Benefits Unlimited, Inc.

12/11/2022

Free ship toàn quốc 250k/2 áo FREE SHIP - Mang hàng kiểm tra xem có ưng ý không, cam kết bao giá toàn Việt Nam. Chất vải umi Hàn Quốc mềm mại, co giãn. Chốt đơn hàng, bạn chỉ cần để lại số điện thoại.

12/02/2020

Annual Election Period
Started: 10/15/2020
Will End: 12/07/2020

For any "Medicare Eligibles" who are still trying to decide whether they want to change to a different PDP (Prescription Drug Plan) or MAPD (Medicare Advantage w/Prescription Drugs), or even if you want to learn more about what you currently have, this is a good refresher period.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are continuing to stay well.

Barbara M. Thompson
Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517
Office: 859.271.1403
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06/30/2020

COVID-19 and Virus Scams

Despite the national (and global) Covid-19 pandemic, scammers are still out there, working their "magic". The following are tips from the FTC which can help alert and protect your health, finances and personal information.

1. Hang Up On Robocalls
These usually start with a pre-recorded message that may include (among the ones we're all familiar with), new tests and treatments for COVID-19. (You can now add these to the list of other scams such as work at home, free legal and free trips.) If the recording says you should "press a number" to reach a counselor, advisor or some other faux job title, DON'T DO IT. HANG UP! In addition there are no vaccines, pills or products currently approved and released for public consumption.

2. False Vendors
Online sellers may claim to have high demand products like household cleaners, paper products and medical supplies .. when they don't. Stick with companies you know and, in all probability, they have the ability to send the products to you, or to have you pick them up in the pick up areas that have been set up by many of the commonly known office supply, grocery and wholesale (box) stores within your area.

3. Downloads - Be Oh So Cautious
If the email is from an unfamiliar source, and it's telling you to download the attachment, you could be inviting a virus onto your computer. Delete emails and texts that look suspicious.

4. Charity Scams
We all want to help those who are in need, now more than ever. HOWEVER, there are charity scams where your personal and financial information could be imperiled, the moment you fill in all the information they ask for (including credit card detail.) If unsure, you can research the charity in question (or any, for that matter) by going to charitynavigator.or or even the IRS (irs.gov.)

It's nice to "trust", but more important to use "trusted sources" at times like this. Old saying that works more today, than ever before: WHEN IN DOUBT... DON'T!

Barbara M. Thompson, RHU - Office Manager
Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517
Office: 859.271.1403

Posted: Monday, June 30, 2020

05/29/2020

"The Great Unmasking... Maybe Not So Fast"

For those who have been home quarantined or even those whose offices have been locked down to anyone but those who were considered essential workers, we (in Lexington, KY) recently learned public pools, hair salons, gyms and restaurants will gradually be reopened (with spacial restrictions and patron numbers being adhered to.) While it's tempting to put our masks and bottles of sanitizing gel away, we also must be reminded of what many experts, including Dr. Fauci, have said. While the numbers appear to be decreasing, we could also be faced with another wave of COVID-19 if we let down our guard and suddenly we're shaking unwashed hands or forgetting to keep that healthy 6' of separation to all but those we trust will be doing the same. Let's face it, keeping our hands sudsy clean is in our best interest, too.

While living the crawdad life is simply not possible for most of us, we can certainly continue to make those minor adjustments as we pay attention to our health, maintain that 6' of distance, wear our masks when we go somewhere public (e.g. the grocery), and sanitize our hands. Keep in mind, there may still be individuals who won't agree to abide by those behaviors but it will be up to each one of us to decide whether we'll allow someone to hug us or shake our unsheathed hands when the reality is this: COVID-19 is still very much part of our ecosystem and may be waiting in the wings to, (as Muhammed Ali would say), "fly like a butterfly / sting like a bee."

Barbara M. Thompson, RHU
Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 859.271.1403

posted: Friday, 05/29/2020

04/09/2020

A Time For "Reaching"

Most of us have anchors in our lives that give us comfort but, in times like this, we may lose sight of what keeps us happy and grounded. Having time on our hands (being home quarantined) may remind us of what we are NOT doing but, friends, we have to stay grounded so when the smoke clears, we can come out from our bunkers even stronger than we were before.

What do we reach for? I've asked several people (whom I deeply respect) what gives them comfort and strength. Here are some of the answers:

"Family, Friends and Faith"
"Cooking"
"Gardening"
"Reading (many indicated their Bible)"
"Exercising"
"Meditating combined with Yoga and/or Pilates"
"Running In Place For Half An Hour"
"Writing" (one of my favorites)
"Music" (another one of my favorites.. sorry... am humming tunes from Oklahoma as I keystroke)
"Painting"

… and the list just keeps growing.

May you all continue to stay happy, healthy and centered during these tough times. I don't know when it will end, but as Governor Beshear always says, as he gives his daily updates: "We'll All Get Through This... Together!"

God bless.. stay safe... We're thinking of you all!

Barbara Thompson, RHU - Office Manager
Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517
Office: 859.271.1403

Posted: Thursday, 04/09/2020

03/16/2020

COVID-19 (the "Coronoa Virus" Stressors)

During the past few weeks, the world has been bombarded with gradually (or rapidly) increasing numbers of those who have "tested positive" and those who are trying to recover from its effects. This has impacted on everyone (be it schools, businesses, banks.. the list goes on and on.)

While we know how to wash our hands with soap and water (20 seconds on all areas, including between our fingers), know shaking hands and hugging is now pretty much off limits and understand a healthy 6 foot distance between individuals may reduce our likelihood of contracting this virus, we also realize the reality of the situation is this: Even if we do all of the above, we still might start exhibiting symptoms that have us calling ahead (to whichever medical practice or facility we feel would best be able to render a definitive diagnosis) and, if we do test "positive" face the prospect of either a 14 day self (home) quarantine or even an admission to the hospital.

HOWEVER, the reality is, MOST of us will not get so sick that we have to be admitted to a hospital or test positive where we have to be home quarantined. THIS is the time for us take stock of our health, to exercise (even a daily 15 minutes of light exercise at home) to eliminate or at least
reduce habits that are NOT healthy (e.g. ci******es and alcohol) and to focus on staying centered. Most viruses peak after 3 months and so, while the "positive and/or sick" numbers are increasing, right now, at some point in the near future, they will begin to slow down.. finally disappearing. Years from now, this period will be known as having been just one more pandemic.. It may touch your family.. it may not. A calm, educated mind will allow you to put one foot in front of the other.

Our thoughts are with you all!

barb thompson - office manager - benefits unlimited, inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517
859.800.745.9007

Posted: Monday, 03/16/2020

03/02/2020

Coronavirus - A Growing Concern - Some "Good To Know" Facts

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)—formerly known as 2019-nCoV—was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019. While it was initially thought to be contracted from animal-to-human contact, it has since been shown to be contagious via human-to-human contact.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is tracking the progress of containing the outbreak.

Symptoms
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the most common.

Infection risk
The World Health Organization has upgraded the global risk to 'high.' But confirmed infections in the US remain comparatively low. WHO published a list of common misconceptions about the virus.

Prevention tips
The Centers for Disease Control has helpful tips on how to reduce your risk of contracting coronavirus.

Travel advisory
Get the latest updates on travel restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control.

Barbara Thompson, RHU - Office Manager
Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517
Office: 859.271.1403 Fax: 859.271.1532

Posted: Monday, 03/02/2020

02/21/2020

Social Security Phone Scams

Do you know Social Security may call in some situations but will never:
1. Threaten You
2. Suspend your Social Security #
3. Demand Immediate Payment From You
4. Require payment in cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card or wire transfer
5. Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or tell you to wire or mail cash.

If you haven't received one of these calls, count yourself lucky. However, that doesn't mean you won't. These "live" callers are some of the most pernicious as they pretend to be government employees warning you to pay up or face arrest and/or legal action. IF you ever receive a call like this, don't engage. JUST HANG UP.. then report the scam to OIG.SSA.GOV

Barbara M. Thompson, RHU
Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington,KY 40517
Office: 859.271.1403 Fax: 859.271.532

Posted Friday, February 21, 2020

12/19/2019

"Cyber Bullying"

How It Works, Different Types. What Can You Do

It’s the holidays once more, and children will be home from school (many unsupervised). Unresolved grudges, teasing that is actually harassment, basic attention needs… all can result in anything from hurt feelings to outright fear and loving parents can unwittingly aid and abet these behaviors as they shower their kids with IPhones, IPads and Laptops.

True Story: Several years ago we learned of a family where a classmate of their child was making up to 20 hang up calls in an hour on a daily basis. When the parent of the child on the receiving end, confronted the parent of the perpetrator (corroborated by having a trap put on her phone), the parent of the “perp” was just happy that he admitted it to her and she continued to lovingly bathe the child in whatever goodies he demanded. In this case, the parent did not want to deal with it and the child grew to be even more invasive until the parents of that child, whose family kept getting all those calls, finally pulled their child out of the school to lessen daily contact. The "enfant terrible" grew ended up dying due to his odious behaviors, but not before he’d hurt dozens of classmates and invaded a like number of households.

Moral of the Story: Land based phones are not as prevalent as they once were so you have to BE AWARE OF WHAT YOUR CHILD(REN) IS(ARE) DOING ON THE INTERNET. It’s hard (to impossible) to police children 24/7, but looking at your children’s devices including “in” boxes,, texts and especially deleted messages (many kids still don’t realize there’s a history that can be accessed) are good ways to see if anything untoward is going on.

**Venues of Harassment and Bullying**
- Blogs
- I Phones (IPads, etc.)
- Emails
- Instant Messaging/Text Messaging
- Web Sites

**Forms Of Harassment and Bullyng**
- Cyber Bulling By Proxy (Getting someone else to do the dirty work, perhaps out of fear, probably out of ignorance)
- Sending Threatening Pictures With Promise To Share If Recipient Is Not Compliant
- Stealing Passwords
- Sending Malicious Codes (Viruses, Spyware, Hacking Programs)
- Impersonation – Posing as the victim, making it appear the victim is welcoming unwanted contacts

**What Are Some Tools Parents & Children Have At Their Disposal?""What Can Anyone Do To Lessen or Stop *
- Children should be taught how bullies might operate, using technology, so the very things they use to interact can be morphed into instruments of Cyber-Bullying attacks.
- Children should be taught to NEVER delete anything that makes them uncomfortable, or fearful, so if inappropriate becomes horrifying threats, you have proof of these incidents.
- Children should be taught when they get into an interactive game on the Internet, and suddenly they are talking with a live person on the other end, that person might just NOT be another kid.
- If a child, a parent or guardian should contact the police with saved information that gives the police the ability to more effectively track these perpetrators of destruction.In addition, parents should maintain a log of these events so, if there's a recurring pattern that isn't being resolved, they can go beyond the school to the administration or even legal counsel.

This is NOT a situation where "kids can be kids" can be ignored. These children do grow up and, if behaviors are not nipped in the bud, it can result in tragedy.

Barbara Thompson, RHU - Office Manager
Benefits Unlimited
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517

Posted: Thursday, 12/19/2019

10/08/2019

Cancer – Eventually It Touches All Of Us, One Way Or The Other

With Alex Trebek’s recent battle with pancreatic cancer, suddenly “that” illness (albeit, a myriad of illnesses) is being discussed with ever greater frequency. We fear it for our loved ones, we fear it for ourselves.. let’s face it, it can be a numbing diagnosis, whether be it Stage 4 or even Stage 0. What’s of greater import? How do all the pieces fit, once someone we care about (including ourselves) is in that medical mill?

There’s a site you can go to, where those kind of questions can at least start one on their journey so they can learn more about the the type of cancer and even access points as a patient or caregiver so they can be better grounded in everything from how to get to chemo clinics to learning more about what treatment modalities have had the greatest success.

Over the years, we have seen many of our clients deal with these issues and, while we’re an insurance agency, (as opposed to a medical practice), we count our clients as part of our family and strive to do what we can to lighten their burdens. While we can't promise there's only one place to learn everything, having the ability to get closer to having a more global view of what they need to do (again, for themselves, or their loved ones), puts the words "hope" and "resolve" back in their vocabulary.

Therefore, to start that internal dialogue, here’s a site that may be able to answer some of your questions, or get you the help you may need as you do your utmost to “be there” for that person. As a disclaimer, this is a site developed by Pfizer (a drug manufacturer) but, even if this doesn’t serve you well, hopefully it will be a springboard to a firmer footing on your journey.

https://www.thisislivingwithcancer.com/get-support?cmp=42bb81fb-166b-483b-8f9c-856913816dd1

Barbara M. Thompson, RHU – Office Manager
Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517

Posted Tuesday, 10/08/2019

Learn how other people living with cancer are maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones, their doctors or co-workers. And find cancer support resources.

08/21/2019

Medicare Supplements - Confusion Over Plans F and C (MACRA)

The Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act" of 2015 (MACRA) made changes to Medigap policies that cover the Part B deductible for "newly eligible" Medicare beneficiaries, on or after JANUARY 1, 2020. What does this mean?

1. Plans F and C are not going away. Anyone turning 65 before January 1, 2020 can enroll in either of these plans, or someone who will be enrolling after December 31st, whose 65th birthday falls in 2019 or was Part A effective in 2019.

2. If an enrollee has a Plan F or Plan C today, and they do nothing, they can continue having this coverage as long as they continue paying their Part B and Medicare Supplement premiums.

3. Anyone who will be turning 65 after December 31, 2019 will only be able to purchase Medicare Supplement insurance Plans F or C if they have had Medicare Part A PRIOR to 2020.

4. As of January 1, 2020, newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries will be unable to enroll into either Plan F or Plan C but there still will be a variety of plans.

Barbara M. Thompson
Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 40517
Office: 859.271.1403

Posted Wednesday, 08/21/2019

07/31/2019

ADDING A NEWBORN TO A GROUP HEALTH PLAN?

Many group health insurance plans require you to add a baby within 30 days of birth. Should you miss the deadline, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

Once pregnancy has been confirmed, and it’s well into the 2nd trimester, contact your employer's health plan administrator to learn how and when to add the newborn as your dependent, and how much it will add to your monthly payroll deduction. Knowing those details ahead of time will make the process easier and, rather than having the infant covered for that first month only to find out months later the baby is not covered under the group health plan, will save you and your HR department a whole lot of aggravation.

If you’re lucky, the whole pregnancy and birth will be under the same insurance but, unfortunately, at times, a pregnant employee or spouse will have to migrate to a new plan because the employer has changed coverages in the interim, and now everyone will have a new insurance card and carrier. Make sure you have the most current SBC (Summary of Benefits and Coverage), which you can confirm that last few weeks, before birth. On top of that, you might want to find out:

1. Does the plan cover immunizations and well-baby visits?
2. How much are co-payments and what is the deductible?
3. Have you talked with any other parents of little ones who can recommend their child’s pediatrician? If one name keeps cropping up, that may be either due to proximity, or because that’s a doctor who interacts well with children.
4. Can you find the time to visit a few of those practices. Look for ones that are child friendly and clean. Are there toys? Is the place well-lit and welcoming? Is the check in process simple or do people seem to be standing around, waiting for someone to sign them in?
5. Does this practice accept new patients?
6. Does this physician participate* with your network?
7. Would you want your newborn cared for by this group?

“PARTICIPATE”: A VERY IMPORTANT WORD. THE OFFICE STAFF MAY TELL YOU THEY “TAKE” YOUR INSURANCE, BUT ALL THAT MAY MEAN IS, THEY WILL DO JUST THAT.. TAKE YOUR CARD.. THEN BILL YOU THE FULL AMOUNT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT PART OF THIS NETWORK.

Having a newborn is stressful enough. At times, that baby will need more than basic care One symptom that makes the child run a high fever, have a cough that the medication isn’t eliminating or suddenly have a rash that a topical ointment doesn’t touch, can necessitate more than a basic number of visits.

Barbara M. Thompson, RHU - Office Manager
Benefits Unlimited
3131 Custer Drive Suite 3
Lexington, KY 405017
Office: 859.271.1403

Posted: Wednesday, 07/31/2019