Minnesota Benefit Association Newsletter – November
Winter is Coming…
Thank you for everything you do for your communities, it is our honor to serve those that serve Minnesota.
Everyone at the Minnesota Benefit Association wishes you a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.
Meet George, our official greeter, who would like to remind you that Winter is coming…
Now that it’s getting cold, the lakes are turning to ice and we are registering single digit days, does anyone need a reminder of how to “winterize” your home? Here are a few good ways to both save on heating and energy costs throughout the Winter, whilst keeping your home warm and cozy as well. Feel free to check out these 19 Ways to Winterize Your Home.
Healthy Thanksgiving Options for a Healthier Minnesota!
Minnesotans, did you know that according to the United Health Foundation, Minnesota was ranked sixth in the nation for Healthiest State? Don’t you want to ensure we stay in the top 10 and climb higher?
In the spirit of staying healthy, and attempting to avoid putting on that “Winter Coat”,” we wanted to present you with a few healthy alternatives to your normal everyday Thanksgiving sides. Please consider these 29 Healthy Thanksgiving Sides.
Holiday Shopping is here, are you prepared? Purchasing Power is here to help!
Everybody loves to save on Holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday will be here before you know it. Soon you will be whipping out those credit cards and buying expensive gifts for you and your loved ones. But what if we told you there was another way?
Purchasing Power, an exclusive benefit for MBA members, allows you to purchase retail items online, while obtaining the item upfront, and paying it off over time through payroll deductions, at no additional cost or interest! See if you can participate in this program by visiting the MBA Website, and see if your employer participates. If they do not, we encourage you to ask your HR Representative to consider this option employees in the future. If you are already a member or plan on signing up, you will also have access to additional savings codes for shopping on Cyber Monday. Don’t delay and sign up today!
Medicare
Now that the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is upon us, the Minnesota Benefit Association wants to ensure that you are prepared for potential changes to you coverage. Medicare Cost plans are ending in 66 of our 87 counties in 2019 (see map). This means around 370,000 Minnesotans need to select a new Medicare plan this Fall.
Medicare is health insurance coverage for people over 65 and certain people under 65 with disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
The annual enrollment period for Medicare runs from October 15, 2018 until December 7, 2018, which is when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. There is an extended enrollment window for those losing their Cost Plans that runs until February 28, 2019. However, for coverage starting on January 1, 2019 you need to select a new plan by December 31, 2018.
Contact our Medicare help line with all Medicare questions, or for information on our in-person meetings, please call 651-259-9000 or send an inquiry to Medicare@LeClairGroup.com for details.
Click here to learn more about the Cost Plan Transition.