Page 10 - Jupiter West - October '24

Page 10, Jupiter West
Medicare Corner The Pet Cottage Post

With Kathy O Senior Special Needs Dogs Fiona

And Shamus Join Our Pack
It’s Time For Medicare The loss of a beloved owner can be

Annual Enrollment Period utterly devastating for a senior dog
(AEP) Oct. 15 To Dec. 7 or cat. These elderly pets often
form intensely close, codependent
bonds with their human families,
What Does This Mean and when that support system is
To Me, What Are My suddenly taken away, the grief they
Options? experience can be profound.
• Change from Original It’s not uncommon for grieving pets to withdraw, lose interest
Medicare to a Medicare in eating and playing, vocalize incessantly, or even act out in Fiona Shamus
Advantage Plan destructive ways as they struggle to cope with the absence of
• Change from a Medicare their person. The sadness and sense of loss is palpable in their
Advantage Plan back to eyes, as they search in vain for the familiar sights, sounds, and
Original Medicare affection they’ve grown accustomed to.
• Switch from one Advantage Thankfully, there are organizations like The Pet Cottage that
Plan to another Advantage specialize in caring for pets who have lost their humans, due to
Plan death, disability, or deployment. This local animal nonprofit has
• Join, drop or change Medicare Drug coverage become a haven for senior dogs like Fiona, a 14-year-old Shih
Tzu, and Shamus, an 11-year-old terrier mix, who were left
Supplement Or Advantage grieving after the recent passing of their devoted owner, Margaret.
With their advanced age and special needs, rehoming
Plan? these pups proved extremely challenging for Margaret’s
mourning family, who even considered the heart-wrenching
Advantage Plans must cover all the medically necessary option of euthanasia.
services that Original Medicare covers. Most plans offer extra But the Pet Cottage exists to give these vulnerable, elderly
benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover – like prescription animals the love and support they so desperately require, and
drugs, dental, vision and hearing. they’ve found the perfect new guardians in Melanie, Les, and
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (also called Medigap) their senior mother Nonnie, who have been seeking to open their Peanut, Sugar, Angel and Tuffy
help fill “gaps” in Original Medicare and are sold (extra cost) home to a furry companion after the recent loss of their own three
by private companies to cover deductibles and copays. senior dogs – Coconut, Pippi and Jazmine. To become an active part of our work for all pets please
Prescription drug coverage must be purchased separately. By matching rescued pets with caring Forever Guardians and consider donating today!
What Do I Look For? How Do I Know What Advantage covering all their medical expenses, the Pet Cottage ensures that Your heart will grow a whole size bigger, and our tails will
Plan Is Best For Me? no matter what, these cherished animals will live out their golden wag even more.
First, we review the costs of supplement and drug plans and years in the comfort and security of a loving forever home. The Pet Cottage
look at your healthcare budget. Then we review the Advantage It’s a vital service that comes at great cost, as the Wendy Derhak, Founder/Executive Director
plans to see if your doctors in network and review the cost of organization currently oversees the care of 53 pets, 47 of 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478
medications you take. Another consideration is to determine whom are seniors, your generous donation can make all the View https://www.thepetcottage.org or call (561) 818-5025
which of the ancillary benefits of Advantage plans are most difference in the lives of Fiona, Shamus, and countless other for more information.
important to you; dental, eye exam, glasses, gym membership, deserving animals in need. Visitors are welcome by appointment.
hearing aids, over-the-counter medication, etc.
How Do I Decide?
Medicare.gov offers tools to look up medications and all
plans in your area. However, there is an overwhelming amount
of information there. A licensed local agent like me can review
your plan and help you make an informed decision.
I Am Already On An Advantage Plan I Like … Should
I Change?
Each year you receive the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
for your plan which outlines the changes for the upcoming year.
A free plan review will let you know if other plans you previously
ruled out may have coverage that better meets your needs now
or if your current plan is sufficient.
If you do not do a plan review, you miss out on a plan with
lower costs, higher benefits or lower maximum out of pocket
costs in and out of network. This is your financial exposure. It
is important to ensure a major illness will not bankrupt you.
Happy AEP and Happy Medicare Planning!
I speak Medicare: supplement, drug plan and
Advantage plan.
For your free Medicare plan review please call me:
Kathy Olejniczak, Agent, at (561) 835-5413, Cell/text at
(561) 212-7640.

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561.575.2173
231 Jupiter St., Jupiter, FL
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