PSA 2 AAA HICAP Redding

11/21/2025

11/18/2025

🎃 Grandma’s Punkin Pie

The holidays have a way of bringing back the smell of Grandma’s kitchen, warm spices, sweet punkin pie, and the love that wrapped around every gathering.

As Ombudsmen, we’re reminded this time of year that many seniors carry these same treasured memories. A simple conversation about a recipe or a holiday tradition can brighten their day and help them feel seen, heard, and valued.

Cinnamon, clove, a buttery crust… and one secret ingredient Grandma always added: joy.

Let’s share that same joy with the seniors in our care, through presence, patience, and listening with heart. 🧡🥧

11/18/2025

🎄💛 From Your Local Ombudsman: Supporting Seniors During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and tradition, but for many seniors in long-term care, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, loss, or confusion amid all the activity.

As Ombudsmen, we are honored to stand beside residents, making sure their voices are heard and their rights are protected, especially during this busy time of year.

✨ Here’s how we can all help support seniors this season:

Visit when you can. A short conversation or shared memory can brighten an entire week.

Include them. Ask about their traditions, their favorite songs, or holiday memories.

Be patient and gentle. The holidays can be overwhelming for some residents; calm reassurance goes a long way.

Watch for changes. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts and speak up. Advocating for their wellbeing is a gift in itself.

This season, let’s bring the light of compassion, dignity, and kindness into every care setting. Our seniors deserve nothing less. 💛

If you ever have concerns about a resident’s care, rights, or quality of life, your local Ombudsman is here to help, confidentially and without judgment.

Wishing everyone peace, comfort, and meaningful connection this holiday season. 🎄✨

10/30/2025

https://www.kff.org/medicare/the-role-of-ships-in-helping-people-with-medicare-navigate-their-coverage/

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free counseling to help millions of Medicare beneficiaries make decisions about coverage. However, federal funding has been modest over the last decade, and federal administration of the program appears to be in transition.

10/27/2025

https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollees-have-access-to-about-half-of-the-physicians-available-to-traditional-medicare-beneficiaries/?utm_campaign=KFF-Medicare&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_vNWCwnEaf-icMeG3xRpyssGTpRct7ZCBKwZIUpBIqqDbyc0en1w1FXpWMDjHgJNVYlokok2RESfxts7CnxwreJwFjjw&_hsmi=387023554&utm_content=387023554&utm_source=hs_email

Medicare Advantage enrollees were in a plan that included just under half (48%) of all physicians available to traditional Medicare beneficiaries in their area in 2022, on average. The limitations of provider networks illustrate one of the key tradeoffs for beneficiaries in choosing Medicare Advanta...

10/22/2025

7 things to know about Medigap

A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage Plan, and policies don’t cover prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage Plans bundle your Hospital (Part A), Medical (Part B), and usually drug coverage (Part D) into one plan. Most Medicare Advantage Plans also offer extra benefits that Medicare doesn’t cover, like vision, hearing, dental, and more.
A Medigap policy helps lower your share of costs for approved Part A and Part B services when you have Original Medicare. If you want drug coverage, you can join a Drug Plan (Part D) in addition to buying a Medigap policy.

Compare ways to get coverage

Medigap only works with Original Medicare. Medicare pays its share of the approved service, and then your Medigap policy helps pay your share. You can’t get a Medigap policy if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, unless you switch back to Original Medicare.
Generally, you need Medicare Part A and Part B to buy and keep a policy.
The best time to get a policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It’s the 6-month period that starts the month you turn 65 and you first have Medicare Part A and Part B. During this time, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, even if you have health problems.
If you’re under 65, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or you may have to pay more.

After your Medigap Open Enrollment Period ends, you may not be able to buy a policy. If you're able to buy one or want to switch policies later, it may cost more.
You may have Medigap protections, called guaranteed issue rights, in certain situations when insurance companies must offer you certain Medigap policies.

There are 10 standardized plans. Each plan offers different levels for how much of your costs they’ll pay for. They’re named by letter, like Plan A, and Plan B. Not all plans are offered in every state.
If you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, your state offers different standardized plans.

You'll keep your policy, even if you have health problems, as long as you pay your Medigap policy and Part B premiums.

10/21/2025

Fall is the time when many people choose what health care coverage they will have in the coming year, and Medicare is no exception. From October 15 to December 7, people with Medicare can choose to retain their current coverage or make a switch. Options include switching from Original Medicare to Me...

10/21/2025

I have been looking into Medicare Advantage Plans. There are so many options with extra coverage that seem too good to be true. I want to make sure I understand what’s being covered and pick a plan that’s right for me. What questions should I ask about supplemental benefits before signing up for...