Don’t be scammed!
Unless you are in the process of signing up for your Social Security benefits or Medicare, you will not receive emails, calls or texts from either agency. Here are a few tips to help you identify and avoid being scammed:
Beware of Email Scams
Tips for Identifying Scam Emails
1. Check the Sender's Email Address: Legitimate agencies will have official email addresses. Be wary of addresses that look suspicious or use a public domain like Gmail or Yahoo.
2. Look for Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Government agencies typically have professional communications, so emails with errors can be a red flag.
3. Beware of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action. Always verify the information before responding.
4. Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it seems off, don't click it.
5. Verify Through Official Channels: If you're unsure about an email, contact the agency directly using information from their official website.
Beware of phone/text scams
Tips to identify phone/text scams
Unexpected Contact: Be cautious if contacted unexpectedly, especially by someone claiming to be from a government agency or company.
Urgency and Threats: Scammers often use urgency or threats to prompt quick action, like saying your account will be closed.
Request for Personal Information: Legitimate entities won’t ask for sensitive information like passwords or bank details via phone or text.
Unusual Payment Methods: Be wary if asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as these are often untraceable.
Poor Grammar and Spelling: Errors in messages can indicate a scam.
Too Good to Be True Offers: Extravagant offers for little effort are likely scams.
Check the Caller ID or Sender's Number: Scammers can spoof numbers, so verify contact info independently.
Verify Through Official Channels: Contact organizations directly using known contact info to confirm legitimacy.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Avoid engaging further.
Use Call Blocking and Reporting Features: Block unwanted contacts and report scams to help prevent them.
Staying vigilant and informed is the best way to protect yourself from scams. Let's start this week with a commitment to keep ourselves and our information safe.
Stress free travel!
Stress-free traveling is all about preparation, mindset, and flexibility. Start by planning ahead: book accommodations and transportation well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Make a checklist of essentials to pack, focusing on items that provide comfort and convenience, such as noise-canceling headphones, a neck pillow, and travel-size toiletries. Keep your itinerary flexible to accommodate unexpected changes and allow for spontaneous adventures.
Consider using travel apps for easy access to maps, local attractions, and dining options. Practice mindfulness by taking deep breaths and staying present in the moment, which can help alleviate anxiety. Finally, embrace the journey with an open mind and a cheerful outlook, understanding that not everything will go as planned, but those experiences often make for the best stories.
Even with the best planning, the unexpected can happen. When that happens, Travel insurance can be a lifesaver.
Travel insurance can cover a variety of scenarios from Medical emergencies to lost luggage and many things in between. YOu may think you are covered for most of that through your health insurance plan or the credit card you used to pay for the trip, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you have health insurance through your employer or an individual plan, it's important to check whether your plan offers coverage for medical emergencies abroad. Some plans include international coverage, while others may require you to purchase additional travel insurance to cover potential medical expenses overseas.
The same goes if you have Medicare. IF you have a medigap plan to go along with original Medicare or a Medicare advantage plan, you may have some coverage, but will it be enough?
Regardless of your coverage, it is important to check the specifics of your plan to make sure you have coverage for the unexpected.
I am happy to help, should you have questions.
Bon Voyage!
Are you ready?
Are you ready to make a decision that will affect your prescription coverage and/or healthcare coverage for the entirety of 2025?
Since October 1st, I have been reviewing Medicare Prescription and Medicare Advantage plans. although the enrollment period does not affect Medicare Supplement Plans, many are finding their premiums are becoming unaffordable and are looking for solutions as well. So, I ask you, are you ready this year? Have you had your current plan reviewed or have you assumed that what worked for you last year will work for you next year?
So far, I am finding that with the changes in Medicare for 2025, about two-thirds of the reviews I have already completed will require a change in coverage for 2025. And, even with the change, many are facing increased costs for 2025. These costs result from higher premiums, fewer benefits and in some cases having to start over because their current plan is being discontinued. Because of this uncertainty, a review of your plan is more important than ever.
If you have not scheduled a review, do not wait. The last thing you want to do this year is decide in haste, because as mentioned, your choice will affect your coverages for an entire year.
When scheduling your review, keep in mind that during the Medicare Annual Election Period and Open Enrollment Period you can expect to see plenty of advertisements promising the "latest and greatest" ways to save on your health plans, prescription plans and the offer of free and added free benefits. While some choices look good, others may not be as beneficial as stated.
Here are some tips that will help you in making your decision:
· Neither Medicare nor Social Security will contact you by phone to offer health or prescription plans.
· Insurance agents must provide full name, contact information, insurance license number (for your state) and plan information if requested.
· You do not need to provide your Social Security number, bank account, credit card or Medicare number to receive a quote from a legitimate plan.
· Beware of clicking on random internet ads or pop-ups.
· Know that some websites will change their colors or layout to look like a government site but are not affiliated with the government.
· Use caution and avoid responding to unsolicited messages, texts, or emails.
· Agents are not allowed to call you without your expressed permission.
· Agents are not permitted to sign a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan application on your behalf. All signatures must come from you in the form of a wet signature, telephonic or electronic signature. Only someone with a Durable Power of Attorney can sign on your behalf.
· Your decision is not final until December 7th. If you sign up for a plan and change your mind, you have the right to sign up for a different plan.
In conclusion, know who you are dealing with, do not feel pressured to decide and make sure to have your plan reviewed!
don’t be caught by surprise by the changes in medicare for 2025
It all begins with an idea.
“Medicare is changing in 2025, and these changes might hit your wallet harder than you expect!
Whether you're enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), you could be in for a few surprises. With nearly 20 years of experience working with Medicare recipients, I thought I’d seen it all—until now.”
"One of the major changes happening under the Inflation Protection Act is that Medicare Part D plans will now have a cap on out-of-pocket costs—$2,000 a year. While this sounds like great news, there’s more to the story. With this cap comes some unexpected changes, including:
Higher plan premiums
Generic drugs under Tier 1 may now be subject to the Medicare Part D deductible
Fewer drugs on the formulary list (the list of drugs your plan covers)
Increased out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Advantage Plans
Fewer plan options and benefits
Negative impacts for individuals over 65 who are still working and covered by employer health plans"
1. Read Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change Letter
· This letter will be sent by your current Medicare Advantage Plan and will detail any changes happening in 2025. You may find that your plan now has a premium, your fitness benefits have been removed, or your prescriptions are subject to new deductibles and co-pays. In some cases, your plan may no longer be available, requiring you to choose a new plan.
2. Don’t assume that your Medicare Part D plan, that worked well for you in 2024 will work well for you in 2025
· Premiums, formularies and coverages can change, and you could be left with a plan that is no longer appropriate or affordable for your needs.
3. If 65 and Still Working Read your Notice of Credible Coverage Letter
· If your coverage is not listed as “Credible” you may now have to sign up for Medicare Parts A and D or face penalties for your Medicare Coverage in the future.