Update on our workplace compliance partner, Mineral™ (formerly ThinkHR)

business health insurance In efforts to maximize our health insurance services, Bernardini & Donovan partnered with ThinkHR last year to help our small business address HR and compliance challenges. You can read more about this initial partnership here.

We’ve enjoyed having a human resources partner to handle potential employee issues, risk management, and more, and even talk about our experience with monitoring compliance-related activities using ThinkHR here. However, changes were made in 2019 that we want to share with you — namely in our HR partner’s collaboration with Mammoth to make Mineral™.

According to the Mineral website:

53% of small businesses spend more than 10 hours per week on HR and compliance issues

Compliance rules and regulations are always changing, so it’s important that small businesses like ours have help to navigate the complex HR and compliance landscape. Mineral provides the resources, tools, experts and alerts that organizations need to thrive.

80% of Mineral™ clients do not have an HR certification

HR goes way beyond employee benefits, hiring and firing. Small businesses need to stay compliant with state and federal laws, maintain employee job descriptions, create up-to-date employee handbooks as well as make sure everyone is properly trained.

MINERAL: SIMPLIFYING HR AND COMPLIANCE

Federal and state laws and regulations seem to change faster than you can keep up. Mineral offers real-time alerts, timely guidance, and tangible action items so small businesses never miss a key compliance date again.

With over 500,000 clients, 2,700 partners, and 195,000 HR and compliance issues resolves in just the last year, Mineral combines certified HR experts with tech-enabled tools to make HR compliance more feasible for businesses around the nation.

The innovative platform is a one-stop resource for small businesses, and it’s filled with everything you need to tackle even the trickiest workplace issues with total confidence. While the name has changed, businesses can still count on Mineral for the same great HR and compliance solutions that hundreds of thousands of businesses have come to rely on.

Mineral™ is still focused on providing proactive solutions for businesses while helping them take the guesswork out of HR and compliance so they can experience peace of mind. But there’s much more where that came from, so click the link below to learn more about the relaunch!

MINERAL’S RESOURCE CENTER: RECENT CHANGES & UPDATES

You can read more about each of Mineral’s updates and additional updates on the Minerals resource center page here. But here are some important points we’ve selected from the resource page for easy viewing:

COVID-19 WORKPLACE SAFETY POLICIES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged and transformed the way small businesses operate. To help small businesses navigate the most common HR and compliance situations, Mineral has provided some essential COVID-19 resources for employers.

EMPLOYEE NOTICE—FACE COVERINGS

Note to employers: State and local laws and orders may provide different or additional requirements for employers regarding masks or face coverings, including guidance on whether employers must provide and pay for them, who must maintain and clean them, and more. Review applicable mandates to ensure compliance.

FURLOUGH RELATED RESOURCES

- Notice of Furlough (COVID-19) — Use this letter to notify employees of a furlough due to COVID-19. Be sure to customize the template and remove the bracketed text.

- Recall From Furlough – Revised Offer Letter (covid-19) — Use this template when recalling an employee from furlough due to COVID-19 and offering their job back. The letter contains a section to outline any changes between the new and old positions. Be sure to customize the letter by replacing the bracketed text.

- Quick Start Guide: Deciding Who to Recall from Furlough or Layoff — Deciding which employees to return to the workplace following a furlough or temporary layoff, and in what order you’ll call them back, will require an individualized analysis for each organization. For those who aren’t sure where to start, we provide this as a starting point.

NOTICE OF COMMUNICABLE ILLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Use this letter to inform employees of potential exposure to a communicable illness. The letter provides space for information about the illness as well as steps to take. Be sure to customize the letter by replacing the bracketed text.

IN SUMMARY: MAKE SURE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS IS COMPLIANT WITH HR POLICIES

Back in 2016, an HR Manager posted on LinkedIn about the importance of HR policies and procedures in the workplace.

“Human Resources Policies and Procedures are Important as they provide structure, control, consistency, fairness and reasonableness in [small and medium-sized enterprises]. They also ensure compliance with employment legislation and inform employees of their responsibilities and the Company’s expectations.”

As small businesses continue to find our balance after a long and exhausting year and a half, we remember that every business benefits from understanding the importance of workplace compliance. Because proper compliance doesn’t just protect your employees… it protects you, too.

September 9, 2021September 8, 2021

What you need to know about Medicare & home health care

Medicare home health care costs, payments, and how to make the right decision

According to Johnson, Fred Johnson, president and CEO of Team Select Home Care, a national home health agency, there are two primary types of home health care:

Skilled home health care is prescribed by a physician and includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, as well as care provided by a registered nurse.

Non-skilled home health care includes services such as bathing, cleaning and errands. This type of care is typically provided by a certified nurse assistant or home health aide.

Related reading(s): Forbes: How Much Does Home Health Care Cost?

In general, home health care includes a wide range of health and social services delivered that are given by a variety of skilled health care professionals in your home to treat illness or injury.

These services include skilled nursing care as well as physical and occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medical social services.

The home health staff provides and helps coordinate the care and/or therapy your doctor orders.

Along with the doctor, home health staff create a plan of care, which is a written plan for your care. This plan tells what services you will get to reach and keep your best physical, mental, and social well-being. Where possible, home health care helps you get better, regain your independence, and become as self-sufficient as possible.

Related reading(s): Medicare and Home Health Care

Medicare pays for you to get health care services in your home if you meet certain eligibility criteria and if the services are considered reasonable and necessary for the treatment of your illness or injury.

Services covered by Medicare’s home health benefit include intermittent skilled nursing care, therapy, and care provided by a home health aide. Depending on the circumstances, home health care will be covered by either Part A or Part B.

HOME HEALTH CARE NEEDS & BENEFITS

The need for home health care has grown for many reasons. Consider three following benefits of home health care:

Medical science and technology have improved. Many treatments that could once be done only in a hospital can now be done at home.

Home health care is usually less expensive and can often be just as effective as care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Most patients and their families prefer to stay at home rather than be in a hospital or a nursing home.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR MEDICARE HOME HEALTH & DOES HOW MEDICARE PAY FOR THE SERVICES

Medicare covers your home health care if:

You are homebound, meaning it is extremely difficult for you to leave your home and you need help doing so.

You need skilled nursing services and/or skilled therapy care on an intermittent basis.

1. Intermittent means you need care at least once every 60 days and at most once a day for up to three weeks. This period can be longer if you need more care, but your care needs must be predictable and finite.
2. Medicare defines skilled care as care that must be performed by a skilled professional, or under their supervision.
3. Skilled therapy services refer to physical, speech, and occupational therapy.

You have a face-to-face meeting with a doctor within the 90 days before you start home health care, or the 30 days after the first day you receive care. This can be an office visit, hospital visit, or in certain circumstances a face-to-face visit facilitated by technology (such as video conferencing).

Your doctor signs a home health certification confirming that you are homebound and need intermittent skilled care. The certification must also state that your doctor has approved a plan of care for you and that the face-to-face meeting requirement was met.

1. Your doctor should review and certify your home health plan every 60 days. A face-to-face meeting is not required for recertification.

And, you receive care from a Medicare-certified home health agency (HHA).

Note: You cannot qualify for Medicare home health coverage if you only need occupational therapy. However, if you qualify for home health care on another basis, you can also get occupational therapy.

When your other home health needs end, you can continue receiving Medicare-covered occupational therapy under the home health benefit if you need it.

Medicare pays your Medicare-certified home health agency one payment for the covered services you get during a 30-day period of care. You can have more than one 30-day period of care. Payment for each 30-day period is based on your condition and care needs.

HOW TO FIND AND COMPARE HOME HEALTH AGENCIES

Ask yourself a few questions.

Is the home care agency licensed by the state? Most states require a license and reviews. Request a review through your state health department.

Is the home care agency certified by Medicare to meet federal requirements for health and safety? Most home care agencies are not, but some are Medicare certified. If they are not certified by Medicare, ask why not?

What type of screenings are performed before hiring staff?

Ask for references. Ask for a list of doctors, hospital discharge planners, or other professionals with experience working with the home care provider.

Ask for a list of current and former clients.

Ask doctors, family and friends for home care recommendations.

Related reading(s): Selecting a Home Care Agency

June 22, 2021June 17, 2021

Shopping the marketplace: The #1 benefit to researching health coverage

Overview: This main benefit to researching health coverage options will help you choose the ideal plan.

Choosing the right health coverage plan requires conducting personal and professional research if you want to experience the full benefits. We don’t recommend that you choose the first health coverage plan that comes your way — as rushing and picking the wrong health insurance plan could be costly in more than one way.

It’s important that you prioritize your needs — whether that involves others (families) or not. As such, the main reason you should do research on health coverage plans is because you’ll be able to compare plans across the marketplace and essentially curate what you need based on the different options in the marketplace that you’ve come across. Granted, there aren’t too many options, but there are enough variations for you to pick-and-choose certain factors.

Do research to specialize your health coverage plan to your needs

Let’s say your employer offers health coverage plans but you’d rather shop the marketplace, this is when research and time come in. Conducting your own health coverage research is beneficial even if your employer does offer plans because you get to compare the different types of health insurance plans.

You might come across one plan that offers one thing that you like and another plan that offers another thing that you like. You’ll ultimately be able to curate an “ideal” list of factors you would like to have in a health coverage plan and start to tailor your research to that.

This isn’t to say that you’ll get exactly what you want, but the more specific you could get when doing research, the easier it’ll be to sift out what you don’t want. The reality is that there might be some aspects of certain plans that you don’t need and aspects of other plans that you consider to be a must-have. Factors such as cost, in-network options, referrals, and provider choice all play a role in what health coverage plan you ultimately decide on.

The main benefit of going through your employer for health insurance plans

If your employer offers health insurance, this already cuts the research aspect in half. While you can always search for alternative plans available in the marketplace, receiving health coverage through your employer means that you’re likely to have lower premiums since your employer pays a portion.

For the best decision, be aware of past treatment trends

Regardless of whether you choose to go through your employer or not, doing the right research should also take into consideration (1) the amount of treatment you’ve received in the past and (2) the type of treatment you’ve received in the past.

To help you narrow down choices, think about the following factors:

You see a primary physician or a specialist frequently.
You frequently need emergency care.
You take expensive or brand-name medications on a regular basis.
You are expecting a baby, plan to have a baby or have small children.
You have a planned surgery coming up.
You’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes or cancer. Or, on the contrary:
You can’t afford the higher monthly premiums for a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs.
You are in good health and rarely see a doctor.

Comparing common plans to start

Though it’s impossible to predict every medical expense, being aware of trends can help you make an informed decision. Let’s compare two common health coverage plans and see how they may or may not benefit you based on your needs.

HMO: HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION

If cost is your biggest determining factor, HMOs might be your best option. Choosing this plan means that you typically must see a primary care physician before scheduling a procedure or visiting a specialist. Due to this restriction, HMOs tend to be the cheapest type of health plan, overall.

You have to stay in network to get coverage except for an emergency
Procedures and specialists typically require a referral
There are lower out-of-pocket costs
You get a primary doctor who coordinates your care for you
Less freedom to choose providers

At the same time, another benefit with choosing HMO is that there is technically less work on your end, since your doctor’s staff coordinates visits and handles medical records.

PPO: PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION

If being able to choose your specialist is your main interest when doing health coverage research, a PPO might prove ideal.

You do not have to stay in network to get coverage
In-network care is less expensive
Procedures and specialists do not require a referral
You have more provider options and no required referrals
There are higher out-of-pocket costs

This might be better for individuals who live in a remote or rural area and have limited access to doctors and care since you may be forced to go out of the network.

January 29, 2020February 14, 2020

7 Important Women’s Health Screenings You Should Prioritize

Maintaining one’s good health takes commitment to a few critical habits.

While you may be well aware of the benefits of eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, and making time for rest, be sure not to overlook regular visits to your doctor as well. With routine screenings and checkups, you can detect problems early on to receive proper treatment. In this article, we’ll discuss seven critical health screenings that women should prioritize for the benefit of their good health.

Seven health screenings to prioritize:

Blood pressure screening. According to the American Heart Association, the ideal blood pressure measuring is 120/80 or below. So, if you maintain this healthy blood pressure, it is recommended that you have it checked at least once every two years, beginning at the age of 20. However, if you are at a higher risk of hypertension, you are 40 or older, African American, or suffer from a chronic condition like obesity, then an annual screening is encouraged.
Cholesterol check. A cholesterol check is an assessment of your risk for heart disease or stroke. It is recommended that adults older than 20 to have this measured at least once every five years. However, if you pose a higher risk for these conditions, be sure to ask your doctor about the frequency at which you should have this checked.
Pap smears. This critical exam takes cells from your cervix to check for cervical cancer. It is recommended that women get a pap smear exam every three years after the age of 21. And after 30 years of age, you can get this done just once every five years if it’s combined with a screening for HPV– an STD that can lead to cervical cancer.
Mammograms. These take an x-ray image of the breast to screen for cancer. And while these are exceptionally important, there is debate over the frequency at which a woman should undergo a mammogram. That’s because while the risk for breast cancer increases with age, false positives are common with frequent screenings. However, the most recent guidelines suggest women begin at 50 years old to have a mammogram screening every two years. If you have a family history of breast cancer, though, talk to your physician about more frequent screenings.
Bone density screenings. Women are especially prone to suffering from osteoporosis. And so, they should receive a bone density test at age 65. If you display risk factors, including fractures and low body weight, then you might consider getting screened earlier. The frequency of tests should be determined by your doctor, depending on your bone density and risk factors.
Blood glucose test. After age 45, women should receive a blood glucose test every three years. This checks for diabetes and prediabetes. You might consider getting these tests done at an earlier age if you are at a particular risk for these diseases. If you are obese, have a family history of diabetes, or are a race or ethnicity that is at higher risk, you may need to have more concern for your blood glucose level. Speak with your doctor to help you plan.
Skin examination. No matter your age, the American Cancer Society recommends that women should examine their skin every month at home. Each month, be sure to check for moles or changes to existing moles. These could be early signs of skin cancer. If you have a family history of skin cancer or you are at an increased risk, it may be necessary to talk with a dermatologist about routine office visits.

We at Bernardini and Donovan aim to help you and your family members stay healthy. That’s why we encourage your routine doctor’s visits and physical exams. These will help you stay healthy and promptly get the medical attention you require. And in the instance that you need more than routine checkups, make sure that you’re adequately insured. Reach out today for assistance with your health insurance needs.

July 24, 2019August 1, 2019

4 Things You Need to Know About The 2019 Measles Outbreak

One of the most interesting health issues to resurface this year has been the Measles. Which is interesting because, in the year 2000, the United States was able to declare that the Measles had been eliminated. However, in these last six months, we have seen 1077 cases. A number that is still growing. The last time we saw these kinds of numbers was in 1992. Here is what you need to know about these recent outbreaks:

Vintage Measles on a grunge wooden panel

1. Over 26 states have reported a Measles breakout

These states include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington.

2. Small Community Centered

Most of the reported breakouts include a small number of people affected; only a couple at a time. But the most significant reported amounts are in an Orthodox Jewish Community in New York City, specifically in Rockland County. This group has been vaccine skeptic, and the measles virus has spread wildly. So much so that the mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, declared a public health emergency on April 9th. He said that anyone who has not been vaccinated within a specific zip code must get the vaccine. If they refused, they would be fined $1,000.

3. It’s an aggressive virus.

You may have the virus and not show any symptoms. A person can have it up to four days before they ever show signs, and they can easily infect another person during that time if a person who has contracted the measles were to walk into a room, cough and then leave. Hours later, an unvaccinated person could get the virus from the droplets in the air from the infected person. No other virus can do that.

4. It’s making its way into the US from tourists

Many of the outbreaks that stemmed from people that have traveled to countries where measles still is a significant problem. Outbreaks in California have originated from strains of measles found in Vietnam or Thailand. New York’s epidemic seems to come from Jerusalem. If you are traveling to another country this summer, the CDC recommends that you are up on your vaccines so that you do not contract this aggressive virus.

If more people are vaccinated, it creates what is called the herd effect. It helps the people who cannot get vaccines like small children or people or autoimmune diseases from getting the disease. If you need to check up on your vaccines, make sure to call your doctor. If you have already been vaccinated for measles, most people do not need a have the vaccine again, but if you got it before 1967, you might. Your doctor will be able to help you determine what you need as far as vaccines go.

July 11, 2019August 1, 2019

5 Tips For Your Healthiest Summer

With Summer here, its time to go out and have an adventure. It’s time to take a vacation! It’s time to live your best life!! And having that best life means not only being happy but being healthy. Here are five tips for your healthiest Summer.

Its all about that water

Our bodies need water to function! Keep your body happy and make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. If you are starting to feel a little bit hungry, that may be your first sign that you are dehydrated! Pick up a glass of water before your pick up a snack and see how you feel. Most likely, you’ll be more full and will feel better.

Eat all the colors of the rainbow

When eating its essential that your plate has a full spectrum of color to ensure that you are getting all of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that you need. This can look like a colorful salad with tomatoes, yellow peppers, carrots, and berries. Or it could be a kabob with mushrooms, red onion, bell peppers and pineapple on it. Be creative and see how many colors you can get into your meals.

Be social while you eat

It is easy to want to overeat when delicious foods surround you at parties, bbqs, and gatherings. Here are a few tips to keep your intake in check. Sit down while you eat. You’re less likely to keep eating if you’ve moved to a seated position over standing by the food. Then talk to someone while you eat. If you are talking to someone, you are eating slower and filling up more between eat a bite. If you are going out to eat, try sharing a meal. Restaurants typically have more substantial portions than what we require. Not only will you be full, but you will also save on a meal!

Smart snacking

Have a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack can help you feel fuller longer. But what you snack on matters! We suggest nuts. They are full of healthy unsaturated fats! If you want to take your snack on the go, try getting snack sized baggies. You can portion out your snacks ahead of time, and you won’t overeat so that your snack turns into a meal. If you are about to head out to a party that you know will be full of unhealthy foods, you should eat before you eat! Grabbing some fruit before a party can help fill you up before you go and gorge yourself on your mom’s potato salad.

Play outside

Use the warm summer weather to get out of the gym during your workouts. Hiking, biking, running, swimming is all an excellent way to get in exercise while outdoors. You could also choose a family-friendly activity and bring the whole family along. Nothing beats bonding with your loved ones over a shared activity. If you are on vacation, try walking to your destinations. Many places outside of the US are more walking friendly, and you will experience your vacation spot in a whole new way. You’ll be like one of the locals!

We hope that these tips have helped spur you towards your healthiest Summer yet!

June 20, 2019August 1, 2019

Know Before You Go: Quick Tips to Take Before You Travel

As you plan your summer vacation, the last thing that you plan for is to get sick. However, studies have shown that around 15% of travelers experience some medical need during their travels. It can range from accidents or injuries surrounding their exciting plans or could be that they fall sick from some foreign bug. Either way, travelers that experience these type of medical needs often have some questions about how their medical needs will be paid for. So before you go on vacation, here are a few tips to make sure that your health has a priority.

Call Your Health Provider

One of the easiest ways to find out if your health provider will pay for out of the country health benefits is to ask them! Some health policies will provide a certain amount of health coverage, but many will make you pay out of pocket and then submit for reimbursement. And if you have original Medicare, there is not international coverage. You will want to make sure that you are asking the following questions:
- Will my policy cover me while I travel abroad?
- Will I have to submit for a reimbursement
- Will my coverage include preexisting conditions
- Ask about injuries that are due to circumstances outside of your control, such as acts of war, natural disaster, or acts of terror?
- Will preauthorization be needed for treatment in a hospital?
Get a Quote for Travel Medical Insurance

This type of insurance is different than travel insurance because it focuses on your medical care or you need for evacuation instead of trip cancellation. If you should get injured or sick while on a trip, it helps to pay for your medical needs, and if you were to get injured in a remote area where you could not receive proper medical care, it would cover the cost of the evacuation to get to an appropriate hospital. Many types of travel insurance also include this aspect, so make sure that you are looking at precisely what is covered when you purchase it. It will usually cost you to 4-8% of what you have paid to go on your trip.
Don’t take unnecessary risks

While we understand that for some, going on an adventure is part of their vacation, it is important that you are not signing up for an unsafe situation. Many times accidents that happen while on vacation are simply that, accidents. A person trips while walking on cobblestones or one may be involved in a car accident. These are all very normal if not unfortunate circumstances. But if you are signing up for an experience, make sure you are working with a reputable company that complies with basic safety standards.

We hope that your summer vacations are full of fun and excitement and that sickness and injury stay far away. But if you should get ill, we hope that you’ve taken these tips to heart and covered yourself for any travel mishaps that you may encounter.

June 12, 2019August 1, 2019

Summer Sun Skin: 5 Ways to Protect Your Skin This Summer

Summer brings so many good things for us! Time off from school, family vacations, beach trips, warm weather and lots and lots of sunshine! But while you are partaking in soaking up these rays, it is essential to think about how to protect your skin. Your skin can go through some severe damage during this season. So here are fives ways to protect your skin this summer!

Drink Water

When the temperatures rise your body sweats and lose hydration. On top of that, your skin is made up of 64% water. So when you are not drinking enough water, it can show! It can also lead to headaches and itchy patches on your skin. So it is essential that you are keeping your body well hydrated with eight glasses of water a day.
Sun protection is key

One of the most significant issues with too much sun exposure is skin cancer, and one of the easiest ways to avoid this is to wear sunscreen. Anything over SPF 30 will block out about 97% of the UV rays. You will want to make sure that you are covering any part of your skin that will be in the sun and then reapply every two hours. If you are swimming or sweating you may want to apply more often. But sunscreen is not the only way to protect yourself from the sun. You can also cover up with clothing. Light long sleeves and pants and a wide-brimmed hat can do wonders to keep you from getting sunburned. You may also want to seek out shade. Some choose to carry an umbrella with them for a little extra protection against the sun.
Exfoliate

During the summer months, your skin experiences a lot and needs to be exfoliated. Between sweat, sunscreen, and other elements, your skin can be easily clogged and can lead to acne and breakouts. Regular exfoliation and washing allows your pores to breath and makes for happier skin.
Feed your skin

The saying you are what you eat holds some weight here. Your skin reacts to what you are eating, and if you are not feeding yourself good, nutritious foods, your skin is one of the first telltale signs. But eating foods that vary in all the colors of the rainbow can help your skin can help protect your skin from outside elements while also giving you a healthy glow.
Quit Smoking

Smoking has many adverse side effects, but on top of those havoc-wreaking consequences, it also hurts your complexion.
There are plenty of reasons other than your skin health to give cigarettes the boot—like an increased risk of lung cancer—but all those packs also wreak havoc on your complexion. Smoking causes the small elastic fibers and collagen in your skin to be damaged and over a period that leads to wrinkles in your skin. Smoking makes you age much faster than the average person would. So this summer, put down your tobacco use for good.

We hope that this list has given you a few helpful tips and tricks to keep your skin happy this summer. We know that it is easy to be excited for beach days and warm vacation spots, but taking care of your skin today will have lasting benefits for the rest of your life.

There are plenty of reasons other than your skin health to give cigarettes the boot—like an increased risk of lung cancer—but all those packs also wreak havoc on your complexion. Smoking causes the small elastic fibers and collagen in your skin to be damaged and over a period that leads to wrinkles in your skin. Smoking makes you age much faster than the average person would. So this summer, put down your tobacco use for good.

We hope that this list has given you a few helpful tips and tricks to keep your skin happy this summer. We know that it is easy to be excited for beach days and warm vacation spots, but taking care of your skin today will have lasting benefits for the rest of your life.

November 16, 2018

Your Healthcare Options Part 1

What Are Your Healthcare Options?

If you are over or close to the age of 65, Medicare is something that you might be utilizing or thinking about using. If you are in that boat, then it is essential to know your open enrollment times. If you are looking to go with the Medicare Advantage Plan, open enrollment is upon us.

Recipients of Medicare have a choice between the Medicare Advantage Plan or the Medicare Supplement Plan which is like a PPO plan. The difference between the two is that in the Advantage plan you will pick a primary care physician who will direct your care. They are known as the gatekeeper. If you need to see any specialist, they will provide a referral for that. Under a PPO contract, you have the flexibility to direct your care. You do not have a primary care physician, and you have a choice of any doctor in your provider network. This option does have a higher cost in comparison to the Medicare Advantage Plan so we often see people in this area choose the Advantage Plan and it works well for them. Many doctors prefer this plan over the PPO option, as well, because there are Medicare Reporting standards that they are held to and it is easier to capture that data on this particular plan.

The Medicare Advantage plans and Part D have open enrollment starting on October 15 and ending on December 7. So if someone has original Medicare and purchases a drug plan without any other supplemental coverage that is the time that they can change their drug plan because Medicare by itself does not cover medication.

At Bernardini & Donovan, we work very closely with a majority of our clients who utilize the Medicare Advantage Plan. If that is something that you know that you want to look into, there is no one better for you talk to than us. Our years of experience allow us to help you plan and see how you can have the low cost of the Advantage Plan while having the best possible health care available to you. Please feel free to call us today to set up an appointment if you have questions.

July 22, 2017July 28, 2017

The Power of Giving

One can find many quotes about giving:

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of other.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Or maybe you’ve heard this one:

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

The fact of the matter is that giving changes something inside of us and changes the world around us. But how can this one simple act create that much change?

Scientists have started to study the biological changes in humans through the act of giving. Darwin’s survival of the fittest would initially lead one to believe that as humans we are not intrinsically designed to give or nurture. But that is not the case. Studies have shown that when a person gives their money willingly that the prefrontal cortex of the brain lights up. It is the same region that is engaged when we experience pleasure from food or relationship. Their studies showed that our brains are hardwired to respond to this very basic concept.

There are also examples and bountiful testimonies of people who experIenced emotional changes in their lives when they started giving financially. They describe it as before they started giving they were reinforcing the idea that they never had enough, that they must continue to strive for more. But in the act of giving they not only found peace in their circumstances, but they also had a better view of money and were able to grow their wealth as well as their physical health.

At Bernardini & Donovan, we are always looking for ways to grow in our appreciation of all that we have been given. We know that looking beyond ourselves is vital to be a greater service to others. We hope to help our community not only through our service but by giving back to the countless others who have helped us and giving to those who are in need.

MINERAL: SIMPLIFYING HR AND COMPLIANCE

MINERAL’S RESOURCE CENTER: RECENT CHANGES & UPDATES

IN SUMMARY: MAKE SURE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS IS COMPLIANT WITH HR POLICIES

HOME HEALTH CARE NEEDS & BENEFITS

WHO QUALIFIES FOR MEDICARE HOME HEALTH & DOES HOW MEDICARE PAY FOR THE SERVICES

HOW TO FIND AND COMPARE HOME HEALTH AGENCIES

Do research to specialize your health coverage plan to your needs

The main benefit of going through your employer for health insurance plans

For the best decision, be aware of past treatment trends

Comparing common plans to start

Maintaining one’s good health takes commitment to a few critical habits.

Seven health screenings to prioritize:

1. Over 26 states have reported a Measles breakout

2. Small Community Centered

3. It’s an aggressive virus.

4. It’s making its way into the US from tourists

Its all about that water

Eat all the colors of the rainbow

Be social while you eat

Smart snacking

Play outside

Call Your Health Provider

Get a Quote for Travel Medical Insurance

Don’t take unnecessary risks

Drink Water

Sun protection is key

Exfoliate

Feed your skin

Quit Smoking

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