Unique new health plan for medicare patients launched

Seattle area seniors have an unprecedented new option for health insurance during this year’s Medicare open enrollment period that promises to deliver more benefits and better quality of care at a competitive price.  Local medical group The Polyclinic introduced a new Medicare Advantage plan called Essence, designed and managed by The Polyclinic doctors. The Essence plan gives doctors – not large insurance companies – control over healthcare decisions. 

“The Essence plan puts healthcare decisions back into the hands of doctors and their patients.  This means that your doctors will make the important decisions about your healthcare,” said Debra Gribble, president of Essence Healthcare.  “With doctors designing and managing the plan, you get care you can trust, from doctors you know.”  

“At The Polyclinic we have incorporated our deep knowledge of our patients and local community into the design of the plan to provide members with affordable coverage, including prescription drug coverage,” said Lloyd David, CEO of The Polyclinic. “We see ourselves as partners with our patients, and as one of the largest clinics in western Washington, we’re in a position to work as advocates for our patients when it comes to finding creative solutions for their health care and insurance needs.”

Special benefits from a special plan 

         • Localized Design: Seattle physicians, not insurance administrators, designed and will manage the plan.

         • Lowest Out of Pocket Expenses: Essence offers the lowest maximum out of pocket expense of any plan on the market.

         • More Benefits: Essence offers more benefits than traditional Medicare, including preventive dental care and eye exams.

         • Low Monthly Premiums and Co-pays: In the standard plan, enrollees do not pay a monthly premium, and enjoy a $5 co-pay for doctor visits.

         • Free Transportation to the Doctor: Enrollees receive up to ten complimentary round trips for non-urgent doctor visits each year.

         • Prescription Drug Coverage: Essence automatically includes Medicare brand-name and generic prescription drug coverage, along with the lowest initial prescription drug coverage limits. There is no need to sign up for a stand-alone drug plan.

         • Exceptional Service and Quality: The Essence plan gives doctors – not large insurance companies – control over healthcare decisions, which helps them deliver the best care possible to their patients.

To help seniors understand their healthcare choices, Essence will offer free Medicare Advantage informational meetings in the Seattle area throughout November and December. Seniors can learn about their choices in Medicare, the pros and cons of each plan, costs involved, and how to make a plan decision that is right for them. Seattle seniors are reminded that the Medicare open enrollment period ends on December 31, 2007. To find a free meeting in your area please call 1-877-392-3849 (TTY 1-866-597-9561).  Complimentary refreshments and/or meal will be served.

Leading adventure travel expert shares tips for adult travelers of all ages

According to the Travel Industry Association, 98 million people have taken an adventure trip in the past five years. Whether it's to escape the daily grind, catch up with an old friend, connect with family, or challenge one's body physically, adventure travel can be a fit for every type of person. 

In fact, according to adventure travel expert and author Ward Luthi, adventure travel can mean different things to different people.

Luthi is the founder and president of Walking the World, an outdoor adventure program that encourages people 50 plus to travel to new places. “There are destinations and activities for every age and lifestyle ranging from light to heavy intensity. It can be walking through the Costa Rican rainforests, hiking local trails in your own area or even taking a short day-trip to somewhere you haven't been before.”

A recent Nature Made Wellness Advisor survey found that 30 percent of respondents reported feeling like they were adventurers, but only when they were younger. “Age doesn't have to limit your activity level,” Luthi states. “There are simple proactive measures adults can take to prepare their bodies for an adventure, and there is an adventure for every type of personality and interest.”

Luthi's top five tips include:

1. Do some homework – Gather any maps you may need. Check the weather forecast so you know what climate to expect. And, always make sure that someone knows where you are going and how they can contact you if needed.

2. Nutrify your body – A balanced, nutrient-rich diet provides active adults with the energy and strength they need to set out on any adventure. This includes drinking lots of water and avoiding fried or fatty foods, which can lead to fatigue.

“When you are on the trail, a healthy snack I call ‘GORP’ (‘good 'ol raisins and peanuts’) helps maintain travelers' blood-sugar levels and energy. Along with plenty of water, keep a small bag in your backpack for an energizing snack every hour,” says Luthi.

3. Jump start your joint health – Adventure can take a toll on the body, especially joints. Many need extra support while on a trip.

“A way to support joints naturally can be through a glucosamine-product, such as the new Nature Made TripleFlex Rapid Relief, which includes white willow bark to help relieve joint discomfort in as little as seven days. This is faster than traditional products and can prepare my travelers for an adventure in just a week's time,” shares Luthi.

4. Dress the part – “Do not underestimate the power of comfortable shoes and socks,” Luthi stresses. When you properly prepare your feet for the impact of uncertain and sometimes rough terrain you are on, your entire body will reap the benefits with less aches and pains. “Also, always carry a baseball or wide-brim hat to shield the sun from eyes and skin.”

5. Bring backup – Protective gear can help make the most of an unanticipated situation. No matter what the weather or location, always wear and bring extra sunscreen.

On larger adventures bring extra snacks, rain gear, small first aid kit, small butane lighter, compass and emergency signal to make yourself prepared in case of extreme weather, an injury or if you find yourself off trail.

“I've found that adventure travel offers us some of the best opportunities to live life fully, to explore other lands, to experience new cultures, to make new friends and learn more about ourselves,” says Luthi. “It stretches us physically, mentally and emotionally. Once many start, they never turn back.” 

To learn more about Luthi's adventure travel tips, visit www.WalkingTheWorld.com. Also, for a limited time as travel season is picking up, visit www.TripleFlex.com to redeem $10 in coupons. For a list of local activities and trails, contact your local visitors' bureau.