Desert Messenger

October 16, 2019 www.DesertMessenger.com 21 Got events? List for free! Are you planning a new or recurring event in Quartzsite this season? Please consider sharing the dates now, as folks are planning their winter trip. QuartzsiteCalendar.com is a FREE service to list your special events, workshops, classes, music jams, bingos, entertainment, pot lucks, picnics, gatherings, fundraisers, ice cream socials, meetings, etc. SUBMIT your events for FREE today! Click "Submit Event" at www.QuartzsiteCalendar. com. Make the most of Medicare election period (StatePoint) Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are increasingly popular, offering robust benefi ts including vision, health, dental, drug coverage and more. For the more than 22 million people with an MA plan, the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), running from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, is the only time each year when they can shop for alternate plans. "Health care is one of the most important investments you'll ever make," says Brian Evanko, who heads Medicare for Cigna, which serves more than 3 million Medicare customers nationwide through its various plans. "For those unsatisfi ed with their MA plan, the AEP provides a valuable opportunity to shop for a new one that better meets their specifi c needs." Weighing your options this AEP? Consider the following tips from Cigna: • Review changes. In late September, health plans send their current MA customers a document known as the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) with information about plan changes for the upcoming year, includ- ing costs, benefi ts, available doctors and facilities. Don't overlook this important document in the mail. It can help you determine if you need to change plans. • Weigh extras. When comparing plans, pay attention to extra benefi ts not available in Original Medicare and consider whether you're likely to use them. Some of the most popular are dental, vision, hearing and no- cost access to fi tness programs. Others might include over-the-counter drug coverage and no-cost transportation to doctors and pharmacies. • Consider other factors. Beyond cost, consider the doctors and facilities included in any given plan, making sure it includes your favorite physi- cian. Check drug coverage, prices on your regular maintenance medica- tions and whether it's easy to see specialists. Also pay attention to copays (how much you're required to pay out-of-pocket for doctor visits) and the deductible. Are they affordable? • Know yourself. Learn as much as you can about the different plan types and choose one that best suits your budget, lifestyle and health status. Of course, priorities change, which could prompt a need for a plan change. • Don't forget prevention. Many MA plans cover health screenings beyond those covered by Original Medicare. Talk to your doctor about which screenings are important for you given your age and health status. Some MA plans may even provide rewards, such as gift cards, for com- pleting certain screenings. • Get assistance. Plan Finder, found at medicare.gov/fi nd-a-plan, is an online tool available through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Ser- vices that helps you compare premiums, costs of medications and more. You can see how plans are rated from one to fi ve stars based on different quality measures. Additionally, many insurance plans offer seminars at no cost and with no obligation to sign up. You can also check health plans' websites or call their customer service for more information. Local and state agencies on aging also connect older adults and caregivers with resources. "Medicare is a great program, but it can be complicated, especially for those who are new to it," Evanko advises. "Seek out third-party resources and talk to friends and family who have been through the process, asking questions until you understand your options." AZ State Parks & Trails opens trails survey Arizona State Parks and Trails Opens Survey for 2020 Statewide Motorized and Non-Motorized Trails Plan PHOENIX – The public is invited to give feedback that will shape the future of trails throughout Arizona through a survey released by Arizona State Parks and Trails. Every fi ve years, Arizona State Parks and Trails is responsible for the completion of a Motorized and Non-motorized Trails Plan. This plan guides decision-making and resource allocation for motorized and non- motorized trails across the state. It also aids Arizona State Parks and Trails in developing scoring criteria for the distribution of grant funds for the Federal Recreational Trails Program and state generated Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund. To draft the 2020 statewide Trails Plan, Arizona State Parks and Trails is working with Partners in Brainstorm with oversight, direction, and input from a Trails Plan Work Group, which consists of public and private outdoor recreation professionals, trail users, and advocates representing a variety of organizations and use types across the state. Throughout the process, the public is encouraged to take the quick recreation survey, provide feedback on the fi ndings during the public comment period, and attend any of the Arizona State Committee on Trails (non-motorized) or Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Group (motorized) meetings to provide input. The survey is available at azstateparks.com/ trail-survey. The completed 2020 Trails Plan will help identify the top concerns of Arizona's trail recreation community, land managers, and recreation agencies. The plan aims to balance recreational use and natural and cultural resource protection. Recreation managers of cities, counties, the state and Federal government organizations in Arizona use this informa- tion for specifi c recreation planning and budgeting. For information about all 35 Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas, trails, Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and State Historic Preservation Of- fi ce, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. • Birth • Obituary • Anniversary Place it FREE in the: Desert Messenger! 928-916-4235 Got something to share?

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