Livingston Reporting - page 135

When Can Medicare Recipients Make Changes to Their Coverage

Medicare, also known as Medigap, is a health insurance plan for people over 65, people under 65 with some disability and for people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicare supplement plan covers extra services which are not included in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Such a plan is mostly offered by private companies. Purchasing a Medicare supplemental insurance plan is made easy because all private companies offer the same services and amount of coverage. Private companies sell Medigap facilities mostly to Medicare Part A and Part B recipients.  Before choosing a plan, make sure you do your research about the different types of policies and plans offered by Medicare.

MEDICARE PART A

Part A is an insurance program sponsored by the government which covers costs related to hospitalisation. It is also known as ‘Hospital Insurance’. Medicare recipients become automatically enrolled in Part A when they meet the Medigap requirements/qualifications. If Medicare taxes had been payed by you, you will be entitled to this insurance without any extra costs, also known as Premium-Free. But if you aren’t, you’ll have to pay about 413$ per month.  People above 65, to be eligible for Premium-Free Part A, need to prove that they were employed by the government which had Medicare covered and are receiving their retirement benefits. People under 65 need to prove that they are receiving disability benefits for 24 months or have End-Stage Renal Disease.

MEDICARE PART B

Also known as ‘Medical Insurance’ covers outpatient expenses. Part B is an optional Medicare supplement plan. Enrolling in Part B requires recipients to enroll in additional programs such as Part D, Advantage Plans and Medicare supplement insurance plan (Medigap plan). Recipients are required to pay 134$ per month. It covers two types of services: medically necessary and preventative services.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN

These are plans which combine and provide Part A and Part B benefits. Most of the Advantage Plans include Part D as well. This program helps to fill in the gaps left by the Original Medicare Supplement Plan. The recipient’s coverage will be dependent upon the type of plan he/she chose, and the specific hospitals/doctors included in that plan.

WHEN CAN YOU MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR COVERAGE

Medicare recipients believe that the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the only time that they can make changes to their Medicare supplement insurance plan however, it is not. Apart from the AEP, you can make changes to your coverage from 1st January till 14th February. But you can make changes at any time of the year. If you have the Medicare Advantage Plan, two periods in which you can make changes are the AEP (15th Oct to 7th Dec) and Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (1st Jan to 14th Feb).

The period during which you can make changes is available according to the plan you’ve chosen. You have three periods during which you can change your Advantage plan and the whole year for the supplement plan.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Real Estate Tips for Buying Homes on the Water

Living near the water is a dream for most people. It is peaceful and tranquil.  Most often home on the water are away from the city’s utter over population. There is a level of calm that always exists along with a view that is spectacular every time of the day. Living on the water also means more privacy as your house is not blocked by houses stacked one on top of each other.  Water front homes are directly in front of the open water. Which allows you to take part in water-related activities such as swimming, water skiing, fishing, boating, ice skating and more.  Waterfront homes also retain their value better than most other types of real estate.

Often lake homes are more difficult to buy and harder to negotiate than a land-locked property. Here are some tips from professional real estate agents to keep in mind when looking into buying waterfront property.

  1. Finding a Real Estate Agent That Specializes in Waterfront Homes

Many real estate agents do not have the expertise and knowledge it takes to purchase waterfront properties. As a home buyer you should always look for a real estate agent who specializes in lake front property as they would have a better understanding on the pros and cons of different waterfront properties.

  1. Focus on The Property

Don’t just buy a home on the lake to say you have lakefront property.  Many buyers are disappointed on their home once they have moved in when they realize the homes pitfalls.  The basement may leak, the view may not be what you wanted, it can be muddier than you are wanting to deal with or many other issues may exist that you took for granted being focused only on getting a home on the water.

  1. Taking Out a Home Loan/Mortgage

Lake homes are often more pricey than other types of property.  Buyers looking to purchase a home on the water are advised to investigate mortgage preapproval sooner than later.  Lenders often consider the most eligible and credit worthy buyers.  With pricey water front property, it may take longer to work out a loan agreement between the lender and the buyer.  It will be important for the lender to be sure that the buyer has considered the cost of insuring a lake front house as well.

  1. Focus on The Structure of the Home

Properties in front of the water receive more abuse from added elements.  It is suggested that extra measures should be taken to protect the property. For example, using stainless steel locks or storm shutters.  The homes structure should be thoroughly inspected to make sure that there are not signs of any structural damage which could destroy the integrity of the home.

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com.  To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.

How Are Circuit Breaker Panels and Disconnects Used?

Circuit Breaker Panel

A circuit breaker panel is the main point from where electricity is passed around to other electrical circuits. Power for your house comes through the service entrance which passes through the electrical meter which records the amount of voltage you use. It then flows through the circuit breaker panel. The panel usually gives out 100 to 200 amps of power. The panel, in short, is just a bunch of switches.

The service entrance wires are attached to terminals called lugs. Lugs are always energised with electricity unless your local power company shuts it off. A dead front cover, which is a metal panel, covers all the lugs and electrical wiring connected to the panel. The dead front cover provides access to every breaker and switch.

The circuit breaker panel always consists of a main breaker which is a large switch. If the main breaker is shut down, then electricity access to every other circuit is cut off as well. However, the lugs remain energised with electricity. Main breaker activity does not affect the lugs. The circuit breaker panel always has two rows for the branch circuits. It includes circuits which provide 15-20 Amps of energy for lighting or fans or other outlets in a kitchen or garage. Branch circuits which are labelled with 40-50 amps of energy are known as ‘double pole breakers’. These supply electricity to high voltage appliances such as dryers or air conditioners. A large breaker may also supply electricity to a sub-panel which is mainly used for electricity in detached r quarters. The panel also has hot & neutral bus bars. Moreover, the ground wires prevent electrocution from happening due to frayed hot wires. Many circuit breakers also consist of disconnectors.

Disconnectors

A circuit breaker disconnector is used to isolate the electrical circuit from electricity to maintain or repair it. A disconnector is only used for safety purposes and can be operated either manually or automatically. Circuit breaker disconnectors are off-loading devices which means that they do not contain the workings for controlling electric arcs and should be opened after the current is interrupted by another device.

A circuit breaker disconnect consists of a lock-out tag-out that prevents inattentive operations from happening. These locks are part of a trapped-key interlock system so that there is steady stream of operations.  A switch disconnector combines the properties of a disconnector and load switch.

In disconnecting circuit breakers, the disconnector is integrated so that there is no need to use separate disconnectors. This has the advantage of being reliable and the need for maintenance decreases. The usage of this device is, however, limited as compared to a disconnector because there may be problem which arise while maintenance takes place.

A fused disconnect is used to replace a circuit breaker as it works in the same way and is cheaper. It can turn a circuit on or off and its fuses can provide protection. Having more information about electrical breakers and disconnectors can help you in every-day life. If a small electrical problem was to arise, you’d be able to solve it yourself.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Biggest Mistakes That an Event Planner Knows to Avoid That You May Not

Planning a big event like a wedding, ribbon cutting, milestone birthday or Bar Mitzvah without proper planning and guidance can come along with a hefty price tag.   Not only can costs get out of control, the time and dedication it takes to plan an event can often overwhelm the most diligent of people.  You may think that you have what it takes to multi-task and handle the stress involved in planning a big event, but the implementation can get overwhelming.  Not to mention the work will need to be done to keep the flow of the event going while you are trying to enjoy the event itself.

Simple things may get forgotten or lost in the shuffle while you are trying to manage the event while keeping up on the day to day happenings in life.  Missing even little things during an event can turn out to be quite disastrous and there is nothing worse than having disappointed guests. Most mistakes are small and of course can be fixed by spending more money, but larger mistakes can take time to fix.  Before you take on the planning of any event on your own consider all the benefits of hiring an event planner.  Event planners know how to avoid issues you may not while ensuring that you can enjoy the event instead of overseeing it.

The Benefits of Hiring an Event Planner

TIMELINE

Timelines are important when it comes to planning any type of event.  There are a hundred things that need to be done from mailing invites, setting up tents, renting venues, finding centerpieces, and more.  A planner has experience when it comes to time allocation, costs, and more.  They know when and where to allot extra time to make sure that everything is in order and perfectly perfect.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

Unfortunately, events big and small can face last minute problems.  A generator stops working or a chef forgets to purchase shrimp which is to be used as an appetizer; all of which experienced event coordinators are prepared to handle along with a backup plan in place to handle it.  Most of us are not equipped to handle last minute problems let alone fix them in a manner that guests won’t even realize an issue has occurred.

BUDGET/ALLOCATING RESOURCES

In planning an event without the assistance of a planner many people find that they go way over their allotted budget because they fail to keep track of the money that is spent.  This can result in overspending on areas that money does not need to be wasted which can be extremely disastrous.  Where as an event planner has experience with where and when to spend money and when and where not to.  They have experienced hundreds of different events and know how to come up with a detailed budget that allocated financial resources where they are needed.

Hiring an event planner when setting up an event is always a good choice.  It ensures that you can enjoy the process of choosing parts and pieces for the event while allowing a planner to handle the ins, outs, and microscopic details that only experienced event planners can.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  Contact the professionals at Event Planning DC http://www.eventplanningdc.com today!

Estate Planning: Is It Important to Talk to Your Children About Your End of Life Plan?

Estate planning is a vital part of creating a plan of action for your untimely passing or inability to care for yourself.  Creating a will and/or a trust is not good enough when it comes to preparing for your future.  Instead, creating an estate plan allows you to plan for and organize your assets while appointing a person of your choosing to continue to organize and maintain your assets when you are no longer able to handle these things yourself or are not there to do so.

In the process of estate planning it is necessary to inform the people affected by your estate plan of your desires.  It is important to discuss your desires with your children about the details of your wishes so that they are aware of what to expect.  If your children are under the age of eighteen there should be a detailed discussion about guardianship.  Appointing a guardian requires consent from the willing party as well.  These people need to be conscious of your choices regarding their inheritance, financial expenses, funeral expenses, power of attorney, and more.

Discussing Your Estate Plan with Your Children

A discussion with your children about estate planning with your children helps to ensure that they are not surprised by the final plan.  Sharing your plan of action becomes especially important if you are planning on treating the beneficiaries differently.  Not only will this allow you to smooth out rising controversies, it will also help to give you their perspective on your decisions. A prime example occurs a lot during second marriages.  When you are giving something substantial to your spouse, who is not the mother of your children, from an inheritance that they assume is theirs this will help to give them a head start to wrap their thinking around it.

When and How to Talk with Your Children

It is crucial to find an appropriate time to make your estate plan known to your children and other necessary family members.  Make sure when you are discussing this matter that everyone involved in accounted for during this meeting.    Appropriate timing usually doesn’t exit on family holidays, weddings, or birthday celebrations.  What you will want to do is to schedule a meeting where you can all be gathered together to discuss your end of life plan specifically.  Sometimes, when an estate plan is complicated, it is best to meet with your estate planning attorney so that they can help you explain any areas of concern or technicalities to your loved ones.  When you are scheduling this meeting give participants an idea of what you are meeting about so that they have time to think about what to expect.

What to Talk About with Your Family

It is of the utmost importance for you to organize the points you want to discuss when talking to your family about the estate plan.  Be sure to talk with your attorney to discuss in depth your estate plan.  Understand the ins and outs before your meeting.  Gather the information about your assets, liabilities, debts, insurance plans, bonds, investment securities, business plans (if applicable), and important contacts phone numbers.

Give them the opportunity to give their feedback to your plan; listen to their suggestions on making your estate plan better, if needed.  This is also the perfect time to start discussing the need for your children to create their own estate plans to secure any future grandchildren’s futures as well.  Death is inevitable, and it is better to be prepared in case of an untimely passing.

Estate planning is a necessary and advisable step in your life’s journey. You should consider planning for your end of life before your meet any calamity and are robbed of this opportunity. It will not only safeguard your family and your assets but will be a help to smoothen the life and misery of your loved ones when you will not be around to take care of them.

Learn more about attorney Sean J. Nichols and the legal services he provides for clients including: estate planning, elder law issues, Medicaid planning, elder care, probate law, guardianships, and power of attorney (POA) at www.seanjnichols.com.  To contact the offices of Sean J Nichols, call 734.386.0224 today.

Choosing Your Residential Driveway Gate Style

Residential walkway and driveway gates come in all shapes, sizes, color, and design.  The one thing they all have in common, aside from aesthetic purposes, is that aluminum gates are ideal for security reasons. Walkway gates, pool gates, and driveway gates allow you to keep in pets and little ones from venturing out of the property unsupervised.  Out of all the styles available with aluminum gates, driveway gates used along with aluminum fencing do the best job at securing your homes property, working to keep unwanted people out and loved ones in.

Therefore, there are a few things to keep in mind when you are shopping for residential driveway gate to ensure that you not only get the best value for your money but also to make sure that the gate is both aesthetically pleasing and provides the best protection for your property.

The quality of the gate is very important, especially for security purposes, and aluminum driveway gates have proven time and again as far as quality and durability are concerned that thye are the best. Not only are they sturdy and secure, but they also come in different decorative styles and ornamental designs that look fantastic when installed.

The price of the gate is equally important. If you are after quality, not quantity, the price, in this case, shouldn’t matter, however, this doesn’t mean that you break the bank over a residential driveway gate. As far as cost is concerned, aluminum driveway gates are usually fairly priced and will, therefore suit any budget.

The size of your property also matters, and while the standard American driveway gate widths usually measure between 9 and 24ft wide, you can easily get an aluminum driveway gate that is between 10 to 16ft wide. Once you have measured and determined the size of your driveway, the design choices are endless but consider the pros and cons of each one of them such as the required hardware, installation and the clearance the gate of your choice will require for it to swing wide open effortlessly. The four main styles include:

  • Sliding aluminum driveway gate
  • Swinging aluminum driveway gate
  • Folding aluminum driveway gate
  • Single aluminum driveway gate
  • Double aluminum driveway gate

If you aren’t too close to your next-door neighbor, a sliding aluminum driveway gate would be an ideal choice.  while it may take a little more in the way of hardware and installation, it requires only an automatic opener and very little space. Additionally, if space is an issue, consider installing a double aluminum driveway gate with two leaves that swing separately and only take up half of your driveway width when opened.

iFenceUSA is an online manufacturer and distributor of wholesale aluminum fencing. With over 18 styles of aluminum fence panels and gates to choose from, we have aluminum fences that will meet your wants and need.  Choose from custom aluminum fencing options including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing all at https://ifenceusa.com/.  For more information contact one of our aluminum fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

Why Should You File for Bankruptcy?-

You are always going to have bills to pay, but what happens if they come in faster than you can pay them, or you are barely paying the minimum payment every month?  You may feel like you are drowning in debt, especially if you need to continue using your charge cards to pay for everyday necessities.

While filing for bankruptcy is never a person’s top choice, you may have no choice but to hire a bankruptcy lawyer, so you can get back on track with your life.  After all, once you have gone through the process and then work hard to improve your credit, you will find that your life is much easier in the future.

An attorney specializing in bankruptcy can walk you through all the steps of the process, starting with whether or not you have a good reason to file.  Your bankruptcy lawyer may even encourage you not to file for bankruptcy if they do not think that you have a good enough reason.

Here are 5 reasons why you should file for bankruptcy:

  1. Your Home is in Foreclosure

A bankruptcy will immediately put a stop to the foreclosure on your home.  This is important, even if you are not planning on staying in your home, because you may not need to pay the difference of the unpaid mortgage balance if the proceeds from the sale are not enough.

  1. You are Being Evicted

If you happen to rent an apartment or a house, filing for bankruptcy can prevent you from being evicted.  You will still need to catch up on your rent payments, but a bankruptcy can give you a little more time.

  1. Your Car is Being Repossessed

Filing for bankruptcy can prevent a lender from repossessing your car if you are behind on payments.  This will allow you to catch up on payments, so you can keep your car.

  1. You Have Medical Debt

If you have major medical debt from an illness, you should talk to a bankruptcy lawyer, so you are not responsible for all those bills.  They can give you your options, so you do not lose your home or other assets.

  1. You Just Got Divorced

Financial changes occur after a divorce and you may find that it is difficult to live the lifestyle that you are used to with just your income.  If you find yourself in debt after getting a divorce, you will want to speak to an attorney specializing in bankruptcy to see what options you may have.

 

No one ever wants to have a lot of debt to deal with, but bankruptcy may or may not be your best option.  They only way you will know if you should file is to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer and see what they recommend for the situation that you are in.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

 

When Do I Enroll in Medigap Coverage?

Medigap is an insurance policy that will cover the health care costs that you incur that regular Medicare, Part A and Part B, does not cover.  These costs can include co-payments, deductibles, and travel outside of the United States.  However, Medigap supplement insurance does not cover costs that are associated with dental care, vision, hearing aids, or private duty nursing.

Medigap supplemental insurance is available to anyone that has Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, and the best time to purchase Medigap is during your open enrollment period.  You are automatically eligible for a Medigap supplement insurance plan the month that you turn sixty-five and your eligibility continues for a period of six months.

That six-month time frame is the best time to purchase Medigap, simply because you can get it from any Medigap supplement plan that is available in your area.  None of them can turn you down for any health issues that you may have, nor can they charge you more if you have certain health problems.  Instead, during this time you are guaranteed to find coverage at a reasonable price.

The only thing that you will need to keep in mind is that a Medigap supplement plan can make you wait six months before they will pay for anything relating to your pre-existing conditions, although some plans will waive that waiting period.  Once that six month waiting period is over, they will pay for your medical expenses, including ones for your pre-existing conditions.

If you decide to wait to apply for Medigap until after your six-month open enrollment period, a Medigap plan has the right to deny you coverage or make you pay a higher rate.

It is unusual to be able to apply for a Medigap supplement insurance plan when you are under the age of sixty-five, but some states will allow you to do so.  However, you will want to be prepared to pay more for the policy or take the chance of being denied for pre-existing conditions.

A disabled person, who has Medicare, can apply for Medigap before they turn sixty-five, but they might not be able to purchase the exact policy that they want and there are no guarantees that they will even be approved.

If you are approaching the age of sixty-five, you will need to be aware of your options when it comes to Medigap supplement insurance plans.  You’ll want to act quickly and purchase your Medigap plan within your six-month open enrollment period, so you do not miss out on the benefits that you will need.

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com.  Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

Tips for Buying Refurbished Oncology Equipment

Purchasing refurbished oncology equipment can be an excellent option if you know what you are looking for and can have help picking out quality product.  When you are upgrading LINAC systems, there are numerous things that you should keep in mind, but if you can find a refurbished linear accelerator, you can save quite a bit of money.

Here are tips for buying refurbished oncology equipment:

Consider Your Space

As you are upgrading LINAC systems, you will need to consider your room dimensions, the constraints of your building, your power supply, and your water supply.  You will not want to purchase any refurbished oncology equipment that cannot fit within the space your office has as that will be a waste of your resources.  Instead, have this information available and then only look at the refurbished oncology equipment that fits your requirements.

Create a Budget

Everyone has a certain amount of money that they have available to spend on upgrades, and you should not be any different.  Once you determine how much money you are willing to spend, you will have a better idea of how you can go about upgrading LINAC systems.

Create a Timeline

The amount of time you plan on keeping the refurbished oncology equipment that you purchase will always factor in to the price.  You should be willing to pay a little bit more for the equipment you are planning on keeping for five years and less for the equipment that you only want to keep for two years.

Find a Preferred Manufacturer

You may find that you prefer one or two manufacturers over all the others, and you will want to only look at refurbished oncology equipment from those manufacturers.  This will ensure that you get a product that you can depend on and trust, plus you are more apt to know how to use the equipment from those manufacturers as they are more familiar to you.

Have a Professional Install

While upgrading LINAC systems, it is perfectly fine to purchase it refurbished, however, you should still have it professionally installed.  This will ensure that everything is in working order the first time you go to use it, plus you can find any potential issues before they arise.

These tips will help as you are upgrading LINAC systems and purchasing refurbished oncology equipment as you will get the most product for the money that you spend.  It may take some time to find the product that will work best for your needs, but your patience will pay off when you find the one that fits within your budget.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

 

The Ultimate Guide to Age in Place Renovations

Moving into an assisted living facility may sound like a good idea at some point in your life, but you may prefer to spend as many of your golden years in the same home where you raised your family.  There is nothing wrong with doing this, especially if you have taken the necessary steps to ensure your safety.  After all, you may not move as well as the years go on.

An age in place remodeling specialist can assist you with planning any necessary renovations that you may need to make your home more accommodating for your future.  The age in place contractor that you choose can help you devise a plan to help you incorporate all the aging in place options that you may or may not need.

You may think that it is useless to do any age in place renovations now, before you need them, however, that is not the case.  These renovations should always be completed prior to them being needed, because if they are not, you will find yourself staying in a hospital or rehabilitation center longer until they are finished.  It is difficult to handle age in place construction on a home when cannot oversee the work!

There are plenty of things that you can do for your age in place renovations, but here are a few of the most common ones:

  • A wheelchair ramp or other way to incorporate a flat entry point to your home may end up being necessary if you ever need to be in a wheelchair.
  • The doors inside your home may need to be widened so you can fit through them with a wheelchair or walker.
  • If widening your doorways will not work, your age in place remodeling specialist may recommend removing your doors and installing pocket doors instead.
  • A walk-in tub will eliminate the need to step over the side of the tub to get inside, but you will still need to climb over a small step and maneuver through the small doorway.
  • Most people prefer to forgo the above mentioned walk-in tub and install a built-in seat within their shower. Placing an adjustable grab bar next to the seat will allow you to sit and get up easily and give you something to hold onto if you decide to stand as you are showering.
  • Your age in place contractor may always recommend that you install grab bars near your toilets.
  • Countertops can be lowered, or you can vary the height of some of them, so that you are able to use at least one of them if you ever need to use a wheelchair for any length of time.
  • Carpeting, faucets, and door handles are all other items that you may need to change during this process.

You shouldn’t think that you will never need any age in place renovations because you never know what the future may bring.  A little pre-planning with an age in place remodeling specialist can save you a ton of time in the future, especially if you are waiting not so patiently from a hospital bed to go home.

Learn more about licensed and insured general contractor Glen Miller the Home Doctor and the variety of home improvement services he offers clients including: home maintenance plans, handyman services, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, handicap ramp installations, age in place modifications, basements transformations, and hardwood flooring installation and refinishing at www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com.  To contact Glen Miller the Home Doctor call 734.255.9793 for a free estimate.