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AEP Notice: Medicare Enrollment Period Approaching…

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We take very seriously the responsibility that we feel we have in keeping you up to date regarding your Medicare related insurance options. We value your business and trust!!

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is quickly approaching – beginning on October 15th and running thru December 7th. With few exceptions this is the only time of year when you can make changes to you Medicare Prescription coverage (Part D).  If your current Part D Plan is changing OR if you are taking some new or different prescriptions, then you will want to take advantage of the upcoming AEP and look at your options.

It is very important, and we implore you to look for and review the Annual Notice of Change information that you will soon be receiving from your current Part D carrier. This information will inform you of any changes to your Plan for 2019. Please note that after December 7th of this year you will be unable to change your Part D coverage, with few exceptions.

If you are happy with your current Part D Plan, then you do not need to do anything and can continue with that Plan for 2019. If you do decide that you would like to compare your current Part D Plan, contact our office and we would be more than happy to help you go over your prescription coverage options.

*Please note and be aware of the fact that the upcoming AEP period does not have any bearing on your Medicare Supplement coverage as Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans can be changed anytime of the year.

Please call if at any time you have any questions or if you would be interested in comparing your current coverage with other available options!


CMS announces 2019 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced the 2019 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Parts A and B.

 “CMS is committed to empowering beneficiaries with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma.  “In addition to the information we recently released for Medicare Advantage, the program through which private plans provide Medicare benefits, today we are releasing information for fee-for-service Medicare, so enrollees understand their options for receiving Medicare benefits.”

As announced earlier this month, CMS launched the eMedicare Initiative that aims to modernize the way beneficiaries get information about Medicare and create new ways to help them make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Ahead of Medicare Open Enrollment – which begins on October 15, 2018 and ends December 7, 2018 – CMS is making improvements the Medicare.gov website to help beneficiaries compare options and decide if Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is right for them. Among the tools released as part of the eMedicare Initiative is a stand-alone, mobile optimized out of pocket cost calculator that will provide information on both overall costs and prescription drug costs.

Medicare Part B Premiums/Deductibles

Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment, and certain other medical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A.

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $135.50 for 2019, a slight increase from $134 in 2018. An estimated 2 million Medicare beneficiaries (about 3.5 percent) will pay less than the full Part B standard monthly premium amount in 2019 due to the statutory hold harmless provision, which limits certain beneficiaries’ increase in their Part B premium to be no greater than the increase in their Social Security benefits.

CMS also announced that the annual deductible for Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $185 in 2019, an increase from $183 in 2018.

Medicare Part A Premiums/Deductibles

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, and some home health care services. About 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries do not have a Part A premium since they have at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment.

The Medicare Part A inpatient deductible that beneficiaries will pay when admitted to the hospital is $1,364 in 2019, an increase of $24 from $1,340 in 2018.

Medicare Advantage Premiums

Medicare beneficiaries can choose to enroll in fee-for-service Medicare (Parts A and B) or can select a private Medicare Advantage plan to receive their Medicare benefits. Premiums and deductibles for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans are already finalized and are unaffected by this announcement.

Last month, CMS released the benefit, premium, and cost sharing information for Medicare Advantage plans in 2019. On average, Medicare Advantage premiums will decline while plan choices and new benefits increase. On average, Medicare Advantage premiums in 2019 are estimated to decrease by six percent to $28, from an average of $29.81 in 2018.

For a fact sheet on the 2019 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles, please visit:https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2019-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles.

For more information on the 2019 Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles (CMS-8068-N, CMS-8069-N, CMS-8070-N), please visit https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection.

The Science Behind Winter Driving

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Winter weather is upon us!

Have you ever wondered why black ice forms, how snow tires work or what causes hydroplaning?

Let’s take a look at the science behind some common winter driving conditions in order to better understand what leads to dangerous driving situations, and help us all prepare to travel more safely this winter.

What Is Black Ice?

Black ice is not actually black in color — it’s clear enough that you can see the road beneath it, making it appear “black.” Black ice may also be difficult to distinguish from a wet roadway and may appear wet and shiny.1 An absence of air bubbles allows it to blend in with any surface, making it difficult to see for pedestrians on sidewalks as well as for drivers on winter roads. Fog, light freezing rain, and melting and refreezing precipitation can all cause black ice to form.

Even if the air temperature is above freezing, cooler surface temperatures may mean black ice could still present a hazard on the roads. Vehicle exhaust moisture can also cause black ice to form on roadways, where drivers may not expect it, such as intersections where stopped vehicles may idle for brief periods of time allowing condensate to form. If you are driving in conditions in which black ice is possible, slow down, increase your following distance and know the local weather forecast. If slick road conditions are a possibility, then consider waiting until conditions improve.

How Does Traction Control Work?

Slippery surfaces can be dangerous for drivers, with reduced friction between road and tires sometimes leading to instability, difficulty steering and spinning wheels. Traction control technology, now a standard feature on many newer cars, can help your wheels gain traction on wet, snowy and icy roads.

Unlike the anti-lock braking system (ABS), which is designed to activate when reducing your speed, traction control can help you maintain control while accelerating, driving up an incline or even at steady speeds. When sensors determine that a wheel is spinning, the traction control software can either reduce power or apply the brakes to that wheel in an effort to regain traction. Traction control and anti-lock brakes are components of an electronic stability control (ESC) system, which can help detect when a skid is about to occur, and selectively apply brakes to different wheels to help you maintain control of your vehicle. Cars with anti-lock braking systems and traction control do not necessarily have an electronic stability control system, so check on your own vehicle to determine if you have this capability.

What Causes Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride above the road surface on a thin layer of water, reducing traction. Speed, the amount of water on the roadway, tire tread depth, tire air pressure and road surface characteristics are all factors that influence whether a vehicle is at risk of hydroplaning. It is possible for vehicles to hydroplane at speeds as low as 30 mph.

To reduce your risk of hydroplaning, avoid driving through standing water on roadways and slow down to help your tires channel water through their treads to improve traction. Watch for drivers of smaller, lighter vehicles which may be more likely to lose control of their vehicles. In addition, during times of limited visibility such as heavy rain, remember to turn your headlights on to help other drivers see you. One the most dangerous times to drive is right after it starts raining, as oils on the road can rise to the surface and contribute to slick conditions.

How Do Snow Tires Work?

Swapping out your “all season” tires for snow tires during the winter months may afford you better traction and performance in snowy, icy and slippery conditions. That’s because there is real science behind the design of snow tires: they’re made of a softer rubber compound that will not stiffen when temperatures drop as much as all-season tires will. While it’s less durable and subject to greater wear than the stiffer all season compounds, the softer rubber compound in snow tires helps to retain tire flexibility in cold weather, an important attribute for improving traction on slippery surfaces and helping drivers stay on the road. The addition of “sipes,” or grooves, on snow tires is designed to provide more “leading edges” on each tread block and this helps to increase traction on slippery road surfaces.

As winter rolls in, there is a growing possibility of finding yourself driving in less than optimum conditions. Understanding the science behind some of these common conditions can help heighten your awareness to stay safe on the roads.

How to Winterize Your Home Water System

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We could still get sub-zero weather! Take these simple steps now to prevent costly damage to your home.

If you are a homeowner, or perhaps rent a home in which you are responsible for a certain level of maintenance, it is critical to winterize your home’s water system before the temperature drops to help ensure a winter season free from frozen pipes and potential water damage.

As water freezes, it expands, which can cause your pipes to burst or damage your plumbing systems, fixtures and appliances. The following tips will allow you to help safeguard your water pipes against freezing weather, plus quickly turn off your water system in the event a pipe bursts inside your home. If you do not understand how your water system is set up, a licensed plumber can help you identify what you need to know to prepare for winter.

Winterize Your Pipes and Outside Faucets

  • Insulate pipes that provide water throughout the house but pass through unheated areas, such as garages, basements and attics, to help prevent freezing
  • Install UL-listed heat tape on interior metal water pipes located against the exterior wall to help keep the water in the pipes from freezing.
  • Set thermostats to 55°F or above, especially if you plan to leave for a day or longer.
  • If your home is not equipped with frost-free spigots, you will need to prevent the water in the outside faucets from freezing by doing one of the following:
    • Drain the water in the faucet by closing the interior valve of the water line dedicated to this spigot, then turning on the outside spigot, which will remove the water from the interior valve to the spigot. If you are unsure how to do this correctly, contact a licensed plumber.
    • Install an insulated cover over the exterior spigot—these are available at most home goods stores. This approach is suggested only where moderately freezing temperatures are infrequent and shorter duration.
  • If your pipes should freeze, never try to thaw them with an open flame or torch.

If the temperature routinely drops below freezing during the winter months, winterizing your home can help prevent potential disasters and keep your home and possessions safe.

How to Stay Safe After a Winter Car Accident

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The days are short. The air is cold. And, roads are often slick with rain, snow or ice.

It’s winter driving season in La Grande. And, while most people know what to do to try to avoid an accident, many don’t know what to do after one. It’s vital knowledge to have, because the aftermath of a crash can be just as dangerous as the crash itself — especially when it’s cold and snowy.

Here are five things to do (or not do) if you’re in an accident this winter to help keep yourself and others safe:

1.) Make sure everyone’s OK — then get off the road if you can. The safety of everyone involved in a crash is the first concern, of course. So, check on the occupants of each vehicle and call for emergency assistance if it’s needed. Then, if the vehicles are drivable, get them off the road as soon – and as carefully – as possible.

2.) Stay in your car if you can’t safely move away. If you can’t get your car off the road, but you can get off the road, wait until there’s no traffic around and then move well out of the way. Otherwise, stay in the car so you’re protected from other vehicles.

3.) Stay visible — and warm. Turn on your hazard lights and put up road flares so other vehicles know something is wrong. And, grab your vehicle emergency kit (you have one, right?) for blankets and extra clothing. If you’ve run off the road and you’re still in your car, make sure nothing is blocking your exhaust pipe. Otherwise carbon monoxide may build up.

4.) If you’re stranded, stay put. Running off the road in a remote area is scary, but resist the urge to try to walk for help. You risk getting lost, especially during a storm, if you set off on foot.

5.) See a crash? Don’t always stop to help. Being a Good Samaritan could cause more problems than it solves. So, if those involved aren’t in immediate danger, call 911 and let the professionals help with medical aid and traffic control.

It’s not always easy, but keeping a cool head after an accident will do more than help everyone get through a stressful situation — it will help keep everyone safer, too.

And, remember, if something does happen on the road this winter, your Reed & Associates agent is here to help with your auto accident claim. If you’re unsure whether you’re carrying the right coverage, call now before it’s too late!

How Efficiently (or Inefficiently) Do You Use Your Heat?

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Many homeowners see their energy bills each winter and think, “I’m spending so much each month and my house isn’t even that warm… why?” There are many reasons this could be happening.

To get an answer to that question, you should start with some other questions that will help determine just how efficiently you’re heating your home.

The answers to these questions can help you save heating dollars, and stay warm!

  • Where is the warm air going? If you’ve got a leaky house, you’re costing yourself money, plain and simple. Heat ends up escaping and cold air keeps flowing in, which means you either turn up the thermostat or just shiver in your living room. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends getting an energy audit so you can find and seal the gaps.
  • When is the heat on? Are you keeping the house at the same temperature all day and night? Even when you’re or sleeping or at work? There’s no reason to, and programmable thermostats mean you can still have a warm house when you wake up and when you get home.
  • How often do I use space heaters? If you find that you’re using space heaters to supplement your main heating system, you could be masking a bigger problem — and actually increasing your energy costs. Addressing underlying issues, such as a furnace that isn’t working well, can be more cost-effective in the long run.
  • Am I maintaining my system? A lot of homeowners simply forget to do things such as changing their air filter regularly or getting periodic examinations of their furnace. These routine tasks can not only prevent more costly problems down the road, they can help you more effectively heat your home right now.
  • Is my fireplace hurting more than it’s helping? It could be, if you always leave the damper open even when you don’t have a fire going. And, if you have the damper closed, a leak can make it yet another place where warm air gets out and cold air seeps in. Check the seal around your damper, and consider using a chimney balloon when you aren’t using the fireplace.

Taking some time to answer these questions can increase your efficiency, decrease your bills and perhaps even prompt another, more pleasant question this winter: “Is it too warm in here?”

Consider Insuring Your Wedding!

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Tying the Knot?  Tie up Loose Ends with Wedding Insurance. Here’s How:

Getting married is a big step that you’re no doubt commemorating with a big celebration. And, that often comes with a (fairly) big price tag. So, have you considered insuring the whole to-do?

As with other sizeable investments, you can insure big events, such as your wedding. But, that’s not the only way insurance can play a role in your big day and the events that follow. Here are four tips for insuring your wedding, rings and more:

1. Big day, big investment – protect it

Of course you want your big day to go off without a hitch. But, you also want to prepare for those pesky “what ifs.” What if the caterer backs out? What if the bride’s dress gets lost in her checked baggage? What if your venue goes out of business?

Event insurance typically covers unexpected issues with the site, weather, vendors and illness or injury, so you aren’t stuck with the tab. For example, if you need to find a new caterer the day before the wedding, your policy may help with the costs.

2. Say ‘I do’ to covering your rings.

Regardless of the monetary value of your engagement and wedding rings, it’s important to protect your investment — preferably right after you purchase them. We can help. Call us from the jewelry store if you like, and we’ll schedule your new bling on your renters insurance, condo insurance or homeowners insurance.

3. Cover your bases by covering your gifts.

While you’re dancing the night away, you don’t want someone walking away with your gifts. But, unfortunately, it happens. You may want to consider a policy to protect your gifts. And, of course, you’ll want to include them as part of your home inventory and personal property coverage. Some items, such as collectibles and china, may need scheduled coverage, just like your rings.

4. Start your honeymoon right.

If your honeymoon costs as much as a car, it may make sense to get travel insurance. Policies can include coverage for trip cancellation or delay, and even medical insurance. Frommers.com says it should cost no more than 8 percent of your trip price.

Whether your wedding is a small family affair or the biggest event of the year, you deserve to have a stress-free day. Let us help you select the insurance coverage you want for your wedding and everything that goes along with it. So, when the big day arrives, all you have to worry about is having a great time!

Buying a Car for Your Grad

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Buying a Car for Your Grad? Here’s What to Keep in Mind and Check On…

So, you’ve decided to reward your graduate with a car (or help him/her purchase one, at least). That’s great! Adding a car to the family can make life easier for everyone — as long as it’s the right car.

Now, how do you figure out which car is the right car? Whether you’re shopping for a new or used car, here are a few things we here at Reed & Associates would like you to consider.

Safety

It’s easy to find out which cars did well in crash tests (and which didn’t). Visit these sites for current and past ratings, and other useful tools:

• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded Top Safety Picks since the 2006 model year

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site has Auto Safety Ratings going back to 1990

• The National Insurance Crime Bureau allows you to enter a car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to find out if it’s been reported stolen or flagged as a salvaged vehicle.

Reliability and Usage

Sources such as Consumer Reports can give you a good idea of the experience other owners have had with the models you’re considering. Warranty coverage is included with new vehicles, of course, but also some used cars that have undergone a certification program. Depending on how your grad is going to use the car, you’ll want to look at mileage estimates and features such as all-wheel drive.

The Importance of an Inspection

Buying used? It’s crucial that you get an inspection from a trusted repair shop. Get as much history on the car as you can, from owner records to a report from Carfax or a similar service. And, if you feel the sellers aren’t being forthcoming, walk away. Don’t let their problems become your problems.

Cost of Ownership

Certain cars cost more to repair and maintain than others, and insurance costs can vary widely as well. We would be happy to help you determine the impact different models can have on the price of coverage. When you get further along in your search and have a few choices in mind, give us a call to get a few quotes!

When you find the right car, not only will your graduate be thrilled, you’ll look on with confidence – and pride – as your grad drives off toward the future.


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