Archived Tips
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OCTOBER 19, 2025
Tip # 696 - A TIP OF THE HAT TO UNCLE SAM!
Medicare has made shopping for Part D Drug Plans . . . . . . . well, so easy, even I can do it!
Start HERE. Check 2026 and enter your Zip Code. (If you already have an account, log in.)
For demonstration purposes, check 'Medicare drug plan', then ‘Find Plans.’
On the next screen, most of you will check ‘I don’t get help.’
Next screen, check that you do want to see drug costs.
That’s as far as I can take you, because now you have to enter very precise info on your meds; not just the drug names, but dosage, tablet or capsule, etc. etc.
If you’re taking several drugs, this might take a little longer than ordering breakfast at the fast food kiosk.
But the results are stunning. Did the Government actually get something right? (No doubt designed by a Broker!)
The Medicare Open Enrollment period started Wednesday (10/15) and runs through December 7th. If you already have a Part D Plan, you recently received a renewal packet in the mail that tells you of any changes in the formulary, premium, co-pays and out of pocket maximums.
Judging by the phone calls, many of you don’t read your mail.
Fine. Then go on line, 'cause I'm heading out of 'Dodge' for a few days.
Tips will return November 2nd.
OCTOBER 12, 2025
Tip # 695 - THROWING GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD?
For years, reading scores for MPS students have been unacceptably low, while trending in the wrong direction. One might hope that after taxpayers approved a $252 million-dollar referendum to increase school funding and hired an energized new Superintendent, things will improve.
Now substitute premium payers for taxpayers. And, ABC, HIJ, RST or XYZ Health Systems for MPS.
Hospital quality metrics – like reading test scores – are available through multiple sources; e.g., the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ), to name just two.
When you have more than 30 Seconds, go to the AHRQ site (HERE) and compare the total spend, for example, of the same procedures in different states.
Thus, the title of today’s Tip.
Continue connecting these dots, and you’ll understand why this 'taxpayer' is opposed to insurance companies (plural) caving to the demands of ANY Health System for higher payments, absent transparent proof that 'test scores' are improving.
Related to that, what do you do when your dentist of 20+ years keeps charging more - and doing more - with no apparent rationale or improvement in my choppers?
I have an appointment with a new guy Wednesday!
OCTOBER 5, 2025
Tip # 694 - BREAKING 'NEWS
Five weeks ago, I teased two New (School) Year’s Resolutions. (Tip # 689)
Both were related to wellness, as perhaps the only thing any of us can do to control health care costs.*
Having made it through September, here’s the reveal.
First, I dramatically changed my diet using the Yuca App (Tip # 691) to identify UPF’s when shopping and, I’ve eliminated alcohol. The pre-dinner ritual of washing down a few snacks (mostly UPF’s) with a cocktail or two has been worth 11 pounds!!
Second, Google ‘neuro-plasticity.’ Keeping sharp may require more than Wordle and ‘debating’ Underwriters.
So, I’ve taken up . . . . . . . . you’ll have to call me for that reveal.
*As for controlling health care costs, consider the two BIG negotiations making headlines.
No clue how the Budget debate in Washington will resolve. Guarantee it will not reduce the cost of health care.
Locally, I’d wager the contract renewal between a Health System and Insurer will soon be settled. (JINX!)
For all my anxious clients and friends, hang in there just a bit longer.
P.S. Made a Bloody Mary after the Cubs lead-off homer yesterday.
Heck, I’m no saint!