Page 6 - Jupiter Spotlight - September '23

Page 6, Jupiter Spotlight
Medicare Corner With Kathy O

It’s That Time Again To Can I change my plan anytime I want? Every year guarantee issue under “trial rights,” which means you can switch
Ask – Am I On The Right all active Medicare A and B recipients are eligible to make back to your supplement anytime during the next 12 months.
changes to their plan during what is known as the annual
How do I go about comparing plans? As a consumer,
Medicare Plan? enrollment period (AEP) which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. there are two important lists you should have when comparing
7. Plans are effective January of the following year. plans and making the best decision for you: 1) A list of your
Medicare open enrollment So, what do I do now and what are my options? If you medical providers and 2) A list of your prescription drugs.
is around the corner from are on a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), You have several resources to assist your decision-making
Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. If you you will receive an Annual Notice of Change that will explain process for AEP. You can contact Medicare by phone at
are on an advantage plan, any changes that are effective January 2024. If you do not get 800-MEDICARE or online at www.medicare.gov or you
you will receive a notice this important document, contact your plan provider. If you are can contact a local agent like me!
of change that explains the satisfied with your current plan and the upcoming changes, you What about all those commercials? These ads are
changes for your current do not need to do anything. The plan will automatically renew designed to generate the most incoming calls possible. They
2024 plan mid-September. January 2024. If you do not like the coverage or are interested list all possible free benefits, but include a disclaimer that
This is what you need to in seeing if there are other options with more benefits or lower you may not qualify for these benefits. As a local agent, I can
know … costs, contact a local agent like me! help clarify which benefits you may or may not be qualified
Insurance companies For those on a Medicare supplement plan, you have the option for and assist you in enrolling in a new plan.
are continuing to make during AEP to change to a Medicare advantage plan that may For a no cost or obligation plan review, please call me
improvements in benefits to their advantage plans to help have a $0 monthly premium. If you try the advantage plan, and at (561) 212-7640. I conduct reviews in person and on the
members receive low-cost care and extra benefits beyond in the first year want to switch back to your supplement, you have phone. I speak Medicare.
original Medicare. It is important to annually review your
plan and look at some other options available in your area,
because you may miss out on additional benefits and/or
lower costs.

Town Of Jupiter

News

By Jim Kuretski,
Mayor, Town of Jupiter
The Town Council
works with our town
manager, staff, and
others to address issues
affecting our residents
and businesses. The
following provides a
summary of actions and
achievements since last
month’s community
newspaper report:
Created New Jupiter Fire Rescue Department (JFRD)
On Aug. 15 the Jupiter Town Council directed Town
staff to create the new Jupiter Fire Rescue Department
(JFRD) to deliver excellent levels of service at a lower,
more sustainable cost to Jupiter residents and businesses.
The Town Council will have local control over costs,
operations, and levels of service. This will enable the
council to make fiscally responsible decisions on behalf
of Jupiter’s residents and businesses. It significantly
decreases the cost of fire rescue and emergency services
compared to that charged by Palm Beach County Fire
Rescue (PBCFR), currently and into the future.
In late 2022, the Town retained the Center for Public
Safety Management (CPSM) to conduct a Fire and EMS
Sustainability and Feasibility Study that explored different 2023 PLAYOFF
service provider options for future fire and EMS services.
The study outlined start-up costs, ongoing operational
costs, and a 36-month implementation timeline for
creating the JFRD. TICKETS ARE
In July 2023, the Town and Palm Beach County executed
a 10-year interlocal agreement for PBCFR to continue
providing fire rescue and EMS services to Jupiter. PBCFR’s ON SALE NOW!
costs to provide service to Jupiter have risen about 40 percent
from $20 million in 2020 to a proposed budget of $28 million
for fiscal year 2024. By the end of the 10-year interlocal
agreement, which runs through 2033, the projected PBCFR
budget is estimated to be $44 million, and possibly more. See the Palm Beach Cardinals
A homesteaded Jupiter property valued at $550,000
will pay about $951 in 2024 for PBCFR fire rescue quest for the Championship at
services. This represents a significant cost as well as a
significant cost savings opportunity.
Over the 10-year time frame of the interlocal agreement, The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches!
it is forecasted that Jupiter taxpayers will save approximately
$68 million by establishing the new JFRD, when compared
to maintaining the agreement with PBCFR. Thursday, September 14 TH
The Town has historically managed its financial
positions well, which will enable the Town to start the Friday, September 15 TH *
JFRD through a combination of cash, financial debt and
ad valorem taxes. Even when start-up costs and financing
costs are incorporated, Jupiter residents and businesses Sunday, September 17 TH **
will pay far less in taxes once the JFRD is operational
than they currently pay to PBCFR for the same service. * If Necessary // ** If Palm Beach advances to Championship Series
The Town of Jupiter has established a culture of
excellence in public safety. The Jupiter Police Department
sets this benchmark every day, and JFRD will start its For more information or to get your tickets, visit:
service from a position of excellence on day one.
Stay tuned. PalmBeachCardinals.com (561) 630-1828