Welcome 2007

As we greet 2007, my prayer is that your hopes and dreams (GOALS) will come true.

Omaha is "Building a Culture of Mental Health"

On November 12th, our local columnist for the Omaha World Herald, Michael Kelly, wrote a very interesting article about the "culture of mental health" in Omaha, and the state of Nebraska.

Unless you subscribe to omaha.com, the online version of the Omaha World Herald, the link likely won't work. It's free. Register. You can trust these guys. I don't work there.

Give Blood

• Did you know that only 5% of the eligible US population actually donates blood?
  
• Did you know that only 30% of first-time blood donors go back to give a second time?
  
• Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood.
  

One blood donation can help save three (3) lives. It is so simple. The difference you can make in people's lives is worth your time. You can donate blood every 56 days.

Don't listen to the bad news over and over ... make some good news. Call 1-800-448-3543 or visit www.givelife.org

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

I get a lot of questions about the relatively new "prescription drug plan" offered through Medicare. My clients that receive disability insurance benefits (SSD or SSDI) are eligible for Medicare after 29 months of being disabled.

With the new prescription drug plan, there are choices and decisions about prescriptions. The SSA has an informative flyer titled: What You Should Know About The Medicare Prescription Drug Plans Qualify For Extra Help And Pay No Penalty In 2006.


Another good source of information is on the SSA website for "Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Costs" as it contains information on alternative resources to help to obtain prescriptions at free or reduced costs, such as "Medicare Direct - RX." It also contains links to other pages answering a variety of questions and providing "fact sheets" on different issues.

My primary focus is to help people obtain the disability benefits that they obviously deserve. Deciding insurance alternatives is not my strong suit, but hopefully these links can direct you to some information that will help you make an informed choice.

National Popcorn Month

Any one that knows me is aware for my "near addiction" to popcorn. From a very young age I have loved popcorn. My younger sister, trained by me, makes the best popcorn. She had lots of practice preparing it for her "big brother."

For your information, "National Popcorn Month," is observed October 9th -- so mark your calendars!