Thanksgiving Banner KB Times
 Katten & Benson, Your Elder Care Law Specialists
November 2010 - Vol 3,  Issue 11
In This Issue
Did You Know?
K & B Happenings
Medicare Open Enrollment
Molly's Musings
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Did You Know?
  • Medicare must now pay 100% of the cost of annual physicals and other preventative care
  • Once you are out of the coverage gap or doughnut hole, you will only pay 5% for your prescriptions
K & B Happening
3rd Annual Operation Christmas Tree

We'll be providing a decorated Christmas tree to raise money for Meals on Wheels and Guardianship Services. This is a great service sponsored by Emeritus at Tanglewood Oaks. Trees will be available for auction from November 18-December 16. You can call Betsy Allaire for more information, 817-922-9559.

Christmas ornament




Medicare Open Enrollment
KB LogoIt's that time of year again--time for Medicare Open Enrollment. Depending on your situation, things may look different this year due to health care reform.

Medicare Part B
Your Medicare Part B premiums will not change for 2011. Most of you will continue to pay $96.40 for your Part B premium, unless you are a new enrollee. New enrollees will pay $110.50 per month (unless your income is very high).

Medicare Part D
You may find that your Medicare Part D plan is being dropped. Many insurance companies are consolidating plans, so you may be one of the (un)lucky ones who is forced to find a new plan. Even if your Part D plan is not affected, I think it's a good idea to review your Part D coverage. Many plans change their drug list every year, in addition to changing their premium costs. My Mother has changed plans every year, because each year we have found a less expensive plan. You can find plan information at the Medicare website, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

In 2011, for those who hit the coverage gap, or doughnut hole, you will get a 50% discount on brand name drugs, and a 7% discount on generic drugs, a result of health care reform. By 2020 the coverage gap will be closed.

Medicare Advantage
If you have an Advantage plan, be sure to check extra benefits. Health care reform is freezing subsidies to Advantage Plans for 2011, but they may start cutting benefits in advance of shrinking subsidies beginning in 2012.

Next Year
Be sure to mark your calendars: Next year the open enrollment period will be October 15, 2011 to December 7, 2011, earlier than it is now. This is to ensure that changes are made before January 1.


Molly's Musings
Hi, everyone! As you can tell, I'm a Rangers fan! Everyone here at the office has been really excited, although I have to admit the two games in San Francisco were a little disappointing.
Molly the Rangers fan
Molly in her Rangers bandana


With the holidays coming up, I wanted to take a moment and share some of the things I'm thankful for. Of course I'll be thankful if the Rangers win the World Series, but even if they don't, I'm happy they did as well as they did. But more than that, I'm thankful for my safe and happy home, the best Mom anyone could ask for, peanut butter, cats to chase, peanut butter, everyone at work who brings me treats, and peanut butter.

I sure hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

  paw printMolly
Don't forget that we are always here and ready to help with your long term care planning needs.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kim Olmedo, LCSW, CCSM, CSW-G
Elder Care Coordinator
Katten & Benson