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Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Navigating Health Care
May 15, 2016
— 2 Comments
rose is a rose
In order to navigate the tricky changing tides of health insurance coverage today we need experts. Since I switched to Medicare this year I went shopping last year for referrals for a good agent. I found Karyn Damschen of Retirement Navigators who helped direct me to the plan that works best for me. I am extremely pleased with my coverage and my care at iora primary care. Karyn is such a star Medicare expert that I carry her cards with me to pass out when I meet anyone who needs a health care insurance agent. Who, in my opinion, needs a health insurance agent? Absolutely everyone who has a choice in the matter. If coverage by your employer is set, you probably would not benefit from a consultation with an agent. All others need to be advised by those professionals who spend their time keeping current with regulations and changes in the market. The market becomes more complex all the time. The result for consumers is an unsettlingly confusing set of offers from which to choose. After the coverage is in place we cross our fingers and hope anything that happens to us will be covered by our policy. To make the best of this frequently changing situation I feel really great that I have Karyn representing my best interests and keeping me informed about all my options.
Recently I received the news that my primary care physician is leaving the brand new practice. First my personal paraclete (health coach) from iora called to explain the change and transition. The next day I got a call from the fabulous Karyn at Retirement Navigators who was busy calling all her clients who were effected by this situation. She was ready and willing to change providers within the limits of my Medicare policy, or do anything I might want, in light of the new circumstances. This was evidence to me that the front line of my health care system, my agent and my paraclete, are the best. They spend all the time needed to match my needs with the best available medical care. They have specialties and expertise in the insurance system that the doctor does not, and should not, be bothered to learn. Although I liked my first doctor, I love the new system iroa is pioneering here in Tucson. The team approach has worked very well for me so far, and I expect that it will continue to evolve with a different doctor. I am pleased with the choice I made to use iroa. I have no wish to change because I like it now and think it will only improve with time.
Do you have a health insurance agent, gentle reader? It is worth the time to find one to represent you. They can read the map and keep you on the road to the best health care available to meet your needs.
rose is a rose
Medicare on My Mind
August 25, 2015
— 3 Comments
Silver Sneakers
I will only pay four more ridiculously high premiums to the Aetna Insurance Company before we break up forever. They are leaving the state at the end of the year, and I will be eligible for Medicare at the same moment. I think I am lucky with that timing. I will not need to learn about anything other than Medicare, but it is a complicated task. I did not change my private insurance policy when the new regulations came into effect because I had only a couple of years left to use it. Now that I have a chance to design and create a plan that may really benefit my health I am pleased.
My investigation started with a referral for a health insurance agent. My friend’s agent referred me to a Medicare specialist who will see me this week for an initial appointment. Karyn Damschen is the agent who will walk me through the basics and help me decide on the best plan for my needs. After a short phone consultation I was happily relieved to know that an impartial independent representative of all insurance companies can advise and guide my choices. She works for me but is paid a commission by the insurance company whose policy I purchase. She also is my support for using the system and making the most of tax credits I may deserve. I probably could navigate the computer system when the policies and pricing become available in November, but the decision is important. My future health care (at least until the market opens again next year) depends on making a wise purchase. The more I know the better. I look forward to the guidance of a professional to help me make a wise decision.
Silver Sneakers is a program I plan to use to pay my health club dues. My club has the program, so in January I will be able to assign my dues to the insurance company of my choice. This is a gift that goes on giving. Now that I have paid into the insurance pools for years and extracted no benefits, I am ready to receive something that I value. There are specialty classes created for the senior set to enjoy in good health. My club offers Zumba Gold and a senior strength/flexibility class. I have not participated, but think it is an excellent idea to give special attention to this part of the population.
Zumba Gold
If you are eligible soon for Medicare I urge you to find an agent to help you make the best of it. Who knows, maybe I will see you at the Tucson Racquet Club sometime. I will be there enjoying my excellent benefits. I will be in the steam room if you need me.
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