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TRADITIONAL MEDICARE AND WHAT IT CONSISTS OF? WHEN AND HOW TO ENROLL?
founded in 1986
Texas students with immigrant parents lost out on college aid because of FAFSA glitch
By Sneha Dey, The Texas Tribune
“Texas students with immigrant parents lost out on college aid because of FAFSA glitch” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Students from immigrant families appear to have lost out on state grant money for college because of a glitch with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, confirming fears from earlier this year.
The revamped FAFSA prevented parents who did not have a Social Security number
from adding their financial information online. Students affected by the glitch had to wait months for the U.S. Education Department to come up with a workaround so they could complete the form.
Texas colleges distribute state financial aid on a first-come, first-serve basis, which meant students from immigrant families were last in line for aid this year.
Texas counselors who help students apply for financial aid to make post-secondary education more accessible say college hopefuls from households with mixed immigration statuses received less money than they were eligible to get. Universities do not track the immigration status of students’
households, making it unclear the extent to which those students were affected.
“These are students who are eligible to complete the FAFSA. They’re U.S. citizens,” said Andrea Harper, of college access group Breakthrough Central Texas. “When they were placed in the back of the line because of these glitches, they lost out… That’s going to impact this group of students for many years, maybe for their whole lives.”
Students can still access federal Pell Grant dollars, regardless of when they submit their application. But state grant money can cover any gaps left after using federal aid, helping students pay for housing, transportation, books and other needs. The Texas grant averages $5,000 per student for the school year.
Karla Buenaventura Esquina had already mapped out the route from her South Austin home to Texas State University when the new federal financial aid form launched at the end of last year. Ever since she took a campus tour, she imagined going to Texas State. There, she thought, she would become the first in her family to graduate from college — and a role model for her younger brother.
But the financial aid did not come through. Despite repeated attempts, she wasn’t able to successfully submit her form until late spring. By then, it was too late. In phone calls with the financial aid office at Texas State, advisers told Esquina she had been eligible for the Texas grant but the school ran out of money before her form was processed.
Esquina enrolled at Austin Community College instead, where she qualifies for free tuition. She plans to work as a barista to save up and aims to transfer to Texas State after she finishes her core classes.
“At first, it was hard. I wanted to go to a university, experience everything new,” Esquina said. “But I don’t have to stress my parents out about putting horrendous amounts of money into a university.”
Texas State, Prairie View A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Texas were among the universities that college access experts said weren’t able to offer financial aid to students from immigrant families because they had run out of state grant money. The universities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sara Urquidez, a college access expert, said she expects the new FAFSA’s rollout problems will result in steep enrollment declines this year — and that students from immigrant families will be the most affected.
“We’re going to see that. Though they had done everything to be able to attend a four-year institution, they just could not make it work financially,” said Urquidez, who is the executive director of Academic Success Program, a nonprofit that helps high school students in Dallas, Houston and College Station.
The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.
Disclosure: Prairie View A&M University, University of Texas at Austin and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy.
OPINION
BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
One year after Oct. 7 terror, families still wait
The father of two Israeli hostages who were abducted by the Hamas terrorist group on Oct. 7 last year told me a sad truth when I interviewed him a few days ago: Much of the world has forgotten about the plight of the Israeli civilians who remain captive by their kidnappers in Gaza.
Indeed, the news about the hostages has long been eclipsed by the headlines about Israel’s massive military counter-attack against Hamas. But nearly 100 of the more than 250 Israeli hostages taken during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel may still be alive, according to Israeli military sources, and their release could be crucial for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Itzik Horn, an Argentine-born Israeli and father of two of the hostages, told me that he doesn’t know whether his two sons are dead or alive. And with the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel’s military incursion into Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah terrorist bases and Iran’s attack on Israel, Horn laments that “the hostages issue is disappearing from
the front pages.”
Referring to last week’s opening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he told me that “there are heads of state who talked at the U.N. (about Gaza) and didn’t even mention the hostages.”
In Israel, the return of the hostages is a key priority. Almost every Israeli has a direct or indirect connection with somebody who was abducted by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack. In a country of only 9.6 million, Israel’s hostages represent about 26 hostages per million inhabitants. To put that figure in context, it would be the equivalent of 8,600 people being taken hostage in the United States, 3,400 in Mexico, 1,200 in Spain and 1,100 in Argentina.
Most of those abducted by Hamas in Israel were civilians who lived in kibbutzim, or collective farms, near the border with Gaza. Ironically, many of the people living there are left-leaning immigrants who advocated for a Palestinian state living side by side in peace with Israel.
Horn’s two missing sons, Iair and Eitan, were at the Niz-Or kibbutz when they were kidnapped. Neither of them were soldiers, or were armed, Horn told me. Iair lived there, worked at a bar and was in charge of organizing parties there, while his younger brother was visiting with him during a Jewish holiday the night of their abduction.
“Most of those kidnapped are civilians who were taken from their homes, from their beds, many of them in pajamas, barefooted,” Horn told me. “The Hamas attackers killed, burned, raped, did all kinds of atrocities you can think of, even to babies. And in addition to that, they kidnapped people.”
Nearly 1,200 Israelis, most of them unarmed civilians, were killed by the Hamas gunmen that night, including 250 young people who were attending an alternative music festival.
That represents 125 deaths per million Israeli inhabitants, which would be the equivalent of about 42,000 people killed in the United States. That’s many times more than the 2,977 people who were killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack, which led to the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Toward the end of our interview by Zoom, I asked Horn about a sign with the handwritten number 365 that he was wearing on his shirt. He said it’s the number of days that will have passed on Oct. 7 without him having seen or heard from his two kidnapped sons.
“We are counting every day in which our relatives are in the hands of Hamas,” Horn told me. “And we are approaching day 365. “
On the first anniversary of the attack, as the world is focusing on the wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, we should not forget about the Israeli hostages. Whatever you think about the scope of Israel’s military response to the Hamas attack, if the world doesn’t forcefully demand the hostages’ prompt liberation, we will be helping normalize terrorism and hostage-taking everywhere.
City Of Brownsville Launches Youth Advisory Board Historic funding approved for Texas ship channels
The City of Brownsville is proud to announce the launch of its newly created Youth Advisory Board, an initiative aimed at empowering high school students to become active voices in shaping the city’s future. This program is designed to cultivate leadership skills and encourage young people to participate in local governance.
The Youth Advisory Board is open to 11th—and 12th-grade students in good standing at any public, private, charter, or study-at-home program in the Brownsville area. By joining, students will have the opportunity to participate in city planning processes, learn how to conduct meetings and collaborate on new and ongoing initiatives within the city.
“We hope to help them learn how to run a meeting and understand what’s happening in the city. We would love for them to come up with initiatives and weigh in on current projects like our Parks Master Plan and Downtown Master Plan,” said Deputy City Manager Alan Guard. “This Board will allow young people to give us their feedback, provide fresh ideas, and learn how to be future leaders in Brownsville.”
This initiative provides high school students a platform to step up, get involved, and contribute to meaningful changes in their community. The city is hopeful that the Youth Advisory Board will become a dynamic group of young leaders eager to make an impact.
The Texas Transportation Commission has approved historic funding for ship channel improvement projects that will support Texas’ economic growth, increase trade, generate jobs and ensure our seaports remain competitive.
The Commission approved $400 million in Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund (SCIRF) loans for two projects near Beaumont and Brownsville. The funding is the result of a bill passed in the 88th Legislature and signed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023.
“Texas ship channels and seaports are economic engines within our state, and I want to thank Governor Greg Abbott for his support for this vital industry,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Steven D. Alvis. “Ship channel improvement projects are extremely costly, often making it incredibly difficult to make improvements. The foresight of the Governor and the Texas Legislature to make Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund loans available is critical to ensure Texas ship channels are prepared to accommodate larger vessel sizes, resulting in a more robust and resilient supply chain.” TxDOT is requesting additional funding for port improvements in its 2026-2027 Legislative Appropriations Request.
In August, the Commission approved a loan of up to $357 million for the Sabine-Neches Navigation District (SNND) to begin deepening the Sabine Neches Waterway--the third-largest waterway by tonnage in the nation--from its current 40-foot depth to its authorized depth of 48 feet. This project is estimated to cost $1.8 billion, and the SNND is responsible for $600 million to finance its local share. It’s anticipated this project will add 336,000 jobs and generate $200 billion in business activity and $6 billion in annual sales tax revenue. The waterway is also crucial to national security, supporting two U.S. strategic military ports.
In September, the Commission approved a loan of up to $43 million for the Brownsville Navigation District (BND) to help fund the cost to deepen the Brazos Island Harbor Channel from 42 feet to its authorized depth of 52 feet. BND is responsible for $71.5 million of the total $139.5 million cost for this portion of the project. Following completion, the project will create an additional 800 permanent full-time jobs, increase export capability and increase access to clean energy.
U.S. Attorney’s Texas
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Inmate guilty of assaulting two correctional officers
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas | Press Release
A 31-year-old felon from Donna has been convicted of assaulting two correctional officers while housed at Coastal Bend Detention Center in Robstown, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has found Aaron Gutierrez guilty of two counts of assaulting or impeding a federal officer following a one-day bench trial that occurred Sept. 16.
On Aug. 25, 2023, Gutierrez and six other inmates escaped from a recreation area through an unlocked gate. They ran down a walkway to intercept another inmate belonging to a rival gang. Two correctional officers were escorting that inmate - who was in full restraints.
The seven escaped inmates attacked the defenseless other inmate as well as the correctional officers who were attempting to protect him. As a result, both officers suffered injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment. One required surgery. Authorities also transported the victim inmate to the hospital for treatment.
Within a minute of the attack, multiple correctional officers converged on the at-
tackers and restrained them.
Gutierrez attempted to convince the court that while he intended to join the fight, he never got the chance because he was the last one to leave the recreation yard. However, testimony revealed that every inmate participated in the attack. Judge Morales did not believe defense claims and found him guilty as charged.
Correctional officers at Coastal Bend Detention Center work on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and are protected as federal officers when in the performance of their official duties.
Judge Morales will impose sentencing in January 2025. At that time, Gutierrez faces up to eight years in federal prison. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The other six inmates involved in the attack had previously pleaded guilty.
Raul Valdez, 49, San Antonio, received 24 months, while Corpus Christi residents Benito Aguirre, 43, John Steve Espinoza, 31, Joe Isaac Espinoza, 27, and Adalberto Pena, 32, each received 18 months. Emilio Salinas, 34, Edinburg, is set for sentencing Oct. 17. They all also remain in custody.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the USMS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.
DHR
Health, the Health Sciences Institute at Renaissance, and Proyecto Juan Diego of Brownsville have teamed up with the nonprofit organization Compudopt to provide eligible Cameron County residents with free computers. The goal of the program is to ensure that households without a working computer or laptop have the tools they need to stay connected and thrive in today’s technology-driven world.
Each device provided through the initiative is completely free and includes two years of free tech support. Devices are awarded on a lottery basis, with one device per household, and are permanently owned by the recipient, with no tracking by serial numbers.
“We are proud to partner with Compudopt and other community partners to bring this vital program to the Cameron County community,” said Nori Zapata, DHR Health Senior Vice President of Education and Career Development.
Cameron County residents who do not currently own a working computer or laptop are encouraged to register for one at bit. ly/CUDCameron or call 855-532-5060 for assistance. Once registered, Compudopt asks families to look out for further communication via text or email. Families selected will be notified with more information on how and where to pick up their device.
For those who are not selected in the initial round, Compudopt will retain the registration list and pull from it for future distributions.
The deadline to register for this program is October 14, 2024. For individuals or families needing help with registration, assistance is available at Proyecto Juan Diego in Brownsville.
Governor Greg Abbott announced the opening of the Texas Micro-Business Disaster Recovery (MBDR) Loan Program to facilitate loans from Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to micro-businesses affected by declared local, state, or federal disasters in Texas. Administered under the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office, there is up to $5 million in total available funding through the Texas MBDR Loan Program through August 31, 2025. Applications are open now for eligible CDFIs interested in participating.
“Businesses with less than 20 employees make up a vast majority of all businesses in Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “These micro-businesses are critical drivers of the Texas economy and are often the cornerstones of our communities as they create good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans. They can also be the hardest hit after disaster strikes. The Texas MBDR Loan Program will assist our local businesses in building continued resiliency around declared disasters. Texas’ Community Development Financial Institutions are encouraged to apply to participate in the program now to help prepare for any potential declared disaster. Texas will continue to provide the necessary disaster preparation and recovery resources to businesses and communities across the state.”
In 2021, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 3271 into law to create the Texas MBDR Loan Program. The program will provide zero-interest loans to eligible CDFIs for purposes of making interest-bearing loans to qualifying micro-businesses that have difficulty in accessing capital following a declared local, state, or federal disaster in Texas. All income received on a loan made by a CDFI participating in the program is the property of the financial institution. Income received on a loan includes the payment of interest by a borrower micro-business and the administrative fees assessed by the CDFI.
CDFIs are encouraged to apply to participate in order to be prepared before a potential disaster situation. Once a local, state, or federal disaster has been declared, CDFIs may then apply to enroll loans from micro-businesses that meet the eligibility criteria. Micro-businesses should contact their preferred CDFI to encourage their participation in the Texas MBDR Loan Program as a participating lender. A listing of CDFIs can be found at the following webpage by clicking “View the list of Certified CDFIs”: www.cdfifund.gov/programs-training/ certification/cdfi. For more information on the Texas MBDR Loan Program, including eligibility, application details, and other resources, visit: mbdr.gov.texas.gov.
Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott | Press Release
MEN’S GOLF OPENS WITH EVEN PAR 288 IN FIRST ROUND OF TRINITY FOREST
INVITATIONAL
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s golf team opened the Trinity Forest Invitational with an even par 288 on Sunday at Trinity Forest Golf Course. The Vaqueros sit in 10th place after the first round with their 288 and is just two shots out of ninth held by Furman and nine shots out of the top-five held by SMU.
Junior Arthit Kruaprayong led the Vaqueros with a two-under par 70 and sits tied for 23rd. Sophomore McAllen Memorial alum Esteban Gonzalez is tied for 41st after posting an even par 72 in the opening round.
Senior Juan Luis de Bethencourt Duque and sophomore Emilio Gil Leyva are both tied for 51st after posting a first round one-over par 73. Junior Luis Limón is tied for 65th with an opening round 75.
USC hold the leads after the first day after posting a first round 273 and USC’s Jack Buchanan holds the individual lead after a first round 64.
The Vaqueros will be back on the course for the second round of the Trinity Forest Invitational on Monday with the first group teeing off at 8:55 a.m.
Results
Gonzalez Juan Luis de Bethencourt Duque
Gil Leyva
Men’s Soccer Defeated by Grand Canyon in Defensive Battle
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s soccer team was defeated 2-0 in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) opener by the Grand Canyon (GCU) Lopes Sunday in front of nearly 1,000 fans at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
The match was a defensive battle that looked even on the pitch and on the box score. In the first half, the Vaqueros (2-5-1, 0-1-0 WAC) outshot Grand Canyon 5-2 and 2-1 with shots on goal. But the Lopes (4-42, 1-0-0 WAC) made the most of their best chance, taking a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute as Bright Nutornutsi converted on a speedy attack for GCU with help from a nice assist from Ben Assane.
UTRGV controlled time of possession after the early goal and earned six corners in the first half while preventing any for GCU. Sophomore forward Keaviano Francis and junior midfielder Ricardo Joasilus put shots on goal in the 22nd and 29th minutes, respectively, but GCU keeper Leon Schmidt came up with a pair of saves. Junior midfielder Cade Erickson had some strong defensive moments to help the Vaqueros contain the Lopes’ offense after the score.
GCU extended the lead to 2-0 in the
48th minute. The Lopes raced up the pitch to convince the keeper to commit outside of the net, then Assane scored a goal of his own with an assist from Nelson Gomez Rodriguez.
The Vaqueros played well through the remainder of the match though they were unable to get on the scoreboard. UTRGV tallied six corner kicks in the second frame but neither team took many shots in the back-and-forth second half. Sophomore goalkeeper Fernando Carreon made his lone save of the match in the 61st minute to keep the contest within reach.
UTRGV increased the pressure in the waning minutes of the match, but GCU’s solid defense secured the win. Sophomore forward Jaime Carrillo created a shot opportunity in the 88th minute, but it was blocked. Schmidt made two saves for the Lopes.
UTRGV’s next match is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against Utah Valley in a conference match at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Attendance is free but fans will need a digital pass to gain entrance. Fans can sign up for the UTRGV Soccer Pass at GoUTRGV.com/SoccerPass. A clear bag policy is in place at the facility.
Low-Cost Community Pet Clinic: Registration Now Open
Great news for pet owners in Mission, Texas! A low-cost community pet clinic is coming soon, providing essential vaccines and preventatives for your furry companions. To minimize your wait time and ensure your pet receives the care they need, we encourage you to pre-register and reserve your spot.
Key Information:
Pre-registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 16th at 6 PM
Clinic Location: 227 Abelino Farias St, Mission, TX 78572
Pre-registered Guests: 10 AM – 12 PM Walk-ins (First-come, first-serve): 11 AM – 12 PM
By pre-registering, you’ll have a dedicated time slot, minimizing wait times and guaranteeing your pet receives the required vaccines and preventatives. Walk-ins are welcome but will only be served after pre-registered guests and subject to availability. Vaccines are not guaranteed for walk-ins, so don’t miss the opportunity to register early!
Important Notes:
Heartworm Prevention: A negative heartworm test from a veterinarian is required to purchase Tri-Heart.
Pet Transport: All pets must remain inside the cabin of your vehicle, and no pets are allowed in truck beds. Cats must be in individual carriers.
For more information or to pre-register, visit rgvhs.org/ monthly-clinic. Pre-register today to secure your spot and keep your pet happy and healthy!
The Original Trail of Terror is Back! Do You Dare to Enter?
Prepare yourself for a night of spine-chilling thrills!
The Original Trail of Terror returns this October, promising a frightful experience for those brave enough to walk through its haunted paths. From October 25th to 27th, the Pharr Vanguard Nature & Birding Center will transform into a realm of terror, where every turn brings a new nightmare.
Event Details:
Dates: October 25th - 27th
Time: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Location: Pharr Vanguard Nature & Birding Center
Tickets: FREE, but required for entry
Tickets for this FREE TICKETED EVENT will be available starting Monday, October 14th, at 8 AM at the Special Events Building, located at 209 W Newcombe Park Ave. Make sure to grab yours early—this event is sure to fill up fast!
What to Expect:
This eerie walking trail will keep you on your toes, so don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. The twists and turns will take you through terrifying scenes and encounters, but the question is: Can you escape the terror?
Get ready for a frightful night that will test your nerves and have you wondering if you can make it out unscathed!
Coffee With a Cop on October 10th
We are excited to announce that the Edinburg Police Department will be hosting Coffee With a Cop on October 10th! This is your chance to meet and engage with the dedicated men and women who serve our community. The event will be held at the Starbucks located at 525 E Trenton Rd, from 9 am to 12 pm.
Why attend Coffee With a Cop?
Coffee With a Cop is a unique opportunity for residents to build relationships with our local officers, in a relaxed, informal setting. Whether you have questions about public safety, want to discuss community concerns, or simply want to get to know the people who work to keep Edinburg safe, this is the perfect event for you.
Over a cup of coffee, you’ll have the chance to:
Engage in open, friendly conversations with Edinburg PD officers
Share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns about the community
Learn more about public safety initiatives and efforts in our city
Strengthening Our Community
The bond between law enforcement and the community is key to fostering a safe and thriving city. Events like Coffee With a Cop help bridge the gap between officers and residents, allowing for better communication, understanding, and mutual respect. It’s also a fun, low-pressure way to say “thank you” to the individuals who work hard every day to make Edinburg a great place to live.
Join Us for a Great Morning
So, whether you have specific questions or just want to enjoy a cup of coffee with your local officers, we encourage everyone to stop by on October 10th. It’s a great way to start your day, meet your neighbors, and connect with the people who serve our city.
We look forward to seeing you at Starbucks (525 E Trenton Rd) from 9 am to 12 pm on October 10th!
Let’s come together as a community—one coffee cup at a time!
Traditional Medicare and what it consists of? When and how to enroll?
MARTA JIMÉNEZ
5500 N. MCCOLL RD STE A mcallen texas 78504 OFF TELF 956-631-2202 CELL 956-467-6994
When should I enroll in Medicare?
Medicare Initial Enrollment Period, IEP
At age 65 or when you are first eligible for Medicare due to disability, you will have the Initial Enrollment Period IEP, which extends for 7 months.
You will be able to enroll in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B 3 months before you turn 65, in the month of your birthday, and three months after.
In some circumstances, if you do not enroll during this enrollment period, you will have to wait for the next Medicare Open Enrollment period, which occurs every year
from January 1st through March31st and this could generate penalties.
It is important to note that during this time, when you turn 65, you are also eligible for guaranteed entry into the Medicare Supplement (guaranteed issue rights). This period extends for 6 months, from the moment you turn 65.
After this time, insurance companies will be able to ask your health questions and will evaluate your application to determine if they approve the application and could charge a higher premium or reject your application depending on your medical condition and their risk assessment.
This time is also critical to evaluate and determine the plan we want or need and thus avoid future penalties, which may be permanent.
If we do not enroll in Part B when we first qualify at age 65, this will generate a 10% penalty for every 12 months of not having Medicare Part B.
An exception to this rule is when you have health insurance from your employer, you will be exempt from the Part B penalty, if it is covered by the company’s health
coverage plan and this coverage is as good as Medicare.
How to enroll in Medicare for the first time?
To enroll in Medicare for the first time you have three options:
By phone
In person at Social Security Offices Online
You can enroll by phone by calling the Social Security Office. The general Social Security number is 1800-772-1213 and TTY 800-325-0778. By calling this number we will coordinate a telephone interview at a time that is convenient for you and Social Security will call you at the agreed time.
You can personally visit the Social Security Office closest to you in your city. Here you can be assisted without an appointment, but it is ideal to call in advance and make an appointment, this way your wait will be reduced.
You can apply online through the Social Security website www.ssa.gov here you can register up to 4 months before turning 65.
Before you begin an online application, make sure you have the information you will need on hand:
• Social Security,
• Date of birth,
• Dates of marriages,
• Place of birth, proof of legal residence or citizenship,
• Proof of income from the employer (sometimes the Social Security office will ask you for copies or originals of these documents)
If you live outside the United States, you can only contact Social Security by regular mail:
Social Security Administration Office of Earning and International Operations
Baltimore, MD 21235 USA or
By calling 1410-965-0160 during business hours in Eastern time (Eastern time zone)
-If you have questions or concerns, it is best to visit your local Social Security office or call before applying.
Also remember that you can get advice from an insurance agent specialized in Medicare Plans, and this service is free of charge.
Final Considerations:
Why should I supplement Medicare?
As we saw at the beginning, Medicare Part A and B only cover 80% of medically necessary services. It does not include drug coverage at the pharmacy or other additional coverage such as Dental or Mink.
The client is responsible for 20% and the deductibles of the covered medical services.
The patient’s responsibility of 20% has no established limits, there is no Out-ofPocket Maximum for traditional Medicare, so it is important to consider acquiring an additional plan, be it a Medicare Supplement or Medigap and a Prescription Plan (Plan D), or a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
Remember that you don’t have all the time of the world and there are deadlines associate with some registrations. It is important to know your deadline to avoid future penalties.
Choosing the right plan or plans is a decision that can impact your access to the correct health protection at this important stage of your retirement.
Remember that you can access free advice from an agent specialized in Medicare plans and this is part of the services we offer, so do not hesitate to contact us with your doubts, questions and to assist you in the selection and enrollment of any plan you decide on.
To be continued in next Wednesday’s edition
