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The Top Eight Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans: Why You Should Take One Today!

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If you’re a senior citizen or a person with a disability, you may be familiar with Medicare, the government-run health insurance program. As the leading health insurance provider for Americans 65 and older, Medicare has long been the go-to insurance option for seniors. Medicare Advantage plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by private insurers that provide all the same coverage as Original Medicare plus additional benefits. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the Medicare Advantage plan, including why it would be an excellent option for those looking for comprehensive, reliable coverage. 

  1. What is Medicare Advantage? 

This plan is an alternative to traditional Medicare. It is managed by private insurance companies and provides more comprehensive healthcare coverage than traditional Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits as traditional Medicare and additional coverage for things like vision, hearing, dental, and prescription drugs.

  1. What are the benefits of Medicare Advantage?  

The plans offer many benefits that traditional Medicare does not. These include:  

  • More choice: You get to choose from various plans and can switch plans any time during the year.  
  • Lower out-of-pocket costs: You may have lower copayments for doctor visits and prescription drugs under Medicare Advantage plans.  
  • Greater coverage: Medicare Advantage plans may cover services such as vision, hearing, dental, and prescription drugs that are not available under traditional Medicare.  
  • Easy access to providers: Most Medicare Advantage plans have an extensive network of providers.  
  1. What do the statistics say?  

These plans are growing in popularity. In 2019, an estimated 22.7 million people were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. That’s up from 19.7 million in 2018.  

  1. Who is eligible?  

Most people who are eligible for Medicare are also eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan. To be eligible, you must be 65 or older or have certain disabilities. You must also live in the service area of the plan you choose. 

  1. What are the costs of Medicare Advantage? 

Most of these plans require a monthly premium; however, some plans have no monthly premium. You may also be responsible for additional costs such as deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance for services not covered by Medicare. 

  1. What do I need to consider before signing up for Medicare Advantage? 

Before signing up, you must consider your needs and budget. Make sure you understand what the plan covers and what costs you’ll be responsible for. It’s also important to ensure the plan has a network of providers you’re comfortable with. 

  1. What are the advantages of Medicare Advantage? 

The most significant advantage of Medicare Advantage is that it offers more choices and flexibility than traditional Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, you can choose from various plans and can switch plans at any time during the year. You also may have lower out-of-pocket costs and greater coverage than under traditional Medicare. 

  1. What should I do if I have more questions? 

If you have questions about Medicare Advantage, it’s best to contact the plan provider or a local Medicare office. They can answer any questions and help you decide if the plan is right for you. 

Medicare Advantage is an attractive option for many seniors and people with disabilities. It offers more choices and flexibility than traditional Medicare, as well as lower out-of-pocket costs and more excellent coverage. With so many benefits, it’s worth considering when looking for health insurance. Be sure to compare the different plans available in your area to find the one that best fits your needs.


Food and Drink

White Wine for Summer Send Off

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It is hard to believe that summer is officially wrapping up. But as days get shorter there is still plenty of time to toast the season in style with these favorite white wines.

Kenwood Vineyards Six Ridges Chardonnay 2019

This refreshing chardonnay crisp apple and crunchy peach flavors is electrifying and oh, so yummy! It brings out the feeling of velvet caressing you. This is simmply all of the best the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County has to offer.

Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc

 

Divinely balanced wine with zesty aromas and highlights of pink grapefruit, melon and gooseberry. It refreshing and perfectly sweet. Every sip will have you singing praises to the wonderful summer you just had.

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Entertainment

Beatles Brunch at City Winery Where Strawberry Fields Lives Forever

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I was taken to City Winery by Eli Marcus for the Beatles Brunch with Strawberry Fields.
This show plays every Sunday with an unlimited brunch buffet that includes coffee, tea and juice, starting at noon. A bottomless brunch cocktail package is also available and children get in free. Here tourists mingle with New Yorkers, eating scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, dried out French toast, spicy potatoes with onions and peppers, perfectly done chicken, salad and fresh fruit. What is so nice, is that everyone seems happy to to be here, to see and hear the Fab Four.

Eli Marcus, Suzanna Bowling

The show starts off without fan fare. The lights dim and four men enter, not quite looking like the originals. Tony Garofalo (John Lennon), Billy J. Ray (Paul McCartney), Ira Siegel (George Harrison), and Michael Bellusci (Ringo Starr) and their costumes and wigs have seen better days. Then the music starts. You can watch one of our video’s here.

From the early hits like “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You,” “Ticket To Ride” “Eight Days A Week” and more the first act is nostalgia at it’s best. It was adorable to watch the audience, especially the young ones “Twist and Shout.”

After a break in came the Sergeant Pepper era, clothing and all. From that we got “Nowhere Man,” “My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “When I’m 64,” “Penny Lane” and songs that dig into your soul. They are done well and the Beatles live again. You can see our video here.

Then the later songs like “I Am The Walrus” and “Don’t Let Me Down” end a show that is almost two hour long of music, that is classic. I have to admit I wanted to hear “Blackbird” and “Norwegian Wood,” but what you get is a  well rounded assortment of those songs that shaped several era’s.

Billy J. Ray, Ira Siegel

Ira Siegel stands out with his guitar playing that is out of this world. I really loved all the songs he sang as well.

Michael Bellusci

Michael Bellusci, gives Ringo a run for his money on the drums.

Tony Garofalo

Tony Garofalo is the founder, creator and producer playing rhythm and lead guitar and singing lead vocals along with Alan LeBoeuf from the original Beatlemania playing bass guitar. Ray looks the most like the Beatle he is playing.

Alan LeBoeuf, Ira Siegel

Alan LeBoeuf, Ira Siegel

Alan LeBoeuf

Strawberry Fields has been covering The Beatles for over three decades. They used to have a residency at B.B. Kings, but these days their home base is City Winery and it is definitely a great way to spend a Sunday. All four are consummate musicians and obviously have a love for what they do and that rubs off on their audience.

For a souvenir up a City Winery Strawberry Fields Rose Wine and have it signed by the cast. With its is its strawberry pink color, you get a combination of kiwi, watermelon and the taste of strawberry that lingers.

City Winery is right next to Little Island, Chelsea Market, The Highline, the Meatpacking district, Chelsea, and West Village. Everything is nearby to make a perfect outing for the whole day and this is one brunch where you definitely get your money’s worth. Click HERE for tickets

Tickets are $65.45

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Events

A Fun Night at Dave and Buster’s 42nd Street

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Thank-you again to Eli Marcus and the staff of Dave and Buster’s, at 234 West 42nd Street.

Eli Marcus

Eli was sending the concierge’s to the show The Shark Is Broken.

The producers of The Shark Must Be Broken, Eli Marcus and the general manager of Dave and Buster’s

There were lots of new friends to be made such as Carol Mennie, Caroline Rosado from the Hilton, Dinnella Collado from the Washington Square Hotel, Benjamin Maddy from Dave and Buster’s and Maddie of Benjamin Steakhouse Prime

Maddie

This destination for sports enthusiasts, foodies, and arcade offers space, fun and some fabulous happy hour deals.

All across the multiple screens were football, basketball, and hockey games from across the sporting world. At the sports bar an impressive selection of drinks, including craft beers, signature cocktails await. I sampled some their tasty bites and was impressed.

wings

Pretzel Dogs

To sooth your inner child air hockey and arcade games are waiting to be played.

Margarita and I playing for Make A Wish

If you are looking for entertainment they have a legendary Trivia Night with fantastic prizes.

Double Pepperoni Flatbread

wings

BBQ Chicken Flatbread

This is actually a great place to throw your holiday parties.

Fire-Grilled Atlantic Salmon

Boneless Wings

Chocolate- and caramel-filled churros with chocolate and salted caramel dipping sauces.

I am so glad the Mayor of Times Square invited me to his event.

Margarita Parlionas and Eli Marcus

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Book Reviews

We’re Here to Help – When Guardianship Goes Wrong

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This happened to Britney Spares, as well as Frances Rappaport, Libra Max  and countless other loved ones who became victimized by a system that was supposed to protect them.
Diane Dimond uses compelling stories of real people, like Frances Rappaport, Libra Max and countless others to pull back the curtain on a guardianship system shrouded in secrecy, where power, greed and influence all too often intersect with devastating consequences.
 A powerful book.

-Kent Walz, attorney & journalist

Diane Dimond’s book on the scourge of abusive adult guardianships is coming out very soon. It only took her 8 long years of investigation and countless interviews with affected people to get to the bottom of this extremely flawed part of the justice system.

People who have lived through this nightmare knows first hand what this “protective” part of the court system can do to rip apart families. But because it’s such a secretive system few Americans realize that they – or someone they love – could be guardianized without warning. It’s not just Britney Spears – up to 2 million people currently live under guardianship/court control.

All it takes is for someone (a vindictive relative, a greedy business partner, a former lover, even a landlord) to file a guardianship petition with the court saying someone is not competent to care for themselves. The judge usually agrees – often without ever seeing the targeted person – and the guardianship is established. Judges routinely appoint a total stranger as guardian to make all life decisions for the new “ward of the court.” All their civil rights are stripped away and, suddenly, the person has no say in their own life –they can’t even hire their own lawyer to fight it. There are many more horrific aspects to this “justice” system and Ms. Dimond spells it all out in the book.

We’re Here to Help – When Guardianship Goes Wrong not only reveals the predatory nature of the system (which controls a collective $50 billion in ward’s money every year!) but also tells what to look out for. It provides a guide for readers to protect themselves and those they love.

Diane Dimond is the author of four books including the upcoming, “We’re Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong, published by Brandeis University Press, released Sept. 19, 2023

 

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Broadway

Voices: Stars for Foster Kids

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On September 18th at 7:00 PM at The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, Voices: Stars for Foster Kids a musical benefit for You Gotta Believe, a NYC organization specializing in helping older foster youth find permanent, loving families will take place. Hosted by SiriusXM’s Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, expect a plethora of Broadway stars and performers, who will come together to celebrate the power of love and family.

Performers include; Rosie Perez, Bellamy Young, Ta’ Nika Gibson, Charlotte d’Amboise and Terrence Mann, Sharon Catherine Brown, Griffin Matthews and Matt Gould, Krysta Rodriguez, Anika Larsen, Norm Lewis, Gracie McGraw, Patina Miller, Brenda Braxton

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