Mountain Views News Saturday, August 1, 2015
11THE GOOD LIFE Mountain Views News Saturday, August 1, 2015
11THE GOOD LIFE
MEDICARE OPTIONS FOR RETIREES WHO TRAVEL
Dear Savvy Senior,
What are the best Medicare coverage options for
retirees who travel a lot?
Almost 65
Dear Almost,
The best Medicare options for retirees who travel
extensively depends on your destination.
Let’s start with a quick review of the different
coverage choices Medicare offers beneficiaries
today.
One option is Original Medicare, which has
been around since 1966, and covers (Part A)
hospital services and (Part B) doctor’s visits and
other medical services.
If you choose Original Medicare, you may
also want to get a Medicare (Part D) prescription
drug plan (if you don’t already have coverage)
to cover your medication costs, and a Medicare
supplemental (Medigap) policy to help pay for
things that aren’t covered by Medicare like
copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
Or, you could get Medicare Advantage (Part C)
plan, which is sold through private insurance
companies, that covers everything Original
Medicare covers, plus many plans also offer
prescription drug coverage and extra services like
vision, hearing and dental care all in one plan.
To help you evaluate your options, the National
Council on Aging offers an online tool at
MyMedicareMatters.org, and your State Heath
Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides
free Medicare counseling – call 800-677-1116 for
contact information.
You can also shop and compare Medicare
health and drug plans and Medigap policies at
Medicare.gov/find-a-plan, or call 800-633-4227.
Also note that whatever Medicare plans you
choose to enroll in, if you find that they are not
meeting your needs or your needs change, you
can always switch to a different plan during the
open enrollment period, which is between Oct. 15
and Dec. 7.
U.S. Travel
If you and your husband are planning to travel
domestically, Original Medicare provides
coverage everywhere in the U.S. and its territories
(this includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the
Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa)
as long as the doctor or hospital accepts Medicare.
But, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan,
KATIE Tse..........This and That
IF YOU GIVE A CAT A STEROID...
It was summer, 1982. Regan was
President, the longest baseball
game at Wrigley Field lasted 22
innings, and the lowest August
temperature in Cleveland was
a cool 38°F. But such was not
the case in southern California. Rather than
being remembered for this trivia, the summer of
1982 was remembered as a
your coverage may be restricted. This is because
most Medicare Advantage plans (which are
usually HMOs or PPOs) require you to use
doctors, hospitals and pharmacies that are in the
plan’s network within a service area or geographic
region. So if you’re traveling outside that area, you
may need to pay a higher fee, or your services may
not be covered at all.
Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan,
check the benefit details carefully to see what
costs and rules apply when traveling outside your
service area.
Traveling AbroadIf you’re planning to travel abroad, Original
Medicare does not provide coverage outside the
U.S. including cruising, except in rare cases, and
Medicare drug plans will not cover prescription
drugs purchased outside the U.S. either.
But, there are some Medigap policies that do
provide limited coverage abroad. Medigap C, D,
F, G, M, and N plans will pay for 80 percent of
medically necessary emergency care outside the
U.S., but only for the first 60 days of the trip,
and you have to meet an annual $250 deductible
first. There’s also a lifetime maximum benefit of
$50,000, so you’d need to cover any costs above
that amount.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your
coverage outside the U.S. will depend on the plan.
Some plans offer emergency care coverage while
others don’t. You’ll need to check your plan for
details.
If you want additional emergency medical
coverage when traveling abroad, some good
shopping sites are squaremouth.com and
insuremytrip.com, which compare policies from
major travel-insurance companies. Prices vary
considerably, ranging from under $100 to several
hundred dollars depending on your age, what
they cover and how long you’ll be away.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O.
Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today
show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
floor-to-ceiling window that looked out over the
quiet street she lived on. If Boots happened to see
another cat outside he hurled himself against the
window, practically frothing at the mouth. But,
not being able to fight off his ”competitor,” Boots
lashed out at the closest living thing, which was
typically Gran’s leg.
It was around this time that Boots also developed
small bony protrusions
particularly bad flea season.
on his forehead, like little
However, the fleas didn’t
horns. Gran tried to keep
bother me. I was six months
his anger at bay, but it was
away from being born, so I
not always possible. I was
was well insulated.
about four by this time, and
My grandma had gone
Gran would often watch me
to visit family in Michigan,
while Mom was at work.
and left my mom in charge
It was on one of these
of watching Boots, her cat.
days that Boots went into
Being pregnant and having
another violent fit, and sank
other distractions, Mom
his fangs deep into Gran’s
did not immediately realize
ankle. With Gran down, I
that Gran’s house had
was left in his pathway. But
become infested with fleas!
seconds before he lunged at
They had taken up residence
me, Gran dove between us
in the shag carpet (this was
and quickly pulled me into
early 80’s, remember). One
the safety of a closet.
day when she went to feed
When Mom arrived
Boots, Mom found him
that afternoon, she found
languishing on the carpet,
”what looked like a crime
his blood-drained body
scene!” The white carpet
nearly dry to the bone.
was streaked with bloody
(Think Terry Thomas
footprints leading toward
in ”The Abominable Dr.
the front door. She heard a
Phibes.” You must see this
muffled sound coming from
dark comedy classic if you
the closet, ”Mary! We’re
haven’t already!)
in here!” By now Boots’
She and Dad took
bloodlust had ended, and
quick action and brought
he was placidly munching
Boots to a vet in Arcadia.
Kibbles & Bits.
He prescribed steroid
The life and times of
treatments that were
Boots ended a few years
administered in a series
later when my mom and
of shots. Boots gradually
dad found him stiff behind
recovered, and by the time
the loveseat. We never
Gran returned from her trip
learned what, exactly,
with a small kitten named
caused his mania. Did
Squeaky, he had regained
his near brush with death
his pre-drained plumpness.
push him over the edge?
But unbeknownst to
Had he been injected with
everyone, ”The Madness of some potent cocktail of
Boots” had begun.hormones? Whatever was to blame, the lesson of
Squeaky was, as the name implies, a small, timid the story is to be very careful if you give a cat a
female cat. Boots took an instant overprotective steroid...
attitude toward her, and was often subject to fits
of jealous rage. Gran’s living room had a large
SENIOR HAPPENINGS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … August Birthdays*
Bill Nelson, Karlene Englert, Juanita Fernandez, Jeanette Francis, Joseph Kiss, John Luke,
Jacquie Pergola, Maury Whitaker, Pat Miranda, Phyllis Chapman, Jerry Burnett, Margaret
Aroyan, Phyllis Burg, Beverly Clifton, Rosemary Morabito, Susan Poulsen, Dorothy
Quentmeyer, Genevieve Stubbs, Miep Tulleners, Ellie Baudino, Marcia Bent, Daryls
Brechwald, Joan Spears, Ruth Torres, Jane Zamanzadeh and Harry Enmark.
*To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth
not required.
..................................................................
ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park
House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre
YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon
(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.)
All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00
for those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary as space is
limited. Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256
TECH TALK: TECH TALK WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER WHEN OUR STUDENT
VOLUNTEERS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL.
HAWAIIAN AND POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASS: Every Tuesday morning from 10am to 11am.
Join instructor Barbara Dempsey as she instructs you in the art of hula.
BINGO: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00pm. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcome to
join. May be canceled if less than 5 people.
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11am to 12pm. No appt.
is necessary.
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: Wednesday, August 19th from 10:30am to Noon. Attorney Lem
Makupson is available for legal consultation. He specializes in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates,
and Injury. Appointment are required by calling 626-355-7394.
CHAIR YOGA: Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45 am, except on the third Monday of
the month. A suggested donation of $5 at one of the classes is requested, but is not required.
BRAIN GAMES - NEW DATE AND TIME!
Thursday, August 20th, 10:30am - 11:30am (Third Thursday of Each Month) Improve your memory
and strengthen your brain with fun, hands-on activities. Each month brings new games and contests
to facilitate brain stimulation. Bring your friends as you engage in friendly competition for prizes.
Activities facilitated by Swati Puri, New Wave Home Care of Pasadena. For more information
contact the Hart Park House office at 626-355-7394.
CASE MANAGEMENT: Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month. Case Management services are
provided by the YWCA and provide assistance in a variety of areas. Appointments are required and
can be scheduled by calling the HPH Office at 626-355-7394.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Every second Thursday of the month at the Hart Park House. The
free birthday cake is provided by the Sierra Madre Civic Club.
GAME DAY: Every Thursday starting at 12:00pm. (Please note the time change.) A regular group
of seniors play poker. Other games available for use.
FREE STRENGTH TRAINING CLASS: Every Friday from 12:45pm to 1:30pm with Lisa
Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low impact resistance training. All materials for the
class are provided.
SENIOR CLUB: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown bag lunch at 11:30am.
Club meeting at noon. Bingo 12:30-3:30pm. Annual Membership is only $10.00.
LUNCH & LEARN PRESENTATION
Thursday, August 20th, 2015 beginning at 12:00pm
Learn about French painter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. His immersion in the colorful and theatrical
life of Paris in the late 19th century yielded a collection of exciting, elegant and provocative images
of the modern and sometimes decadent life of those times. Tanya Mazzolini from The Kensington
will give a talk on the painter while demonstrating a project in his style of art. If you would like to
have lunch during the talk, please make a lunch reservation with the Senior Lunch Café at 626-3550256
or you may bring your own.
UPCOMING EXCURSIONS:
THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER (LOS ANGELES)
Date: August 12, 2015 Time: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $28.00 (Does not include lunch)
Description: The California Science Center in cooperation with the
Israel Antiquities Authority is Proud to present the largest Dead Sea
Scrolls exhibition ever mounted outside of Israel, featuring over 600
ancient artifact on display. We will also see Jerusalem in the IMAX
Theater. Through breathtaking aerial footage, eye-opening personal
stories and remarkable historical perspective, Jerusalem takes views
inside the heart of the ancient city in ways never seen before. Lunch
will be on your own. There is Trimana-Grill, or Market and Coffee Bar
at the Science Center for you to enjoy a meal or light snack during your
visit. Participants should bring money for lunch and souvenirs. Last day
to register is Wednesday, August 5th. Level of Walking: High
EXCURSION REFUND POLICY
Notification of the cancellation must be made at least 3 business days before the excursion.
A refund will only be issued 1) for a medical excuse or 2) if the Department is able to fill the
patrons spot from a waiting list. This refund will be issued in the form of a credit which will be
applied to the patron’s account with the City, less a $11 cancellation fee. The credit will remain
on your account for one year from the date issued and the credit may be used for any program
or service offered by the Community Services Dept.
COCONUT DEMONSTRATION BY JONATHAN KELLEY
Jonathan Kelley, an anesthesiologist by training, is an actor, chef, and pianist with a culinary
interest in cooking with coconuts, plus creating hats and baskets from coconut palm fronds
and crafting bowls from the coconut shells. Please join us on Thursday, August 13, 10:30 am,
Jonathan will speak at the Hart Park House about coconuts: where they come from, how to
select one, extract the water, open the shell, remove the meat, how you can incorporate the
coconut into your diet, how you can make use of the shell, nutritional information and how
coconuts can change your life. You’ll be able to sample a delicious coconut lime soup, as well
as a Puerto Rican style coconut flan.
SENIOR CINEMA AT THE HART PARK HOUSE SENIOR CENTER
August 5th - Whiplash (2014) -Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is anambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in pursuit of rising to the top of hiselite east coast music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructorknown for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers theaspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man’slife But Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quicklyspirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pusheshim to the brink of his ability and his sanity. Winner of3 Academy Awards, Start time: 1:00pm (run time 107minutes)
August 19th – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) - An American romantic
comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, based on Trumancapote’s novel, this is the story of a young woman in New York City whomeets a young man when he moves into her apartment building. He is withan older woman who is very wealthy, but he wants to be a writer. She isworking as an expensive escort and searching for a rich, older man to marry.
This movie won two Academy Awards. Start time: 1:00pm (run time 115minutes)
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com
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