By Ashley Wicker
Happy February! With Valentine’s Day being this month, it’s led me to think of ways to help the older individuals in my life melt away any winter blues they may be having – with a little extra love and warmth from my heart to theirs. I encourage you to do the same for those in your life who may need a little extra pick-me-up! Let’s spread the love this month with random acts of kindness.
Cooking or Baking: You know the famous saying – the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Why not make some disposable pans of your favorite pasta or whip up some of your famous chocolate chip cookies? A special treat like that (along with a full belly) is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Spoil Their Pets: In this age of quarantines and social distancing, pets hold a special place in all our lives. Personally, I know my grandmother’s dogs are like children to her. As a mother myself, nothing makes me happier than seeing someone show my child love and affection. This makes a perfect opportunity to spread a random act of kindness. Try giving their fur babies some extra love with some new goodies (toys, treats, a new collar, outfits), a trip to the groomers or a good ol’ scrub in the tub! Or even simply a walk around the neighborhood.
Valentine’s Day Cards: They aren’t just for kids! If you don’t live close – but still want to spread some love – don’t forget the tried-and-true “pen and paper” and “snail mail” method. If you have kids, let them get in on the fun by drawing their own cards as well. Who doesn’t love something handmade and from the heart?
Acts of Service: A simple act of service could mean more to a person than you realize. Offer your time and effort to something like cleaning their gutters, shoveling snow or doing simple household chores.
Companionship: Sometimes nothing can be more profound than just being present. Never underestimate how special you can make someone feel just by giving them your time and attention. Speaking of companionship, an awesome perk available in 2023 with Reid Health Alliance’s Medicare Advantage plans is our new Companion Benefit. Click here to find out more about our Papa Pal program which can provide up to 30 hours of in-home support yearly.
There are so many special older adults in our lives who have given so much of their time and love to others. Let’s pay some of that back to them by spreading simple acts of kindness this month – and beyond!
Also, a Friendly Medicare Open Enrollment Period 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:
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This time is especially helpful if you realize you want to switch from an HMO to PPO or POS plan, or if you decide at the 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!