Tips For Picking

13 Austin South Asian | October 2021 Modi-Biden Bilateral Talks: U.S.-India Ties Can Help In Solving A LotOof Global Challenges, Says Biden

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“We have to utilize our talents to leverage technology for the greater global good,” he said. This is the two leaders’ first in-person meeting since Biden took office as president early this year. Modi extended his gratitude to Biden for a “warm welcome.” “I would like to extend my gratitude to President Biden for the warm welcome not only to me but my delegation,” he said in his opening remarks.

Highlighting the importance of business ties between the two countries, Modi told Biden that there is much to be done in the field of trade. Modi said the U.S. president is taking initiatives to implement his vision for bilateral relations. He further added this decade will be shaped by talent and people-to-people linkages. “I am glad the Indian diaspora is making an active contribution towards USA’s progress,” prime minister said.Moments before his meeting with Modi, Biden in a tweet said he is looking forward to strengthening the deep ties between the two countries.

“This morning I’m hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House for a bilateral meeting. I look forward to strengthening the deep ties between our two nations, working to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, and tackling everything from COVID-19 to climate change,” Biden said in a tweet.

Reviewing the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between the two countries has been the agenda of the talks. Since January, Modi and Biden have participated in three summits. Two of them were hosted by President Biden – the Quad virtual summit in March and the Climate Change Summit in April which was also held virtually.

During the meeting Sept. 24, Modi praised Biden for his efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and promoting Quad. “Soon after assuming the presidential office, the U.S. president made unique efforts on COVID-19 pandemic, Quad and climate change and I think his efforts will make a larger impact in the coming days.” Modi said Biden is taking initiatives to implement his vision for India-U.S. relations.

“Earlier, we had an opportunity to hold discussions and at that time you had laid out the vision for India-U.S. bilateral relations,” Modi said. “Today, you are taking initiatives to implement your vision for India-U.S. relations,” Modi while interacting with the Biden. After Biden said that the U.S. would celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, Modi said the Mahatma’s ‘trusteeship’ concept would be important for our planet in times to come.

“President Joe Biden mentioned Gandhiji’s Jayanti. Mahatma Gandhi always used to talk about trusteeship of the planet, a concept which is important for our planet in times to come,” Modi said during the bilateral talks, whose remarks came as both countries are firmly committed to work together in achieving ambitious climate and clean energy targets.

A large number of Indian Americans began gathering outside the White House ahead of Modi’s arrival for the bilateral meeting. They gathered to celebrate ‘the India-U.S. partnership’ and over 600 Indian Americans are set to participate in the gathering. The participants will showcase Indian culture through music and dance performances behind the White House.

The crowd looked full of enthusiasm and holding banners and the Indian flag. Local community members, meanwhile, have also prepared a pamphlet saying ‘American Welcomes Modi -2021’, which is being circulated over social media.

On Sept. 23, the prime minister held bilateral meetings with Vice President Kamala Harris and the prime ministers of Australia and Japan. (Couretsy:IndiaWest.Com)

5 Tips For Picking The Right Medicare Plan

The pandemic has made it clearer than ever -- maintaining good health is critical, and it all starts with having a health plan that works for you every day, and especially in times of greater need.

If you qualify for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 through December 7, is an opportunity to ensure you have needed coverage.

“Now is the time to understand and evaluate your benefits and anticipate the care you may need in 2022,” says Gary Culp, chief growth officer for Medicare at Cigna.

If you’re signing up for Medicare Advantage for the first time or making changes, you can do so during AEP. In both cases, the new benefits will kick in on January 1, 2022.

However, if you like your current plan and want to stick with it, you can do so. In the meantime, keep these tips in mind as you review plans:

aspects are essential to you. Based on your needs, review other plans to see how they stack up.

The process of choosing a health plan can be overwhelming. How-

ever, you can eliminate some of the confusion by seeking advice from your doctor or family and friends.

By attending in-person or virtual seminars or calling independent health plan agents, you can have your questions addressed by experts. your coverage is if your favorite doctors are no longer in-network.

Confirm that your current providers and any specialists you expect to visit in 2022 are still in your plan and that any new doctors you’ll be visiting accept new patients.

If not, you might have to change plans or switch doctors to avoid paying more out of pocket.

• Review your prescriptions: Review the drug pricing tiers to determine whether your prescription plan will cover your current medications and the costs.

Keep in mind, some drug plans require prior authorization for certain brand-name drugs.

• Estimate total costs: Make sure you know the current premium or monthly cost of your plan. Sec-

ond, check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).

This is a letter mailed in late September that details changes to outof-pocket costs, including co-pays and deductibles on doctor and hospital visits and prescription drugs. Finally, check to see the costs associated with visiting a specialist. by original Medicare and may be built into a private insurer’s Medicare Advantage plan.

Some plans may even include additional health and wellness benefits that help you stay healthier, like fitness programs.

• Consider extras: Take a close look at extra benefits, such as dental, vision, health care-related transportation and virtual care visits, that go beyond what’s provided • Be aware of travel restrictions: If you plan to travel or have another home out of state, consider plans with that in mind.

Get savvy by visiting Medicare’s Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or Medicare plan websites such as www.cigna.com/medicare and use the above tips to assist you in reviewing your options.

“Making sure your health plan meets your needs is up to you. After finding the right plan, be sure to take advantage of your benefits for a healthy, happy 2022,” says Culp. (StatePoint)