL NURSES PROM TAURUS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 ripe bananas, mashed

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

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Inside This Issue

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TIM PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS PARENTS

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THE SECRET TO AGINGWELL? PETS. WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK

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MEDICAREWIPES THIS ARCHAIC RULE FOR THOSE WITH DIABETES! BANANA BARSWITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

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CAT SAVES 83-YEAR-OLD FROM POTENTIALLY FATAL TUMBLE

BLACK MAGIC How One Cat Saved His Owner’s Life

Black cats can have it rough. People associate themwith Halloween and bad luck, they can be tricky to photograph, and they make up a full third of all cats surrendered to animal shelters. But one special black feline named Piran proved his worth when he led rescuers to his 83-year- old owner after she fell down a ravine. In August 2021, the woman went for a walk near her home in Cornwall, England. When she didn’t return, her neighbors started to worry. They formed a search operation, but there was a lot of ground to cover in their rural surroundings. They had little luck in their investigation until they heeded the advice of her cat. While the search crewworked, Piran refused to move from one specific spot, and he meowed incessantly. That wasn’t like him, so eventually, Tamar Longmuir, a neighbor assisting in the search, decided to find out the reason for all the racket. Longmuir called to the woman while

investigating the cat’s noises and heard a faint response. Piran had staked out his position where his owner had fallen — 70 feet down a ravine located at the edge of a cornfield. According to Longmuir, “She had gone through the barbed wire and was laying in the stream — we think she had been in there for hours.” Emergency services were called and quickly rescued the woman. “Without the cat waiting at the gate to that field,” Longmuir added, “it could have been hours later that I or anyone else would have checked in there.” The injured woman was taken to the hospital in good spirits and stable condition, avoiding a potential tragedy. Meanwhile, the police posted a photograph of Piran’s handsome black face on social media and declared him a hero. Though he reportedly received many treats, Piran’s real reward was a job well done. “The cat is very attached to her,” Longmuir said.

Cats may not generally be known for their loyalty, but maybe it’s time for the stereotype to get an update. Clearly, Piran the black cat was anything but bad luck. He proved it with the grandest act possible — saving his human’s life.

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