VOL. 4 ISSUE 1 $2.95 The People's Revolt see pg. 18 for story

In This Issue: Dark Secrets of AARP # Medicare Open Enrollment # An American Hero It’s the Little Things

No mattermatter whatwhat thethe littlelittle thingstthings in youryour lifelife maymmaayy be,be, yyouou oweowe iitt toto yourselfyourself to see howhow HuHumanamana can helphelp safeguardsafeeguard yyourour health.health. HumanaHumana hashas beenbeen servingserving peoplepeople just likelike youyou witwithh MedicareMedicare fforor overover 20 years,years,, and currentlycurrentlyy providesprovides ccoverageoveragge to moremore thanthan 4.34.3 millionmillion peoplepeople withwith MedicareMedicare acrossacross thethe country.countryy.. CallCall us todaytodaayy to learnlearn mmoreore aboutabout our MedicareMedicare AdvantageAdvantage plans.plans. Call:Call: 11-866-836-1716866-836-1716 TTY 1-877-833-44861-877-833-44886 8 a.ma.m.. ttoo 8 pp.m.,.m.,, 7 dadaysayys a weekweek

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Medicare aapprovedpproved HMO,HMOO, PPO,PPO, and PFFS plansplans aavailablevailable to anyoneanyone enrolled in bothboth PartPart A and Part B ofof MedicareMedicare throughthrough aagege or disability.disability. EnrollmentEnrollment pperioderiod restrictions aapply,pply, call Humana fforor details. 2 | www.amac.us M0006_GHA02XYRRM0006_GHA02XYRR Help Us Grow !

AARP recently endorsed President Obama’s government directed health proposal! His proposal promises a reduction in the cost of health care, which many health care professionals say will likely result in restrictions and rationing in your medical treatment. AMAC, the conservative organization for Americans 50 plus, is strongly against this proposal. We believe the Government is already involved in too many areas that the Constitution provides for. If you think our Government has grown too big and costly, putting the financial future of our children and grandchildren in jeopardy - please help AMAC grow! We need more members to get the attention of our elected representatives and to balance the power and influence of the AARP. If you are already a member, please give your friends, family and neighbors this enrollment form - or have them contact us directly to join.

Yes, I want to become an AMAC Member! Choose One Option: 1 Year/$12.50 2 Year/$22.00 3 Year/$27.50 I would like to make an additional donation in the amount of $ Name Date of Birth Spouse’s Name Date of Birth Address City State Zip Code Phone ( ) Email MAIL TO: AMAC, 5 Orville Drive, Suite 400, Bohemia, New York 11716 with your check or money order payable to “The Association of Mature American Citizens” Call 1-888-262-2006 or sign up online at: www.amac.us

www.amac.us | 3 # # Publisher’s Letter I’m angry! I’m angry because, as of the printing of our magazine, the United States Senate has passed a bill that will give the Federal Government complete control over our entire health care system. I’m angry that Senate leader Harry Reid “bribed” Sen. Mary Landrieu from Louisiana with $300 million dollars of our tax money to give her state some goodies. He apparently threatened Ben Nelson of Nebraska with closing down a major Air Force base and then paid him off by allowing Nebraska millions of dollars in exemptions from Medicaid. To get the other Senator Nelson to go along, he exempted Florida from Medicare Advantage cuts and Senator Bill Nelson voted in favor of the bill. All of this, and much more, was done in secret, behind locked doors. We have lost another freedom to the ever expanding monster of government. Soon, some Medical panel will tell your doctor what he or she can or cannot do. A Government bureaucrat will determine what doctors and hospitals can charge - a move that several studies say will lead to rationing and less care for the elderly. We have lost another freedom As a young boy, I learned that anger was a bad emotion to carry around. The best thing to do to get to the ever expanding monster of rid of anger was to do something positive about government. Soon, some Medical what made you angry. In this case the answer is simple – get rid of it! panel will tell your doctor what Assuming some miraculous event does not take “ he or she can or cannot do. place before President Obama signs the bill into law, we are faced with the task of passing a new law to replace this monstrosity. First, look inside this issue to see the AMAC Low Cost Solution to health care. You can’t fight something with nothing, and we have a great alternative plan to solve our problems in health care, without adding trillions more in debt. Next, stay tuned as AMAC coordinates a people’s revolt. The entire House” of Representatives is up for reelection as well as one third of the Senate. Since almost all of the major changes in the Health bill take effect after 2011, the election in November 2010 will allow an opportunity to replace their plan with ours. There are many organizations willing and ready to participate. AMAC is preparing for action! We will be reaching out to our members to join us in our efforts shortly. In the meantime help us grow by telling friends and neighbors about AMAC.

Best regards, Dan Weber, Publisher

4 | www.amac.us VOL. 4 ISSUE 1

CONTENTS #

p. 7 4 Publisher's Letter 7 Viewpoint Jedediah Bila 8 Money Roth Revisited in 2010 p. 8 Health cover: 9/12 D.C. Taxpayer 9 March on Washington Medicare Open Enrollment

Daniel C. Weber Publisher 12 Food Rebecca Weber Keiffert Soup’s On! Associate Publisher Editorial Inquiries Gary J. Christiansen 14 Feature Membership p. 22 Web Developer Dark Secrets of AARP David G. Weber Web Developer 17 Government Watch Joseph Battaglia Rosamaria DaSilva Directors of Senior Services 18 Cover Topic Gia Ricottone AMAC Low Cost Solution Advertising Director [email protected] p.29 Pamela Smith Travel Editor 22 Retirement Destinations 26 AMAC in Action Association of Member Benefits Mature American Citizens 27 5 Orville Drive • Bohemia, New York 11716 p. 33 631.589.6675 • www.amac.us 29 American Hero

Generations Marketing, Inc. Just 4 Fun PO Box 961 32 Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 631.473.0388 Graphic Design by: Advertising Dynamics & Art, Inc. Parting Thought 631.751.5454 • www.adartinc.com 33 www.amac.us | 5 LET IN THE LIGHT BUT NEVER THE WEATHER

Nassau Extended Care is one of the finest facilities in Nassau County. It is unique in that it offers not only skilled nursing but it also has a Medical Model Adult Day Health Care Program in a home-like setting with a warm and caring staff, many of whom have worked here for over 10 years. We offer the following services: • 280-Bed Skilled Nursing Facility • Comfort Care • Medical Model Adult Day Health Care • Tracheostomy Care Program • Intravenous Therapy • 24-Hour a Day Admissions • Post Acute and Surgical Wound Care • Orthopedic Rehabilitation Program • Hemodialysis Six Days a Week • Gastrostomy Tube Feedings • Short Term Rehabilitation (Physical, • Hospice & Respite Care PRESENT THIS AT YOUR FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION TO RECEIVE A $ Occupational, & Speech Therapy) 1,000 CASH BACK BONUS For additional information or to schedule a tour, please contact the Admissions Department. 1 Greenwich St. • Hempstead, NY 11550 • Fax: 516.486.5212 WWW.FOURSEASONSSUNROOMS.COM Licensed by the New York The #N40 & N37 buses stop 1-800-FOUR SEASONS State Department of Health in front of the nursing facility (1-800-368-7732) 516.565.4800 **Book before March 30 2010 6 | www.amac.us # Viewpoint

Terrorist Trials in New York City by Jedediah Bila, Author and Political Commentator

To highlight just a few crucial moments from Barack Obama’s presidency thus far, let’s recall a $787 billion Recovery and Reinvestment Act that hasn’t recovered much. Let’s revisit a $2.5 trillion health care agenda that longs to mimic the monstrosities of Canada and England, stripping Americans of countless liberties, including the right to decide whether they want to purchase insurance at all. Let’s remember a chain of decidedly apologetic speeches by our global President that criticize the country that has birthed his every success and instead pay homage to supreme naiveté in this post-9/11 world. And now, the coup-de-gras, a declaration that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his terrorist buddies will be tried in federal court in New York City, making my city—the one whose streets I treaded for my life on 9/11 as our noble towers fell from their grace—more vulnerable than ever. As a survivor of the New York City 9/11 To those who lost loved ones on September 11, “ And now, the terrorist attacks who stood no more than 2001, let your outrage be heard. coup-de-gras, a fifty feet from the Jedediah Bila is an author and political commentator living in declaration that 9/11 second tower as I jolted New York City. She earned a Master of Arts from Columbia up and watched an University and completed her first novel in December of 2009. mastermind Khalid Her contributions are housed at www.humanevents.com and airplane thrust into its Sheikh Mohammed www.thexaminer.com. She is a regular guest on several radio shows. center, I urge all Visit her website at www.jedediahbila.com. and his four terrorist Americans to take a buddies will be tried moment to consider the profound atrocity of 9/11- Never Forget in federal court in our President and Eric New York City...” Holder’s decision. Your The 9/11 Never Forget Coalition, founded by hard-earned tax dollars Debra Burlingame, the sister of Charles F. will be defending Burlingame, III, pilot of American Airlines flight terrorists who will be 77, which crashed into the Pentagon on tried not as the enemy combatants they are, but rather September 11, is a diverse group of 9/11 victims, as Americans, retaining the protection of our judicial system with respect to admissible evidence. They will family members, first responders, active and enter a New York City court on your dollar, be defended reserve members of the military, veterans, and by American lawyers, retain the same civil liberties as concerned Americans. The Coalition was formed you and your family, and likely laugh all the way back to fight the decision of President Barack Obama to their terrorist homes as they plot the next manner and Attorney General Eric Holder to try the 9/11 in which to target the very government that has fought co-conspirators in New York City’s federal court, so hard to free them. effectively giving war criminals the same rights **The 9/11 Never Forget Coalition was the first to organize a protest rally on December 5, 2009 in Foley as American citizens while endangering the Square, Manhattan. safety of all New Yorkers. www.amac.us | 7 Money Roth Revisited in 2010 Among many other changes in the tax law, the year 2010 brings retirement change to many individuals. EVERYONE has the opportunity to convert their traditional IRA account to a ROTH IRA. While conversion to a ROTH is certainly not new to tax year 2010, previously an individual contemplating a conversion had to be concerned about not only paying income taxes on the converted account, but also there was also an income limit which determined if someone was even ELIGIBLE to convert. Beginning 2010, everyone has the option to convert their traditional IRA to a ROTH, regardless of income amounts. ROTH IRAs are not a new type of retirement vehicle. They were initially implemented with a 1997 tax law change. However, that same tax law which created the ROTH, limited conversion for higher wage earners. Those taxpayers earning $100K or more could not convert an existing traditional IRA. Additionally, those earning $110K ($160K-married, filing joint) were precluded from even funding a current ROTH IRA back to a traditional IRA. No taxes are due on the contribution. re-characterized amount. ROTH conversion can be an estate planning FOR THOSE WHO CONVERT IN 2010: strategy, reducing the income tax bite to your Though income taxes will be due on the dollar estate. Since income tax has already been paid by amount of your conversion, special tax treatment you, your heirs receive distributions income tax exists for tax year 2010. You have the opportunity free. Please note, ROTH IRAs may still be subject to report the additional income, either on your to estate taxes (depending on tax law in effect 2010 tax returns, OR, report ½ the converted after 2010). amount on 2011 and second ½ on 2012 tax ROTH IRAs DO NOT have required minimum returns (the tax payment for your second ½ is due distributions for the owner at age 70½. Heirs on 4/15/13). Taxes should be paid from a non- (other than spouse) will be subject to RMD, but retirement asset, NOT your IRA account. remember, their distribution is still INCOME TAX Many saw the markets devastate their retirement FREE. What a terrific legacy to the next account values from 2007 market highs. Convert generation. the depressed value in 2010 and pay tax on the Finally, conversion to a ROTH IRA is not for lower amount. Future growth will be tax deferred everyone. To determine whether a conversion makes and withdrawals tax free (after age 59½ and 5 sense for you, speak with your financial advisor today. years after your conversion date). Do you want to pay your tax on the “seed” or the “harvest”. This is Questions? Please call Louise Fallica, RFC, especially true for those individuals with years to 631–979–6161, Ext 104 at Design Capital Planning retirement. Group, Inc.; Smithtown, NY. Louise Fallica, RFC, Vice Should you convert to a ROTH and then “change President of The Design Capital Planning Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Registered Principal your mind”, you have until October 15 of the with Securities offered through Securities Service following year to “re-characterize” your account Network, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

8 | www.amac.us Health Open Enrollment Period begins January 1, 2010. Have you made your health care decisions?

Many Medicare beneficiaries Medicare coverage and some of the find it overwhelming to choose a changes to costs, deductibles and health care plan that matches their co-pays: needs. With so many choices MEDICARE PART A – available, it is often difficult to Hospital Coverage. determine which choice is the best This part of Medicare will cover one for you. It is important to weigh you while you are in the hospital. For your options carefully, for the choice most beneficiaries, there is no cost you make now will influence the for Part A, you are “entitled” as long coverage that you have for the next as you worked 40 quarters. For those year. who do not fulfill this requirement, Each year Medicare Approved monthly premiums range up to Carriers introduce their new plans. It $433.00 per month. Having Part A is important to look at your present Hospital Coverage does not mean coverage because the same carrier that there is no cost while being may have a different plan, or may hospitalized. For 2010 there is a have eliminated a plan, for the 2010 deductible of $1,100 per benefit deductibles and coinsurance, which enrollment season. Now is the time period. Once you’ve been means the covered individual must to learn about the new choices you hospitalized for 60 days, there is a pay for these costs. It is important can take advantage of to enhance per day cost of $ 275.00. If you are that all beneficiaries examine the your current coverage. hospitalized over 90 days, the cost choices available, to help fill the Unlike the Annual Enrollment increases to $550.00 per day. While “gaps” and reduce or eliminate these th Period, (November 15 through Part A Coverage helps reduce your out of pocket expenses. st) December 31 which allows out of pocket expenses should you If you are a Medicare Beneficiary beneficiaries to add or drop become hospitalized, it still leaves a who has Parts A or B you now will coverage, the Open Enrollment beneficiary with costs associated qualify to have a Part D Pan. Season differs in that you can not with deductibles and copayments. MEDICARE PART D – add or drop prescription drug MEDICARE PART B – Prescription Drug Coverage. coverage. The Open Enrollment Doctor/Medical Coverage. Part D provides coverage for your Period, which begins on January 1st Although there is no requirement prescription needs. In order to and ends on March 31st, offers you to how many quarters you worked, receive Part D Coverage a monthly one chance to change your existing there is a premium that you must premium is paid. Premiums vary health care coverage, however, the pay. For the majority of Medicare depending on which plan you chose change cannot add or drop Beneficiaries the premium is $96.40 through a Private Insurance Carrier. prescription drug coverage. For per month. Under Part B, a There may be an annual deductible example if you have Medicare only, beneficiary must meet a yearly to meet as well as co-payments for you cannot enroll in a health care deductible of $155 and is required to each prescription filled. plan that offers prescription drug pay 20 percent of the Medicare Another important component of coverage, likewise you cannot enroll approved amount for all serviced Medicare Part D plans are the in a plan without prescription drug covered by Part B. Beneficiaries are “Phases of Coverage.” These phases coverage if your existing plan also required to pay an excess charge are the Initial Coverage Phase, includes prescription drug coverage. of 15 percent for services rendered Coverage Gap Phase, and To keep it simple, during the Open by non-participating Medicare Catastrophic Phase. Briefly, in the Enrollment Period, the terminology providers. Initial Phase you pay a lower that is used is that any plan changes As one can see, neither Part A nor percentage of the prescription costs. must be “like to like”. Part B pays for all of a covered In the Coverage Gap Phase you are Let’s first review Original person’s medical costs, due to usually responsible for the entire www.amac.us | 9 Health cost of the prescription. Finally, in the Catastrophic Phase, (Medigap policy) and give you better coverage than the most significant cost savings are realized since your original Medicare. Many of these plans are PPOs which prescription costs are so dramatic. Each year Medicare allows the beneficiary to go “out of network” and see sets the dollar amounts of costs for each phase. These physicians without referrals. This is a feature that many costs have gone up in the 2010 Medicare Season. seniors look for. Medicare Parts A, B & D are important. However, there This Enrollment Process is a vital step for your health are still co-pays, deductibles, out of pocket expenses and care needs. It is important to prioritize your needs so that premiums that a beneficiary may incur. Do you have any other options…..The answer is Yes! MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT Some questions you should ask your These programs, offered by Private Insurance Carriers, insurance provider are: help pay the costs that Medicare does not pay for. A Medicare Supplement Plan is ideal for people who visit Can I see my present doctors and what will doctors frequently while traveling, or for those living out the cost be to see them? of state for an extended period of time. These types of plans do have monthly premiums and each premium Can I see any doctor of my choice? depends on how extensive you want your health coverage What happens when I go into the hospital and to be. There are standardized plans available and the what will it cost me? major difference between carrier plans is usually just the monthly premium. Plans with low or zero deductibles and Are referrals necessary to see a Specialist? copayments will usually cost more. It is important to weigh out your options so you can choose a Medicare If I go for exams or screenings are they Supplement Plan that is appropriate for your needs and covered and what will they cost me? budget. What will my prescriptions cost me? In 2003, President George W. Bush passed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Does this plan cover me if I travel outside of Modernization Act. This provided Americans better my area? choices and more control over their health care. Because of this Act, Medicare Advantage Part C Plans became available to help Medicare beneficiaries deal with the high cost of health care. These programs administered by you may begin to narrow down the plans that fit your Private Insurance Carriers are being utilized by millions health care requirements. What is good for one person of Medicare beneficiaries today. might not necessarily be good for another. The above questions, when answered properly, can help MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PART C PLANS to determine which plan might be more beneficial and These health plans approved by the Centers for best suited for you. Each Health Insurance Company, Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and run by Private upon request, can provide you with the following Insurance Carriers are becoming increasingly popular information to find the answers to questions you may because of the additional coverage offered at very have. They are as follows: Summary of Benefits - which affordable premiums. In addition to reducing or explains what is covered and for how much, Formulary- eliminating the out of pocket expenses of Parts A & B, which will aide you in learning the cost of a prescription these programs can also include prescription Part D based on what tier they are classified as and the Provider Coverage. Each year during the Annual Enrollment Period Book- which details which doctors are accepting the plan. the Private Insurance Carriers introduce their new plans Another important resource available is the Medicare with the summary of benefits to eligible beneficiaries. and You Handbook, (www.medicare.gov). This book There are many carriers and plans to choose from to cater offers additional information about which carriers offer to your medical needs. Medicare Advantage Plans may Medicare Advantage Plans in your area. Speaking with a also offer other benefits such as Dental, Hearing and qualified, licensed insurance agent prior to making any Vision. You can join the plan if you live in the plan’s service decisions is also advised. area, have Medicare Parts A & B and you do not have end The season has begun. Do you know what your stage renal disease. choices are? Time is running out, but it is not too late. To sum it up, Medicare Advantage Plans have Contact a reputable licensed agent who represents many predictable premiums, include prescription drug carriers to help give you an unbiased approach to your coverage, offer predictable payments for doctor’s office health care needs. For further information please call visits, eliminate the need for costly Medicare supplements 888-262-2006. 10 | www.amac.us # Health Healthy Food Substitutes Instead of this: Try this: Croissants, biscuits, Low-fat whole grain Good Health Habits at 50 and Beyond and white breads breads Doughnuts, pastries English muffins and Do you feel as good now as you did at 40 years of age? At and scones small whole grain 50? If the answer is no, then read on. You might be able to feel as bagels good as you used to by picking up a few good health habits. Even Sugar cereals and Oatmeal, low-fat small changes can improve your health. Add some activity to your regular granola granola and whole- daily life, eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables, it’s never too late to grain cereal start! Potato chips and Pretzels (unsalted) and buttered popcorn popcorn (unbuttered) Get physically active now For most people, walking is one of the easiest activities to do. White pasta or White Whole-wheat pasta or Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most rice Brown rice days of the week, but you don't have to do all 30 minutes at once. Try Fried vegetables or Vegetables raw, walking for 15 minutes twice each day or for 10 minutes 3 times each vegetables served with steamed, broiled or cream, cheese or butter baked with a small day. sauces amount of olive oil, salt Experts also recommend the following simple strength exercises and pepper that you can do at home. Each exercise should be done 8 to 10 French fries, hash Baked, mashed and times for two sets. browns and potato boiled potatoes or Wall push-ups chips sweet potatoes Place hands flat against the wall. Slowly lower body to the wall. Regular ground beef Lean or extra-lean ground beef, ground Push body away from wall to return to starting position. chicken and turkey Chair squats breast Begin by sitting in the chair. Lean slightly forward and stand up Lunch meats such as Lunch meats such as from the chair. Try not to favor one side or use your hands to help salami, bologna and turkey, chicken and you. liverwurst ham Biceps curl Whole or 2% milk Skim or 1% milk Hold a weight* in each hand with your arms at your sides. Yogurt made with Nonfat or low-fat Bending your arms at the elbows, lift the weights to your shoulders whole milk yogurt and then lower them to your sides. Regular ice cream Sorbet, sherbet and Shoulder shrugs nonfat or low-fat ice cream Hold a weight* in each hand with your arms at your side. Shrug your shoulders up toward your ears and then lower them back down. Cookies Fig bars, gingersnaps and molasses cookies *start with a 1-pound or 5-pound weight. If you don't have weights, you can use a can of soup, a book or a full water bottle Shortening, butter or Olive, soybean and margarine canola oils, Nonstick Healthy Diet cooking spray You don't have to change your diet all at once. Try making 1 small Regular mayonnaise Nonfat or light change at a time. If you eat 2 slices of white toast for breakfast, mayonnaise replace 1 of them with a slice of whole grain bread. If you drink orange juice every day, eat an orange instead for 3 days of the week. If you prefer salty snacks, try low-fat popcorn instead of potato Exercise! chips. Try adding a single high-fiber food (see the box below) at each Different types of exercise benefit your meal or snack time. health in different ways: Foods rich in fiber • Aerobic activities like running, biking • Whole wheat and rye flours and swimming strengthen your heart and • Grainy breads, such as whole wheat, rye or pumpernickel increase your endurance. • Fresh fruits, such as apples, berries and pears • Strength training like weight lifting or • Dried fruits, such as prunes, resistance training builds muscle and apricots and figs bone mass, improves balance and • Vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots prevents falls. It’s one of the best and green peas counters to frailty in old age. • Legumes, such as chickpeas, baked • Flexibility exercises like beans and navy beans stretching and yoga help prevent injury, enhance range of motion, reduce stiffness, and limit aches and pains. www.amac.us | 11 # Food: From Kathie’s Kitchen

A few tips for tasty, Soups On! homemade soup: Nothing says comfort like a A general rule of thumb: 1 quart of bowl of steaming, hot soup. • soup will serve 6 people as a first Eating soup can bring back fond memories of being pampered by course, 2 people as a main dish. Mom when home sick from school • Always begin with cold water – or warming up after a day of neigh- never warm or hot. borhood snow play. A large pot of • Many soups are made with a base simmering soup could usually be of homemade stock, but canned or found in an old fashioned country frozen broth can be substituted to kitchen. Leftover scraps of meat or save time. vegetables were added throughout the day, and by evening, these tasty • A long, gentle simmer will draw • Bulk up lighter soups with barley, rice, pasta or beans. morsels had become dinner. Today out the most flavors and help pre- Use dried herbs instead of fresh. soups are usually considered an ap- vent tough meat and cloudy broth, • Dried herbs hold their flavors bet- petizing first course or a gratifying so avoid a rapid boil. ter over a long cooking period. lunch, but paired with a salad and • Although fresh vegetables are best, Removing fat is easy - make the crusty loaf of bread a simple soup • some canned and frozen ones, soup a day ahead, chill and scrape can become a hearty dinner too. such as peas, corn, green beans off the solidified fat that rises to the Soups are filled with a multitude of and spinach will also work well. top. If you plan on serving soup on wholesome ingredients, and prepa- As a short cut, visit the grocery the day that it’s made, float a paper ration is relatively simple. Soups also • towel or lettuce leaf on the surface store well - even intensifying in fla- store salad bar and purchase pre- to remove oil. vor after a day in the refrigerator, and cut vegetables or cooked meats to • Check seasonings just before serv- since they freeze well, they can be use in your soup preparation. ing, they may need to be adjusted. made in big batches and eaten over a • To avoid mushy vegetables, add • Is the soup too salty? Add a peeled long period. Soups begin with hum- the longest cooking ones first, fol- potato, simmer for 15 minutes and ble ingredients, but the result will remove. The potato will absorb lowed by the ones that take less warm you on a cold winter’s day, much of the extra salt. help to lessen the effects of the com- time. Quick cooking vegetables, • Cool soup completely in an uncov- mon cold and may even create a lov- such as peas and corn, should be ered pot before refrigerating or ing memory. added at the end of cooking time. freezing.

Hamburger Barley Soup Broccoli, Cheese & Noodle Soup K 2 lb. lean ground beef K 3/4 cup chopped onion K 7 cups water K K 2 Tbls. butter 1 - 16 oz. can diced K 6 cups chicken broth tomatoes K 1 - 2 whole garlic cloves K 3/4 cup tomato juice salt & pepper to taste K 1/2 lb. green beans – K 2 boxes frozen chopped cut in 1 inch pieces broccoli – thawed K 1 cup diced celery In a large pot, brown K 6 cups milk K 1 cup chopped celery ground beef, drain. Stir in K all remaining ingredients 1 - 8 oz. bag fine greens noodles K except the carrots and 1 bay leaf potatoes. Bring to a boil, K 1 lb. sharp cheddar K 2 tsp. minced garlic reduce heat, cover and cheese – shredded K 2 Tbls. soy sauce simmer for 1 hour. Add the milk and the noodles. Lower carrots. Cook for 10 Saute onion in butter until K 1/2 tsp. paprika heat and simmer for 5 – 6 minutes. Add the potatoes. tender. Add the chicken K 1/2 tsp. thyme minutes or until noodles are K Cook for an additional 30 broth, garlic cloves, salt and 1/2 cup pearl barley minutes or until all pepper. Bring to a boil. Add tender. Add shredded cheese. salt & pepper to taste vegetables are tender. chopped broccoli, and bring Stir until melted. Serve. K 1 cup diced carrots Remove bay leaf before once again to a boil. Add the K 1 cup diced potatoes serving.

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By Chelsea Schilling

excerpts reprinted from World Net Daily with permission © 2009 WorldNetDaily

developments in Washington and Services’ Medicare website, seniors studying the various legislative have the option of joining proposals, AARP’s all-volunteer Medicare Advantage plans, hen the AARP, formerly Board of Directors – made up of allowing them to use Medicare known as the American working and retired doctors, funds to purchase private Association of Retired nurses, business people, and insurance plans that offer extra W teachers – has decided to endorse benefits and lower co-payments Persons – one of the wealthiest advocacy groups in the U.S. – the Affordable Health Care for than the Original Medicare Plan. began backing the $1.2 trillion America Act (H.R. 3962/H.R. 3961) An estimated 10.2 million seniors House health bill despite concerns because it delivers on key priorities have enrolled in Medicare about Medicare cuts, death panels we’ve been fighting for,” an AARP Advantage. and assisted suicide, many announcement stated. When seniors enroll in members shredded their But while many seniors believe Medicare Advantage plans, they membership cards, saying the AARP offers worthwhile discounts often drop Medigap policies. organization no longer represents on health and car insurance, Therefore, the switch may slash their interests – but AARP’s history vacations and advice on financial Medigap revenues – and of left-leaning activism on a host of planning, the group has a history of simultaneously impact AARP issues may surprise its left-leaning political stances and royalties from Medigap insurance. constituents. activism. However, Sec. 1161 of the House AARP’s Nov. 5 health bill Why the AARP health bill would slash payments to Medicare Advantage health plans endorsement left many seniors ‘reform’ endorsement? wondering why the powerful used by 20 percent of seniors and group that claims to represent AARP collects royalties on cause them to lose some benefits, their interests would call for an “Medigap insurance,” a privately including vision and dental estimated $500 billion in cuts to purchased insurance coverage that coverage. Medicare, a system many seniors helps pay some of the health-care Grace-Marie Turner, president have indicated that they would like costs that Medicare doesn’t cover. of the Galen Institute, one of the to preserve. However, according to the U.S. leading health-care policy “After carefully monitoring Department of Health and Human organizations in the country, told 14 | www.amac.us Feature revenue AARP received last year $90 million came from a variety of grants, including a substantial amount of federal aid. Its two largest WND’s Radio America AARP saw that it would lose grant programs offer tax counseling for the elderly and revenue if it didn’t stop the Medicare Advantage job training for low-income seniors. programs. According to a National Legal and Policy Center “The House bill would dramatically cut money out report titled, “How the Federal Government of Medicare Advantage programs, forcing people to Subsidizes AARP,” written by NLPC Director of Policy need the Medigap policies that are such a big cash cow John Carlisle, AARP administers the federal funds for the AARP,” she said. through its the AARP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, “Seniors are going to have higher costs in Medicare. because AARP is designated as a 501(c)(4) that’s Because of the cuts in Medicare, they are going to have ineligible for federal funds. ever more need for these Medigap policies. So the “The AARP Foundation is a legally distinct AARP, therefore, will be able to make even more organization that theoretically operates money off of us,” Turner explained. “The legislation both kills competition that the AARP has with these Medicare Advantage programs, and it boosts the number of people who need the Medigap insurance Money Talks... because Medicare is going to become an even more $$$$$$ deficient program if you take half a trillion dollars out According to the AARP website, the of it.” group promises seniors it will be a Following the money trail “voice in Washington and in your According to the AARP website, the group promises representing you on issues like seniors it will be a “voice in Washington and in your state, state, representing you on issues like Medicare, Social Medicare, Social Security and consumer Security and consumer safety.” safety.” But the majority of the money AARP collects But the majority of the money AARP doesn’t come from its annual $16 membership dues. collects doesn’t come from its annual $16 AARP’s 2008 consolidated financial statements reveal the organization earns far more income from selling membership dues. AARP’s 2008 consolidated supplementary insurance to members than it takes in financial statements reveal the organization from yearly member fees. earns far more income from selling The group received nearly $653 million in royalties than it from private insurance companies that sold products supplementary insurance to members referred by AARP in 2008. It also received an additional takes in from yearly member fees. $120 million for the ads placed in its publications. By contrast, AARP collected $249 million in membership dues last year. While the organization claims to represent almost independently of AARP,” Carlisle explained. “It has its 40 million Americans over age 50 – nearly as many own board of directors and staff and can engage in members as the U.S. Roman Catholic Church – the fundraising activities to advance its particular public group has been accused of inflating that number by policy agenda. However, the foundation works so automatically giving spouses and “domestic partners” closely with AARP that the two entities are barely free memberships. In reality, $249 million in annual indistinguishable.” dues would indicate members who actually sought According to the report, the AARP Foundation is and paid for memberships in 2008 may have located in the same building as AARP, where numbered closer to 15.6 million. employees work “practically side-by-side with AARP’s federal funding lobbying staff” – and the AARP Foundation’s second AARP is a private, nonprofit group, but the AARP largest source of income is AARP. 2008 annual report shows that of the $1.1 billion in In a March 2001 letter to the Department of Health www.amac.us | 15 “It’s outrageous that Feature taxpayers are being and Human Services on federal used to advance President Obama, and federal aid, the AARP Foundation reported [AARP’s] liberal records show he contributed receiving money from the agenda to expand $8,900 to Obama’s campaign Department of Labor, the Internal committees in 2008. According to Revenue Service, the Department government and Federal Election Commission of Health and Human Services, the thwart Social databases, Rand has given $15,900 Department of Housing and Urban to Democratic campaign Development and the Department Security reform,” committees since 1995. of Justice, according to NLPC. A search of campaign “It’s outrageous that taxpayers contributions by AARP executives are being used to advance [AARP’s] and employees reveals they liberal agenda to expand overwhelmingly gave to Obama’s government and thwart Social campaign and Democrats during Security reform,” Carlisle the 2008 election cycle – by a ratio contends. “Ending federal of 14 workers to one. subsidies to AARP would put an Shredding the AARP end to the unjust practice of publicly funding a highly partisan membership card and controversial interest group.” According to news reports, at Left-leaning activism and least 60,000 AARP members canceled their memberships from campaign contributions July to August of this year amid Former President George W. anger over the group’s position on Bush attempted to reform Social health care. AARP said the Security through the use of private members represented a small retirement accounts in 2005. His percentage of its total membership plan sought to permit workers to and that during the same time redirect 4 percent of their Social period, 400,000 people joined Security payroll taxes into private AARP and 1.5 million renewed accounts that would invest in their memberships. mutual funds and other securities. Several WND readers have But AARP reacted to Bush’s indicated that they will cancel their proposal by slamming its members memberships due to AARP’s with mass mailings and spending support of the health-care bill. The $5 million on full-page AARP executives and following are some comments advertisements in 50 newspapers employees backed Obama, received in recent days: and an additional $5 million on Dems by 14-to-1 ratio • The AARP hasn’t been my print ads opposing Bush’s plan. “voice” in a long time. With its nearly 3,000 chapters, AARP attended • If anyone has AARP, it’s time to find something else. congressional town-hall meetings to counter Bush’s • AARP has sold out its members by endorsing a proposal. The group also targeted seniors in its health-care plan that will only result in higher taxes, magazine and official bulletin, delivering it to 22 worse coverage and more government control over our million U.S. households. lives. It’s time to draw the line and cut the cord. Hit But AARP’s left-leaning activism didn’t end them in the pocketbook for their disservice to members. They were supposed to have our best there. interests at heart – not their own. Their conflict of While AARP bills itself as a nonpartisan group that interest deserves to be repaid. does not support, oppose or contribute to any The above article does not necessarily reflect the views of candidates or political parties, AARP’s executives and AMAC, but is solely information provided by the news source. employees overwhelmingly support Democrats. AARP CEO Barry Rand is a strong supporter of

16 | www.amac.us # Government Watch

In late October, the Senate health committee voted 12-11 in favor of a two-page amendment, courtesy of Republican Tom Coburn which would require all Members of Congress and their staff members to enroll in any new government-run health plan. Congressman John Fleming has proposed an amendment that would require Congressmen and Senators to take the same health care plan that they would force on us. (Under proposed legislation they are exempt.) Senator Coburn and Congressman Fleming are both physicians. To sign this petition visit www.fleming.house.gov/index.html By Fido - your government watchdog

"Under the current draft of the Democrat health care legislation, members of Congress are curiously exempt from the government-run health care option, keeping their existing health plans and services on Capitol Hill. If Members of Congress believe so strongly that government-run health care is the best solution for hard working American families, I think it only fitting that Americans see them lead the way. Public servants should always be accountable and responsible for what they are advocating." - Congressman John Fleming

# Did You Know?

Did you know that the TAX REFORM ACT of 2008 now permits people to convert all past IRA contributions, plus UnPlug it! any growth thereon, to the new Roth IRA so long as they are willing to pay the tax in their current tax bracket? Also, One of our staff recently found out suppose you have been accumulating retirement money in a what can happen if you don’t unplug 401k plan. Under current law, it is possible to take an “in- your electronic devices in your service” withdrawal from a 401k plan, pay taxes, and convert vehicle! Don’t let this happen to you... to a Roth IRA as well. Prior to the change in the law UNPLUG IT! there were income restrictions on those taxpayers looking to convert. Now those restrictions have been lifted. Be sure to check with your tax professional.

www.amac.us | 17 # Cover Topic The AMAC Low Cost Solution to Providing Health Care

The AMAC solution provides pay the cost. Those eligible for illnesses) in Stores like Wal- changes in our Health Care group insurance would be Mart, Sears and drug stores. System that will result in all required to join the plan and This has already been started employers would pay a portion by some stores that offer very citizens being covered. It of the premium. Tax credits low prices for generic drugs. lowers the cost of medical would be given to employers care and does so within the according to a schedule. A ¾ Achieve massive savings from free enterprise system. “basic” low cost plan would be the Federal government by available for low income reducing its size. As a start, six It will cost approximately households. to eight of the Departments of th the U.S. Government will be one fifth (1/5 ) of the cost of ¾ the plans presently being Preexisting medical conditions eliminated and merged into proposed in Congress. would be covered and existing Departments. The insurance plans could not stop funds saved would be put into There are five points payments because of use of the a separate account to be used plans. to help defray the costs of to the plan: health care. Likewise all ¾ Costs would be reduced by: government programs would ¾ The plan is administered by reforming medical malpractice be reviewed with an eye to the states using their already lawsuits, establishing peer eliminate or greatly reduce existing Departments of approved practice protocols to costs during this time of Insurance. No need to create reduce unnecessary tests, economic crisis. If we are to 80 plus new government allowing incentives to be paid provide quality health care for bureaucracies, as proposed in to those who uncover Medicare all our citizens, we have got to House and Senate bills. The and Medicaid fraud, start making serious decisions. already existing National encouraging hospitals to Association of Insurance review management of their Commissioners (NAIC) will operations and finances (share create uniform regulations to The following chart (on cost saving ideas) and pages 19-21) is a side by govern health insurance encouraging competition programs. Exceptions to the side comparison of between providers of medical House bill HR 3962, the regulations would be allowed devices. Further cost in certain states. Senate version under reductions can be achieved by consideration, and the providing incentives for the AMAC Low Cost ¾ Coverage will be required for free market to expand its role. Solution. all, phased in over a four year For example, open low cost period. Individuals would medical clinics (for minor receive tax incentives to help 18 | www.amac.us HEALTH CARE REFORM • December 2009 SENATE HOUSE AMAC Patient Protection & Affordable The Affordable Health Care For Care Act HR 3590 America Act HR 3962 Low Cost Solution Health Controlled by: Federal Government Controlled by: Federal Government Keeps the present system where the states control insurance regulations Care Creates State Exchanges by Jan. 2014 Creates a new “National Health Insurance Exchange” administered by new federal No new agencies created Controlled Director of office of personal management given agency “Health Choices Administration”, By unprecedented power and authority option to develop a state or regional States adopt reforms formulated by National exchange in lieu of the national exchange. Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Creates dozens of new agencies and -See Below- bureaucracies Phased-in eligibility for Exchange plans, starting with small employers (up to 100 employees) and uninsured individuals Creates dozens of other agencies and bureaucracies Information Bill text is 2,074 pages Bill text is 1,990 pages Written in plain English, so people can understand (Less Than 300 Pages) For Citizens Written in legalese Written in legalese Technical details explained in notes On Content Difficult for lawyers to easily understand Difficult for lawyers to easily understand To be distributed to Congress for public meetings with Of Bill their constituents prior to final vote Insurance Preexisting medical conditions covered. Preexisting medical conditions covered. Preexisting medical conditions covered. Insurance Insurance coverage is guaranteed to be issued Insurance coverage is guaranteed to be issued coverage is guaranteed to be issued and renewed Coverage and renewed and renewed (Adopted by NAIC to apply to all states) Reforms Rating variation based only on age (3:1), tobacco Community rating for all health plans Modified community rating provides the opportunity use (1.5:1), family composition, and geography for those who take the initiative to improve their defined by the states in the individual and small Limits rate variances to those based on area, lifestyle and health status to be rewarded in a group (up to 100 employees) markets family structure, and age (age variance is premium cost variance limited to 2 to 1) All state-licensed insurers in the non-group and Rating based upon individuals who present the same small group markets required to participate in Unlimited COBRA access until exchange is class characteristics should not vary more that +/- 30 the Health Insurance Exchange available percent from the modified community rate set because of health status, claims, etc… Require all insurers to issue policies in each of the four new benefit categories Allow states the option of merging the non- group and small group markets Cost-sharing limits Medicare Cuts Medicare by $420 billion in next decade Cuts Medicare by $440 billion in next decade No cuts in Medicare Cuts We Keep our promises Medicare Cuts Medicare Advantage $117 billion cut from Medicare Advantage No cuts Advantage (Forces Seniors to buy supplemental coverage or (Forces Seniors to buy supplemental coverage (10 million Seniors will be hurt by any cuts) Plans have coverage gaps) or have coverage gaps) Individual Individuals required to purchase qualified health Individuals required to purchase qualified Individuals required to purchase qualified health insurance health insurance insurance. This must be done or there cannot be Mandates coverage for pre-existing conditions. (Otherwise Non-compliance excise tax penalty of $95 in Individuals who fail to obtain health coverage people would wait until they are sick & then buy 2014, $350 in 2015, $750 in 2016 and indexed will be subject to a federal income tax penalty insurance). thereafter for individuals age 18 and older equal to 2.5% of the excess of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income over the threshold Requirement phased in over 4 years. Penalty for individuals under the age of 18 is half amount or the average premium in the of the amounts above exchange A low cost, “bare bones” plan would be available where members would be given a health card for use in low Exemptions allowed if the premium exceeds 8 Exemptions allowed cost clinics. Subsidized for low income individuals. percent of a person’s income Employer Employers that do not offer health insurance to Employers must pay 72.5% of the cost of The states require employers to pay 60% of the cost of workers would be subject to an assessment acceptable coverage for individuals and 65% medical insurance. This is offset by federal tax credits Mandates based on the number of workers who qualify for for family coverage or pay 8% of wages and tax deductions. federal premium subsidies who must buy their insurance through the exchange Part-time employees must be covered on a Requirement phased in over 4 years. pro-rates basis The fine is $750 (indexed) per full-time employee Employers with payroll up to $500,000 are exempt from the requirement Employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees are exempt from this “free rider” rule $500,001 - $585,000 = 2% $585,001 - $670,000 = 4% Seasonal workers (less than 120 days per year) $670,001 - $750,000 = 6% and part-time employees are not counted in calculating how the rules apply to a given employer www.amac.us | 19 SENATE HOUSE AMAC Individual Refundable tax credits to individuals and Provide affordability premium credits to Tax deduction of full premium for individuals families between 100 and 400% FPL to purchase individuals and families with incomes up to Subsidies insurance through the Health Insurance 400% FPL to purchase insurance through the Low income individuals eligible for low cost policy Exchange. Health Insurance Exchange Guidelines for policy issued by NAIC Employees with employer plan coverage that Available to individuals without employer meets the standards of the coverage may not opt coverage or employer cover that is more than for subsidized Exchange unless income is 400% 12% of their family income of FPL or below and employer coverage is deemed unaffordable or is not valued at 60% of the actuarial value of the essential benefits package Employer Provide small employers with fewer than 25 Provide small employers with fewer than 25 Employers share of premiums Tax Deductible. An employees and average wages less than $40,000 employees and average wages less than additional Tax Credit for small employers based on Subsidies with a health coverage tax $40,000 with a health coverage tax chart of number of employees and salaries. Full credit 50% of premium cost paid by Full credit 50% of premium cost paid by employers is available to employers with 10 or employers is available to employers with 10 fewer employees and average annual wages of or fewer employees and average annual less than $20,000 for up to 2 years wages of less than $20,000 for up to 2 years Credit phases-out as firm size and average wage Credit phases-out as firm size and average increases wage increases

Medicaid Expands Medicaid coverage to all individuals Expands Medicaid coverage to all individuals The States should not be forced to pay for an unfunded Expansion with incomes up to 133% of the FPL (2014) with incomes up to 150% of the FPL mandate. Creates a new State option to provide Medicaid Eliminates the asset test for all groups except Expansion of Medicaid paid by federal government. coverage through a state plan amendment those receiving long-term care beginning on January 1, 2011. Low cost insurance policy designed to cover low Prohibits the upper income Medicaid income families and individuals. State required to offer premium assistance and beneficiaries from obtaining other private Medicaid wrap-around benefits to beneficiaries coverage through the exchange who are offered employer-sponsored coverage if cost effective. Benefit HHS to establish a standard of essential benefits Create an essential benefits package that Individuals Employers and employees will have a and must include ambulatory patient services, provides a comprehensive set of services as choice of plans to choose from. Design emergency services, hospitalization, maternity recommended by the Health Benefits and newborn care, mental health and substance Advisory Counsel and must include Insurers to offer a low cost, basic benefit package use disorder services, including behavioral preventative services as well as child care structured to keep premiums low. health treatment, prescriptions drugs, with no cost-sharing, hospitalization, rehabilitative and habilitative services and outpatient clinic services, including devices, laboratory services, preventive and emergency department services, physician wellness services and chronic disease and other health professional services, management, and pediatric services, including prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, oral and vision care mental health, behavioral health and substance use services, durable medical Four benefit categories would be created with equipment, prosthetics, and orthotics, the following actuarial values: Bronze (60%), maternity care, well baby and well child care Silver (70%), Gold (80%), and Platinum (90%) and oral health, vision, and hearing services, A separate catastrophic policy would be equipment and supplies available for those under age 30 All policies, including those offered through the Exchange and those offered outside of the Exchange must provide at least the essential benefits package Out-of pocket maximum $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for families, indexed to the CPI There will be levels (actuarially equivalent) of coverage. Basic (70%), Enhanced (75%) and Premium (95%) Public At time of publication wording in Senate plan Creates a new public insurance plan option There is no reason to justify the enormous cost of unknown within the Exchange that will “compete on a creating a new Federal Government establishment to Option level playing field” with private insurers administer such a plan. Plan Premium will be set by HHS in accordance Preservation of the private health insurance delivery with the premium rules for plans system is necessary in order to ensure choice, quality participating in the Exchange but set at a and competition and assure to individual freedom. level to allow the program to fully finance itself plus a contingency margin States will be allowed to impose mandates on public and Exchange plans, but only if states pay for any excess premium cost associated with their mandates

20 | www.amac.us SENATE HOUSE AMAC Cooperatives $6 billion in federal funding for CO-OP Program Start-up loans available to establish not-for- Federal funding should not be used to create CO-Op’s to create nonprofit, member-run health profit or cooperative plans insurance companies Must meet state solvency and consumer protection standards Interstate State permitted (2016) to form “compacts” to Allows for creation of interstate compacts The National Association of Insurance Commissioners allow for the purchase of non-group health (NAIC), to allow purchase of a standard individual Compacts insurance across state lines health policy across state lines HHS Secretary, working in consultation with the NAIC to issue regulations for the creation of such compacts Risk Pool Creates temporary high-risk health insurance Creates temporary high-risk health insurance After the AMAC plan is adopted, most people would be pool program to provide coverage to uninsured pool program to provide coverage to covered. If the need remains a high-risk pool would be individuals with preexisting conditions uninsured individuals with preexisting organized by the insurance carriers. conditions Medical States should be “encouraged” to develop test Limited incentive to States to set up Reduce insurance lawsuits by charging a penalty to alternative models to the existing civil litigation alternatives to litigation in cases of medical plaintiffs whose case is judged without merit. Adopt a Malpractice system, and Congress should “consider” state malpractice (e.g., “early offer” or “certificate of system of peer approved protocols to protect providers Reform demonstration projects to evaluate such merit” programs) who follow the current procedures. alternatives Limit Attorney’s fees to 15% of settlement. Impose a Nothing Definitive 10% tax on settlement. How to Pay Imposes 40% excise tax on employer-sponsored Indexes annual cap of $2,500 on contributions Cut the cost of the Federal budget by merging Federal coverage for any health insurance plan with a to FSA Departments, reduce employee count through attrition For The Plan premium exceeding $8,500/single coverage and and apply the savings to health care. $23,000/family coverage Increases from 10% to 20% in the penalty tax for early (prior to age 65) withdrawals (for Obtaining greater efficiencies in the delivery of Increases Medicare payroll tax from 1.45% to nonmedical expenses) from HSAs medical care through free enterprise is the most 1.95% on individual income in excess of important step toward making insurance coverage $200,000 and married filing jointly income of Restricts tax-free use of FSA and HSA Funds more affordable and our health system sustainable in $250,000 or more (2013) for medicine – only prescription medications the long term. will qualify for tax-free use of FSA and HSA Limits the deductibility of health insurance funds No cuts to Medicare Advantage company executives’ compensation (2009) 5.4% surcharge on modified adjusted gross 5% excise tax on cosmetic surgery and similar income in excess of $500,000 for individuals procedures (2010) and $1 million for married couples filing joint tax returns New annual fees on health insurers ($6 billion), pharmaceuticals ($2 billion), and medical device Elimination of the tax deduction for manufacturers ($2 billion) employers receiving government subsidies for providing retiree prescription drug coverage $117 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage Tax brakes for employer-provided health coverage for domestic partners and other Sources: non-dependents National Association of Insurance and 2.5% excise tax on the sale of medical devises Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Cuts to Medicare Advantage Heritage Foundation and General News Media

www.amac.us | 21 # Retirement Retirement and You (based on information found in health care statistics and Money Magazine (2009), and CNNMoney.com.) Retirement. That word should make you smile. You've worked hard and are planning well. Thanks to the great freedoms America affords us, we can decide where we want to rest our eyes at night, and what we want to see when they open. Retirement is a time in our lives when we think up new ideas and reap the benefits of all of our because its residents are active. The housing prices here are down years of hard work. The children Most everyone cruises in a golf by 20%. There are miles of sandy are grown, the daily grind of a job cart even if they’re not golfers. It beaches along the northeastern is done, and now we must consider is the preferred method of shore of Great Michigan, where where to begin this new adventure. transportation (tunnels were built Traverse City is located. The city is 60 is the new 40! You've got a whole so you don’t have to cross any rich in the arts and cultural events lot of good years ahead! Below are major street). You would need a car as well. The Traverse City Film several cities considered the top if you wanted to leave, but most Festival is held once a year and retirement choices in the country. people ask, why would you want to draws film buffs from around the Where will your adventure begin?! leave? The hospital, churches, country. There is the Dennos shopping, restaurants, schools, Museum Center and the nearby The Villages, Florida golf, swimming pools, polo field, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Florida has always been one of softball fields, movie theatres and which hosts hundreds of concerts, the most popular retirement spots on are all within golf cart distance. art exhibits, and theatrical and and The Villages is listed as one of Central Florida offers a lower cost dance productions every year. Also the top five in the country. If you of living than the coastal areas located in Traverse City is the making this retirement destination Munson Medical Center which is an exceptional value. one of the top 100 hospitals in the country. Traverse City, Michigan You might not think of Michigan as a retirement spot, but this is one of the top five in the country. Not are looking for a gentle climate, everyone wants to thousands of active, happy, people retire to heat and and an affordable cost of living, sun. Some people this may be the place for you. truly enjoy the This virtual retirement kingdom climate changes of is surrounded by a rural setting the four seasons, complete with horse farms. The and Traverse City Villages is home for about 75,000 has that to offer. The residents age 55 and older, and this population is 14,300, is the city that never sleeps, with 41% over fifty. 22 | www.amac.us Retirement and You

include the “city” atmosphere that courses available for anyone who so many refuse to abandon as they is interested. Downtown is a busy retire. Philadelphia enjoys the four area of shopping and restaurants seasons and has the same appeal as well. Memorial Health as a city like New York, but it is University and St. Joseph's slower paced, smaller and a lot Candler's hospitals are both more affordable. The population is located in Savannah and provide 1,449,600 and 31% are over fifty. excellent healthcare. Here, you can still enjoy walking to As with every chapter of our shopping and cultural events. The lives, each of us need and want Pinehurst, North Carolina city is full of museums, theatres different things. Retirement is but The city of Pinehurst has a and restaurants. For those who another chapter to a rich, full life population of 12,000 and 57% are want to continue with outdoor and the possibilities are endless. over fifty. Here, the housing prices activities, there is Valley Forge Examine your needs and your are down by 27%. This is an ideal National Historic Park and the preferences, and consult as many retirement spot for so many Fairmount Park. Both offer hiking, sources as you need to in making reasons. One of the country’s horseback riding and golfing your decision. Take into oldest and most prestigious golf within the city limits. Philadelphia consideration all the things that courses, the Pinehurst Resort, is is less than three hours from New will make this chapter of your life a located here, so if a good game of York City, Washington, D.C., the rich and full experience, and then golf is part of your retirement plan, New Jersey shore and the Pocono – enjoy it! you need look no further. There is Mountains. Philadelphia also has a warm climate and pleasant several major teaching hospitals Factors to consider weather conditions year round. A that offer outstanding services. when choosing a 200 acre lake with a beach makes They include Thomas Jefferson that ideal climate even more University Hospital, Temple Retirement Location enjoyable. Pinehurst has a University Hospital, University of ± bustling downtown area with Pennsylvania Hospital and Cost of living shopping and restaurants and Hahnemann University Hospital. (including home prices) many cultural activities as well. Savannah, Georgia ± Weather conditions There is also a first rate regional For those who would like to ± Health care facilities hospital in Pinehurst. If your idea retire surrounded by old world ± Cultural and recreation of retirement is a resort-like charm in a city that offers history facilities location with almost perfect ± Post-retirement work and weather year round, then volunteer activities Pinehurst, North Carolina is worth ± Crime rate considering. ± Transportation facilities Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ± It’s no surprise that Proximity to friends and Philadelphia made several top family ranked lists of retirement cities in Consider your potential life in ten the US. The reasons for this to twenty years and choose a retirement area or location based and culture, then Savannah might on your anticipated needs, not be a good choice. The population your current status. Ask your is 130,300, with 29% over fifty. children what they think. They There are art galleries and cultural may be reluctant to give advice, attractions throughout the city. but it is important to get their input The Savannah College of Art & and consider their feelings. Your Design is located here and offers children may be your best allies many showcases throughout the for the long term if you share your year. There are also community thoughts and plans with them. www.amac.us | 23 # Home Five Secrets Shared by a Professional Organizer by DJ Wilson Having worked as a professional organizer, I’ve seen homes cluttered from floor to ceiling, allowing narrow passage for its residence. I’ve been in kitchens where the owners can’t cook because there are too procrastinate – get the clutter out of your house many things, leaving no surface for meal preparation. immediately. ˜ I worked with a client who slept in a recliner because Give everything you own a specific place to go. For her bedroom was “too messy.” How do we allow example, books go on the bookshelf; keys go on the material things to take over our space? While these key holder. Group like things together. Whenever examples are extreme, clutter can enter anyone’s life. possible, items should be kept easily accessible in the Welcome to our material world. room where they are used. Train yourself to return The holiday season is perhaps the most common things to the same place after use. Neatly label boxes time of year to accumulate things. Think of how we go in storage for easy retrieval of less frequently used overboard with holiday decorations and gift buying. items. Keep work surfaces, countertops and tables Why do we buy things we don’t need? Take a look clear of clutter. Your room will look neat and your around your home. Open a few closets, check your space will be functional. Secret #3 – Be creative with cabinets, look in your garage or basement, and even use of your space. ™ peek under your bed. Are you letting clutter build up? If Create a message center with a calendar for events you frequently lose things, feel cramped for space in and a dry erase board where family members can your environment, or experience stress related to leave messages for one another. Create an inbox for organizing and cleaning, you will profit from these five incoming mail as well as a place for outgoing. Toss secrets of organizing. your junk mail as soon as it comes in the door. Avoid – Start with an easy task, such as cleaning out a brain overload by making use of lists and schedules. drawer or small closet. Fully complete that task Secret #4 – Use your resources. š before beginning another. Stay patient – organizing Avoid re-cluttering. Don’t overspend buying useless takes time. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. items. When something new comes in, something Once you get the hang of sorting small spaces, you’re old goes out. By living simply, you’ll have less to ready to take on larger projects. Secret #1 – Don’t start maintain; and more free time. Secret #5 – If you can’t too big or you risk being overwhelmed. get yourself free from clutter, it’s okay to seek — Get rid of things you don’t need, wear or use. professional help. Determine if the items are worth the space they take These five “secrets” can change your life by putting you up. If items are not useful, valuable or sentimental – in charge. With less clutter and more organization, get rid of them. They are clutter. Divide your clutter you’ll be able to find things easily, you’ll save time and into three piles: donate, sell, or discard; then take the money, you’ll feel happier, your house will be more appropriate action. You’ll be surprised how tidy a attractive, and your space will be easier to clean. Happy room can look without clutter. Secret #2 – Don’t Organizing.

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Sudoku Crossword

24 | www.amac.us # Health Prostate Cancer Awareness “You have prostate cancer.” These have a greater chance of developing are four words no man wants to prostate cancer. hear. Prostate cancer may be • African-American men are twice frightening, but fortunately, if your as likely to be diagnosed with physician finds it at an early stage, prostate cancer as other American your chances of survival are men. excellent. Medical science has made • If a man has a family history of great strides in detecting prostate prostate cancer he should start cancer and advances in technology getting tested at age 45 rather than have led to improvements in at age 50. treating the disease. Prostate screenings are a great Prostate cancer is the second defense in early detection and Another test that is used to find most common cancer among prevention of prostate cancer. The prostate cancer is the digital rectal American men today (skin cancer most commonly used screening test exam, or the DRE. This allows the ranks first). During the course of a for prostate cancer is called the PSA, doctor to feel the back portion of the lifetime prostate cancer affects or prostate specific antigen test. The prostate (where most cancers begin) about one in five men and is most PSA test is a blood test that for size and any irregularities. common in men 50 or older, but it measures the prostate-specific In choosing a treatment, you has been diagnosed in younger antigen, an enzyme produced only should look for one that combines men. by the prostate, to see if the PSA the best possible outcome with Risk factors for prostate cancer level is within normal limits. The minimal side effects. include: doctor also may use this test to For more detailed information • Men who eat high-fat diets, check for any change in PSA level please visit: particularly high saturated fat, may compared to the previous PSA test. www.prostatecancerfoundation.org

One of the fastest growing plans is Retiring Soon? a Medicare Advantage Plan that: During your working years, your employer probably provided your ✔ Has predictable monthly health health plan options. plan premiums However, upon your retirement, it is going to be up to you. You may ✔ Includes prescription drug not know it, but there are a variety of Medicare plans to consider. coverage ✔ As representatives who focus on Medicare plan options, we can Offers predictable payments for help. We can provide you with a no-obligation Medicare analysis. doctor’s office visits ✔ We’re certain we can help you review your options and find a plan Eliminatestheneedforacostly Medicare supplement (Medigap) that fits your retirement needs and your budget. policy ✔ Gives you better coverage than Original Medicare

Call us today! AMAC SENIOR SERVICES The Association of Mature American Citizens 888.262.2006

www.amac.us | 25 # AMAC in Action  AMAC will be attending AMAC’s President Dan Weber has recently been a guest on Radio February 18-20, 2010 Washington D.C. stations in Michigan, Florida and Arizona, Since 1973, the ACU Foundation has hosted the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, where speaking out against government health care conservative activists and leaders join together for a and for fiscal common sense. Asked why he three-day event to discuss current issues and policies hasn’t appeared on Fox News, he said “maybe and to set the agenda for the Fox needs a little prompting.” future of the conservative If you would like to help Dan appear on Fox “CPAC has movement. CPAC is open to please take a minute and email Fox TV at consistently over the the general public and offers years championed a distinguished cast of [email protected]. They have had those ideas that have participants and speakers. guest speakers from AARP; why not make it fair made America great: Notable guests have and balanced and hear what AMAC has to say? limited government, included Presidents Ronald free enterprise, low Reagan and George Bush; taxes and a strong Vice Presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney; former national defense.” AMAC’s Dan Weber Senate GOP leader Bob - Vice President Dole; former House Speaker Dick Cheney Newt Gingrich; Senators Zell meets Mike Huckabee Miller, Rick Santorum and George Allen; as well as congressional members, Cabinet officers, media correspondents and international celebrities. CPAC brings dedicated and talented Americans into the conservative movement and trains and motivates them for political action.

Our own Dan Weber, president of AMAC, got a chance to meet former Governor Mike Huckabee and explain the conservative views and objectives of AMAC to the TV host and former Governor during his recent visit to the Villages in Florida on November 16th.

26 | www.amac.us Member Benefits Directory

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www.amac.us | 27 What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Over the counter drug abuse and prescription drug abuse by teens and young adults is a serious problem in the United States. Many teens think these drugs are safe because they have legitimate uses, but taking them without a prescription to get high can be as dangerous, and addictive, as using street drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Here are a few of the most commonly abused Over the Counter Drugs (OTC) and prescription medications. Over-the-Counter Drugs (OTC) • Cold Medications- Cough Syrups containing Dextromethorphan (DXM), Sudafed, Benadryl Prescription Drugs • Depressants- Nembutal (Pentobarbital Sodium), Valium (Diazepam), and Xanax (Alprazolam) GROWING CRISIS • Stimulants- Ritalin (Methylphenidate), Adderall 1 in 5 teens has abused a (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine prescription (Rx) pain • Narcotics- Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), medication. Meperidine (Demerol). 1 in 5 teens report abusing Clear communication about the negative physical, emotional, and prescription stimulants and functional effects of drugs, as well as about their expectations regarding tranquilizers. drug use have been found to significantly decrease substance abuse in teens. Adequate parental supervision has also been found to be a 1 in 10 teens has abused deterrent to drug use in youth. Specifically, parents knowing how, cough medication. where, and with whom adolescents socialize, as well as limiting their 2 in 5 teens believe that Rx children's access to substances that can be abused have been medicines, even if they are not associated with less teenage drug use. prescribed by a doctor, are “much safer” to use than illegal drugs. Signs of 3 out of 10 teens believe prescription pain relievers – Abuse & Addiction What Can even if not prescribed by a Declining grades, unusual doctor – are not addictive. activities and loss of interest in ?You Do? hobbies. Changes in friends, physical Safeguard all drugs in your appearance, hygiene, and general home. Monitor quantities and control access. Take note of how many behavior. pills are in a bottle or pill packet, and keep track of refills. Cycles of increased energy, Ask friends and family to safeguard their prescription drugs as well. restlessness, and inability to sleep. Make sure your friends and relatives know about the risks, too, Your child/grandchild takes large Talk to your child/grandchild amounts of cold or cough about the dangers of taking remedies even when not ill. prescription and over-the-counter OTC (over the counter) drugs medications; just because they're seem to vanish from your "legal" does not make the potential to medicine cabinet. be addictive or dangerous any less. Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time, If you see changes in your confusion and disorientation child/grandchild that make you sense Sudden weight loss or weight that something is wrong, take action. gain. You may want to talk to your Cycles of excessive sleep. child/grandchild to share your Hostility or lack of co-operation. concern or seek professional advice. 28 | www.amac.us # American Heros Humble chief gains national attention by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee - Air Force Print News

11/10/2006 - MCCONNELL AIR other side of him that is full of FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFPN) - All of compassion." the attention embarrasses him, but The chief, who grew up in Jordan, as this chief master sergeant New York, is not at home in the learned recently, a lifetime of caring spotlight. When asked to talk about and good deeds is bound to catch himself, he always tries to switch the up with you eventually. focus to the other military people Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt, who served with him at Balad. superintendent of the 22nd Wing While deployed to Iraq, the chief Medical Group here, recently gained tried to help out any way he could. worldwide attention for a photo of He figured holding a baby that him holding an injured Iraqi child. needed comforting that would free The photo was taken about a month up one more set of arms that could ago, while he was deployed to Balad be providing care to more critical Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt # as they Air Base in Iraq. patients. cradles a young Iraqi girl The young infant "If I have an both sleep in the hospital. The His affection for girl's entire family was executed had received extensive opportunity to help children is no secret to by insurgents. The killers shot her gunshot injuries to her out, I look for that his wife, Mindy. While in the head but she survived. The head when insurgents opportunity," he said. dating John in high girl received treatment at the U.S. attacked her family "They had more than school, she watched military hospital in Balad, but cries killing both of her enough to do." how he bonded with the often. According to nurses at the parents and many of The chief was not child of a coach of one facility, Chief Gebhardt is the only her siblings. The chief alone in volunteering of his athletic teams. one who can calm down the girl, had a knack for at the hospital. There That softer side of him so he holds her at night while they comforting her and they were more than 800 is one of the reasons she both sleep in a chair. Chief often would catch a cat different volunteers at married him. Gebhardt was assigned to the nap together in a chair. the hospital during the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Now, he is back at time he was deployed Group at Balad Air Base, Iraq. home in Wichita, Kan., with his wife, to Iraq, he said. Some of them (Courtesy Photo) Mindy. They have a warm, volunteered so much that he hospitable home five minutes away mistakenly thought they were position I am." from McConnell Air Force Base. His assigned to the hospital. And it is the chief's hope that son Ryan, 25, and daughter Amber, When Mindy describes the best families in Iraq will receive the same 23, have long since outgrown being qualities of her husband, the first kind of support in the future. They cradled and he said he thought word out of her mouth is integrity. are just like American families, Chief about them constantly while he held She said the photo of her husband Gebhardt said. the Iraqi child. and the Iraqi child truly represents "I pray for the best for the Iraqi "I got as much enjoyment out of him. She believes he has been so children," he said. "I can't tell the it as the baby did," he said. "I successful because he is such a difference between their kids and reflected on my own family and life straight-shooter and puts others' our kids. The Iraqi parents have the and thought about how lucky I have welfare ahead of his own. same care and compassion for their been." "He never leads anyone astray," children as any American." His affection for children is no she said. "He will never do Life is calmer for Chief Gebhardt secret to his wife, Mindy. While something for himself that would now that he is back home, and even dating John in high school, she have a negative effect on someone though his recent "fame" has watched how he bonded with the else. He always tells it like it is." highlighted an eventful 27-year child of a coach of one of his athletic But, the chief attributes his career, he said he wouldn't change a teams. That softer side of him is one success to his family. thing. of the reasons she married him. "Without their support I don't "If I had to do it over again, I "People see him as this tough know where I would be," he said. "I would sign up and give it another guy," she said, "but I always see that definitely wouldn't be in the ride," he said. www.amac.us | 29 AMAC vs. AARP - David vs. Goliath There are two organizations representing citizens 50 plus. AMAC, the Association of Mature American Citizens has 10’s of thousands of members. AARP has 26 million members. The leadership of AARP has proven themselves to be a liberal leaning group that endorsed expensive Obamacare, without the consent of their members. AMAC (pronounced A-Mack) is one of the leading groups fighting against President Obama’s health care initiative. AMAC has organized “Tea Parties” and participated in rallies against expanding government and AMAC will lead this fight knowing we can win, if you raising taxes. and other patriotic Americans stand behind us. AMAC is pro-life, pro Second Amendment, and Please go to www.amac.us and sign on as a member. thinks government has grown too large and powerful. For $12.50/year, you will know we are working on your AMAC feels our elected officials are ignoring the will of behalf to stop socialism in America. the people. The proof of this can be seen in the way David conquered Goliath, and AMAC can beat AARP. Congressmen and Senators have been treating their Please check out our website and if you agree with us, constituents at the various town hall meetings. please tell your friends. We need more members so we can have more clout Members receive our magazine and qualify for with office holders. We need to counter the influence of member discounts on Insurance and other services. AARP when they say they are speaking on behalf of HELP US INFLUENCE CONGRESS Americans aged 50 and over. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR!! Our Stance Medical Care AMAC believes it is a serious mistake to have the Federal on the Issues government interfere and dictate how medical care is provided in this country. The present system of State AMAC takes the regulations and free enterprise has proven satisfactory following positions: for over 85% of our citizens. A simple change in state regulations can solve most of the problems with people Taxes being covered. Medicare should continue as-is with AMAC strongly feels that minor improvements, and more competition should be American citizens are excessively taxed. There should be encouraged. a reduction in income tax rates for all wage earners. Abortion Likewise, corporations are over taxed. When a corporation is taxed they simply increase the cost of their Our position is that we are pro-life. We are against product or service and the people wind up paying for the abortion in principle and feel it is improper to allow tax when the price is increased. government funding of abortions, except to save the life of the mother. Growth in Government Gay Marriage AMAC favors a reduction in the number of Federal departments and employees. Our government has grown We are against gay marriage. We feel it contributes to the at the Federal, State and local levels. In Washington we destruction of the traditional family and offends the now have twice as many Departments as we had 100 religious beliefs of many Americans. AMAC has not taken years ago. As government grows and each year more laws a position on civil unions or other legal issues affecting are passed, individual citizens slowly have their rights gays and lesbians. taken away. Second Amendment - Balanced Budget & the National Debt the right to bear arms The annual budget has gone out of control. The President AMAC believes that the Constitution clearly gives the and Congress have lost sight of their responsibilities. If right to carry arms to the citizen. Attempts to infringe we do not manage our fiscal and financial condition, our upon that right should be defeated. nation will be put in serious jeopardy. By continuing to borrow we are putting a huge burden on our children and grandchildren. 30 | www.amac.us Click, Clip & Save $ “Practical Money It's about enjoying life... and not missing Management” a sound

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www.amac.us | 31 # Just for Fun Crossword ACROSS 1 . Flying honker 10. These are often 6. Construct removed in 11. Gratuity childhood 14. Use to one's 11. Leg bone advantage 12. Fool 15. A small 13. A velvet-like insectivorous fabric American bird 18. Hindu princess 16. Anagram of 22.Bawl "Aid" 23. Shampoo and 17. The process of _____ giving birth 24. Negatively 19. Container charged particle 20. Periods of 25. Concepts discounted 26.Ill prices 27. Implored 21. Descendant 29. Interior 23. Dried grape decoration 27. Buccaneer 30. Far beyond the 28. One by one norm 32. Daughter of a 31. Stop (nautical) sibling 34. Female demon 33. Imps 35.Spy 34. Escape 36. In sorry shape 37. Drench 38. Jittery 38. Outer or exterior 39. Learning 39. Indian music method 40. N N N N 41. Performing Sudoku 41. Smells 42. Notification Answers are 42. Adult females 43. Motel on pg. 24 43. Capable of 44. Detail winning favor 45. Indian hand 45. Minuscule drums 48. Accord 46. Electronic 49. Catkin messages 50. Donated 47. Strange 53. Tavern 50. Acquire 54. Faculty member 51. Indolent 60. Fifty-two in 52. Animal doctors Roman 55. Mongrel numerals 56. Prompt 61. Remorse 57. Outrage 62. Care giver 58. Donkey How to Play: • Fill in the empty fields with the numbers from 1 through 9 63. Beer 59.Born • Every row must contain the numbers from 1 through 9 64. Gray sea eagles Answers are on pg. • Every column must contain the numbers from 1 through 9 65. Ganders and • Every 3x3 square must contain the numbers from 1 through 9 goslings ?? DOWN 1 . A narrow How was your game, dear?" asked Jack's wife Tracy. opening Joke of the "Well, I was hitting pretty well, but my eyesight's gotten so bad I couldn't 2. Egg cells Month see where the ball went," he answered. 3. Paddle "But you're 75 years old, Jack!" admonished his wife, "Why don't you take 4. Seat oneself Heard any good ones my brother Scott along?" 5. Difficult to lately? Send them in! "But he's 85 and doesn't play golf anymore," protested Jack. detect or grasp Please submit your joke by emailing [email protected] or "But he's got perfect eyesight. He would watch the ball for you," Tracy 6. Wickedness mailing to Joke of the Month, pointed out. 7. Ritual c/o AMAC Senior Services of The next day Jack teed off with Scott looking on. Jack swung and the ball 8. Goddess of New York, 5 Orville Drive, discord (Greek Suite 400, Bohemia, NY disappeared down the middle of the fairway. "Do you see it?" asked Jack. 11716. Your joke may be "Yup," Scott answered. mythology) featured in our next 9. Chief executive magazine! "Well, where is it?" yelled Jack, peering off into the distance. officer "I forgot." 32 | www.amac.us # Parting Thought

“If the government is big enough to give you everything you want, it is big enough to take away everything you have." - Gerald R. Ford

www.amac.us | 33 Safe-Guard Your Home for Peace of Mind While You’re Away

hether you’re going on vacation for just a week, or sounds an alarm. The system Wyou’re a snowbird who goes away for several months, does all of this from a single point in preparing your home before leaving can help you enjoy a the water main, serving as a first line of worry-free get away. defense against water damage. Telephone Lighting and Sound Check your answering machine messages while away Change the light bulbs on all interior lighting and/or and return important messages to reinforce the idea that automatic timing devices. your home is not vacant. Stagger your lights and radios by setting the timers in Erase unimportant messages while away to disable different rooms to go on and off at different times. automatic telling of callers that the message feature is Outside motion lighting should be installed high enough "full". so that the bulbs can’t be unscrewed by a possible intruder. Regular Visits Security Consider contracting a house-sitting service to make Install deadbolt locks on all perimeter doors regular visits to your home during your absence. Many Lock the garage door manually if you have an electronic insurance policies have clauses that will void coverage if garage door opener. your property is left unoccupied and unattended for Place a piece of wood or similar solid object in the tracks extended periods of time. of your sliding doors. Arrange mail forwarding with your local post office. Water Damage Suspend or cancel newspaper and magazine Drain all hoses and turn off all pipes that provide water subscriptions. to the exterior of your home (e.g. garden taps) to prevent Arrange snow removal and sidewalk/driveway clearing burst pipes. with a reputable company. Have vehicles brushed of snow Install an automatic water shutoff system that to give the impression of regular use. constantly monitors all water coming into the home and detects any unusual flow. If water flow exceeds a preset For further information please contact Winter Watch Services limit, the system automatically shuts off the water and at: 516-810-3604 or 631-661-6365 “Safe-Guarding Homes to Give You Peace-of-Mind While You’re Away”

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Amac is here to help you learn about these options and how to prepare yourself for your future. For more information, call today 1-888-262-2006

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