Health Plans - Open Season

November is usually Open Season to change your health plan coverage.

Plan explanations are often lengthy, confusing and written so technically that it's hard to determine just what is the best plan to meet your needs at the least cost.

I spent a lot of time last week reviewing the plans offered to me.
My current plan premiums went up over 33% so I decided to switch plans for the first time in more than 20 years.

If your company is offering an Open Season, take the

time to closely review the plans offered to you especially in light of several key factors:

1. Will you turn 65 next year? If so, you'll probably be eligible for Medicare and may not need as much coverage?

2. How does the health care reform program impact you?

3. Do you have an adult child under age 26 living with you who might be covered or needs coverage?

4. If you change plans, can you still use the same doctors?

That was very important to me as I didn't want to start over having to find doctors that I like and can trust, so I called each doctor's office to confirm that they will take my new plan. Do this, rather than rely on the medical plan's website as sometimes it's not current.

Check out this website: http://healthcareforamericanow.org/

The key is to make an informed decision about what's best for you at this point in your life, not just hang on to the plan that you've always used

Born Free

It seems like this year the holiday season is starting earlier than ever as I was shocked to see Christmas decorations up even before Halloween.

It's almost as if we're skipping Thanksgiving. But this week when you're celebrating with your family, remember to give thanks for your FREEDOM.

It's something we Americans take for granted everyday; yet, it's a precious gift that people from other countries have died for.

November 9th was the 21st anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I was living in Germany at the time and visited Berlin shortly before the wall fell. Many people had already escaped to West Berlin and I'll never forget the joy on their faces in knowing that they were finally free.

Now, what does that have to do with Kid Rock?

While I can't say that I'm a fan of all his songs, this one just makes me want to jump up and dance! If you're a Boomer like me, who loved to go to concerts in the '60s and hates most of the new music; just listen to this song and you'll know what I mean!! It's such a feel good song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu3rsha1ZtI

Happy Thanksgiving!!

American Heart Assn. Raffle

Wouldn't you love to start off 2011 with a new Mercedes while helping out the American Heart Association?
The Mercedes-Benz Dealership of Columbus, GA is holding a raffle to win a free 2011 C 300 or 2011 GLK 350. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Columbus AHA. Each ticket is just $100.00 (fully deductible) and no more than 750 tickets will be sold!

It doesn't matter where you live, to purchase a ticket, just give my friend Nadie Martin a call at 1-866-626-9336.

I buy tickets every year to help support the Heart Assn. Last year I even flew to Columbus and while I didn't win, it was still a fun-filled event and so exciting when they called the winner. She couldn't believe she actually won as she had just purchased 1 ticket.

For additional info: http://www.mercedesbenzofcolumbus.com/specials/news_events/mercedes_-_benz_of_columbus_raffle_/