December Special Section
Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
Jay Looft Owner/Agent
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Did you review your Medicare Insurance for 2025?
Brought to you by - Senior Source Medicare Solutions
Most years your Medicare Insurance (Medicare Advantage Plans or Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans) will auto-renew and look very much the same as the previous year, and for some of you that is true this year.
But, we have run across a lot of Medicare beneficiaries this Annual Enrollment Period, which just ended on December 7th, who have plans that are ending (non-renewing) on December 31st or going up substantially in monthly premium next year (mostly for Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans).
For the Atlanta area, we’ve had more Medicare plan changes announced for this next year than any other year in the past decade. Inflation, and several other factors, are causing many of the insurance companies to “pull back” their benefit levels.
If you are with one of the larger carriers, they have new plans that are sometimes better than your nonrenewing plan, but it doesn’t happen
automatically- a new enrollment must be submitted in this case.
We also see newer companies emerging to offer more competitive plans than the larger carriers, but with lesser brand recognition. It’s a trade-off, but one that many have decided to try out for 2025. Even the smaller carriers have strong doctor and hospital networks, so don’t assume your doctor doesn’t take the lesser-known plan. It takes a little bit of research, but one that could yield a “healthy portion” of dental, vision, and grocery allowance.
Whether it’s a larger insurance company, or smaller one, you wish to have for your coverage in 2025, review your medical and prescription drug copays and your level of other benefits like dental, vision, and other allowances.
If you are not sure what your plan changes will be, or if your plan will continue, please get in touch with us by calling (770) 913-6464 or by sending us a message on our contact page at SeniorSourceMedicare.com.
We wish you the happiest and healthiest new year in 2025!
Great news in Pediatric Melanoma
Brought to you by
– Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Isn’t it wonderful to hear that you are making a difference? Well, you are! All that hard work that you put in with children or grandchildren getting them to protect themselves from the Sun and wear sunscreen is making a difference!
A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) of more than 76,000 pediatric melanomas confirmed a decline in melanoma incidence over the last ten years in children ages five and older. That decrease in melanoma is likely due to the measures you and your family members have taken during those years and during the prior ten to fifteen years when you worked so hard to protect them from the Sun.
And it is hard work. I have personally braved and endured myself. We all know what it’s like: The child in question seems to morph into a wet fish wriggling out of your grasp. Your slippery sunscreen hands don’t make it any easier! The rascal gets free, and you chase him or her down. Your drink gets knocked over. Sand gets on chairs, in bags and in other places you don’t want sand to get. It’s a task somewhere between roping a calf and getting a cat to take a bath. Grueling, grasping, groaning, finally it’s complete! The child may go and play. And in an hour and a half, you get to repeat the process all over again!
We know sun safety isn’t easy. What dermatologists ask of parents and grandparents is not a simple task. Is it really all worth it?
Yes! The results are in, and they are inspiring. This very encouraging study in the JAAD strongly suggests that all our hard work is paying off.
For children ages 10-14, there was a greater than 30% drop in melanoma between 2002 and 2020.
For children ages 5-9, there was a greater than 60% drop in melanoma between 2014 and 2020.
Interestingly, a small increase in pediatric melanoma cases for children ages four and younger supports that what we are doing is making a difference. Older children who develop melanoma are much more likely to have developed skin cancer from sunburns and sun exposure. Babies and children under 4 years old who develop melanoma are NOT likely to have developed melanoma from sun exposure. (But they still need to be protected from the Sun). Instead, genetics, a chance unlucky mutation or non-sun related environmental factors are more likely to be responsible for
melanoma in the extremely young. They simply haven’t had much time to be damaged by the Sun. The fact that melanoma in those ages four and under slightly increased but melanoma in those five and older dramatically decreased makes the claim even more credible that our efforts at sun protection are working.
Good news in pediatric melanoma is likely great news for these individuals’ entire lives. Our bodies have proteins called “mismatch repair enzymes” whose job it is to fix DNA that has been damaged by ultraviolet rays from the Sun. Unfortunately, these enzymes don’t do a perfect job, and many mutations in our DNA are with us for life. Our entire lives, these mutations increase the chance that we develop skin cancer. Dermatologists have tools including prescription creams and in office treatments that kill pre-cancers and reduce one’s sun damage, but some of the Sun damage from childhood and adulthood is always with us. The fact that pediatric melanoma has plummeted in the last ten years gives us great hope that these same individuals will develop far fewer cancers as adults as well.
When you protect your loved one as a child, you are likely helping protect him or her for life.
The next time you wonder, “is it worth it?...Should I really use that sunscreen, that UPF 50 sun shirt or take on the herculean task of wrangling a kiddo channeling his or her inner feral cat?,” the answer is YES. You are making a difference. And we only see these wonderful results at the population level in a published study because of many, many daily actions at the individual level – through the genuine care and love of many, many parents and grandparents who love their family and showed it through their actions. Keep up the great work!
Insist on the BEST
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
PEXELS
Revolutionizing fitness
The Exercise Coach’s cutting-edge approach
Brought to you by- The Exercise Coach Alpharetta
At The Exercise Coach, we're not just changing workouts; we're redefining how people age. Our unique blend of innovative Exerbotics equipment and expert coaching creates a fitness experience like no other, specifically designed for individuals who value quality, efficiency, and personalized attention.
Innovative
Exerbotics:
The Future of Fitness
Our state-of-the-art Exerbotics equipment sets us apart. This isn't your typical gym machinery. Each piece is engineered to adapt to your strength and capabilities, ensuring the most effective and safe workout possible. With Exerbotics, we can measure your performance in real time, providing instant feedback to optimize your training. It's smart technology that evolves with you, ensuring every session is challenging yet achievable, regardless of your fitness level.
Expert Coaches: Your Personal Fitness Guides
The heart of The Exercise Coach experi-
ence is our team of expert coaches. They're not just trainers; they're your personal fitness guides, equipped with deep knowledge of our Exerbotics technology and a passion for helping you achieve your goals. They understand that every body is unique, and they specialize in creating personalized routines that yield real results. Our coaches are your partners in fitness, dedicated to your success and well-being.
Changing the Way We Age
Our mission extends beyond fitness. We're dedicated to changing the way people age. With The Exercise Coach, aging doesn't mean slowing down; it means getting stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. Whether you're in your 30s or well into retirement, our approach is designed to improve your quality of life, boosting not just physical strength, but confidence, energy, and longevity.
Join us at The Exercise Coach and experience the future of fitness – a place where technology meets expertise to transform your health and redefine aging. It's not just a workout; it's a life-changing journey.
Importance of skin checks for mature skin
Brought to you by -
Dr. Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing
skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions,
dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation
Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the
well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin
Discover the benefits of senior living
Brought to you by - TerraBella
Roswell
After years of hard work and caring for others, entrusting someone to partner in your care can allow you or your loved one to make the most of your golden years. TerraBella Roswell offers area seniors a combination of amenities, care, and lifestyle options in our Assisted Living and Memory Care programs. This allows you to unlock a more rewarding and worry-free lifestyle.
Discover how these three Assisted Living & Memory Care benefits will unlock a superior lifestyle:
Sensations restaurant-style dining
Enjoy peace of mind knowing you or your loved one’s dietary needs are taken care of with three nutritionally balanced meals per day and snacks. Plus, enjoy the flavors you crave with homestyle cooking. Our chef offers delicious and nutritious dining options for our seniors and their loved ones.
Newly renovated Socialize in style with fresh fixtures
and finishes in our interior amenity spaces, or head outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and green space in our lovely outdoor courtyard.
Personalized care options
At TerraBella Roswell. We understand that no two seniors are the same. That’s why we offer personalized care plans designed to meet you or your loved one’s ever-changing needs. Our care team is accessible around the clock. Plus, with our team of experienced senior living professionals, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your care is in expert hands.
Daily activities
No days are the same at TerraBella Roswell! Explore daily activities and scheduled outings through our vibrant Celebrations department. Enhance your retirement experience by exploring your favorite activities and local hot spots!
Learn more about TerraBella Roswell at www.TerraBellaRoswell. com.
Pre-op dental visit
Brought to you by - Dr. Sarah Miles DMD and Dr. Michael Hogan M.D.
It is very important to prevent surgical infections from occurring, particularly immediately following joint replacements or in fact any orthopedic surgery. The oral cavity is a large biological reservoir for bacteria, some of which is found in the synovial fluid taken from infected joints. The bacteria enters the joint via the bloodstream. Having dental procedures or untreated periodontal disease are examples of when bacteria is released into the bloodstream. A simple and very effective way to ensure your mouth is healthy is to have a thorough dental examination that is completed about six weeks prior to
any surgical procedure. Six weeks allows for the dental problems to be resolved ahead of the surgical procedure. An infection following orthopedic surgery can result in failure of the procedure, especially if an implant (knee or hip replacement) was placed. Serious problems can occur requiring extensive and possible multiple surgeries to eliminate the invading bacteria from the joint. Orthopedic surgeons will almost universally give intravenous antibiotics during surgery to prevent local contamination. It is strongly recommended that you see your dentist first to avoid the possibility of secondary infections, or the need for emergency dental care immediately following surgery.
Did you review your Medicare Insurance for 2025?
automatically- a new enrollment must be submitted in this case.
Most years your Medicare Insurance (Medicare Advantage Plans or Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans) will auto-renew and look very much the same as the previous year, and for some of you that is true this year.
But, we have run across a lot of Medicare beneficiaries this Annual Enrollment Period, which just ended on December 7th, who have plans that are ending (non-renewing) on December 31st or going up substantially in monthly premium next year (mostly for Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans).
For the Atlanta area, we’ve had more Medicare plan changes announced for this next year than any other year in the past decade. Inflation, and several other factors, are causing many of the insurance companies to “pull back” their benefit levels.
If you are with one of the larger carriers, they have new plans that are sometimes better than your nonrenewing plan, but it doesn’t happen
We also see newer companies emerging to offer more competitive plans than the larger carriers, but with lesser brand recognition. It’s a trade-off, but one that many have decided to try out for 2025. Even the smaller carriers have strong doctor and hospital networks, so don’t assume your doctor doesn’t take the lesser-known plan. It takes a little bit of research, but one that could yield a “healthy portion” of dental, vision, and grocery allowance.
Whether it’s a larger insurance company, or smaller one, you wish to have for your coverage in 2025, review your medical and prescription drug copays and your level of other benefits like dental, vision, and other allowances.
If you are not sure what your plan changes will be, or if your plan will continue, please get in touch with us by calling (770) 315-8145 or by sending us a message on our contact page at SeniorSourceMedicare.com.
We wish you the happiest and healthiest new year in 2025!
Paige Gorman Agent
