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Maintaining oral health is always important but becomes even more essential to our overall well-being later in life. Good dental health doesn’t just mean a beautiful smile — it’s key to staying healthy as we age. But, if you're on Medicare, you've likely realized that it doesn’t cover most routine dental services.

Here’s why having dental coverage matters even when you’re on Medicare and what options are available to ensure you’re not skipping out on essential oral care.

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As a Medicare beneficiary, you've likely come across enticing extras like SilverSneakers and other gym membership programs included in certain MediGap or Medicare Advantage plans. These perks can be a fantastic way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it’s essential to understand how these benefits fit into the broader picture of your healthcare coverage.

At Stevens & Associates, we believe it’s important to consider the value these programs offer without letting them become the primary reason for selecting a plan. Let’s break down the benefits and potential pitfalls.

The Benefits of SilverSneakers and Similar Programs

SilverSneakers, Renew Active, and other gym memberships can be a valuable part of your MediGap or Medicare...

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As summer winds down and the new school year looms on the horizon, it's easy to get caught up in the flurry of back-to-school shopping, packing lunches, and organizing extracurricular activities. But amidst the hustle and bustle, one critical element often gets overlooked: ensuring you have the right health insurance coverage for your family. At Stevens & Associates, we believe that selecting the right health plan is crucial to supporting your child's health and academic success. Here’s why investing in the right insurance plan can make all the difference this school year.

1. Comprehensive Coverage for Preventive Care

The new school year is an ideal time to ensure your child is up-to-date with their annual check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings....

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Fall marks the beginning of flu season. Ensure you’re up-to-date with your vaccinations can help protect you and your family. Do you have health insurance needs that haven't been addressed?

Sign up with us if you haven't already to review coverage options for the fall season this year. Prevent yourselves from getting sick and ensure you have the right coverage to support you and your family. We want to help keep your family safe and family during this fall and winter season.

Call or email us to make an appointment. One of our trusted advisors can reach out to your regarding coverage options for all of your needs. We specialize in Medicare, Covered CA, Private insurance, and other insurance products. We can also answer questions about Medical and Medicare. Make an...

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Welcome to Stevens & Associates' 2025 Medicare Update Sneak Peek!

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Navigating the world of Medicare can be overwhelming for seniors, with a myriad of plans and options available. Choosing the right health insurance is crucial for ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. This guide aims to simplify the process by exploring the best health insurance options for seniors on Medicare.

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2025 Medicare Part D Changes: What You Need to Know

As we approach 2025, it's important to stay informed about the changes coming to Medicare Part D. Especially this year as this may perhaps be one of the biggest changes in the history of Medicare Part D. Here is a breakdown of the key changes you can expect and how they might impact your prescription drug coverage.

1. Introduction of a $2,000 Out-of-Pocket Cap

One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the introduction of a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. This is a monumental shift, as it provides a financial safety net for beneficiaries who previously faced potentially unlimited costs for their medications. Once you hit the $2,000...

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The Summer Olympics are always inspiring, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement and dedication. Watching these incredible athletes can motivate us to integrate more fitness and health-oriented activities into our lives. Here are some great ways to channel your inner Olympian and make fitness a fun, regular part of your routine:

1). Visit a Farmer's Market

Farmers markets offer locally sourced produce, and organic options, and are a great way to be involved in your local community. Check out this link for your local farmers market: Find Your Local Farmers Market.

2). Biking

Cycling can be a great...

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Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, stands as the fifth leading cause of death among Americans aged 65 and older, according to the Alzheimer's Association. This progressive condition not only affects cognitive abilities but also poses significant financial challenges for families navigating care options.

Medicare Coverage for Alzheimer's Care

Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for seniors, provides coverage for certain essential care costs related to Alzheimer's disease. For individuals aged 65 or older diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia, Medicare covers:

· Inpatient Hospital Care: Necessary for managing acute medical needs related to Alzheimer’s.

·...

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In 2021, Medicare spent $2.6 billion on Ozempic, making it one of the top 10 drugs that Medicare spends the most on (AARP).

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic, known as semaglutide, is purposed to control blood sugar levels with type 2 diabetes. It is injectable and has weight loss effects due to the activation of insulin. It is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for those with type 2 diabetes, but not weight loss.

Eligibility and Pricing:

According to Good Rx, an American Healthcare Company that tracks prescription drug prices, 93% of Medicare prescription drug plans cover Ozempic under the condition that those eligible have type 2 diabetes.3

(The payments for the drug cost will vary based on the plan)

4 Without...

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Medicare Advantage has been rising in popularity in recent years. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in 2024, 33.8 million enrollees constitute Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage has taken more than half a share of the Medicare Marketplace, making up for over 50% of Medicare plans. The May Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the plans will make up 62% of all Medicare plans in 2033.

It comes as no surprise that big healthcare providers such as UnitedHealthcare and Humana have seen tremendous growth in beneficiaries that use these types of plans nationwide.

However, there are many questions concerning whether the current benefits will continue in the future with the growing demand from consumers and providers valuing their profit...

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Introduction:

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and 2024 marks a significant milestone in the transformation of Medicare Part D in response to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This act, lowered drug costs and reduced federal spending, allowing accessible and cost-effective healthcare experiences for millions of Americans.

Changes for 2024:

One of the most notable changes coming in 2024 is the costs associated with the catastrophic phase in Medicare Part D. Enrollees without low-income subsidies, facing high spending, will now benefit from a capped limit. In 2024, this cap is set at $8,000, covering both out-of-pocket expenses and the value of the manufacturer price discount on brand-name drugs in the coverage gap...

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Medi-Cal Legislation

In the evolving landscape of healthcare policies, particularly in California, there have been significant recent changes in Medi-Cal eligibility, in regards to immigration status. These changes aim to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in healthcare, ensuring that a wider demographic can benefit from the benefits of full-scope Medi-Cal coverage.

According to Covered California, under the Affordable Care Act, most immigrants qualify for health coverage, including green card holders, temporary residents, refugees, those with temporary protected status, and working or student visas. These new laws present an opportunity for both lawfully and unlawfully present individuals who apply through Covered California for eligibility for a health plan.

One noteworthy development is...

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2024 is here, and it is time for you to get out of life what you deserve. There are many ways to stay motivated to achieve your goals. Health plays a pivotal role in motivation and is a driving force in all areas of life. Here are some healthy ways to stay motivated for 2024!

Practice Positivity and Gratitude

1). Psychologists have indicated that expressing gratitude regularly can improve your quality of sleep and reduce feelings and anxiety and depression.

2). Using positive language correlates to better moods and less fatigue and inflammation.

Create a routine

1). Create daily tasks that focus on your health and that are repeatable. Brushing your teeth, showering, shaving, or getting ready for the following day of work...

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According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Advantage is a type of Medicare Health Plan "offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare." Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D). Https://www.medpagetoday.com/ states that more than half of all Medicare Beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

Recently, hospitals have been rejecting Medicare Advantage plans because the carriers who offer these coverages are providing inadequate payments that don't cover the cost of patient care.

Medical facilities, including Scripps' Health, which is one of San Diego's top Medical Centers' have experienced a loss...

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On October 12th, 2023 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 2024 deductibles and premium amounts for the Medicare Part A and B Programs. As well as the 2024 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts.

Due to recent inflation, The Inflation Reduction Act has increased the eligibility of access to lower-cost prescription drugs.

Part A

The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible that beneficiaries pay if admitted will be $1,632 in 2024, a $23 increase from 2023.

The Part A inpatient hospital deductible covers beneficiaries' share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.

Part B

Medicare Part B covers doctors'...

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A.I. has become a pivotal aid for daily life. We use A.I. when talking to Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, or chat GPT to gain recommendations on what to write about a topic or event. This technology is changing the digital landscape by automating the processes of ad targeting, lead generation, SEO and evaluating/ organizing complex data. Although, these automations can be helpful, especially for healthcare professionals, they must be regulated and monitored closely for optimal efficiency and efficacy.

Several A.I. tools assist in Medicare procedures, including automated data management, streamlining patient records and administrative tasks, and reducing errors to ensure data accuracy.

A tool utilized by multiple websites and facilitated customer service is Chatbots. They use their AI...

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HSA Contributions

To be HSA eligible, one must be enrolled in an HSA-Eligible Health Plan, not enrolled in Medicare, not claimed as a dependent and make contributions to that plan.

There are significant changes to HSA contributions in the year 2023 -2024. A single policy plan can cover up to $3,850 in 2023, and a family plan reaches up to $7,750, a staggering $400 increase from 2022. Individuals 55 or older can contribute $1,000 annually. There is an even higher increase in 2024, which will cover $4,150 for self-coverage ($300 increase), and $8,300 for family ($550 increase). There are considerable policies to take advantage of, even more advantageous than previous years.

Inflation has been a primary cause for the increase in HSA contributions from 2022-2024. Although inflation...

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Pumpkin Spice Bars

As fall approaches and the Holidays come into swing, it’s a terrific time to spend cooking with family and friends. What better way to celebrate with family and friends than with an amazing beginner-friendly organic Pumpkin Spice Recipe? This wholesome dish will not only taste great but is a nutritious substitute for desserts that are higher in sugar and calories. Get ready to embrace the joys of autumn with this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

Flours:

· ½ cup of all-purpose flour and ½ cup whole wheat flour

Spices:

· 2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon

· ¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg

· ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Salt:

· ½ teaspoon...

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Fall Dessert

Fall is approaching.

As the weather becomes colder, the Holidays are near, and family gatherings ensue, desserts become a popular commodity.

Although pumpkin pie, chocolate cake, and cookies are delicious treats, they can be very high in calories.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans stated to limit added sugars and saturated fats to less than 10% of calories per day.

Calories are a crucial factor when making meals. When the number of calories you consume matches the number of calories you burn, your weight remains stable. A caloric surplus or deficit will dictate weight loss or gain.

Fortunately, some alternatives be just as tasty with lower calories.

Healthy options include:

  • Yogurt and Berries
  • Frozen Fruit...
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As we grow older, our health becomes even more important. With the rising costs of medical care, it’s essential to have the right insurance coverage to protect your health and finances. That’s where supplemental health insurance comes in, specifically Santa Barbara Supplemental Plans, also known as Medi Gap. Stevens & Associates Insurance Agency wants to help you understand Medicare Supplemental Insurance, so today, we’ll go over what it is and how it can help you.

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When you’re working to find insurance coverage for yourself and your family, you have a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you’re used to working directly with large insurance providers or you’re experienced in working with an insurance agency, Stevens & Associates Insurance Agency is your top choice for finding great coverage options! Here are four benefits our clients enjoy when they work with us.

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Medicare is a federal health insurance program that insures individuals over the age of 65. It is also available to certain individuals who are under the age of 65 and meet other qualifications. However, it is important to understand there are different parts to Medicare plans that you should be aware of.

At Stevens & Associates Insurance Agency, Inc., we want to make sure our customers in Santa Barbara, CA, understand how Medicare insures individuals and the differences between Part A and Part B. Keep reading to get more information!

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At Stevens and Associates Insurance Agency, Inc, we care about each individual we work with, and if you need assistance with your insurance options, you can turn to us to provide what you need. Read below to learn a bit more about our policies and other programs. We are committed to our customers, and we work tirelessly to ensure you are taken care of. Contact us today!

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Welcome to Stevens and Associates Insurance Agency, Inc! As a full concierge insurance ageny, you can trust us to handle your health insurance needs, and we have more than 65 years of experience for your peace of mind. This blog explores what you should know about Medicare Plan D, and we encourage you to read below to learn more about your options. Contact us today!

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Welcome to our site! We are in the process of building our blog page and will have many interesting articles to share in the coming months. Please stay tuned to this page for information to come. And if you have any questions about our business or want to reach out to us, we would love for you to stop by our contact page.

Thank you!

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