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Medicare Open Enrollment Runs Through Dec. 7

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Reviewing your Medicare options could save you money

MISSION, Kan., Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — (Family Features) If you’re enrolled in Medicare, it’s important to remember Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year. This is the time for people with Medicare to compare their prescription drug and health coverage options for the upcoming year.

It is important to compare your options because plans can change every year – even your current choice may be changing. Your health needs can change, too. By comparing all your options, you could save money, find a coverage option better tailored to you or both. By reviewing and comparing coverage, people can see if there are better options based on changes to their current plan, personal budget and health needs.

New This Year

The new prescription drug law is lowering out-of-pocket costs on covered prescriptions. New in 2025, all Medicare plans will include a $2,000 annual cap on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. The cap only applies to drugs that are covered by your plan, so it’s more important than ever to review your plan options to make sure your drugs are covered. That means you will not pay more than $2,000 in 2025 on prescription drugs covered under Medicare prescription drug coverage – that includes expensive prescription drugs to treat cancer, chronic illnesses and more.

This is in addition to improvements already in effect due to the prescription drug law including a $35 cap on a month’s supply of each covered insulin product – and no out-of-pocket costs for recommended adult vaccines covered under Part D, including the shingles vaccine.

Also starting in 2025, you can choose to spread your out-of-pocket drug costs across the calendar year instead of paying all at once at the pharmacy. It’s called the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. You can opt in with your plan in advance of Jan. 1 and throughout 2025.

How to Compare Prescription Drug and Health Coverage Options

Medicare.gov is the official source for information about Medicare and Open Enrollment. Start here to get unbiased information to find the type of coverage that best meets your needs.

Comparing prescription drug and health coverage options is easy at Medicare.gov. Get started by clicking on “Find Plans.” Then enter your ZIP code, current prescriptions and favorite pharmacies. You will see a side-by-side comparison of the total cost for all the plans in your area, including the premium and how much you’ll pay for your prescriptions. You’ll also be able to see what plans cover your prescriptions and whether some plans offer extra benefits. If you are happy with your current choice, you don’t have to do anything. If you choose a new option for 2025, you can enroll on Medicare.gov.

Before you enroll in a plan, consider this advice:

Check if your health care providers are in a plan’s network.Check if your prescriptions are included on a plan’s formulary and if the plan works with your pharmacy.Review a plan’s estimated total costs to you, including deductible and other out-of-pocket costs. Remember low monthly premiums may not always be the best overall value for your specific needs.Check if Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits, like vision, hearing or dental coverage, if you need these services.Understand that you may need to get approval from the plan before it will cover certain services or supplies.Check your plan’s Star Rating to see how it performs on quality, customer service and more.

Medicare Can Help

To compare options and find the best coverage to fit your needs:

Visit Medicare.gov and conduct side-by-side comparisons of costs and coverage.Call 1-800-MEDICARE. Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends.Access personalized health insurance counseling in your community at no cost, available from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Visit shiphelp.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE for locations near you.

Extra Help with Prescription Drug Costs

If you are struggling with prescription drug costs, Extra Help is a Medicare program that can help pay for your drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and other costs. With the prescription drug law, more people may qualify for even more savings. If you make less than $23,000 a year ($31,000 for married couples), it’s typically worth it to apply. People who qualify for Extra Help generally will pay no more than $4.50 for each generic drug and $11.20 for each brand-name drug. Visit ssa.gov/ExtraHelp.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate

A leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at Culinary.net and eLivingToday.com.

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SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate

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Fast Guard Service Enhances Nationwide Fire Watch Services with Transparent Pricing and Unmatched Professionalism

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Protecting Properties Nationwide with Fast Guard Fire Watch Services.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fast Guard Service has announced its commitment to providing transparent pricing for fire watch services across all 50 states. Fire watch services can be a complex and stressful responsibility for property managers and business owners to navigate. The process often begins with a fundamental question: What is a fire watch? This is followed by the challenge of identifying a reliable company to provide this critical service in a timely manner. Fast Guard Service recognizes these challenges and strives to simplify the process by offering clear guidance and reliable solutions.

What Is a Fire Watch?

A fire watch is a temporary service in which a licensed and trained professional monitors a building for fire hazards, acting as a human fire alarm and notifying the fire department if a fire is detected. Fire watch services are typically required when a building’s fire protection system is non-operational. At Fast Guard Service, these duties are carried out by licensed and trained security guards from an insured and accredited security agency. The guards conduct patrols every 15 minutes and maintain detailed fire watch logs, recording dates, times, initials, and notes on any identified issues.

There is often a misconception that fire watch duties are simpler than those of a standard security guard. In reality, fire watch guards serve as the last line of defense in protecting lives and valuable assets. Any lapse in vigilance can have catastrophic consequences. Additionally, improperly completed fire watch logs can result in significant fines from fire marshals, costing businesses thousands of dollars and delaying necessary repairs.

Fast Guard Service: A Trusted Partner in Fire Watch

Fast Guard Service has been a leading provider of security services nationwide for over a decade. The company is dedicated to building strong partnerships with clients by delivering exceptional onsite performance. Unlike many other providers, Fast Guard Service prioritizes rigorous training to ensure that assets are protected by skilled and experienced professionals. Operating on a national scale, the company consistently meets and exceeds industry standards.

Fire Watch Pricing Across the Nation

Fast Guard Service has developed a transparent Fire Watch Pricing Guide to help clients make informed decisions. The guide is based on prevailing wages and the company’s proprietary pricing matrix. Below are the rates by state:

Alabama: $45/hourAlaska: $80/hourArizona: $55/hourArkansas: $50/hourCalifornia: $75/hourColorado: $60/hourConnecticut: $70/hourDelaware: $65/hourFlorida: $45/hourGeorgia: $45/hourHawaii: $85/hourIdaho: $50/hourIllinois: $60/hourIndiana: $50/hourIowa: $50/hourKansas: $50/hourKentucky: $50/hourLouisiana: $50/hourMaine: $65/hourMaryland: $70/hourMassachusetts: $75/hourMichigan: $55/hourMinnesota: $60/hourMississippi: $45/hourMissouri: $50/hourMontana: $55/hourNebraska: $50/hourNevada: $60/hourNew Hampshire: $65/hourNew Jersey: $75/hourNew Mexico: $50/hourNew York: $85/hourNorth Carolina: $50/hourNorth Dakota: $55/hourOhio: $50/hourOklahoma: $50/hourOregon: $60/hourPennsylvania: $70/hourRhode Island: $70/hourSouth Carolina: $50/hourSouth Dakota: $55/hourTennessee: $55/hourTexas: $50/hourUtah: $55/hourVermont: $65/hourVirginia: $60/hourWashington: $65/hourWest Virginia: $50/hourWisconsin: $55/hourWyoming: $55/hour

These rates reflect the cost of deploying fully licensed and trained security guards to ensure compliance with fire watch regulations and protect properties nationwide.

A Trusted Partner Nationwide
With over a decade of experience, Fast Guard Service has become a trusted provider of fire watch, armed and unarmed guards, event security, and emergency services. The company’s nationwide reach and emphasis on professional training ensure every client receives consistent, top-tier service.

“Our fire watch guards are not just security personnel; they are highly trained professionals who understand the gravity of their role,” said Roderick Payne Jr., President of Fast Guard Service. “Their vigilance and expertise can mean the difference between a minor issue and a catastrophic event.”

24/7 Availability
Fast Guard Service operates around the clock, offering immediate assistance in fire watch emergencies. Whether it’s a planned service or an urgent need, the company guarantees a prompt response to protect properties and lives.

To learn more about Fast Guard Service or to inquire about fire watch services, call 844-254-8273.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

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SOURCE Fast Guard Service

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Columbia School Fair Celebrates School Choice and Opportunities in South Carolina

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COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Families in South Carolina are eager to explore their school choice options, and dozens of schools in the Columbia and Lexington area are gathering to meet that need at a school fair timed to coincide with School Choice Week. No matter what type of school they’re looking for, there will be something for everyone at this positive, family-friendly event hosted by Palmetto Promise Institute at Brookland Baptist Church.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. Focused on school choice and the variety of K-12 educational options available in South Carolina, the event will feature nearly 50 local schools, including traditional public, public charter, magnet, private, home, and online options, as well as several family resource providers. Parents will have a chance to talk directly with school representatives while kids enjoy family fun activities, including face painting, balloon artists, and complimentary food, making it a lively and engaging experience for all attendees.

South Carolina continues to expand educational opportunities for families, with recent advancements such as the Education Scholarship Trust Fund program, which benefited 5,000 students in the 2024-2025 school year before it was halted by a court ruling weeks just into the school year. These efforts for School Choice Week underscore South Carolina’s commitment to ensuring every child can access the best educational environment tailored to their unique needs and interests.

“The Columbia School Fair represents a pivotal moment for South Carolina families, bringing together the full spectrum of educational opportunities under one roof. Every child learns differently, and by empowering parents with information about traditional public, charter, private, magnet, and alternative schooling options, we’re ensuring that each student can find the educational environment where they’ll truly thrive,” said Wendy Damron, president and CEO of Palmetto Promise Institute.

The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Week, which will include over 27,000 events and activities nationwide aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of educational opportunities for families.

Palmetto Promise Institute is a South Carolina-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing freedom and opportunity for every South Carolinian.

Location Details:

Brookland Baptist Church is located at 1066 Sunset Blvd West Columbia, SC 29169. The event will take place in the banquet and conference center.

For more information, visit columbiaschoolfair.com or RSVP in Spanish at schoolchoiceweek.com/events/2025-columbia-feria-escolar/.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through two charitable programs: organizing National School Choice Week each January and the research, development, and promotion of comprehensive and unbiased school navigation resources for parents via School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/columbia-school-fair-celebrates-school-choice-and-opportunities-in-south-carolina-302359483.html

SOURCE National School Choice Week

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Richard Lowe is Named CEO of Franchise Services, Inc. – Seasoned franchise executive to lead the company’s four franchise brands

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Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Lowe to Chief Executive Officer of Franchise Services, Inc,. Don F. Lowe, former CEO, will remain in the organization as Chairman.

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Lowe to Chief Executive Officer of Franchise Services, Inc. Don F. Lowe, former CEO, will remain in the organization as Chairman. Headquartered in Mission Viejo, CA, FSI is the parent company of Sir Speedy, PIP and Signal Graphics print, signs and marketing services brands, and TeamLogic IT, a managed IT services franchise for businesses. Together the family of brands total more than 500 locations across the country that focus on serving the needs of small- to medium-sized companies.

With a ‘Franchisee First’ philosophy focused on helping franchisees grow, Richard will oversee the executive management team and lead the future direction of the four brands.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard said, “I am deeply honored for the opportunity to lead this organization, and I look forward to helping our brands continue to grow while working with the highest caliber of staff and franchisees I’ve come to know throughout the years. All our brands and locations have unique opportunities to be differentiators in their markets and our dedicated team is ready and poised to help our franchisees succeed.”

Richard Lowe brings decades of experience in franchise management, previously holding the position of President and COO of Franchise Services. Richard began working for FSI 35 years ago after starting his career as a salesperson at Eastman Kodak and has served in many director and vice president roles at the company. He is also a frequent contributor at both print and technology industry events.

About Franchise Services
Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI) is a franchise management company that owns the brands Sir Speedy, PIP and Signal Graphics — leading print, signs and marketing services providers. The company also owns TeamLogic IT, a fast-growing technology franchise that provides managed IT services. FSI has a 50-plus year history of managing award-winning brands that support the small- to medium-sized business market. With more than 500 locations across all its brands, the company reported an outstanding year in 2024.

Media Contact

Denise Denton, Franchise Services, Inc., 949-348-5400, ddenton@franserv.com, www.franserv.com 

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SOURCE Franchise Services, Inc.

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