The Open Enrollment for Medicare is now underway, and it is the time for those enrolled in Medicare to do a little research and decide if they need to make any changes in their current plans. The open enrollment period for Medicare ends Dec. 7.
Lisa Barker is the Northeast regional manager for SHIIP – Seniors Health Insurance Information Program – a consumer information division of the N.C. Department of Insurance. Barker told WIZS recently that there are SHIIP coordinators in each of the state’s 100 counties. Theirs is an assist-only mode, however.
“We are not insurance agents and we don’t sell insurance,” Barker said, but they can help people compare plans and help to navigate through an insurance system that can seem complicated at times.
Rather, SHIIP counselors assist people who do receive Medicare with questions they may have, whether it’s Medicare, Medicare Part B, supplements or understanding long-term care insurance.
With 2.3 million Medicare beneficiaries in the state, Barker said it’s important to understand that it’s important to review plans and coverage each year. Here is a list of phone numbers for coordinating sites in the four-county area:
- Vance County – 252.430.0257
- Granville County – 919.693.1930
- Warren County – 252.257-3111
- Franklin County – 919.496.1131
By sitting down with a SHIIP counselor, Barker said individuals can review their current medications and physicians to make sure they don’t need to switch to a different plan.
“Medicare beneficiaries can compare all the plans and determine if they want to switch for the new year,” she explained.
“We can assist enrolling them in a new plan,” Barker continued. “Even if they’re happy with their current plan, it’s just a good idea to come in and talk – just so you know your money is being spent in the best way possible.”
Changes must be made by Dec. 7 to guarantee coverage continues without interruption on Jan. 1, 2023.
“Medicare plans and prices change, N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said. “It is important for Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the Open Enrollment period by contacting local SHIIP counselors to save money, improve your coverage or both.”
Make sure you contact your local SHIIP counselor before deciding about coverage because you may be able to receive more affordable and better Medicare health and/or drug plan options in your area. For example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, there may be another plan in your area that covers your health care and/or drugs at a better price.
Barker said she’s been involved in SHIIP in one way or another since 1998. She recalled an older couple who came to her a few years ago to review their plans. Plans had changed since they were initially enrolled in Medicaid, and their monthly premiums were going from $17 to $60.
Upon review of medications and copays, Barker said, the couple could continue with their current plan, but it would be much more expensive. Barker helped them find a new plan, which saved them more than $6,000 a year – and had lower copays.
“I tell this story often because, for them, it comes down to the cost of insurance versus food and electricity…the hugs from them and the relief on their face was priceless,” she added.
Making an appointment with a SHIIP counselor is one way to stay updated and educated on the changes in Medicare and the all the other pieces of the insurance puzzle.
But Barker cautioned individuals about sharing their personal information with others who claim to be working on your behalf, but who may really be trying to gain that personal information to be used in fraudulent ways.
“You want to make sure you’re protecting yourself,” she said. “If they’re asking you for too much personal identifying information,” be wary.
“The North Carolina Department of Insurance or SHIIP is never going to go door-to-door asking for information,” she said. Make sure you’re not giving out that information to someone who contacts you – whether by phone, personal visit, email, text or other written correspondence.
“If you have questions about something you received that is questionable, that’s a really good time to reach out to SHIIP, 855.408.1212.
Roughly $68 billion is lost each year to Medicare fraud.
Individuals also should regularly review their Medicare Summary Notices to verify that all charged listed are actually for the services that were provided by your healthcare professionals. Ask questions if you think something looks suspicious. It doesn’t hurt to question a charge. Also, simple mistakes can happen. When typing the number 10 someone could accidently hit the zero a second time and make the charge 100. SHIIP can help individuals file a Medicare fraud claim.
Visit www.ncshiip.com to learn more.
Bridgestone Bandag Gets $450,000 Reuse Grant For Expansion Project
/by WIZS StaffInformation courtesy of Terry Hobgood, Granville County public information officer
The North Carolina Department of Commerce has announced the award of a Building Reuse Grant in the Existing Building category to Bridgestone Bandag, LLC of Oxford. A $450,000 grant will support the renovation of a 225,000 square-foot building. Bridgestone Bandag will invest $1,623,990 into the project that will create 61 new jobs in Granville County.
“Granville County is excited to assist a longstanding industry like Bridgestone Bandag in receiving this Building Reuse Grant,” said Economic Development Director Harry Mills. “Granville’s Economic Development Office is ready and able to assist our existing industries with opportunities like this that help expand and solidify their presence in our community. Bridgestone Bandag is showing their commitment to Granville County with this major investment, and we are equally committed to helping them succeed.”
“Investments in rural North Carolina have a positive impact on our state’s overall success,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This grant helps communities like Granville County create good jobs, improve the quality of life of their residents and boost the local economy.”
“I’m especially proud to see this latest spur of new businesses and job creation in North Carolina’s rural communities like Granville County,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Building Reuse grants help local governments revive buildings in their communities that allow them to take center stage in North Carolina’s economic development wins.”
The North Carolina Building Reuse Program provides grants to local governments to renovate and/or expand vacant buildings or buildings currently occupied by existing companies that will lead to the creation of new jobs in rural counties categorized as Tier 1 or Tier 2. Granville is a Tier 2 county.
Bridgestone Bandag is a manufacturer of tread rubber used for premium retreaded tires at their location on West Industry Dr. in Oxford. For more information, visit their website: https://www.bandag.com/en-us/index
TownTalk: Preparing For Open Enrollment For Medicare
/by WIZS StaffThe Open Enrollment for Medicare is now underway, and it is the time for those enrolled in Medicare to do a little research and decide if they need to make any changes in their current plans. The open enrollment period for Medicare ends Dec. 7.
Lisa Barker is the Northeast regional manager for SHIIP – Seniors Health Insurance Information Program – a consumer information division of the N.C. Department of Insurance. Barker told WIZS recently that there are SHIIP coordinators in each of the state’s 100 counties. Theirs is an assist-only mode, however.
“We are not insurance agents and we don’t sell insurance,” Barker said, but they can help people compare plans and help to navigate through an insurance system that can seem complicated at times.
Rather, SHIIP counselors assist people who do receive Medicare with questions they may have, whether it’s Medicare, Medicare Part B, supplements or understanding long-term care insurance.
With 2.3 million Medicare beneficiaries in the state, Barker said it’s important to understand that it’s important to review plans and coverage each year. Here is a list of phone numbers for coordinating sites in the four-county area:
By sitting down with a SHIIP counselor, Barker said individuals can review their current medications and physicians to make sure they don’t need to switch to a different plan.
“Medicare beneficiaries can compare all the plans and determine if they want to switch for the new year,” she explained.
“We can assist enrolling them in a new plan,” Barker continued. “Even if they’re happy with their current plan, it’s just a good idea to come in and talk – just so you know your money is being spent in the best way possible.”
Changes must be made by Dec. 7 to guarantee coverage continues without interruption on Jan. 1, 2023.
“Medicare plans and prices change, N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said. “It is important for Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the Open Enrollment period by contacting local SHIIP counselors to save money, improve your coverage or both.”
Make sure you contact your local SHIIP counselor before deciding about coverage because you may be able to receive more affordable and better Medicare health and/or drug plan options in your area. For example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, there may be another plan in your area that covers your health care and/or drugs at a better price.
Barker said she’s been involved in SHIIP in one way or another since 1998. She recalled an older couple who came to her a few years ago to review their plans. Plans had changed since they were initially enrolled in Medicaid, and their monthly premiums were going from $17 to $60.
Upon review of medications and copays, Barker said, the couple could continue with their current plan, but it would be much more expensive. Barker helped them find a new plan, which saved them more than $6,000 a year – and had lower copays.
“I tell this story often because, for them, it comes down to the cost of insurance versus food and electricity…the hugs from them and the relief on their face was priceless,” she added.
Making an appointment with a SHIIP counselor is one way to stay updated and educated on the changes in Medicare and the all the other pieces of the insurance puzzle.
But Barker cautioned individuals about sharing their personal information with others who claim to be working on your behalf, but who may really be trying to gain that personal information to be used in fraudulent ways.
“You want to make sure you’re protecting yourself,” she said. “If they’re asking you for too much personal identifying information,” be wary.
“The North Carolina Department of Insurance or SHIIP is never going to go door-to-door asking for information,” she said. Make sure you’re not giving out that information to someone who contacts you – whether by phone, personal visit, email, text or other written correspondence.
“If you have questions about something you received that is questionable, that’s a really good time to reach out to SHIIP, 855.408.1212.
Roughly $68 billion is lost each year to Medicare fraud.
Individuals also should regularly review their Medicare Summary Notices to verify that all charged listed are actually for the services that were provided by your healthcare professionals. Ask questions if you think something looks suspicious. It doesn’t hurt to question a charge. Also, simple mistakes can happen. When typing the number 10 someone could accidently hit the zero a second time and make the charge 100. SHIIP can help individuals file a Medicare fraud claim.
Visit www.ncshiip.com to learn more.
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 11-02-22 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
Home and Garden Show
/by Bill HarrisOn the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.
Click Play!
SportsTalk: Remembering Eddie Hicks
/by WIZS StaffDoc Ayscue, George Hoyle and John Rose remember Eddie Hicks, Vance County sports legend and community advocate who died on Monday.
Click Play Below
Alyssa Blair Named Oxford Downtown Development Director
/by WIZS StaffAlyssa Blair has been selected to be Oxford’s downtown development director.
Blair is a familiar name and face in city government – she has been Oxford’s communications specialist since September 2019, according to information from City Manager M. Alan Thornton.
An Oxford native, Blair said she looks forward to her new role.
“I am excited to serve the city of Oxford in this capacity and look forward to working with all city departments and the community for the betterment of Oxford,” she said in a press statement issued last week.
Over the past year, Blair has worked closely with officials of Main Street North Carolina and the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation, Thornton said, and she has been “a crucial factor in Oxford’s continued presence in the Main Street program,” he said.
Thornton said there was a strong field of candidates, and Blair “rose to the top” during the hiring process.
Blair has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and conflict management UNC-Greensboro and has earned two master’s degrees – one from UNC-G and one from the University of Konstanz in Germany.
Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from the UNC School of Government and has completed additional various courses and training in communications and development.
In addition to her time with the City of Oxford, Blair has worked for Special Olympics North Carolina in volunteer engagement and currently sits on the North Carolina City and County Communicators (NC3C) Board. Outside of the office, Ms. Blair enjoys being with her family and her dogs, traveling, has several artistic passions, and likes to volunteer when possible.
Fall Bazaar, Country Breakfast Saturday At First United Methodist Church
/by WIZS StaffThe United Women in Faith will host their Fabulous Fall Bazaar, Country Sausage Breakfast and Tag Sale this Saturday, Nov. 5 at First United Methodist Church, 114 Church St.
Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., but that’s just the tip of the iceberg for the event. The bazaar and tag sale runs from 7 a.m. to 12 noon in the fellowship hall and fellowship building of the church.
Breakfast is $8 and includes a full country breakfast – sausage, scrambled eggs, grits, biscuits, coffee and juice. Tickets available now from church members and at the door.
The breakfast and bazaar will be in the fellowship hall.
The bazaar will have cakes, pies, homemade frozen foods, crafts and a silent auction. The Country Store will be stocked with home-preserved food items.
The UWF Tag Sale Shop will display vintage/antique furniture, rugs, framed prints, glassware, china, silver, gift-quality accessories and holiday décor. The shop is located on the first and second floors of the education building.
Proceeds support local and global mission ministries.
Come to enjoy the food and fellowship and to kick off a fun holiday season!
TownTalk: Local Heroes To Be Honored Through Food And Fellowship
/by Laura GabelThis Saturday, Amanda Riggan and a team of helpers and volunteers is hosting a Hungry Heroes event to celebrate first responders and military veterans.
Hungry Heroes is Riggan’s brainchild that she started a few years ago as a way to show support after the tragic death of a law enforcement officer in her community.
But all her family is from right here in Henderson, so Riggan told John C. Rose Tuesday that hosting an event here at the Vance County Rescue Squad was an easy decision to make.
The goal is 500 plates of Hungry Heroes BBQ and all the fixin’s. First responders and veterans enjoy a free meal, and the public is invited to come in and eat for a donation of $10.
Members of the rescue squad have done a lot of the legwork for Saturday’s event, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the rescue squad, 1735 Maynard Rd.
Riggan said that the local community has really stepped up to the plate. “People want to give back and help,” she said.
In addition to the food, there will be two bouncy houses for children to enjoy, a Kona Ice truck, as well as numerous items that will be raffled, including a Traeger Pro 34 grill, a Yeti cooler and a BBQ gift basket.
She’s also bringing new Hungry Heroes-branded clothing, from hats to hooded sweatshirts.
It will be a fun event for the whole family, but Riggan said she hopes that folks just take a moment “to sit down and see the men and women behind the badge” and to let them know that “we relate to them and appreciate them.”
Click Play
TownTalk: Webb Boosters Raise Funds, Brick By Brick
/by Laura GabelA pile of bricks has sat outside the J.F. Webb High School gym for the last couple of years, but they’ll soon serve their purpose, according to Webb Booster Club member Caroline Burnette.
That pile of bricks is becoming the foundation for a fundraiser that had been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burnette spoke with John C. Rose on Tuesday’s TownTalk to explain the project, which involves the purchase of engraved bricks.
The booster club is raising money for the school’s athletic teams and Burnette encourages Webb alumni, businesses and others in the community to be a part of the project.
Visit polarengraving.com/jfwebb to learn more or contact the booster club at jfwebbboosterclub@gmail.com.
Webb’s masonry students are going to install the donated red bricks outside the gymnasium. As the gray-colored bricks are purchased and engraved, a red brick will be taken up and replaced with the engraved brick, Burnette said.
“We can sell as many as we want,” she said, adding that once the first space is full, the plan is to move to areas near the football field and the baseball field on campus.
“This is a lasting opportunity – it’s going to be there for a really long time,” she said.
There are three price levels, depending on the size of brick purchased, she explained.
A 4 x 8 brick is $100, an 8 x 8 brick is $150 and the largest size brick is $225. In addition to having names engraved, there are hundreds of different images to choose from as well.
Burnette said some of the school’s sports teams are in dire need of new equipment and uniforms and this fundraiser will help to address some of those needs.
“It’s time to really support our kids,” Burnette said. “Please support our students at J.F. Webb.”
Click Play
WIZS Radio Local News Audio 11-01-22 Noon
/by Bill HarrisClick Play to Listen. On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM