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Mar 25

Medicare Explained in 10 Minutes!

Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 in Medicare, Uncategorized

As of this post, March 25th, 2020 I could not see people in person for 2 months! Normally I see you face to face at your home, a restaurant, library, my house or wherever. I have been going to meet with people since the lockdown was lifted. I wear a mask and keep my distance. If that is not suitable I will talk to you on the phone, zoom or skype, or communicate via e-mail and text. But just to get things started, this is pretty much my explanation of how it all works as you go ON Medicare. As mentioned, I do have my cheat sheet, which I normally leave with people after explaining things, as it helps you “see” how it all works. Again, this is just a starting point, to help you start to understand the wonderful and confusing world of Medicare. Reach out to me directly at (717) 468-0130.

CLICK ON THE VIDEO

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Medicare Explained in 10 Minutes

 

Jan 2

Had Enough of Joe Namath Yet?

Posted on Thursday, January 2, 2020 in Uncategorized

Namath2WOW! There was probably a million TV commercials about Medicare during Open Enrollment this past Fall, and I think Broadway Joe was in half of them!

You probably saw more than I did, as I was working 15 hour days in October, November and December, but I heard about it at appointment after appointment.                            You may have wondered, “What is he talking about? You don’t get all this stuff for free!” And you weren’t about to call an 800 number to find out!

He was referring to Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare Advantage is Part C of Medicare. It can be considered somewhat of a replacement for Original Medicare, as Medicare itself does not process your claims, the INSURANCE company you signed up with does. As such, the insurance company decides what your out of pocket costs  for hospital and medical services will be. Rather than deductibles and co-insurance, like Original Medicare, many Advantage plans have fixed costs for services in the form of co-pays.

“But Joe says everything is FREE!”

I think the idea behind the ads was to get the specific attention of those whose income is low enough to qualify for a particular segment of Medicare Advantage Plans, ones geared for those on Medicaid as well as Medicare. Those with incomes below the Federal Poverty Level for their household size may be eligible for a “Dual Eligible” plan, in which case, many services are at no cost. This may include a fair amount of dental, vision and hearing coverage at little or no cost as well. I’ve been told that only half of the individuals who would qualify for such a plan, actually have one…so the insurance companies are aggressively reaching out to this segment of the Medicare population.

By calling the 800 number to see, “IF YOU QUALIFY,” it opens the door for the agent on the other end of the line to not only see if you fit the strict guidelines for a Dual Eligible plan, it allows them to offer many, many other options to you IF YOU DON’T QUALIFY.

I have nearly 900 clients on a Medicare Advantage Plan. And it’s true, most do not pay a premium for their plan. (probably 90% of my Advantage plan clients pay ZERO premium). They still have to pay for Part B of Medicare, which is $144.60 a month in 2020, but no additional cost for the plan.

Medicare Advantage is one of the main “paths” to take when you are on Medicare. The other main path being Medigap, the insurance that supplements Original Medicare. When I meet with clients, we talk about both approaches. There is no single “right path” that fits everyone. But which one is right for you? I don’t know! That’s why we get together and figure it out!

I don’t have an 800 Number. I have a local number. (717) 468-0130.

And the only thing I can promise you for FREE…is my time. You’ll never pay me anything. And I come to see you. Plus I’ve done it probably 4000 times, so I can’t guarantee a Super Bowl victory, but I feel safe guaranteeing I know what I’m talking about, and a safe bet I know more than Joe Namath!

 

Apr 19

Did You Google Me?

Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2018 in Uncategorized

What’s one of the first things you do when you want to learn more about a person, place or thing? Go to the internet and see what you can find out!If you were expecting a super duper slick and fancy website, sorry! I’m just a simple guy who does one thing, all day, every day…meet with people to explain Medicare itself, and the options that are available with it. I use this blog to introduce myself, give a little bit of info about Medicare, and just try to show you I’m a regular sort of guy.

 

Apr 8

Good Bye Good Boy

Posted on Sunday, April 8, 2018 in Uncategorized

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In the Fall of 2010, my daughter Kate, then a 6th grader, wrote the greatest essay of her life.  The topic?  Why she deserves to have a dog!

Frequently Lori and I lovingly referenced Willie, our gargantuan golden retriever that we had when Kate was just a baby.  But we also said it’s a lot of responsibility to have a dog, a lot of work, a lot of money, yada yada yada textbook Parentspeak any Mom or Dad can spew by reflex.

Kate was determined. She wanted a dog! She promised to walk it, feed it, love it yada yada yada, you know, hollow promise Kidspeak. And she wasn’t having the, “We can’t afford it!” speech.  She said SHE would pay for it, and pay for his food and toys and whatever else dogs need.  She had money saved from working every Saturday at Uncle Davey’s Diner.

We gave in! 

At the time my long time NYC soul sister Connie worked for the City coordinating the transport of rescued animals to various shelters through the Tri-State area and beyond.  She’d send pictures and background stories on various critters.  The younger the better, to enjoy the whole puppy experience.

After a few failed attempts at adoption, a couple of pups had been shipped to PA, probably no more than 9 or 10 weeks old.  Two white males with patches of yellow or tan, possibly labs mixed with pit bulls.  “Are they pit bulls???” Lori suspiciously inquired. “I don’t think so.” I shrugged unconvincingly.

A week before Christmas, in Bethlehem no less, we went to see the 2 pups rescued off the streets of Harlem. They were now nicknamed Butterscotch and Creamsicle!  Kate picked the one that was getting pestered by his brother, and named him Oliver. Ollie! I think we brought him home in a medium sized piece of Tupperware with a blanket inside.  Waiting at home was all the goodies we had waiting, purchased under the supervision of suzi que, legendary local dog Mom

It was great having a dog again! Puppy moments! Tearing ass from room to room spontaneously for no good reason. Chowing food. Chewing toys. Crying in his crate.

Kate was true to her word, mostly.  She paid the $150 adoption fee, bought him toys and food and whatever else dogs need.  The walking and feeding and cleaning up after it, not so much.

Puppies stay puppies in spirit, but blow up as fast as a clown balloons.  80 pounds of muscle in a matter of months.  His stocky build and short snout were all pitty, his webbed feet and taller frame were Lab.  His ears were the tie breaker, and he could adjust down or back to keep you guessing.

Barks like a watchdog, cuddles like a lap dog. Beware of Dog! You’ll either be licked to death or take 40 lashes with a wagging tail!

I know, you’re nodding your head.  Same for your fur friends too, no matter the size or the breed.

And I’ll bet you know where I’m going with this…something’s wrong.

Starting in February, he just wasn’t himself. Lack of appetite, not interested in walks, sleeping all the time, looking sad.

It’s cancer. Leukemia. We tried to treat it. But the white blood cells were off the chart, and now the red ones barely show up. He’s got no energy. Rather than seek other avenues of treatment, we wanna love him to death.

We’re nearly blind from balling our eyes out.

We’re looking at pics and playing rewind in our mind for all the happy times and bad ones too.  The farting, the ball-licking, the nail chomping, the snoring. Eating documents (and homework!) and socks and underwear, and kindles and gaming devices. Barking like we are under attack from terrorists when it’s just the garage door opening!

I guess we’ll have to finish DQ blizzards all by ourselves now. Crinkling a plastic grocery bag won’t have him skipping into the kitchen, ready for a walk. No more races to the stairs when it’s time for bed.  No more trembling in fear when it’s time for a “tubby”.

Oh Oliver, you’ve meant so much to all of us. Such comfort, such joy. When no one believes in you, when you don’t believe in yourself, your 4-legged family member lifts you up, makes you smile, let’s you know everything’s gonna be all right.

We’ve arranged for Lap of Love to come Thursday afternoon and do what they do. We don’t want to say goodbye. We don’t. But we know it’s the right thing to do.

Times were tough in Williams house when Oliver came along.  It makes me wonder, “Who rescued Who?”

Mar 2

Did You Get A Letter From Me?

Posted on Thursday, March 2, 2017 in Medicare

Brian Weems Williams Letters About Medicare

Feb 21

The Joy of a Colonoscopy!

Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 in Family

Oh what a blast it is turning 50! I hit the big 5-oh back in December.  Three days after my birthday I had foot surgery to remove a planters wart from the ball of my left foot.  Now, 6-7 weeks later it finally feels as good as new. This ends nearly 6 months of nagging pain with this stupid wart. But that’s another story.

One of the things recommended for anyone turning 50 is to have a preventive colonoscopy.  I had a sigmoidoscopy done about 10 years ago, and that’s a completely different violation of the human body which can only be experienced to fully understand.  There is no pain with the colonoscopy, the discomfort is in the “prep”.  And I might also add, a liquid diet the day before the procedure no party, even though I could have milkshakes all day!

The day before your procedure and the morning of your procedure, you must chug a quart of liquid that tastes like, and has the thickness of, lemon fresh Joy dishwashing liquid. My brand was called MoviPrep. It is almost comic in its efficiency. About 45 minutes after the first 8oz gulp of this goop you think a volcano is going to erupt in your belly. And it does. Many times over the next hour. Then peace reigns, until assault part 2 begins the next morning!

After part 2, your colon is picked cleaner than Cindy Lou Who’s house on Christmas Eve after the Grinch got done with it! By the time I  was in Ephrata Hospital ready to be wheeled into the OR, I couldn’t wait to be put under by the anasthesia, because I was  so insanely hungry I pondered eating my own fingers!

God only knows what kind of jokes the doctor and staff are cracking while the roto rooter is trolling your intestines, because you are OUT. I remember rolling over on my side and then waking up in recovery about an hour later.

They found polyps, as they did 10 years ago. Almost 4 weeks since my colonoscopy and I haven’t heard anything about the diagnostics on the polyps. I’m mildy concerned about the polyps themselves, more concerned about the bill! Because I checked with my insurance carrier before the procedure. As a “screening” it’s at no cost as a provision of health care reform. However, if they find polyps, it’s diagnostic and the free part is thrown out the window. Or so I’m told, we’ll see.  I will report on it when I see it.

Did I mention I got my AARP card?

Jun 19

Father’s Day 2011

Posted on Sunday, June 19, 2011 in Family

It’s Father’s Day 2011.  I became a father a week short of my 37th birthday.  In my mind, a man at 37 is probably fairly well established in his chosen profession, and secure in all things financial.  Three months after Kate was born, I was let go from my chosen field, little did I know at the time that I’d be out for good.  Staying in broadcasting would likely have meant a move out of town, probably out of state.  Been there, done that, and didn’t want to do it again, especially with a family in tow.

Unemployment gave me 6 months as a Mr. Mom and a special introduction to fatherhood.  I certainly wouldn’t trade that time for another meaningless 6 months in radio. 

12 years later a recurring theme is readily apparent.  12 years of work, selling beds, cars, loans and insurance have been fun and occasionally fruitful, but really…almost meaningless.  Suffice to say I haven’t changed the world.  All of the above was a means to an end, supporting a household.

Decisions on employment could be second guessed eternally, but the underlying consideration in all judgments was my kids.  I wanted flexibility and freedom to be an active and willing participant in their lives.  I work hard and enjoy work, but I am not a workaholic.  After losing my own Dad at 13, I couldn’t bear the thought of being the guy who looks back on his life and wishes he spent more time with his children.

Those 3 am feedings and changing poopie diapers was not just for Lori.  Bathtime and bedtime were playtime.  If it was the straw that broke the camel’s back, it will be the piggyback rides that do me in.  There’s pages of stories in my noggin between peek a boo and training wheels, and just as many from that first bike to the first lacrosse practice just  3 months ago.

I’ve made mistakes as a parent and would welcome some do overs, but that’s life.  I guess my most sincere hope is that I’ve set a good example, as they learn so much more by seeing and experiencing than they do from hearing me lecture about life.

In 6 months I’ll turn 50.  By then I’ll have a teenaged daughter and a 9 year old boy.   Exiting college I imagined great things for a 50 year old Bri.  I’d have logged decades ruling the radio dial from behind the mike in some major market.  Perhaps I’d have retired triumphantly and gone into station ownership.

Alas, I’m just a guy making a living in Anywhere, USA.  Yet I feel wealthy as hell, because I AM LUCKY TO BE A FATHER, SO BLESSED to have Kate and Nathan.  Time invested in them always brings great returns.  They are my pot of gold.  So greetings from the end of the rainbow on another great day, that just happens to be called Father’s Day.

Aug 23

Kate Gosselin Meets Brother Weems

Posted on Sunday, August 23, 2009 in Uncategorized

Thursday I was at Park City, looking to park near the outdoor fountain shops (which is always next to impossible), and i spotted 3 cars in a row, as if lined up ready to pull into parking spaces.  Out of the front vehicle was a blonde with severely sloped hair and oversized superstar sunglasses. 

As I pulled down the next row I saw a dude with a camera and bazooka sized telephoto lens.  Quickly surmising the situation, i rolled down my window and hollered, “Is that HER?”  (meaning Kate Gosselin of course!)  He said, “Yes!”

I drove back around, only to see her in her black Toyota SUV pulling out.  I called Lori and said, “I’ll give you one guess of who I just saw.”  She guessed it right away.

So, thinking the adventure was over, I parked by Penney’s and walked in the mall to go to Wachovia.  As I came out of the bank, who should walk right past, but Kate Gosselin.  I was confused, as I clearly saw her leave, but what the heck I followed her.  I got Lori on the line and start to give the play-by-play.  I readied my Flip video camera for anything that might be worth recording.

I don’t know why I expected her to have an entourage, but she didn’t.  She walked into the Hallmark store and I stayed out on one of the benches.  As she left I was back in pursuit.  She stopped to greet a fan before going out the Fountain Shoppes exit.  I went out and she was just hanging out by the shrubs near Williams Sonoma.  Another fan approached, so I figured what the heck, why not say hi!

“My wife and daughter watch your show ALL the time!”  I bellowed.

“Shhh!” She shushed me, “I’m trying to go unnoticed…I want to go over to Ann Taylor without causing a commotion.”

Just then another young girl came up and asked for an autograph.  KG pulled out an already signed publicity photo from her purse and gave it to the gushing fan.  I said, “You got any more of those?  My daughter’s name is Kate too, and she’d love one.”  She obliged, I thanked her and left her alone.

After this exchange, I called Lori, who was shopping at WalMart in Ephrata, and she immediately headed for Park City to see if she and our Kate could be part of the action.  They made it in there in record time and even went into Ann Taylor, but did not see her.

As I was headed back to my car, I stopped to talked to the paparazzi dude.  He’s from NYC and follows whoever in demand.  Security rolled up to tell him and his buddy to move along, just she was on her way to her car.

I had seen enough, but Lori & Kate actually followed the photo stalkers on the road as they trailed KG.  They tagged along all the way to Berks County before hanging it up.

We felt kind of “dirty” chasing her around, but it was irresistable.  It’s a national soap opera playing out on our stage, Lancaaster and Berks Counties, and since the opportunity was there, we played along.