Vol. 127, No. 11
INSIDE Hurricane Relief Donation ➤ Pg. 2
Medicare News ➤ Pg. 4-6
Lodge News ➤ Pg. 12-22
hermannsonslife.org
November 2024
Hermann Sons Life offers Medicare By TERESA SAATHOFF Vice President of Sales SAN ANTONIO – In addition to life insurance and annuities, Hermann Sons Life is excited to offer Medicare to our members. We have experienced Medicare Agents onboard that can help navigate the complexities of Medicare coverage. Whether you are new to Medicare or need help reviewing and adjusting your existing plan, our Medicare Agents are ready to assist you. Our Hermann Sons Life Medicare agents can help explain the different options along with what is covered and what is not covered. Our agents can help you compare multiple plan options based on your healthcare needs, prescription drugs, preferred doctors and hospitals and budget. ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (AEP) The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) began on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can review and make changes to their existing coverage, including Medicare (Part C) and Medicare Prescriptions Drug Plans (Part D). Here are some important reasons why it is important to review your existing
Medicare plan during AEP. 1. Plan Changes for the Upcoming Year: Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change benefits, premiums, copayments and formularies each year. Review Annual Notices: a. Changes in coverage: Some services or drugs you need may no longer be covered, or the plan may change the healthcare providers and pharmacies that are in-network. b. Cost changes: Premiums, deductibles, and copayments could increase, affecting your out-of-pockets expenses. c. Formulary adjustments: Medications covered by your prescription drug plan may change, with drugs added or removed, or tier changes that could impact
your costs. 2. Changes in Your Healthcare Needs Your personal healthcare needs may have changed over the past year. Reviewing your plan allows you to ensure it still meets your needs: a. New diagnoses or condition requiring ongoing treatment. b. Changes in medication that may require checking whether your prescriptions are covered or if there is a more affordable option. c. The need or new benefits like dental, vision, or hearing, which might be available 3. Availability of New Plans or Better Options Each year, new plans might become available in your area, or existing plans could offer better benefits. By comparing options during AEP, you can: a. Find a plan with lower premiums or copays. b. Choose a plan with expanded benefits, such as telehealth, transportation, or wellness programs. c. Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa depending on your health needs and budget. See HSL, Pg. 6
Opt-in request now required to receive newspaper SAN ANTONIO – Many of our members have indicated they no longer want to receive the printed copy of the Hermann Sons Life Newspaper by mail. Many read it on the Hermann Sons Life website, through our Facebook page or by the email option. By the time it is received in the mail, members say it is often thrown in the trash. To be more ecologically responsible and less wasteful, the Home Office is requiring members who want to continue to receive the mailed copy of the newspaper to opt-in.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, the mailed newspaper request on all members’ policies will be reset. We understand that there are many members who do enjoy reading the printed version of the newspaper and we are happy to continue mailing it to them at their request. There is no need to reach out to us again if you have already opted in. To continue to receive the newspaper by mail, call 210-226-9261 ext. 325 or 1-800-234-4124 ext. 325 or email: optin@hermannsonslife.org