By Ashley Wicker
Every year I start out with a new goal. Of course, a healthier lifestyle is always at the top of my list, but I also always make other goals. (Maybe it’s so if I fail at my first goal, I have backups? We’ll discuss that in next year’s January e-column if I succeed!)
Some of my goals are big and some are small, but one I know consistently comes back each year – “How do I get organized?” (I do realize that if this is a consistent goal each year, shouldn’t it be my first goal? Baby steps here…)
I notice each year when I set out to accomplish this goal, I feel the need to take this on alone, and then suddenly, I’m overwhelmed and want to quit immediately. That should be my first red flag.
Asking for help should be the first step in this goal. Whether it’s from a spouse, children, family members, friends or co-workers, asking for help will always make it easier to get the task done, no matter what you’re trying to organize.
Don’t try to do it all at once! We get so wrapped up in trying to accomplish our new goal that we try to do too much at once, and then we fail, because it’s just too much. Start small, work in timed intervals and – most importantly – remember it doesn’t have to be done in one day.
Enjoy the process! Whether you’re reminiscing over photos or paperwork, or cleaning out the garage, take the time to remember the things you’re going through and share your stories with someone. You never know, someone may want the item as a keepsake to tell the story later.
At Reid Health Alliance Medicare, we hold Downsizing and Decluttering educational presentations, and if you know a group that may want some more information in the coming months, please feel free to reach out to me. Even if I never get organized this year, I can help you get organized!
Happy New Year and new goals!
Also, a friendly Medicare reminder:
We’re currently in the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) which lasts from January 1 to March 31 every year.
During OEP, you can make certain plan coverage changes. Changes made during OEP will take effect on the first day of the following month. (For example, plan changes made and processed in January would take effect February 1.) Beneficiaries can only make one change during OEP. Once a change has been made during OEP, changes cannot be made again until the next Annual Enrollment Period (also called AEP, which happens October 15 – December 7 yearly, with plan changes taking effect January 1).
During the Medicare Advantage OEP, you can make the following changes:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Disenroll from your current Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare.
- If you return to Original Medicare during OEP, you’ll also be able to join a Medicare Part D drug plan.
This time is especially helpful if you realize you want to switch from an HMO to PPO or POS plan, or if you decide last minute to check out a great local option (like Reid Health Alliance Medicare!).
Ashley Wicker is a community and broker liaison at Reid Health Alliance Medicare. Born and raised in Fayette County, she is a devoted mother who enjoys the outdoors, cooking and the arts.
At Reid Health Alliance Medicare, our team is here to partner with you and help the members of the communities we serve together. For us, it’s all about helping community members make sure they have the information they need every step of the way as they navigate through the healthcare coverage system and life in general. Have a community outreach need or upcoming event we should be a part of? Or like this article? Feel free to respond to [email protected]. Thanks for reading!