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Сucumber, squash and tomatoes pickling and canning into glass jars. Ingredients for vegetables
Diet & Nutrition

Home Canning: So Much More Than Preserving Food

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

Home canning is a great way to preserve excess produce. However, there are many benefits to canning, beyond taming your garden’s bounty of cucumbers and zucchini.

A little canning history

For centuries, people have looked for ways to preserve their food (including fermentation). The first record of canning comes via the battlefield.

In the 1700s, as Napoleon Bonapart led his armies across Europe, feeding his troops became a challenge. Soldiers traveling over the continent carried food supplies with them, but the food would spoil.

Desperate to find a solution, the French government offered a prize to anyone who could find a way to preserve food and make it easy to transport.

Nicolas Appert, a distiller, confectioner and chef, took up the challenge. He experimented with preserving soups, dairy, jams and syrups.

After approximately fourteen years, he perfected what we know of today as canning. He collected his prize money and wrote a best-selling book called The Art Of Preserving All Kinds Of Animal And Vegetable Substances For Several Years (1811).

Why can foods?

More than two hundred years later, canning is still a popular way to preserve food. Whether you refer to it as canning, bottling, preserving or putting up, there are many benefits to storing food for another day.

1) Create food tailored to your taste

Mass-produced canned food is easy to find in any supermarket. However, commercially canned products often include additional ingredients that can detract from the food’s natural flavors (e.g., sugar, salt and preservatives).

By canning your food, you’re able to customize the recipes to your taste. That might include adding herbs to vegetables or combining fruits and spices in new ways—such as berry jam with a hint of habanero chili.

Who knows, maybe you’ll come up with a new flavor profile that’s a hit!

For additional information, including safety tips and recipes, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

2) Make home canning a celebration

Canning does not have to be a solitary activity! You can turn your canning into an annual (or seasonal) event to share with family and friends. The possibilities are endless.

Have a co-op canning party. Combine all your fruits and vegetables and spend time together putting up peaches and pickles.

Invite your grandkids over for a canning day of their favorite foods.

Throw a themed canning event based on a favorite recipe or type of produce.

3) Save money

Canning at home can reduce the expense of buying store-bought food. For added savings, you can save money on the foods you want to can. Harvesting food from your or your friends’ gardens is the most economical way to can.

However, if you need to buy additional goods to bottle, shopping for discounted, end-of-season produce or buying fruits and vegetables in bulk are good options.

Also, food-rescue companies (e.g., Imperfect Foods and Misfits Market) sell and deliver produce that does not qualify for commercial sale. The fruit and vegetables could be misshapen, too big or too small—but still fresh. Prices are generally 30 to 40 percent less than in supermarkets, making it a cost-effective option for canning.

Enjoying home canning beyond preserving food

In addition to the social and economic benefits of canning, there’s great satisfaction in making something yourself. For months to come, you can enjoy colorful jars of food—every time you open the cupboard. Moreover, you’ll have a lovely supply of preserved food and memories.

We’d love to hear your canning stories! Do you have special canning memories, recipes or traditions? Pop over to our Facebook page and share your expertise and stories!

 

 

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Medicare Plans

Who Can You Trust to Help Make Your Medicare Decisions?

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

The many choices and options related to Medicare Advantage and/or Supplement Plans are enough to overwhelm even the most educated among us. You want to make the right selections, but without the proper guidance and direction, these decisions are dizzying.

You’re aware of how easily you could get stuck with a plan you don’t need or want, but you’d probably rather endure a colonoscopy than spend countless hours researching different plans.

Yes, navigating the world of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance is difficult. But it doesn’t have to be. My Senior Health Plan will help you find you the right coverage at the right price—the plan that truly fits your needs and budget.

Here’s why My Senior Health Plan is the right choice for your healthcare needs.

Understand your options

There are numerous Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plan options. Not all of these plans are created equal, and each one is designed to address a specific set of medical needs. So which one is right for you?

My Senior Health Plan prides itself on offering a comprehensive, personalized service that addresses these questions directly. Their representatives will work with you to determine what’s important to you and how that translates to a Medicare plan.

They take the time to not just listen but also understand where you’re coming from and why. With this information, they use their expertise to find the right options to satisfy your needs and budget. My Senior Health Plan takes the guesswork out of Medicare coverage by presenting plans that meet your coverage needs at a price you can afford.

Review your current plan

If you already have a Medicare plan in place, My Senior Health Plan will conduct a complimentary review of your coverage to ensure you’re protected. They take the time to get to know every one of their customers so they can offer the absolute right coverage options, no matter what your situation.

As they review your current coverage, they will provide insight on the right times to change your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plans. Medicare has stringent rules on when beneficiaries can make changes to their plans, but with My Senior Health Plan, you don’t have to worry. They know when and how to make changes to your plan, and they’ll take care of the heavy lifting for you!

Save money on coverage

Understanding what coverage you need means also understanding your budget. If you’re on a fixed or low income, they’ll make sure you have an affordable plan with low out-of-pocket expenses.

My Senior Health Plan understands the budgetary constraints faced by most seniors. They don’t pressure their customers into buying coverage they can’t afford. They know there are plenty of options available to meet every seniors’ financial needs.

Check prescription coverage

For many seniors, prescription drugs are their biggest medical expense. They’ve got to have these costs covered, but few know how to find the right prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare professionals at My Senior Health Plan are well-versed in the prescription drug plans and will help you find a plan to suit your needs while keeping your out-of-pocket costs low.

Enjoy lifetime support

My Senior Health Plan is here for you, long after you’ve selected coverage. They provide personalized service to ensure their customers are happy and confident in their Medicare coverage selections.

They also understand how situations change and that when they do, needs change, too. An annual coverage review is standard at My Senior Health Plan. Every year, they’ll happily reevaluate your situation and coverage options to provide guidance on if and how you should change your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plan.

Contact My Senior Health Plan today to learn more about their services and your coverage options.

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Medicare Plans

Medicare OEP 2020: How Mrs. Jones Made Changes to Her Medicare Advantage Plan

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

The new year is upon us and so is Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) 2020. Yes, just when Annual Enrollment Period 2020 has finished, it’s time for OEP 2020! We know the Medicare system can be difficult, so today we’re going to follow Mrs. Jones through the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

Mrs. Jones is a little confused since the Medicare rules can be complicated. But we’re here to help!

What is Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Mrs. Jones wasn’t happy with the Medicare Advantage Plan she chose in the fall during AEP, and she’s been waiting for January 1st so she can make a change to her Medicare coverage. She has until March 31st, and she’s allowed to make just one change to her plan.

During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, she:

CAN switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan

CAN disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D drug plan).

But Mrs. Jones:

CAN’T switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan

CAN’T add or switch a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (if enrolled in Original Medicare).

If Mrs. Jones was in the first three months of her Initial Enrollment Period, she would also be able to:

Change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage)

Or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan).

What kinds of changes can be made during OEP?

Mrs. Jones changed her Medicare Advantage Plan during AEP. That plan became active on January 1st. But just a month after her new plan began, she realized that plan doesn’t cover her prescription drug needs.

Fortunately for Mrs. Jones, she can make a change because it’s Open Enrollment Period. She’s choosing to switch from the Medicare Advantage Plan she chose during AEP to another Medicare Advantage Plan that covers her prescription drug needs. This is a one-time change for Mrs. Jones that will go into effect on March 1st.

But what if her new Part D plan begins, and she finds she doesn’t need the coverage? Unfortunately, she’ll have to wait until AEP on October 15th to make additional changes.

But she may qualify to change her coverage during a Special Election Period (SEP). Here’s how.

What is a SEP?

A Special Election Period is a time when you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage outside the typical AEP and OEP periods.

SEPs are granted for many different circumstances. A few of these are:

  1. A change of address that impacts your coverage
  2. Residency in an area affected by a FEMA-sanctioned emergency or natural disaster during a previous enrollment period (either for the beneficiary or caregiver)
  3. Moving into or out of an institution.

 

Also, if you lost your previous insurance, whether it’s Medicaid or employer-provided, you may be eligible to enroll in Medicare Advantage during an SEP.

Medicare is complicated, but MySeniorHealthPlan.com is here to help you confidently navigate your health insurance decisions.

If you have questions or need to talk to a licensed Medicare specialist, visit our website or call (877) 255-6273. You’ll be able to talk to a knowledgeable member of our team who will help you find the right plan for you.

 

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Money Tips

Our Term Life Insurance Is Expiring. Now What?

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

Your term life insurance is about to expire, you’re retiring, and the kids are gone. This is a good time to determine your insurance needs and weigh your options.

Here’s how to choose the best course of action for your ending-soon term life policy.

Start with these 3 questions:

  1. Do loved ones need your financial support?

People often buy a term life policy when they get married, buy a house or have their first child. This type of cost-effective policy provides financial security for your family in the event of your passing.

Now that your children are grown and independent, you may not need as much insurance. However, if your spouse or children still rely on your part-time income or you’re supporting a family member with special needs, the loss of income in the event of your death could be significant.

Your family may also experience a decrease in your pension income and social security benefits, making your life insurance decision more significant.

  1. Do you have debt?

As you near retirement, you may still be carrying debt. Maybe you bought a house later in life and have a substantial chunk to pay. Or maybe you went back to school for an advanced degree and are paying off your student loans—as well as your children’s.

If you have significant debt and you pass away, your savings and benefits may not be enough to cover the payments. In this case, continuing your life insurance policy for your family’s financial security will be an important consideration.

  1. Do your retirement funds provide access to cash?

If you and your spouse have a well-funded retirement plan, you will most likely use these funds to cover final expenses. The accessible cash will cover any medical and burial costs.

However, if your money is tied up in assets, such as investments or real estate, covering final expenses may prove challenging. In this situation, your life insurance plan will provide your family with the funds they need to comfortably cover any end-of-life expenses.

Next, explore your term life policy options:

This is where things get a little complicated, as there are many policy options with nuanced details. Your retirement specialist can guide you through the process and help you choose the plan that best fits your needs. In the meantime, you may want to consider the following:

Buy a new term life policy

If the higher cost of a permanent life insurance policy doesn’t appeal to you (a reason you may have chosen your original term policy), buying a new term policy might be a good choice.

You will have to pass a medical exam. And, because you are older, your premium may be higher. However, if you’re in good health, the overall costs may be lower (versus paying for permanent insurance), as the amount of time you need the policy may be shorter.

Convert your coverage

There’s a good chance that your term life insurance policy includes a conversion (or exchange) option. If so, you can convert your expiring term life policy to permanent life insurance coverage.

Conversion requirements will vary, depending on the insurance company. The requirements may allow you to convert your policy at any time before expiration, during a specified period (e.g., within the first ten years) or at a particular age—typically between 65 and 70.

If converting your term policy is the option you prefer, you’ll want to start the process well before the policy expires.

Renew your term life policy

People often choose this option if their term policy is expiring and their health has deteriorated.

If your policy allows renewals, and you decide on this option, you won’t need to do a medical exam. But, because you are older and have health problems, your premium rates will be higher.

Get started today!

You originally took out your term life insurance plan to provide for your loved ones if necessary. The policy provided peace of mind as you raised your family. Now, it’s expiring.

This is the perfect time to check in with your retirement specialist. Together, you can look at your finances and explore all your coverage options. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get back to the important things—like enjoying your retirement!

MySeniorHealthPlan.com’s retirement specialist Aaron can answer your term life policy questions and help you choose the right insurance for your retirement needs.

 

 

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Health Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance: 3 Common Misconceptions

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

Like any insurance plan, long-term care insurance provides financial relief when you need it most.

However, long-term care insurance is expensive. Given the expense, people put off buying a long-term care (LTC) policy or even making a plan for their future care needs.

But if they do need it (and the odds are higher as people age), and care facility costs and home-care provider fees start to build up, the premium can provide financial support and peace of mind.

Here are three common misconceptions why people think they don’t need an LTC plan and why rethinking that approach is important:

  1. “I’m healthy. I don’t need long-term care insurance.”

At age 66, Bill is in great shape. His vitals are good, and his weight is in a healthy range. He runs an annual half-marathon and lifts weights at the gym.

Additionally, neither his parents or grandparents required nursing care at home or in a facility. They all lived into their 80s and 90s, happy and healthy. With his stellar family history, Bill feels confident he won’t need long-term care. He plans to enjoy life!

While Bill is healthy and takes care of himself, it doesn’t make him exempt from needing care as he gets older. A fall or unexpected health problem could require paying for long-term care.

That might include hiring a home health aide to help with personal needs (e.g., bathing and dressing). At an approximate rate of $20 per hour, the costs add up over the weeks, months and years.

Like many, Bill is taking the I won’t need it approach. However, at the very least, he needs a plan. That includes talking to loved ones about long-term care:

Who will provide the care (his spouse, adult children, a home health aide)?

How will the costs be covered, including family members who may have to work less to help him?

  1. “I’m financially savvy and have a large retirement nest egg.”

Jackie and her husband have a substantial retirement portfolio. Having had a career in finance, she understands the cost benefits of LTC insurance. However, she’s reluctant to buy an LTC policy, as it will put a dent in their disposable retirement income.

Additionally, with the escalating cost of medical care, she’s not confident that the LTC policy will cover their care costs in 20-25 years. Going without LTC is a risk she’s willing to take.

One misconception about LTC insurance is that people will only need it in their later years. They tend to think of it as end-of-life care. However, LTC is the care you could need tomorrow while in your first years of retirement.

For example, if Jackie’s husband should need long-term care due to an accident or an unfortunate diagnosis, even with substantial retirement savings, her financial independence could be jeopardized.

She may want to weigh up the cost of care—that could run into high six figures and beyond—versus paying anywhere from $90 to $200 per spouse, per month.

  1. “I won’t qualify because I have existing conditions.”

Cody’s mom Jean has a chronic—but stable—health condition. Cody figures that the existing illness will disqualify her from long-term care insurance.

Unlike some insurance policies, LTC policies do cover people with chronic health problems. That may include diabetes, heart disease, and clinical depression. In fact, the underwriters’ lists of approved chronic conditions are substantial!

As long as the qualifying illness is stable, the insurance underwriters should approve the application.

In Cody’s mom’s situation, rather than dismiss LTC insurance due to her existing condition, Cody can work with an insurance specialist to explore their options. The specialist will walk him through carriers’ underwriting differences to find the plan that best fits his mom’s health and financial needs.

Who will benefit most from an LTC policy?

Should you need long-term care, a policy will provide financial support, allowing you to access the help you need. Also, it will relieve family members (spouse, children, grandchildren) of the economic and personal burden associated with your long-term care needs.

Ultimately, even some coverage is better than none. Also, buying long-term care insurance is as much for you as for your loved ones.

Now is an excellent time to start a conversation about your long-term care needs.

Aaron is MySeniorHealthPlan.com’s retirement specialist. He can help you explore your options and find a policy that fits your financial needs.

Call Aaron today: 1-877-255-6273

 

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Medicare Plans

What is the Medicare Special Enrollment Period?

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

Right now, we’re in Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP). But what happens if a major disaster strikes and you’re not able to take advantage of OEP? Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to change your plan if you need to. The Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) extends the Medicare enrollment period during extenuating circumstances.

For example, you might find yourself in the midst of a life-altering weather event that prevents you from selecting coverage during OEP. Or you might need to move to a new state and discover that your previously selected coverage is not offered in your new state of residence. You can’t go without coverage, so a SEP allows you to choose a new plan.

Life changes, and sometimes your coverage has to change as well. SEPs can be difficult to understand, but we’re here to help you understand what you need to know about Medicare SEPs and how you can take advantage of this important enrollment period.

Am I eligible?

There are several circumstances for qualifying beneficiaries for SEPs. The most common are FEMA-designated natural disasters and changes in residence.

Extreme weather event or natural disaster

In order to initiate a SEP, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must officially declare an area affected by an emergency or a major disaster. This includes but isn’t limited to, extreme rain and flooding events, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, man-made environmental catastrophe and more.

If you were planning to initiate or alter coverage during a predesignated enrollment period, like OEP, but weren’t able to because of the FEMA-designated disaster, you may take advantage of the SEP.

One extra benefit is that it doesn’t have to be you that lives in the disaster area to qualify. The SEP takes into consideration that many seniors rely on a family member to assist with their Medicare coverage selections. If the family member or caregiver charged with this duty lives in a FEMA-designated area, the same principle applies.

Change of residence

You may not have realized that moving can impact your Medicare coverage. For example, if you live in Arizona and selected a plan during last year’s OEP, but you now need to move to California to be closer to family, you will also need to also change your coverage. Different Medicare plans service different areas, and if you move into a state not serviced by your current plan, you’ll need to take advantage of this SEP.

You’ll want to take advantage of the SEP to find better coverage options in your new state that wasn’t available in your previous area of residence.

How long are SEPs?

The length of SEPs varies based on the circumstances. If you have a qualifying change of residence, you have two months to alter coverage. In the case of extreme weather or natural disasters, the SEP begins the day the disaster strikes and runs for four full calendar months thereafter.

This is almost always the case, but there have been a few cases when FEMA-designated SEPs were extended beyond four months. Hurricane Katrina, for example, made U.S. landfall on August 25, 2005 before pummeling the Gulf Coast for several days thereafter. The SEP for this natural disaster was extended through December 31, 2006—more than 16 months.

What can I change during SEP?

During SEP, you can enroll in, disenroll from, or switch Medicare health or prescription drug plan. Essentially, you can add, update, change, or drop both medical and prescription drug coverage during the SEP period.

Usually, if you need to take advantage of a SEP, you’re experiencing some significant life change. During these times, the last thing you want to worry about is your Medicare coverage.

If you need help or have questions about SEP, visit our website or call (877) 255-6273. You’ll be able to talk to a knowledgeable member of our team who will help you navigate SEP and find your best coverage options.

You may also seek assistance from Medicare by calling (800) MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

 

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Medicare Plans

How to Enroll in Medicare if You’re Working Past 65

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

For decades, the gold standard for retirement age was 65. But in the last several years, we’ve seen the retirement age inch up with many folks working past 65. Now, 20 percent of Americans age 65 and older are participating in the workforce—the highest rate in nearly six decades.

Some of this is due to the U.S. government formally changing the Social Security retirement age. Since 1983, the retirement age, previously set at 65 has slowly inched toward 67, with the current age set at 66 and eight months.

But there’s more going on here. Not only are we living longer, but also the cost of living is exponentially higher than 10 or 20 years ago. Unfortunately, many of us weren’t able to adequately plan for retirement.

What is fortunate is that no matter your employment status, you can still enroll in your Medicare benefit at age 65. Here’s how.

What if you have employer-provided health benefits?

When you turn 65, even if you’re working, you gain access to what’s called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). If you have employer-provided healthcare, you can still apply for Medicare Part A.

You may be wondering why this is necessary. If you require medical care not covered by your employer-provided plan, your Medicare Part A plan will pick up where your primary coverage leaves off. Part A Medicare benefit is premium-free, so you stand nothing to lose financially by enrolling.

If you have a spouse who isn’t working, is over 65 and covered by your private insurance, the same principles apply.

But do stay on top of enrolling, because Medicare won’t remind you to sign up unless you currently get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. Also, in order to take advantage of Medicare, you or your spouse must have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years of your lives.

What if you’re working past 65 and losing your employer-provided health benefits?

When you decide to retire, you’ll need to make changes to your (and your spouse’s, if applicable) Medicare coverage. You probably already have Part A at this point, but you need to get supplemental coverage to make up for what used to be covered by your employer-provided health insurance.

If you’re beyond your IEP and are losing your employer-provided insurance outside of another enrollment period, like OEP or AEP, you’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs enable beneficiaries with extenuating circumstances to enroll in Medicare programs outside the typical enrollment periods.

The SEP for Parts A and B will last for eight months beginning the month after you lose your private health insurance benefits. The SEP for Parts C and D will last for two months beginning the month after you lose your private health insurance benefits. So, if you retire in March 2020, you’ll have between the months of April and November 2020 to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and April and May to enroll in Medicare Parts C and D, if needed. Confused? Don’t worry, MySeniorHealthPlan.com is here to help.

What about Medicare Part B and D?

You may be aware of penalties for late enrollment in Medicare Part B and/or D. Since you’re covered by employer-provided health insurance during your IEP, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to delay enrolling in Parts B and D.

You’ll have to consult with your employer to confirm eligibility.

With any health insurance decision, particularly those related to Medicare, we recommend you work with your employer’s plan administrator to understand what coverage you have, what coverage you need and how those options will change upon retirement.

If you need help or have questions about Medicare when working past 65, visit our website or call (877) 255-6273. You’ll talk to a knowledgeable member of our team who will help you navigate the Medicare system and find your best coverage options.

You may also seek assistance from Medicare by calling (800) MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

 

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Medicare Plans

Medicare OEP 2020: How to Make Changes to Your Medicare Advantage Plan

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) 2020 will begin on January 1st. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (maybe you signed up for a new plan during AEP 2020?) and wish to adjust your coverage, you may qualify to make a one-time change to your existing policy.

Medicare OEP 2020. What is it?

OEP is the Medicare election period that runs from January 1st to March 31st each year. It allows Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans to:

  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan
  • Disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, with or without a Part D drug plan

 

Note: According to Medicare.gov, the following are changes that you cannot make during OEP.

You will not be able to:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if you’re in Original Medicare.
  • Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another if you’re in Original Medicare.

 

Also, if you’re within the first three months of your Initial Enrollment Period, you have the option to

  1. Change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) OR
  2. Go back to Original Medicare (again, with or without a drug plan)

Let’s look at an example.

During AEP, Sylvia enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. The plan will activate January 1st. However, early in February, she decides she could benefit from Medicare Advantage Plan D.

Being in the OEP window and having had her existing plan since January, Sylvia can make the one-time change. Her new policy will go into effect on March 1st.

However, that’s not where Sylvia’s story ends. Her plan activates March 1st, but after a couple of weeks (and still within the OEP), she finds that the new plan isn’t a good fit for her needs.

Unfortunately, Sylvia will have to wait until October 15th when AEP begins again—unless, of course, she qualifies for Special Election Period (SEP).

What is SEP?

SEP allows seniors to make changes to their Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage under particular circumstances.

Examples of when you may qualify for SEP include the following.

You’re moving to a new address that affects your coverage (e.g., moving back to the States after living overseas or moving to a new address that isn’t in your existing plan’s service area).

You’re living in an area where a weather event has occurred—one that FEMA has determined as an emergency or major disaster. Due to the weather situation happening during another valid election period (e.g., AEP), you may qualify for SEP.

Additionally, the weather-related SEP is available to beneficiaries who depend on friends or family members living in the affected areas to manage their healthcare needs.

You will lose your other insurance coverage. For example, if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you may qualify for SEP and the opportunity to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Also, if you no longer have coverage from your employer (or union), SEP will allow you to apply for Medicare Advantage coverage.

Tapping into your Medicare resources

Medicare election periods from OEP to SEP can get complicated. However, you have access to resources—from your insurance specialist to online information (such as the Medicare.gov website). The key is to keep an eye on election period dates that apply to you, take action early and, if necessary, ask for help.

Need to adjust your Medicare Advantage coverage during OEP? The MySeniorHealthPlan.com team can answer all your questions and guide you through the process.

Call today toll free: 877.255.6273

 

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Diet & Nutrition

The Secret to Simple, Healthy Eating—in Seven Words

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

As a continuation of the clean-eating series, in this post, we look at simplifying what you eat using a straightforward seven-word guide.

Kicking off the new year with healthy eating habits

With the new year just around the corner, many people will make the annual New Year’s resolution to eat better and lose weight. Some will resort to diets with catchy names (remember the Cabbage Soup Diet?) in hopes of shedding pounds quickly and easily.

However, like most New Year’s resolutions, the initial enthusiasm is sure to dwindle (right around week two of eating only what the diet says you can).

Enjoying the benefits of healthy eating has less to do with a diet and more to do with changing how you think about food.

That’s where a simple mantra comes in.

Michael Pollan, the prolific author and thought leader on nature, culture and how we eat, coined the following seven-word phrase: Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.

In a short PBS video, Pollan talks about the seven words.

Eat food

The foods we’ve been eating for a long time that are not processed. Choose food your grandmother prepared, such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and grains.

Not too much

Food portions in the U.S. have expanded to an alarming size in recent decades. Unfortunately, the piled-high plate has become a habit, blurring our perception of what we need to eat to feel satisfied.

Experiment with food quantities, by halving what’s on the plate and waiting a while before going back for seconds.

Mostly plants

For many, meat is the dominant food on the plate with vegetables playing a side role (ever heard of a side of meat?).

Try switching things up by creating your meal around vegetables. You may notice that you feel more comfortable after eating as your system digests the lighter fare.

Keeping food choices simple for long-term benefits

As we mentioned in our last post, removing processed foods from your diet is a good start. Often, processed foods include added sugar, salt and fat. These unnecessary ingredients can lead to weight gain and contribute to chronic health issues (like diabetes and heart disease).

Also, walking into the supermarket can turn a quick trip to pick up a few things into filling the cart with boxed and canned foods. It’s an easy trap to fall into—the packaging is bright and the marketing promises ‘lower cholesterol’ or ‘improve heart health.’

Here’s something to consider: Pollan discusses the center-aisle packaged food as taking food from a beautiful, natural product and turning it into an “edible food-like substance.”

Navigating food shopping the healthy way

What if next time you dropped by the supermarket, you didn’t go down the middle food aisles?

What if you shopped in the produce section first? There are no marketing claims or complicated ingredient labels.

Most likely, your shopping experience would result in healthier choices. Moreover, that would put you on a path for eating good food, not too much and mostly plants.

 

 

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