Newsletter	December 2009

Topics in this Issue...

• Just a Reminder... Medicare Annual Election Period is Now!
  If you are a Medicare beneficiary and are contemplating enrolling in a Medicare Advantage health plan, you only have until December 31st.
  


• Getting Ready For Medicare in 2010?
  Turning 65 sometime soon? Sign up for one of our upcoming complimentary Medicare informational meetings.
  
  
• The Eating Season
  It began with Thanksgiving last month and used to end with New Year's Day. Now the eating season has been extended through Superbowl Sunday.
  Learn how to keep it in check.
  
  
• December Holiday Hours
  Our Urgent Care offices will be open through out the holidays for
  urgent "can't wait" medical issues.

Medicare Annual Election Period is Now!

If you are a beneficiary of Medicare and are contemplating enrolling in a Medicare Advantage health plan, you only have until December 31st.

As a Medicare participant you may have found that Medicare does not meet all your healthcare needs and can have lots of "out-of-pocket" expenses. That's where you can benefit from a Medicare Advantage health plan. They are able to offer you more benefits at lower costs. You may want to consider enrolling in a plan before the election period ends.

If you miss this Annual Election Period, you will be locked into your choice until the end of 2010 (with a few exceptions).

Why join a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Probably the biggest reason is: Advantage Plans provide much more than traditional Medicare. All plans offer:

• No or Minimal co-pays for physician visits, as opposed to 20% of the visit cost
• No monthly health plan premiums
• No annual health plan deductibles
• Hospitalization covered at a substantial savings
• Enhanced prescription drug program included at no additional cost
• You can still keep your Bristol Park Medical Group doctor after joining
  one of our accepted plans.

SCAN Health Plan

• Classic Plan
• Options Plan

• Health Net Healthy Heart I
• Health Net Seniority Plus - Ruby
• Health Net Seniority Plus - Green
• Health Net Seniority Plus - Amber 1
• Health Net Seniority Plus - Amber 2

• AARP MedicareComplete Plan 1
• AARP MedicareComplete Plan 2 - New for 2010
• AARP MedicareComplete Value
• AARP MedicareComplete Essential
• Evercare MH Plan
• Evercare DH Plan (Medicare/Medi-Cal)

• Medicare/Medi-Cal

If you are considering switching from traditional Medicare to
an Advantage plan, act now!

Getting Ready For Medicare in 2010?

Turning 65 sometime soon? Sign up for one of our upcoming complimentary Medicare informational meetings.

Become an informed consumer...

For those of you who will be celebrating your 65th birthday, we invite you to one of our free Medicare informational meetings. Come listen to Medicare expert Frank Van Nostrand, Public Affairs Specialist from the Social Security Administration as he discusses items such as:

• How Medicare works, what it does/doesn't cover, and what it costs
• How the Medicare Part D drug coverage works
• How Medicare Advantage plans can help you get more comprehensive coverage
• Enrollment timeframe and penalties
• And much more!

The Eating Season

It began with Thanksgiving last month and used to end with New Year's Day. Now the eating season has been extended through Superbowl Sunday. Do you know how many calories you generally consume on a regular day? For most people it is usually around 2,000 to 2,500. However, studies show the average Thanksgiving participant consumes between 5,000 to 7,000 calories at that one meal. That's practically double to triple the amount of calories in one meal!

Here are some tips for running the holiday food gauntlet.

1. Everything in moderation. You've heard that a million times, but it is true. If you want to try everything, then make a conscious decision to take smaller amounts. Or only eat half of each item on your plate. Don't feel guilty about not cleaning your plate. That's what plastic containers were made for.
2. Never go to a party or event hungry. Eat something healthy or full of protein like chicken, fruit, yogurt, or cottage cheese prior to going. It will help you feel not as hungry, which will help with the temptation to overeat.
3. Don't be a martyr. If you know Aunt Betty is likely to bring her "everybody's favorite, to die for, super secret recipe, signature" pie for dessert, don't deny yourself and then overcompensate by eating something else. Sacrifice something else to make a place for this once a year treat.
4. Familiarity may breed contempt, but proximity to the buffet table breeds nibblers. Find a place to sit far from the temptation of the buffet table.
5. Take time to stop and smell the food Plan to spread out the courses over a period of time. Maybe put visiting or play time in between. Eat slowly. Make the one plate of food last for most of the party.
6. Watch out for the calories in alcohol, mixed cocktails, and sugar-laden soft drinks. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
7. Be part of the solution. If you're preparing all or a portion of the holiday goodies, look for ways you can reduce the fat in recipes; or offer low
   or non-fat alternatives to higher calorie salad dressings, whipped
   creams, eggnog, etc.
8. Don't compound the problem with fast food. When you're on the run during the holidays, it may be convenient, but it is also usually high in fat.
9. Keep physical activity on the daily menu. Take a walk everyday or maintain your normal exercise routine.
10. If you haven't already lost the weight, don't start a diet during the holidays. You're more likely to fail. Make the goal not to gain weight during that time.

December Holiday Hours

All Bristol Park Medical Group appointment medical offices and the Business Office will be closed at noon on Thursdays, December 24 and 31, and closed all day on Fridays, December 25 and January 1.

Urgent Care offices in Fountain Valley and Mission Viejo will be open 9am to 5pm on the Thursdays, December 24 and 31, Fridays, December 25 and January 1, and the Saturdays and Sundays following the holidays.