Month: November 2019

2019-11-20T14:02:51

(BPT) – Every year, many seniors are targeted by scammers who want to steal their Medicare numbers to do things like rack up fake health care charges and commit identity theft. These scams hurt seniors and other people eligible for Medicare, cost taxpayers money, and result in higher health care costs for everyone. The good news is that you can protect yourself from fraud and help Medicare stop scammers in their tracks.

How to Spot Medicare Fraud

The first step in protecting yourself from Medicare fraud is knowing how to spot it. Over time, scammers have become very sophisticated and advanced. One of the latest scams you should look out for concerns genetic testing. Scammers are offering “free” genetic tests and claiming Medicare will cover it — so they can get your Medicare number and use it to commit fraud and identity theft. Other Medicare scams include offers for free or reduced-price medical equipment, consultations, or health services. These scams can happen anywhere, including through telemarketing calls, health fairs, and even knocking on doors.

Last year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) removed Social Security numbers from all Medicare cards. Even with this change, people with Medicare should still guard their Medicare card and treat it like a credit card, check Medicare claims summary forms for errors, and be wary of any unsolicited requests for your Medicare number. Medicare will never call beneficiaries to ask for or check Medicare numbers.

To protect yourself from Medicare fraud, keep these things to “do” and “don’t do” in mind:

• DO protect your Medicare number and treat your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.

• DO remember that nothing is ever “free.” Don’t accept offers of money or gifts for free medical care.

• DO review your Medicare claims for errors and problems, including things like fake charges, double billing or other fraudulent activity, and waste or abuse.

• DO visit www.medicare.gov/fraud to learn more about how you can protect yourself from Medicare fraud.

• DON’T give your Medicare card or Medicare number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.

• DON’T accept medical supplies, equipment, or genetic testing kits from door-to-door salesmen or solicitors at a mall or fair.

• DON’T let anyone persuade you to receive health care services you don’t need, such as genetic testing. Only make these decisions with your doctor.

Reporting Medicare Fraud

If you think you may have spotted fraud, you should report it right away. No matter how minimal the information you share is, it could be the missing piece to stopping the next fraud scheme. If you are a victim of fraud, know that you won’t be penalized or lose your coverage for reporting it. Even if you are not a victim, it’s important to report any fraud scams you encounter to Medicare. Report suspected fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or online through the Office of the Inspector General.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

2019-11-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a special time of year for many when friends and family get together to exchange gifts and enjoy the festivities. While giving gifts is a long-standing tradition, it can quickly get expensive if you’re not monitoring your spending. Fortunately, with a few smart strategies, you can give thoughtful gifts to everyone on your list while staying within your budget.

So, gather your gift list and consider these tips and tricks.

Make a budget early

Deciding on budget limits for your holiday gifts will help guide your spending. You might have an overall holiday budget and then a specific budget to target for each person on your list. Then, with your gift list in hand and budget in mind, you can shop for appropriate and affordable gifts. What’s more, by starting early, you can take advantage of sales and other promotions that can help you save even more.

Use change to boost your funds

You probably don’t think much about coins, but the recent Coinstar holiday survey found that people believe they have about $71 in spare change in and around their home! Collect and cash in that spare change at a supermarket Coinstar kiosk to boost your holiday budget. This is also a fun activity for kids who can gather coins or dip into the family coin jar for spending money and then buy gifts for family members. Visit www.coinstar.com/findakiosk to find a location near you.

Create a group gift exchange

If you have a large extended family or a group of friends that you typically buy for, consider a gift exchange. It’s fun and budget-friendly because you’re not buying a separate gift for each person. Smart tip: Set a price limit per gift to keep everyone in the same ballpark for presents and prevent any competition of one person outdoing another.

Stop worrying about perfect presents

Worried about finding the ideal gift? Coinstar’s recent holiday survey found about one-third of people don’t recall what gift they received last year, so stop feeling pressure to get the perfect present. Ultimately, it’s the thought that counts. Whether it’s a card or small, reasonably priced gift, the recipient will be glad you took the time to show you care.

Opt for services as gifts

Rather than giving a physical present, is there something you could do that the recipient would appreciate? Consider an act of kindness like cleaning a family member’s home or watching their children. If you have a particular talent, consider how that can be incorporated into your gift. Know how to play the piano? Offer to give children lessons. Do you have a snowblower? Offer to help clear a neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm.

Consider charitable donations

Giving to charity on behalf of someone else can be a nice holiday gesture. Whether it’s animal welfare, disaster relief, a children’s charity or something else, think about what the person is passionate about and select an appropriate charity.

The Coinstar holiday survey revealed that if there were no obligations or expectations around gift giving, about 10% of people would give to charity. Keep in mind, Coinstar kiosks in supermarkets allow you to donate your change to certain charities, making it easy to put your change to good use and give a meaningful gift.

2019-11-20T14:14:47

(BPT) – With today’s busy and distracted lifestyles, it can be difficult to find ways to make a difference to those less fortunate in the community. However, today it is simpler than ever to give back, and you do not have to alter your hectic routine to make an impact.

1) Give back while you shop

If you want to make a difference with your shopping dollars, look for retailers that give a percentage of their profits to those in need.

For example, Walgreens gives 1% of sales from participating vitamin products to nonprofit Vitamin Angels. Through this partnership, undernourished pregnant women and children under 5 receive life-changing nutrients to combat the devastating effects of malnutrition. When customers purchase, they support Vitamin Angels’ mission to improve child and maternal health in the U.S. and around the world. The partnership has already reached more than 200 million children and mothers throughout the U.S. and worldwide with essential vitamins and minerals. To learn more, visit www.walgreens.com/vitaminangels.

Many retailers and grocery stores also provide shoppers the opportunity to donate to causes when they are at the checkout register. With just a couple of extra clicks, you can opt to add a small contribution to your total bill to provide resources to a worthy cause.

2) Give while you work up a sweat

You can get exercise and support a cause you care about at the same time. Several apps on the market allow you to donate to your charity of choice for every mile you walk, run or bike — the miles can even add up as you carry your phone around all day. All you have to do is download an app, create an account, select your favorite charity and get moving.

You can also join organized walks and runs that suit all fitness levels to support your cause. Turn it into a social event by rallying friends, coworkers and family members to join you, or ask them to sponsor you (and cheer you on) for each mile completed.

3) Give back while you de-clutter

Next time you join in on the Marie Kondo craze to clear out your closets, consider sparking even more joy by donating gently used items to a local nonprofit. Clothing and goods you no longer use can be life-changing for those in need. Check before you donate to make sure your charity of choice needs your donations. Some organizations will even come to your home at no charge, making it even easier to give back.

4) Give your time

With crammed schedules, it can seem like a big commitment to volunteer, but today’s nonprofits offer flexible arrangements. Most nonprofits welcome any level of assistance, even one-­time engagements or a couple of hours a month. Contact a local nonprofit you are interested in to ask about volunteering opportunities. Some employers will even allow you to use PTO (paid time off) for volunteering, so it’s worth asking your employer’s HR department.

Making a difference with your dollars or giving your time can feel great, and it can also be effortless. Find a way to make a difference that works for you — and then go for it! Even small actions can make a huge impact to your community.

2019-11-20T14:29:45

(BPT) – Parents and caregivers want to keep kids safe in the car but keeping up with the latest recommendations can be tricky, especially as your child grows and their needs change. It’s sometimes hard to know if you’re doing everything you can to keep children as safe as possible.

Regardless of your child’s age and how often they ride with you in the car, you’ll want to follow these guidelines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help you find the right seat.

1. Under 13? Don’t let them sit up front

Whatever a child’s height or weight, children under 13 should never sit in the front seat, even for a short trip. Car safety standards and features like airbags are developed and tested for adult bodies, not the growing body of a child. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of 200-400 mph, which could seriously harm a child if deployed. Most car crashes impact the front of the car, so keeping kids in the back seat can help protect them from injury.

2. Tethers add extra protection

Most forward-facing car seats have tethers to secure them to the vehicle, in addition to using the vehicle’s seat belt or lower anchors. Tethers help keep car seats from pitching forward in a crash, reducing injury to the child’s head and neck. You can find the tether at the top of convertible, combination and all-in-one car seats. They’re adjustable straps that have a hook that connects to your vehicle’s tether anchors. Review your car seat’s instructions and vehicle’s owner manual to identify the correct tether location in your vehicle.

3. Don’t move kids on too soon

The best protection for a child in a car is the car seat that’s right for their age and size. According to the most recent data, nearly 1 in 10 children between 1 and 3 years old were moved on to booster seats too early. And roughly 1 in 5 children aged 4 to 7 were prematurely moved to just using a seat belt when they should have still been riding in booster seats. Booster seats help a child’s seat belt fit appropriately, which means crossing the center of their chest and not touching their neck.

4. Check car seat recommendations online

Tools and resources are available to help make it easier to check that your child is in the right seat for their age, height and weight. Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to compare car seats and get helpful installation instructions.

5. Free car seat checks are available

Whether you’ve just installed a new car seat or just want a “checkup” for a seat your child’s been using for a while, you can get help at a car seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge and show you how to correctly install it and make sure your child is properly secured.

6. Tweens should always be buckled

According to a 2005 report, most accidents in urban areas happen under 30 mph. Be consistent and stay firm if your tween or teen resists wearing seat belts. Set safe habits for life, help keep your child safe and obey the law by making sure your child is buckled up every time for every ride, no matter how few miles or how slowly you’re driving.

7. Car seats have expiration dates

Car seats expire, because technology improves, and safety standards change. If you buy a used car seat or receive one as a hand-me-down, check it carefully and make sure you know the history and whether it has been involved in a crash. Most car seats have an expiration date stamped on the manufacturer’s label on the side or base.

Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat for more information and to search for a car seat inspection station or event near you.

2019-11-20T16:01:00

(BPT) – Do you have a case of wanderlust? Traveling is a great way to explore new places and try new activities, going beyond the ordinary to create lifelong memories with family and friends.

But travel does come with risks. This is particularly important with the rise in adventure travel, where Americans are incorporating exciting experiences, like cycling and ATV tours, to their itineraries. More risks tend to be associated with these types of activities on trips, including unexpected accidents or injuries.

“While the goal is to create happy and memorable experiences on vacation, accidents are likely to happen, so Americans should be prepared for unplanned expenses that may occur from injuries requiring medical attention,” says Michael Estep, vice president, group products and worksite leader, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

Estep points to a recent Guardian Life survey that found injuries are a reality of vacationing, with 34% of Americans saying they know someone or have themselves been injured on vacation; this rises to nearly half for strictly adventure-focused travelers. For those who were injured, 75% of those injuries resulted in the need for medical attention, yet only two in 10 Americans are completely confident they could handle the medical costs associated with an injury on vacation.

Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, boating, or ziplining, no one wants to think of a vacation dream turning into a vacation nightmare. However, by planning ahead and being financially prepared, you can help reduce the stress associated with an unexpected injury and the potential out-of-pocket medical costs you may incur to get treated. Consider these smart steps before you leave for your next trip:

1). Prepare health information

When you’re packing your clothes and personal items, make sure you have current health insurance cards and prescription information with you. If you’re traveling on a plane, it’s wise to keep this in your personal bag so you don’t risk it getting lost or delayed with checked baggage. Keep a list of your health care contacts should you need them, such as the clinics and doctors’ names who you see regularly.

2). Make a plan

If you’re injured or need medical care when traveling, not knowing where clinics and hospitals are can be stressful. Before you leave, look up locations of local health care facilities so you are better prepared. You may even write these down or add the information to your mobile devices. You can call your health insurance ahead of time to see if any are in network, but it’s not uncommon for medical providers to be out of network when traveling. To curb unexpected expenses, consider accident insurance to supplement costs.

3). Get accident insurance

Just over one quarter of Americans have an accident insurance policy but owning a policy can make a big difference if you get injured while traveling. Accident insurance provides an extra layer of protection that pays you money when you suffer an unexpected, qualifying accident. It’s a supplemental benefit many employers offer as part of their benefits package that can be used to cover the costs of deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket costs that primary health insurance may not cover.

Plus, if you don’t end up using your year-round policy, you can take advantage of the injury-free benefit that pays you cash if your family is claim-free for five years. Guardian Life pays the benefit even if there are wellness or concussion baseline study claims filed. To learn more, visit www.guardianlife.com/accident-insurance.

4). Inquire about safety

When booking excursions or adventure travel, it’s always important to ask questions to ensure you’re working with a reputable company. How long has the company been in business? What safety procedures do they follow? Is staff certified and trained properly for the activities you’ll be doing? What is the protocol if there is an accident or injury? A good organization will welcome these questions and provide clear, honest answers so you can make a wise decision about which company to use.

As the interest in adventure travel continues to rise, accidents and injuries are bound to happen, so it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself ahead of a vacation.

2019-11-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – The winter months are here! While you may be preparing to celebrate the holidays and spend time with loved ones, it’s also important to ensure your home is protected from the cold weather.

There are several ways to lower your heating bill and protect your home this winter. Below are five easy projects for first-time home buyers that make a big impact.

1. Change air filters

Easiest to do, easiest to forget. A clean air filter provides healthy air quality and savings on your energy bill. Regularly changing an old air filter can reduce energy costs by permitting air to flow more easily through the HVAC system, according to the Department of Energy. Fresh air filters are also important for the long-term health of your HVAC system. Keeping this system clean can prevent costly repairs and it creates healthier air quality for your family. This project benefits your wallet both now and later down the road.

2. Upgrade your thermostat

A smart programmable thermostat can save you up to $180 a year on utility costs, according to EnergyStar. This thermostat works by automatically raising or lowering the temperature in your home to keep it consistent, which saves fuel. For example, you can program most thermostats on a mobile app to keep your home at a lower temperature while you’re away during the day, and warm back up again at night.

3. Inspect doors and windows

Keep pesky drafts at a minimum this season. Set aside time to look at all the windows and doors in your home and check for gaps. Fill any gaps you find with simple caulk work and replace any worn doorstops to help prevent unwanted air from flowing in or out of your home. This step helps insulate your home and generate energy savings.

4. Clean your gutters

Cleaning your gutters before the snow flies can help you avoid major issues later on. This prevents ice dams, which can turn into a leaky roof. And even if you live in a warmer climate, full gutters are heavy and can cause damage — like mold growth and leaks — by pulling away from your house.

5. Seal and protect your water sources

It is important to protect the water sources inside and outside of your home. If you have an outdoor water spigot, be sure to cover the faucet. You can find simple-to-install covers at most local hardware retailers. Empty out your water hoses and bring them inside so they don’t freeze and become damaged. On those below-freezing nights, let your indoor faucets drip to maintain a flow of water and prevent your pipes from bursting.

Taking small steps to protect your home now can save money and prevent you from dipping into your emergency fund. “We believe homeownership makes lives better.” Said Jason Langston, Director of Customer Experience and Marketing for Vanderbilt Mortgage. “Vanderbilt is committed to educating all customers, both who are buying a home or living in their own home, so they thrive in homeownership.” Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance has even more financial and homeownership tips on its website to make sure every home owner is able to enjoy freedom in their home.

2019-11-19T12:27:00

(BPT) – Planning and food prep for the holidays are underway so you’re probably creating grocery store lists and considering which favorite family recipes to cook this year. No matter what you’re serving, there’s one thing that can elevate foods from good to great: a delicious gravy.

Making gravy doesn’t have to be complicated and time-consuming. You can get the best turkey gravy in 5 minutes using two simple steps. The trick is to use a gravy mix because it provides a fool-proof, deliciously smooth gravy without worry. Here’s how to do it:

Perfect turkey gravy

Makes 15 servings

Ingredients: