Livingston Reporting - page 119

Avoiding Late Enrollment Penalties

No one wants to pay more for something than they need to.  This is true of all things, Medicare included.  To avoid having to pay late enrollment fees when enrolling in Medicare and Medigap there are a few important dates to keep track of.

Three months BEFORE you are to turn 65, you should start receiving information about Medicare’s open enrollment period.  The enrollment period lasts for the three months before, the month of, and for the three months after your 65th birthday.  If participants enroll outside of this period, they are subjected to a late enrollment penalty.

Enrollees should understand that there are several different late penalty fees that can apply.  If enrollment is delayed for Medicare Parts A, B, and D a late penalty fee can incur.

Late Enrollment Penalty – Medicare Part A

Most often participants automatically qualify and are enrolled in Medicare Part A when the patient turns 65.  Medicare Part A is premium-free health care.  Automatic enrollment occurs if the participant or their spouse worked at least ten years in the United States.  If participants do not meet this requirement a premium must be paid when they become eligible, otherwise a late enrollment penalty applies.  This penalty increases the monthly penalty up to ten percent.  The premium increase will need to be covered for double the number of years in which you could have had Medicare Part A but didn’t.

Medicare Part B – Late Enrollment Penalty

 Medicare Part B works similarly to Medicare Part A.  Most participants are automatically enrolled in Part B.  If you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B you must enroll when the participant becomes eligible.  If you do not enroll within the allotted time frame enrollees will be required to pay a late fee.  The penalty has the potential to increase up to ten percent for every year the participant could have signed up but did not.  Medicare Part B is elective coverage.  Enrollees are not required to participate in Medicare Part B, but it is encouraged.

Late Enrollment Penalty – Medicare Plan D (Medigap – Prescription Drug Coverage)

Participants are not automatically enrolled in and must take the initiative to enroll in Plan D, prescription drug coverage within the same open enrollment period of Medicare Part A and B.  If enrollees do not sign up during this period of time and do not have any other credible prescription drug coverage a late enrollment penalty will apply.  The Medigap Plan D penalties are a bit more complicated then those associated with Original Medicare.  Plan D’s enrollment penalty multiples one percent of the national base beneficiary premium times the number of months that participants were not enrolled in prescription coverage.

Exceptions

Some participants may qualify for a special enrollment period.  This occurs if enrollees are eligible for Medicare but choose not to participate because you are still working.  This situation exempts Medicare participants from penalties.

The experts at eMedigap Plans, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medigap Supplemental Insurance needs.  More information can be found at http://emedigap-plans.com.

Medicare vs Medicaid

Both Medicare and Medicaid are both health care programs sponsored by the government, many people mistake the two for being the same.  This is of course, not the case.  Medicare is a federal health care plan that is available to enrollees over 65 years of age.  Medicaid is a jointly funded health care program that is funded at both the state and federal level and is intended to supplement a need for coverage in lower-income families and individuals.

Medicare/Medigap Supplemental Insurance  

As stated earlier, Medicare is a program that supplies health insurance to individuals who have attained 65 years of age.  Qualification for Medicare comes when a participant or their spouse has worked at least ten years and paid Medicare taxes.

Medicare covers the basic health care needs of enrollees.  Medicare breaks down into multiple parts: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Medicare Advantages, Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans, and Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage.  Medicare Part A and Part B cover most health insurance needs.  Voids and gaps in coverage are filled with the purchase of additional coverage in the form of Medigap Plans A – Z.

It is important to note that Medicare/Medigap do not cover vision, dental, or hearing.  Coverage for the services will need to be purchased separately from any Medicare or Medigap policies.

Medicaid

Medicaid aids low-income families and individuals with health care assistance.  Coverage is funded through both the state and federal government and is available to people of all ages.  The requirements that are needed to qualify for Medicare vary greatly depending on where you live.  Medicaid is eligible for Medicaid if they meet certain requirements such as passing a necessity test, an asset test, and an income test.

Medicaid offers additional coverage that Medicare does not such as dental coverage, vision, and hearing care.  Medicaid also covers prescription drugs without having to add additional coverage.  To check availability in your state, check out the Medicaid website.

Differences Between the Two

The biggest difference between Medicaid and Medicare don’t stop at funding.   Coverage between the two vary a great deal as you can see from above. Medicare doesn’t offer coverage for dental, vision, or hearing. Medicare doesn’t have financial limits on who qualifies and who doesn’t.  It is possible to have dual-eligibility.  This means that a participant is over 65 and has met the financial or medical eligibility requirements associated with enrollment in Medicaid.

The experts at eMedicare Supplemental Insurance, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medicare Supplemental Insurance needs.  More information can be found at http://emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/.

The Lowest Price Isn’t Always the Deal Homeowners Think It Is

It doesn’t matter if you are starting on a new construction project or a simple home remodel, going for simple or extravagant, sticking within your budget is important.  Although the price of any job is important there are many other factors that should come into play when choosing a contractor to create your dream home or produce a kitchen your neighbors will envy.  The lowest bid is not always the best choice.  Below are circumstances that may make you think about signing on the dotted line of the lowest bid.

  • Sometimes the lowest bid equates to a contractor using inferior materials. Lower quality is often synonymous with a low bid however not always that is why it is important to have open communication with your contractor.  Materials that are substandard often need to be replaced or repaired more often than those of higher quality.  This means you are spending what you would of on better materials later on repairs.  That just doesn’t make sense.  In many situations when you are renovating or building a new home it is cost effective to look into materials that are of better quality rather than settling for bottom budget options.
  • A lower bid may mean that your job could take longer than it should. Professional companies with several contractors on staff may cost a bit more than a single contractor because of the efficiency they can guarantee.  With more contractors on staff your project will continue to move along without hiccups no matter what other projects the company has in que.  This however, is not always true with independent contractors.

Often times companies are working on more than one project at a time and if a snafu occurs on another job a single contractor company is obligated to make necessary adjustments.  This means your kitchen renovation that was only going to take a month could stretch into two or three months.  Time is money, and this can quickly add to the stress and costs associated with renovating.

  • Often times contractors use a low bid to lure in clients. They produce a contract with a lower bid than the competition by not including the “extras”.  However, often the “extras” aren’t above and beyond and are actually needed elements of the project.  Contractors that specialize in low bid offers do so in a way that makes the extra costs come across as unexpected expenses.  This can be avoided by having a detailed contract that lays out all of the costs from materials to labor.  It is best to receive an up-front price for your project with any changes whether in budget, materials, time, labor, or anything not included in the contract must be approved in writing by the homeowner and the contractor with an agreed upon cost.

You certainly get what you pay for in new construction and home renovations but that does not mean that the highest bid will be any better than the lowest bid.  It just may mean that they included more in their proposal.  To get an accurate assessment of the bang you are getting for your buck you must have a detailed contract with a reputable company that is known for providing superior craftsmanship at industry average wage.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

Increasing the Value of Your Home Through Renovations

Selling your house is a big deal.  To most sellers it is important to get top dollar for selling their home especially after they have put money into it through updates and renovations.  The problem that most sellers run into is that they sink money into renovations that do not offer the type of return on investment that they think it will.   Some renovations are just aesthetic and really don’t get sellers a ROI however others are not only pretty to look at, they add functionality that didn’t previously exist.  In this installment we will discuss several projects that not only increase the functionality of your home but bring added value as well.

Siding Replacement – Manufactured Stone Veneer

Curb appeal, curb appeal, curb appeal… you will hear this over and over again when you are selling your home.  When you improve the appeal of your home upon first glance it naturally draws people in.  To create a high-end look to your home’s exterior consider replacing the siding on your front porch or the front of your house with manufactured stone veneer.  This offers the appeal of real stone without the weight.  Even updating a small area on the front of the home’s exterior can make a huge difference.  An industry average of this type of renovations shows that homeowners will receive about a 92% ROI.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

When buyers enter your home, they are looking at certain areas in particular to ensure that the home is suitable for their family’s needs.  The kitchen is one area within the home that gets more scrutinized then any other.  The kitchen space has become known as the heart of the home.  It is a central area to bring your family together to start or end their day.  Kitchen spaces can easily make or break the sale of a home.

When speaking with other real estate professionals we have found that even the most basic kitchen upgrades turn the impression of a seller’s kitchen from bland to exquisite. Consider new flooring, updated countertops, replacing cabinet doors and hardware, add a backsplash, replace outdated appliances, and/or replace the sink and faucets.  All of these will make a large impact on the homes space.  Kitchen remodeling, even just minor updates can net a solid 82% ROI.

Bathroom Renovations

Second to the kitchen a bathroom is another highly scrutinized area in the home when buyers are viewing a home.  Bathrooms are an essential piece of any home and therefore high on the list of considerations that can make or break the sale of a home.  Consider replacing flooring, updating fixtures and cabinetry, increasing storage, as well as updating lighting.  Bathrooms are smaller areas that renovations are more easily accomplished.  The normal return on investment for bathroom renovations is upwards of 71%.

There are a lot of things to consider while living in a home.  The return on your investments doesn’t always play a role until you go to put the home up for sale.  By taking time to evaluate your family’s needs, along with the ROI, before prioritizing renovations you will be able to maximize both your family’s comfort and profit you are adding to the (eventual) resale value of your home.

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

What to Avoid When Purchasing Refurbished Electrical Components

Buying refurbished electrical components such as circuit breakers, transformers, bus ducts and plugs is just one way that industrial manufacturers can save a great deal of money.  The one aspect that needs to be seriously considered is where companies purchase refurbished electrical components.  Buying from reputable refurbished manufacturers is a must when it comes to electrical components that will be used in any settings, especially the manufacturing industry.  Some companies, often less reputable offer deep discounts.  It is crucial to ensure that the savings don’t equate to an increased safety risk.

When purchasing refurbished electrical components, especially from online companies like ebay take note to thoroughly check over equipment for damage, rust, missing pieces, or improper labeling. When buying online it is important to know exactly what you are looking for before you make a purchase.  This can help to ensure that you are sure to get exactly what you need.  Once you have developed a relationship with an online supplier through ebay or another online source you will have more confidence in purchasing through them in the future.

What to Avoid When Purchasing Refurbished Electrical Components

  • Be sure you know what you are looking to purchase. Purchasing electrical components is different than a lot of other purchases in that you should do some research to really know what you need and are looking for before you even begin researching places to purchase it.  Understand the different brands available and the part number that you are looking for.
  • Advertising and ads are meant to draw people in. Don’t get taken by an ad that doesn’t offer specifics on products that you are interested in purchasing.  You should know in detail what you are purchasing and the exact condition it is in.  Understanding the difference between new, used, and refurbished electrical components helps to make sure you are getting exactly what you expect.
  • If the information you need is not clearly listed on the products label it is important to ask questions about the product and get all answers in writing. This clear communication between seller and buyer will help prevent confusion and later disputes.
  • Never buy from a company that doesn’t have a solid track record. Before purchasing any electrical parts and components, new or used, do research on the company offering it for sale.  Does the company have reviews and testimonials?   How long have has the company been in business?  What is their return policy?  Seek out their policies; find out if there is a restocking fee if a return needs to be done, if they offer returns, or if it is exchange only.

Questions to Ask When Buying Refurbished Parts and Components

  • Am I purchasing a new, used, or refurbished part?
  • If refurbished, what is the process, in detail, that the part goes through before it can be sold?
  • What are the company’s product guarantees and warranties?
  • Am I buying a piece that is in proper working order or is it being sold as is, for parts only?
  • What is the testing process your refurbished parts go through before they are sold?

Purchasing refurbished parts and components makes solid business sense especially in an economy where we are trying to stretch our already tight budgets.   It is important to have properly working and maintained equipment when working in any industrial manufacturing setting.  One was to ensure this occurs is to purchase your refurbished electrical components and parts from companies with a solid reputation, like J & P Electrical Company.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

Measuring Your Yard for Fencing

One of the most critical steps when you are a DIY homeowner is to measure and then measure again. Ordering and installing an aluminum fence is no different.  It is critical to properly measure the area and dimensions of your property looking for possible obstacles that could occur when installing your fence.  Measuring the perimeter of the yard is also important to ensure that you have proper amount of fencing materials when the time comes to actually install the new fence.

In order to properly measure your yard and landscape to add a perimeter fence to your yard there are several steps professional fence installers use including:

Sketch out your home as well as the yard:

  • Drawing out the space will offer you a visual to guide you as you are surveying and measuring the space. It will allow you to include the measurements in the exact location of where they will be needed.  This also allows you to add obstacles to the sketch as seen.

Mark out property lines:

  • One of the initial steps in measuring your yard for the installation of a new fence. Staking out your property line allows you to visually see the yard’s boundaries.

Decide the placement of your fence:

  • During this step you will be able to decide whether you are looking into installing aluminum fence panels that are 4’, 6’, or 8’. It also allows you to layout a space that maximizes your yard space.  Remember that some HOAs may actually require the installation of the fence to be off the property line and not directly on it.  It is crucial to understand and abide by these regulations otherwise you could end up wasting both time and money with a fence that needs to be moved.

Measure from post to post:

  • Once the fence is staked out and you have approval on its placement you can start the process of measuring it out. Using a measuring wheel can be beneficial during this process or a 100-foot measuring tape.  This will allow you to calculate how much fence is needed when you get ready to get a fence quote.
Mark obstructions and elevation changes:
  • Once the initial measurements are taken it is important walk along the fence line and make note of any obstructions or changes in elevation. Obstructions can be anything from utility boxes, boulders, trees, or outdoor structures.  Changes in elevation can be small and easily adjusted for or you may need to consider stacked or rackable fencing.
Plan for your aluminum gate:
  • One of the final steps in measuring out your fence is to plan out where you would like your gates to be installed.  Would you like to install a single or double gate, would you like a gate in place that is big enough for a vehicle to enter the space?

 

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation.  As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered.  More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.

How Your Homes Roof Impacts Its Value

Not only does the look of your homes shingle roof affect its overall curb appeal it affects the overall value of your home as well.  This is just one of the many reasons that professional roofing contractors tell homeowners to forget cheap materials and haphazard DIY installation.  When it comes to your homes roof never settled for mediocre.  Your roof has a high return on investment even years after installation if installed properly and with quality materials.

The concept of do-it-yourself home repairs is a popular way that most homeowners try to save money.  When it comes to your roof, DIY is not an option.  Roofing contractors are professionals with the skills and tools to ensure that your roof is installed properly and that the warranty on the roofing materials are guaranteed.

No matter what materials are used to shingle your roof, if the process is done incorrectly even the smallest of mistakes could lead to catastrophe for homeowners.  If shingling is not installed properly it can easily become detached from the base of the roof during high winds and extreme weather.  Once a shingle is damaged rain, snow, and ice are allowed to penetrate your roofs based and enter your home.

Every homeowner wants a bargain during renovations and having a roof installed is no different.  Everyone loves a good deal.  Roofing your home is costly and the allure of cheap roofing services may tempt you.  Consumers fall for fly-by-night roof repair all the time especially after severe weather when homeowners are not only looking for inexpensive but also quick.

When it comes to work done on your home it is important to always work with a team of professional, reputable, well established professionals.  You get what you pay for is surely true in all elements of construction.  It is easier than ever to find out information about the companies you are hiring with access to online tools such as Google review, Houzz, or Angie’s list.  If a contractor can’t give you local references and the people within your trusted circle have never heard of them or their services than it may be time to continue looking for a professional to trust your roof to.

Not only is a viable roofing company one that offers new roof installation but also maintenance and repairs.  No matter how reputable and consciences your roofing contractor is, extreme weather can cause shingles or flashing to be replaced.  With regular maintenance and yearly inspections, you can avoid major (expensive) issues down the road.  Affordable fixes can be done by professional roofers while performing regular roof maintenance and inspections.

Homeowners will be rewarded with a beautiful, long-lasting shingle roof with just a little bit of added effort and due diligence when hiring a roofing contractor.

Home Pro Roofing of Michigan offers professional roofing services including new roof installation and roof repair services using shingling and metal roofing materials.  The roofing contractors of Home Pro Roofing service Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.  More information can be found online at https://homeproroofingmi.com.

The Most Important Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance… I can’t stress the importance that keeping up with your home’s maintenance, repairs, and overall general well being can make when it comes time to sell.

For many buyers it is important to get into a home without having to do a ton of repairs to make it inhabitable.  It is also not on many buyers’ agendas to make an offer on a home only to determine upon inspection that there are issues that they just don’t want to deal with.  With a little bit of preparation before you place your home for sale, along with regular maintenance and consistent updates while you are actively living in the space your home should be buyer ready when you decide it is time to sell.

Listed below are just a few of the areas to pay special attention to as they are high on the list of priorities that buyers are looking at when buying a new home.

Kitchen & Bath Renovations and Updates:

  • These two spaces have the potential to make or break the sale of a house.  They also employ the most technical mechanics of the house from appliances, to plumbing and electricity, there is a lot that can go wrong.  If not kept up on kitchen and bathroom spaces can easily fall into despair.
    • Kitchen Appliances: Although it can be beneficial to have updated, energy efficient appliances when selling your home, the most important aspect is that they are all in solid working condition.  Maintenance is key in keeping appliances running properly.
    • Cabinets: Cabinets are an essential visual and functional element in both the bathroom and kitchen.  Not only should cabinets be free of damage and in good working order, new hardware never hurts to modernize a slightly older space.
    • Faucets, Sinks, Showers & Tubs: Not only are aesthetics important so is the functionality of drains and faucets. The drains within sinks, showers, and tubs should all drain properly, free and clear of any problems.  Overflow drains should also be in proper working order.  The hot and cold faucets should be properly installed.  (Believe it or not many homes I have remodeled have the hot and cold feature set up backwards) Exhaust vents should be working and clear of debris. Check all surfaces for cracks, chips, and peeling.  Homes that undergo routine maintenance should have addressed all of the above issues as problems arose.

Walls & Ceilings:

    • As part of regular maintenance homeowners should take care to repair nail holes, dings, and dents that occur. If discoloration is seen on the ceiling this will instantly turn off a buyer.  Damage from water should be repaired and brought back up to par aesthetically before placing a home for sale.  All water damage and repairs should be properly documented to give future homeowners a record if asked upon inspection how the problem was solved.

Flooring:

  • Flooring does not need to be replace before selling a home. What is important however is that it is clean and in good condition.  Chips and cracked tiles have been replaced, carpet has been cleaned, and hardwood refinished if scratches and dents are an issue.

HVAC:

  • The heating and cooling systems in the home should be in working order with updated filtration installed. Thermostats should work properly or be replaced.  Hiring an HVAC tech to complete a tune up can be a bonus to ensure everything is in proper order and can be used to market your home.
Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers:
  • Take time to have the electrical panels in your home meet current codes. This is a perfect time to have the electrical in your home inspected by a professional.  This documentation can be given to your realtor to use as added bonuses that prove maintenance on a home has been done.  This looks really good in the eyes of a buyer even if there is a hiccup somewhere else in the home.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.

Treatment with Radiation Therapy

What is radiation therapy?

There are a number of options to treat cancer, radiation therapy is just one of them.  There are a number of ways in which radiation can be delivered.  The method that is used to treat your individual type of cancer is dependent solely on the nature of your cancer.  External beam therapy delivers radiation directly to the tumor through a machine known as a linear accelerator, from outside your body.

How does it work?

Radiation treatment targets cancer cells during treatment however this does not mean that the healthy cells around the area won’t be affected by treatment.  Thankfully, radiation treatment has the greatest affect on the cancerous cells.  Treatment using a LINAC system delivers the highest amount of radiation treatment that can be safely given, to the cancerous area.  This treatment is aimed at killing cancer cells.  Sometimes smaller doses of radiation are given.  This is usually the case where doctors are hoping to shrink the tumor and offer relief to the patient vs attempting to “cure” the patient.

Who takes care of the patient?

A doctor that specializes in cancer is referred to as a radiotherapist or radiation oncologist.  They are in charge of planning and overseeing treatment that will be administer by a radiation therapist.  A number of specialists will be involved in treating your cancer including: nurses, specialists, counselors, health care aids, and dietitians, depending on your unique needs.

Where is the treatment received?

Treatment and delivery are designed with each unique patient in mind.  Treatment is performed in a hospital or clinic and is done in a manner that is suited to the persons receiving its particular needs.  A preliminary visit is scheduled in order to plan out your treatment plan.  The radiation oncologist and therapists will do this.  Using a simulator, x-rays, and scans skin is marked using different colored pens that help define the placement of treatment.  Permanent marks can be made using a special dye or tiny pin prick if needed.

Each of these marks allows the therapists administering radiation to ascertain the exact area that needs to be treated during each and every treatment session.  If you are using a head shell, the guidance marks will be added to the shell rather than to your skin.  Radiation treatment can also be delivered to the mouth and throat area.  If this is the case a dental assessment will be done, along with necessary dental treatments and then radiation therapy can begin.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

What Every Senior Needs to Know About Medigap Prescription Drug Coverage

Up until 2006, many Medigap plans included prescription drug coverage.  This is no longer the case.  Today if you would like prescription drug coverage you must enroll in Medigap Part D, prescription drug coverage.

Medigap Part D provides individuals with prescription drug coverage.  In order to enroll in Medigap Part D you must be a participant in Medicare Part A and Part B.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance Part D coverage can be purchased by any private insurance company that is authorized by Medicare.

Why do you need Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan D, prescription drug coverage?

  • Medicare Part B includes limited outpatient prescription drug coverage. It doesn’t cover most of the drugs that you need to get at the pharmacy.  Drugs that are needed as part of a daily regimen for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure require Medigap Part D to be covered.
  • Even if you do not use prescription drugs right now, you will have to decide about Medigap Part D. It not only lowers your drug costs today but provides you will essential protection against high costs in the future or being denied coverage at a later date.
  • If participants don’t join Medigap drug coverage when first eligible but decide the need it at a later date they can be required to pay a late penalty (depending on the circumstance) and/or have to pay increased monthly premiums.

How do participants go about enrolling in Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Medigap Part D?

In order to enroll in Medigap Part D you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B.  Participants must also live in the service area of the plan that provides prescription drug coverage.

Things you should know before joining Medigap, Medicare Supplemental Insurance Part D.

  • In addition to the premium that is paid with Medicare Part A and Part B, participants must pay for Part D. Some enrollees qualify for financial aid.
  • Consider all of your options for drug coverage before making a decision. Prescription drugs coverage varies a great deal in the drugs that are covered, how much you will pay, and what pharmacies you can use.
  • You may not be able to make changes to your plans for a year so choose carefully when you sign up.
  • Understand that the drug plan you have today may change from year to year. It may not cover the same prescriptions from year to year.

The experts at eMedigap Plans, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medigap Supplemental Insurance needs.  More information can be found at http://emedigap-plans.com.