Exercize @ Work

Work Out at Work

You are more likely to exercise if it’s a regular part of your day. You can make it happen if you put exercise at the top of your “to do” list, and look for easy ways to add physical activity to your regular schedule:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Take a walk with co-workers during your lunch break. An exercise buddy can help you stick with your plan to be more active!

• Instead of sending an e-mail, walk down the hall and talk with a co-worker.

• Park away from your office and enjoy the walk.

• Join your company’s fitness center if there is one.

Fit exercise into your busy work day. Find 10-minute workout breaks throughout the day. There are a variety of strength, balance, and flexibility exercises you can do right at your desk.

Upper-body strength exercises: Try the chair dip and wall push-up.

Lower-body strength exercises: Do the knee curl and chair stand; then get up and do the toe stand, back leg raise and side leg raise.

For balance: Stand on one foot or walk heel to toe.

Flexibility exercises: Move around a little to warm up; then stretch your thigh, calf, and ankle. Also try the stretches for your neck,upper body, chest, and back. These are great after you’ve been sitting for a while hunched over your computer!

Be active 4 ways everyday: Endurance, Flexibility, Balance, Strength

*Repost* from Go4Life

Read more at: https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/tip-sheets/work-out-work

Go4Life is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Countdown to Open Enrollment

THE MEDICARE BLOG

*Repost* Brought to you by Medicare.Gov https://blog.medicare.gov/…/medicare-open-enrollment-ready…/

THE OFFICIAL BLOG FOR THE U.S. MEDICARE PROGRAM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MEDICARE.GOV

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT: ARE YOU READY TO PICK A PLAN?

It’s picking season—pumpkins, apples, Halloween candy… and a Medicare health or drug plan. Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15–December 7!

Picking a plan is an important and personal decision. Each person has a unique set of priorities. When you sit down to review your Medicare health and drug plan choices this year, keep track of the things you may want in a plan, and pick one that’s right for you.

Here are some things to keep in mind while you consider your choices:

Does the plan cover the services you need?

Future health care needs can be hard to predict, but changes happen. Make sure you understand what services and benefits you’re likely to use in the coming year and find coverage that meets your needs. If you have other types of health or prescription drug coverage, make sure you understandhow that coverage works with Medicare. And, if you travel a lot, look to see if your plan covers you when you’re away from home.

No matter what plan you pick, you’ll get these benefits:

• A discount of 60% on covered brand-name drugs if you reach the Part D prescription drug coverage gap (“donut hole”)
• A free yearly “wellness” visit, so you can sit down with your doctor and talk about your health concerns and the best ways to stay healthy
• A host of preventive tests and screenings—including cancer screenings—most at no cost to you

What’s the cost?

The lowest-cost health plan option might not be the best choice for you—consider things like the cost of premiums and deductibles, how much you pay for hospital stays and doctor visits, and whether it’s important for you to have expenses balanced throughout the year.

How about convenience?

Your time is valuable. Ask yourself these questions: Where are the doctors’ offices? What are their hours? Which pharmacies can you use? Can you get prescriptions by mail? Do the doctors useelectronic health records or prescribe electronically?

Quality is important!

Not all health care is created equal, and the doctors, hospitals and facilities you choose can impact your health. Open Enrollment is also a good time to ask yourself whether you’re truly satisfied with your medical care. Look for plans with a 5‑star performance rating—the right expertise and care can make a difference.

Remember, even if you’re happy with your current plan, these answers might change from year to year, so it’s important to take the time to compare. The Medicare Plan Finder makes it easy to compare plans based on all of these factors, so you can pick a plan that meets your needs.

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Apply for Social Security

1. WORK & JOBS

Social Security

How to Apply for Social Security

Here's how to make sure you're maximizing your benefits

by AARP, October 2016|Comments: 4

If you know what to expect, applying for Social Security can be a smooth experience. — Istock

Applying for Social Security benefits is a big step, but it can be a smooth one if you know what to expect and have the right information at your fingertips.

Depending on the benefit you want, you may have the option of applying in person, by phone or online.

• Applying in person. This can be easy but it might take time. Tip: Call 800-772-1213 to make an appointment at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office nearest you (and call when phone lines are least busy — typically later in the day, later in the week and later in the month). You can find the nearest office by going online to ssa.gov. Click on Search, type in "find an office," and when the office locator pops up, enter your zip code.

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• Applying by phone. You can call the SSA toll-free at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET. If you call outside those hours, you can still get some information about benefits, eligibility and online services.
• Applying online. You can apply online for some, but not all, Social Security benefits. In some cases, you may begin your application process online but will complete it in person or over the phone. Go to ssa.gov/applyonline to get started. The online application system is available Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. ET to 1 a.m. ET; Saturday, 5 a.m ET. to 11 p.m. ET; and Sunday, 8 a.m. ET to 11:30 p.m ET. On federal holidays, the system is available on the usual hours for that day of the week.

See also: How to Start the Social Security Benefits Flowing

Here are some basic guidelines on applying for widely sought benefits.

• Retirement benefits. You'll need to gather information about your recent earnings, marital history, military background, whether you qualify for a federal pension, and possible eligibility of any family members for Social Security benefits based on your own work record.

Required materials include your Social Security number; birth certificate (original or certified copy) or a religious record of your birth, such as a baptismal certificate before you were age 5; Form W-2 earnings statements from each of your employers or your tax return from the prior year if self-employed; military discharge papers; and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.

Where to file. File in person, by phone or online.

• Survivor benefits. Get hold of the Social Security number of the deceased, your own Social Security number and those of any dependent children, your birth certificate or acceptable religious record, Form W-2 earnings statement or tax return if self-employed, death certificate of the deceased, and your marriage certificate or divorce papers.

Where to file. File in person or by phone (as early as the month the covered worker or retiree dies).

• Disability benefits. You may file for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled (and be aware that it can take a while to make your case). Dependent family members may file for auxiliary benefits based on the record of a disabled worker.You generally will need the following information and documents: your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of your spouse and minor children, birth certificate or an acceptable religious record, contact information for your medical providers, dates of your health care appointments related to your condition, your prescription information, medical records related to this condition, a summary of your work history, your most recent Form W-2 earnings statements or tax return if self-employed, military discharge papers, and information on other disability claims filed with insurance or workers' compensation.

Where to file. File in person, by phone or online.

• Supplemental Security Income. File for these benefits as soon as you need them. Requirements may vary depending on the specific SSI benefit. You may be asked for your Social Security number, your birth certificate or religious record of your birth or other proof of age, documentation on where you live (such as a lease or utility bill with your name on it), financial records including payroll slips and bank statements, details of assets you own (such as property and vehicles), and proof of citizenship or legal residency, possibly including documents from the Department of Homeland Security.
Where to file. File in person or by phone.
For more details on applying for Social Security benefits, go to ssa.gov/forms/apply-for-benefits.html.

Medicare 101: What is Part D?

What Is Medicare Part D and Who Qualifies?

*Repost* Brought to you by: TransAmerica: http://blog.transamerica.com/what-is-medicare-part-d#.V_QNDOUrJhE

Medicare Part A and B together make up what is known as Original Medicare and provide coverage for many things that are typically categorized as hospital insurance and medical insurance, including emergency care. But often, taking care of your daily health comes with medicines prescribed by your doctor. This is where Medicare Part D enters your healthcare picture.

What does Medicare Part D cover?

Simply put, Medicare Part D covers a patient’s prescription drugs. In the Medicare system, drugs are put intotiers based on formularies, which results in different price levels. Medicare Part D plans are generally set up to provide coverage at levels that correspond to the prescription drug tiers. In this guide, you can find a description of some common situations people face, as well as things to consider in each scenario regarding coverage options.

Who qualifies?

Medicare Part D is voluntary for everyone except those enrolled in Medicaid, or Medi-Cal for those in California. Because of that, anyone who is eligible for Medicare can sign up for a Part D coverage during the annual open enrollment period.

When should I enroll?

Enrollment follows the same initial rules as Plans A and B. You can apply three months before the month of your 65th birthday, within your 65th birthday month, and the three months following. Likewise, if you don’t select drug coverage when you first become eligible, and don’t qualify for an exception, you may encounter a late enrollment penalty that stays with you as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.

You don’t have to re-enroll each year, but you will have a chance to review your coverage and change plans if needed. In addition, certain changes in your circumstances throughout the year may prompt the need for aSpecial Enrollment Period (SEP). Rules for what you can change and when you can change it are different for each SEP.

How much does it cost?

The cost for prescription drug coverage isn’t as clear cut as with Parts A and B, since your cost will largely depend on which prescription drugs you take. Other variables include the plan you choose, if you use a pharmacy in your plan’s network, and if your prescriptions are part of the formulary of your chosen plan.

Since coverage for Part D is distributed through independent companies, you have a lot of options to choose from. We can assist you in getting started.

What about Part C?

Original Medicare is enough coverage for some people, but if you feel like you need extra benefits, that’s where Part C comes in. Part C plans are sometimes called Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage Plans are administered by private insurance providers, but are regulated by the government. They include most Part A and B benefits as well as prescription drug coverage, vision, hearing and dental services. Opting into a Part C plan means that you’ll receive benefits from Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare. Costs vary by plan.

For more information on Medicare, Transamerica Center for Health Studies^® has a guide that can help you compare the features of the different parts.

About Transamerica Center for Health Studies^®.
The Transamerica Center for Health Studies^® (TCHS) is a division of the Transamerica Institute^®, a nonprofit, private foundation. TI is funded by contributions from Transamerica Life Insurance Company and its affiliates and may receive funds from unaffiliated third parties. TCHS is dedicated to identifying, researching and analyzing the most relevant health care issues facing consumers and employers nationwide. For more information about TCHS, please visit www.TransamericaCenterforHealthStudies.org.

Medicare 101: What is Part C?

Medicare 101: What is Medicare Part C?

*Repost* Brought to you by: TransAmerica: http://blog.transamerica.com/medicare-101-part-c#.V_QMAuUrJhE

If you’re choosing your Medicare insurance plan, or helping your parents choose theirs, the details can get a little confusing. We already helped lay out Part A and Part B for you, so now it’s time to explain Part C.

Medicare has four parts: A,B,C, and D. Each has a different benefit to offer you, but Part C is a little different than the others. Parts A and B together provide what’s called Original Medicare under the public healthcare system. Part C is different in that it is offered through private companies approved by Medicare.

What does Medicare Part C cover?

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage plans, are private plans, like Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and others. These plans must offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. However, the costs associated with your healthcare services will vary depending which plan you choose.

Some people choose these plans over Original Medicare because they can offer additional benefits and cover more services, though that isn’t guaranteed for every plan.

Who qualifies?

Qualifying for Medicare Part C is fairly simple. People who qualify for Medicare Part C are already enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B. A person must also choose a Medicare Advantage plan that’s in the service area he or she lives in.

When should I enroll?

Like with Medicare Parts A and B, you’ll need to enroll when you first become eligible, and can change plans during the Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7). To unenroll, you’ll need to do so between January 1-February 14.

Your Initial Enrollment Period is seven months long, and starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes you birthday month, and the following three months after that. After this time, you’ll have to wait for Open Enrollment to sign up.

How much does it cost?

The cost will vary according to which plan you choose for yourself, but since Part C is still a part of Medicare, you’ll have to keep paying your Part B premium. The out-of-pocket costs will also differ, according to your chosen plan.

If you’re looking to add coverage to what Original Medicare offers you, then Part C may be a good option. However, if you still have some questions, you can find the answers on Medicare.gov.

You can also get more information about Medicare from Transamerica Center for Health Studies^®’ helpfulguide.

About Transamerica Center for Health Studies^®.
The Transamerica Center for Health Studies^® (TCHS) is a division of the Transamerica Institute^®, a nonprofit, private foundation. TI is funded by contributions from Transamerica Life Insurance Company and its affiliates and may receive funds from unaffiliated third parties. TCHS is dedicated to identifying, researching and analyzing the most relevant health care issues facing consumers and employers nationwide. For more information about TCHS, please visit www.TransamericaCenterforHealthStudies.org.

Who is Senior Benefit Services?

by: Amanda Westbrook, Marketing Manager | 9/29/16 | Senior Benefit Services, Blog, Life & Health Insurance  | www.sbsteam.net | 800.627.2768

"We are often asked as a company: "What makes you different?" Beyond many things we can list is the underlying fact that we DON'T work for one insurance company - we work for YOU." -David McNerney, Company President

Who is Senior Benefit Services?

Founded in 1975, Senior Benefit Services (formerly known as Barnes Insurance Group) has grown to become one of the largest senior benefit organizations in the nation. We're an Insurance Brokerage that specializes in the Life & Health Industry with a majority of our focus on the Senior Market and people aging onto Medicare (ages 65+). However, with our large portfolio of products readily available, we can also assist anyone in the family with their insurance needs. Our portfolio includes: Medicare Products, Life Insurance, Cancer Coverage, Long Term Care, Dental/Vision/Hearing, Investments & Annuities, and MORE.

What do we do?

We stated that we are an insurance brokerage - but what does that mean? It means that out of all of those top-rated companies that you are familiar with, and may even be insured with, that we represent over 50 of them! Yes, you read that correctly. When we sit down with our clients, we are able to lay out a wide range of over 50 companies with their corresponding portfolio of products, to help figure out which one works BEST for that persons' unique and individual needs. Nobody is the same when it comes to what type of coverage they require - even husband and wife differing at times - so it's very important that we do the research to a have full, comprehensive knowledge of what's out there. 

What else makes us unique? For starters, the average age of one of our independent agents is 25. Some may think that's "too young" or makes them "less knowledgeable." But think about these few things:  1. The insurance market, as I'm sure you're aware, is a constantly changing market place. Therefore, no matter if you've been in the industry for 2 years or 20 years, you can never stop learning or "know enough." 2. Adding on to that - as a brokerage we're constantly required to stay informed on trends and new products, as well as participate in continuing education on a regular basis. We're schooled, trained, and experienced to provide the best services nation-wide. 3. We're here to work with you FOR LIFE. Being the younger demographic that we are, we're able to grow with you, keep you updated each year, and always be the one you can trust when it comes to your decision making and planning. In other words, we're never going anywhere! Some final thoughts: Our services are truly one of a kind. Yes we sell insurance, but that's not our priority. There are over 40 Million seniors in the marketplace and an shockingly low average of around 1,000 agents in each state.  We sit down with too many people that have been taken advantage of, haven't seen their agent for years, or have simply been lost alone in the sea of all this information. We offer our services at no cost to you, so let us come sit down with you and start planning.

We're just one phone call away: 800-627-2768

Visit us Online at: www.sbsteam.net

More on Life Insurance Awareness Month

Life Insurance Awareness Month encourages Missourians to evaluate their life insurance coverage needs

Jefferson City, Mo – 
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, which creates an opportunity for all of us to consider the impact life insurance has in guaranteeing the financial security of the ones we love.

“A life insurance policy is not about us; it is about protecting those we care about most,” said Missouri Department of Insurance Director John M. Huff.  “This can be a difficult subject to discuss, but we hope Missourians will set aside some time in September to evaluate  their life insurance coverage needs. 

One in three Americans believed the loss of their household’s primary wage earner would negatively impact their family in as little as one month.  Life insurance coverage can help alleviate the burden of funeral expenses, mortgage balances, and even provide money for college tuition. 
There are currently 480 life insurers licensed in Missouri. To help consumers in their search for life insurance, the Missouri Department of Insurance’s website features tools to help users research insurance agents and insurance companies. The website also provides answers to several of its consumers’ most frequently asked questions and features a Life Policy Locator Service, which was designed to help consumers find the life insurance policies and annuity contracts of their deceased loved ones.  

“These resources provide Missourians with the information they need to find a policy that fits their needs and the needs of their families,” said Huff.

For help understanding life insurance policies, finding an insurance agent or company, or using the Life Policy Locator Service, consumers can call the department’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-726-7390 or go to the department’s website at www.insurance.mo.gov.

About the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration
The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of financial industries and professionals. The department's seven divisions work to enforce state regulations both efficiently and effectively while encouraging a competitive environment for industries and professions to ensure consumers have access to quality products.  

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