Grocery cards, gas money, golf lessons: Medicare Advantage plans stretch limits
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GDP Script/ Top Stories for Jan 2nd\\xa0
\\nPublish Date:\\xa0 Dec 30th
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\\nHENSSLER 15
\\nFrom the Henssler Financial Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
\\nToday is Tuesday, January 2nd and Happy 55th Birthday to actor Cuba Good Jr.
\\n*** 01.02.24 - BIRTHDAY - CUBA GOODING JR***
\\nI\\u2019m Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Kia Mall of Georgia.
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- Grocery cards, gas money, golf lessons: Medicare Advantage plans stretch limits \\n
- Clear Subscribers Face Longer Wait Times Than TSA Precheck, Highlighting New Challenges in Air Travel Industry \\n
- Running Red Lights in Georgia Could Cost You up to $1,000, Warns State Law Enforcement \\n
Plus, my conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on plant-based meats.
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\\nAll of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!
\\nBreak 1: MOG
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\\nSTORY 1:
\\nMedicare Advantage plans continue to draw in elderly enrollees by offering appealing incentives such as grocery cards and even golf lessons. Supporters of these incentives argue that they foster healthier lifestyles, whereas critics express concerns that they may serve as a facade for less-than-stellar coverage. These incentives have become a significant factor in the promotion of these plans. Despite the conclusion of the open enrollment period, beneficiaries have another opportunity from January 1st to March 31st to switch their plans. This discussion delves into the intricate web of insurance options available to seniors, cautioning them to stay focused on the essential aspects of their plans amidst the allure of these perks. It also tackles the issue of measuring the effectiveness of these incentives in enhancing health outcomes, a task which presents its own set of challenges. In 2023, more than half (51%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, according to Kaiser Family Foundation. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of these plans offer financial assistance for food and produce, as reported by Axios.
\\nSTORY 2:
\\nThe air travel industry is facing a new challenge that\'s affecting even those who\'ve paid for convenience. Travelers who\'ve subscribed to Clear, an annual $189 private program designed to expedite airport security checks via biometric identity verification, are finding themselves in line behind members of the less expensive TSA Precheck program, which costs $78 for five years. A surge in enrollment for both programs, combined with the introduction of more time-consuming 3-D luggage scanning machines and overall staffing shortages at airports, has resulted in longer wait times. Unfortunately, this means that Clear, despite its advanced technology, can sometimes be slower than TSA Precheck. Travelers are now left navigating a complex choice about which security line to choose, making their airport experience less streamlined than they\'d hoped. This latest challenge highlights the ongoing issues in the aviation industry as it grapples with adapting to new technologies, increasing passenger numbers, and managing operational logistics.
\\nSTORY 3:
\\nIn Georgia, even if a red light is taking too long to turn green, drivers must not run it. Disobeying this rule is considered a misdemeanor and can result in a fine. A maximum $70 fine applies if caught on camera, but fines can increase to $158 if pulled over without previous points on the license. Repeated violations can lead to a $1,000 fine and three points added to the license. If a traffic light is malfunctioning, it should be treated as a flashing red or yellow light, and drivers should proceed safely. A completely broken traffic light should be treated as a four-way stop. Drivers are advised to report malfunctioning lights to the city or the police department\'s non-emergency line.
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\\nWe have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.
\\nWe\\u2019ll be right back
\\nBreak 2: TOM WAGES \\u2013 INGLES 10
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\\nSTORY 4: Senior Facilities
\\nA significant change is looming over Georgia\'s assisted living and personal care homes. State officials are contemplating a rollback of staffing requirements, a move which has sparked apprehension among advocates for the elderly who worry about potential safety compromises.
\\nThis comes after Rep. Sharon Cooper addressed neglect and abuse issues in 2020, leading to an increase in staffing levels. Yet, the Georgia Senior Living Association is now advocating for a relaxation of these requirements. The proposed changes include a reduction in staff numbers in memory care units, a move that critics argue could negatively affect the quality of care provided.
\\nThe public comment period on this critical issue remains open until today, with a virtual meeting held on December 11th to further discuss the matter. It\'s a pivotal time for the senior care sector in Georgia, as these decisions could significantly impact the lives of those residing in these facilities.
\\nSTORY 5: Streaming price increases
\\nMajor alterations are on the horizon for Amazon Prime Video, starting January 29th. Brace yourself for the introduction of commercials during your beloved TV shows and films as Amazon Prime Video follows in the footsteps of other streaming platforms by offering different subscription levels. Prime members will have the option to select an ad-free tier priced at $2.99 per month in the U.S., ensuring a seamless streaming experience. This move comes as Disney recently increased their ad-free Disney+ subscription rate to $13.99/month, while Netflix\'s ad-free plan stands at $15.49/month. However, Amazon reassures us that there will be no amendments to the Prime membership cost in the upcoming year.
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\\nWe\\u2019ll be back in a moment.
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\\nBreak 3: ESOG \\u2013 DTL
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\\nSTORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH
\\nAnd now here is my conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on superfoods.
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\\nSTORY 7: LEAH MCGRATH
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\\nWe\\u2019ll have final thoughts after this.
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\\nBreak 4: Henssler 60
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\\nSignoff \\u2013
\\nThanks again for hanging out with us on today\\u2019s Gwinnett Daily Post podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at Gwinnettdailypost.com.
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\\nProduced by the BG Podcast Network
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