Seniors, Can We Talk?

Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widelypublished informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.

Last month at lunch Ruth told me how happy her sister-in-law, Toni is. Toni’s sister, Linda, and best friend, Judy, both moved to Arkansas.

They are adjusting great and love Arkansas! They’ve both updated their medical and prescription coverage and are ready for adventures.

Last week Ruth, Toni, Linda and Judy had a nice relaxing “ladies” lunch. They enjoyed their meal and decided to splurge with dessert. Dessert was about over when Linda let out an “OUCH!” She thought she had bitten down on a pecan shell. Yes, and damaged her tooth. She was now holding her crown in her hand! A trip to the dentist was imminent.

When Linda and I talked last month, I reminded her that neither Medicare nor a Medicare Supplement cover dental. We talked about dental plans and the benefits they provide/ cover. There is no “enrollment period” for dental insurance so you can enroll in a dental plan anytime. I told her there is a six (6) month waiting period for minor and major services. Linda said she takes great care of her teeth, gets annual checkups and has only one crown she got years ago. She said she was fine with the waiting period, and she would call me when she was ready to talk further when she was more settled.

Yes, I just got a call from Linda telling me that she was looking at her crown in her hand. “Can I buy dental insurance now?” Yes, she can buy dental insurance now but . . . it will not cover getting her crown repaired or replaced. There is that six (6) month waiting period for minor and major services – a crown is considered a “major” service.

Linda wanted to know if there was any way she could get her crown issue covered so she would not have to write a check for the full amount $$. We talked about the six (6) month waiting period again and I referred her to the dental brochure I had given her. The brochure outlines the criteria for getting the waiting period waived.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you I had a dental plan in Florida that ended March 1.” (Yes, she did forget to tell me!). Ok, different guidelines now.

If Linda applies for a dental plan within 30 days of terminating her existing dental plan, she may be able to have the six (6) month period waived and her crown work might be covered! She will need to apply right now, provide a copy of her existing dental policy’s benefit schedule and a certificate of coverage showing the dates she was covered and when her coverage ended.

Linda is thrilled. She is applying for a dental plan to be effective April 1. Will her dentist be able to do something temporary to help her situation until after April 1 when her policy goes into effect? Fingers crossed.

Accidents happen even with good teeth. Do we need to talk? Call 501-8686650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”

Local Faces

Southside Senior Introduces Bill to House Education Committee

Rachel Harville

Southside senior Carys Clark joined Representative Shad Pearce at the House Education Committee on Thursday, February 23. Together, they introduced House Bill 1393, recognizing the first full week of May classes in Arkansas public schools as “Mental Health Awareness Week”.

Clark’s testimony in support of the bill reminded the committee that “mental health is not just an issue at my school and this bill is an opportunity to impact all students in Arkansas. It gives me confidence that future generations of Arkansas will have healthy and successful lives.” Clark and other members of the Bring Change 2 Mind Club at Southside

Charter High School piloted this concept in April of 2022. She shared with the committee, “Last year, the week was focused on teaching students healthy coping methods like putting new rhythms in their life to lead to a healthier mind, introducing them to new tools being implemented, while also making sure they are aware of the resources already available to them.” With community support, the student organization provided a week of activities that culminated in a community carnival and 5K Color Run that attracted hundreds of attendees.

Representative Pearce’s bill passed out of committee and now moves on for a vote in the Arkansas House of Representatives. N

UACCB robotics team places in state competition

Zach Perrine

The team from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) placed second overall in the FIRST Robotics Arkansas Regionals this past weekend. Teams from around the state met in Searcy for the event. Students Christopher Burns of Batesville High School, Matthew Steltz of Cave City High School, and Seth Burrier of Cave City High

School worked with UACCB faculty members Randall Warn, Andrew Muse and Loyd Barry, along with Chester Marshall, Business and Industry Mentor from FutureFuel Chemical Company, for months to design, build, and test their 125-pound robot to compete in a series of challenges. N

First Community Bank has announced that Misty Stahr has been promoted to branch manager for the financial institution’s full-service branch location at 3 Eagle Mountain Boulevard in Batesville, Arkansas.

“I’m grateful for this promotion, and I look forward to making a positive difference in our customers’ lives by ensuring that they enjoy a premier banking experience,” said Stahr. “First Community Bank genuinely cares for their employees, and that helps us to deliver the personalized service that we’re known for.”