Lifestyle
La Inscripción Abierta de Medicare Finaliza el 7 De Diciembre
Comparar opciones de cobertura podría ahorrarle dinero
(Family Features) Si usted está inscrito en Medicare, es importante recordar que la Inscripción Abierta de Medicare es del 15 de octubre al 7 de diciembre de cada año. Este es el momento para que las personas con Medicare comparen sus opciones de medicamentos recetados y de cobertura médica para el próximo año.
Es importante comparar sus opciones ya que los planes pueden cambiar cada año- su elección actual puede estar cambiando. Sus necesidades de salud también pueden cambiar. Al comparar todas las opciones, usted podría ahorrar dinero, encontrar una opción de cobertura que se adapte mejor a sus necesidades, o ambas cosas. Al revisar y comparar la cobertura, las personas pueden ver si hay mejores opciones basadas en cambios a su plan actual, presupuesto personal y necesidades de salud.
Novedades Del 2025
La nueva ley de medicamentos recetados baja el costo a pagar (de bolsillo) para medicamentos recetados.
Lo nuevo en 2025 es que todos los planes de Medicare incluirán un límite anual de $2,000 (dos mil dólares) a pagar de su bolsillo para medicamentos recetados bajo la Parte D de Medicare. El límite solo aplica a los medicamentos cubiertos por su plan, por esta razón es más importante que nunca revisar los planes en detalle para asegurarse de que sus medicamentos recetados estén cubiertos. Esto significa que usted no pagará más de $2,000 en el 2025 para medicamentos recetados cubiertos bajo los medicamentos cubiertos por Medicare, incluyendo medicamentos recetados de alto costo para tratar el cáncer, enfermedades crónicas y más.
Esto se suma a las mejoras actuales de la ley de medicamentos recetados, incluyendo el límite de $35 para el suministro mensual de cada producto de insulina– y sin costos de bolsillo para las vacunas recomendadas por la Parde D, incluyendo la vacuna de la culebrilla.
También comenzando en 2025, usted podrá elegir distribuir sus gastos de bolsillo para medicamentos a lo largo del año calendario en lugar de pagarlos de una sola vez en la farmacia. Esto se llama Plan de Pago Para Recetas Médicas de Medicare (conocido en inglés como “Medicare Prescription Payment Plan”). Usted puede inscribirse con su plan por adelantado antes del 1ro de enero y durante todo el 2025.
Cómo Comparar Opciones de Cobertura Médica y de Medicamentos Recetados
La fuente oficial de información sobre Medicare y la Inscripción Abierta es es.Medicare.gov. Comience en es.Medicare.gov para obtener información imparcial y encontrar el tipo de cobertura que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades. Comparar opciones de cobertura médica y de medicamentos recetados es fácil en es.Medicare.gov. Puede comenzar seleccionando la opción de “Buscar Planes”. Luego, ingrese su código postal, los medicamentos recetados y sus farmacias favoritas. Usted puede realizar una comparación viendo lado a lado el costo total de todos los planes en su área, incluyendo la prima mensual (en inglés “monthly premium”) y cuánto pagará por sus medicamentos recetados. Usted también podrá ver qué planes cubren sus medicamentos recetados y si hay planes que le ofrezcan beneficios adicionales. Si usted está satisfecho con su elección actual, no tendrá que hacer nada. Si usted elige una nueva opción para 2025, podrá inscribirse en es.Medicare.gov.
Antes de inscribirse en un plan, considere lo siguiente:
- Verifique si sus proveedores de atención médica están en la red de un plan.
- Verifique si sus medicinas recetadas están incluidas en el formulario de un plan y si el plan trabaja con su farmacia.
- Revise el costo estimado del plan para usted, incluyendo los deducibles y otros costos de bolsillo. Recuerde que las primas mensuales bajas no siempre pueden ser la mejor opción para sus necesidades específicas.
- Verifique si los planes Medicare Advantage ofrecen beneficios adicionales como cobertura de visión, audición o dental, si necesita estos servicios.
- Recuerde que es posible que necesite una autorización previa del plan antes de que le cubran algunos servicios o suministros.
- Consulte el número de estrellas de su plan para ver su desempeño de calidad, servicio al cliente y más.
Medicare Puede Ayudar
Para comparar opciones y encontrar la mejor cobertura que se ajuste a sus necesidades:
- Visite es.Medicare.gov y realice comparaciones lado a lado de costos y cobertura.
- Llame al 1-800-MEDICARE. La ayuda está disponible las 24 horas del día, incluidos los fines de semana.
- Acceda a asesoramiento personalizado sobre seguros médicos en su comunidad sin costo, disponible en su Programa Estatal de Asistencia sobre Seguros Médicos (State Health Insurance Assistance Program, SHIP por sus siglas en inglés). Visite shiphelp.org (enlace en inglés) o llame al 1-800-MEDICARE para ver los sitios cerca de usted.
Subsidio Por Bajos Ingresos
Si tiene dificultades con los costos de los medicamentos recetados, Ayuda Adicional es un programa de Medicare que puede ayudarlo a pagar la prima mensual (en inglés monthly premium), los deducibles, el coseguro y otros costos. Si gana menos de $23,000 al año ($31,000 para parejas casadas), vale la pena solicitar. Aquellas personas que califiquen para el programa de Ayuda Adicional generalmente no pagarán más de $4.50 por cada medicamento genérico y $11.20 por cada medicamento de marca. Visite ssa.gov/AyudaAdicional.
Información proporcionada por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos
Fotos cortesía de Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Stories of Change
The Holiday Spirit Matters But So Does What Happens After
The Holiday Spirit: Holiday generosity is powerful, but community needs don’t end when the decorations come down. Learn practical ways to give back year round—volunteering, donating, sharing skills, and supporting causes you believe in—with help from United Way.
The Holiday Spirit Matters — Why Giving Back Should Last All Year
(Family Features) During the holiday season, many people feel a renewed sense of generosity. It’s a time when communities come alive with food drives, toy collections, volunteer events and donation campaigns – all fueled by the spirit of giving. While this seasonal energy can be powerful, the need it responds to doesn’t fade when the decorations come down. Giving back is not only essential during the holidays; it’s also the foundation of stronger, more resilient communities year round. People in nearly every community face challenges – whether it’s affording holiday presents or meeting basic needs like food, rent and utilities. For many families, current economic strains are forcing them to make tough decisions like sacrificing necessities or depleting savings to create moments of holiday joy.
This is a time to rally support and help neighbors in need. Right now, many community members who didn’t previously need help are seeking support. Acts of generosity large and small help close gaps and strengthen communities. When individuals and businesses give their time, resources and talent, they can help ensure everyone has a fair chance to not only survive but thrive. Communities rely on nonprofit organizations like United Way – one of the oldest and largest organizations committed to tackling local challenges and mobilizing communities to improve lives. With a presence in nearly 99% of communities across the U.S., the organization recognizes the power of giving and relies on seasonal and year-round generosity to deliver food and housing assistance, youth programs, mental health support, disaster recovery and more. This holiday season and beyond, to assist your community consider taking actions such as: Volunteering Offering your time is one way to make a real change in your community while helping build a more resilient future for all. What’s more, research shows the personal benefits of volunteering, such as reduced feelings of isolation, loneliness and risk of depression. Whether it’s a community event, ongoing support or in-person activities, making a difference for others feels good. Donating Sharing your financial resources can play a vital role in helping communities thrive. Your donation can help put food on the table for families in need, support kids who are struggling or provide mental health services to the most vulnerable individuals. Remember, your gift of any size combines with the gifts of others and builds stronger, more resilient communities. Sharing Expertise or Talent Generosity can take many forms. Making a difference isn’t just about time and money; it can also mean sharing skills or knowledge, and even social networks to bolster charitable efforts. Giving back builds a shared sense of responsibility. It reminds people that strong communities don’t happen by accident – they’re created through connection, compassion and collective action. Supporting Causes You Believe In Every community faces their own unique, pressing challenges and almost everyone has a cause that’s close to their hearts. Identify organizations working to advance those causes and make a plan to support them. Find opportunities to support your community this holiday season and make generosity a year-round tradition at unitedway.org/local. Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for VeteransLink: https://stmdailynews.com/nourishing-our-heroes-eight-years-of-impact-at-phoenix-vas-veggies-for-veterans/
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Discover inspiring stories of changemakers making a positive impact. Explore videos and articles of people tackling today’s biggest challenges with action and hope. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/stories-of-change/
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Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Keeping Pets Safe This Holiday Season: 5 Festive Safety Tips for Pet Owners
(Family Features) The holiday season brings sparkling lights, cherished traditions and joyful gatherings with the people and pets you love most. As you deck the halls and prepare for cozy celebrations, it’s important to remember some of the magic of the season can also pose risks for curious cats and dogs. To provide pet owners added peace of mind, consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, a leader in veterinary care with more than 1,000 locations dedicated to positively impacting pets, people and the communities they serve, to keep the holidays merry – and safe – for everyone. Decorations and Festive Outfits From family photos to holiday cards, many pet owners love including their companions in the festivities. If you dress your pet for pictures, choose outfits that are comfortable, allow easy movement and don’t interfere with breathing or vision. Pets are naturally drawn to shiny and dangling decor, so opt for shatterproof ornaments and avoid using tinsel, which can cause serious internal issues if swallowed. Hang small or salt-dough ornaments high on the tree, out of paws’ reach, to help prevent choking. After opening gifts, promptly discard wrapping paper, string and ribbon; items that may seem fun to play with but can be dangerous if ingested.
Food and Drinks Holiday tables overflow with delicious treats, but many seasonal foods can be harmful to pets. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol-sweetened candies and leftover meat scraps may lead to serious illness. Politely remind guests not to slip your pet any treats, no matter how festive the occasion feels. Quickly pack away food when meals end to help reduce temptation. Alcoholic beverages should also be kept well out of reach. Pets absorb alcohol much faster than humans, and even small amounts can cause alcohol poisoning. Candles and Burns The glow of candles and warm fireplaces add comfort and charm this time of year, but open flames pose fire risks and burn hazards for pets. Keep pets at a safe distance from fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters, as curiosity can bring them too close. Consider using battery-operated candles in place of traditional ones. If you use real candles, ensure they’re placed out of reach and never left unattended; even stepping away for a moment can increase the risk of accidents. Plants and Trees Holiday greenery brings beauty to your home, but some plants require extra caution around pets. While Christmas trees themselves are generally non-toxic, the water in the tree stand may contain mold, bacteria or fertilizers. Use a tree skirt or cover to prevent pets from drinking from it. Decorative plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, holly and amaryllis can cause gastrointestinal upset if nibbled on. Keep these seasonal favorites well out of reach, especially if you live with adventurous or plant-curious pets. Cold Weather Walking Winter walks can be refreshing for you and your dog, but shorter days and colder weather mean extra care is needed. Use a non-retractable leash during early morning or evening walks, and ensure both you and your pet wear high-visibility gear so drivers and others can easily spot you.
If you live in an area with snow or ice, monitor conditions closely and watch the wind chill. Dressing your dog in a warm sweater or jacket and offering booties for paw protection can help them stay comfortable and safe on frosty outings. By taking a few thoughtful precautions, you can help ensure your pets enjoy a safe, joyful holiday season right alongside the rest of the family. If you have questions about winter safety or your pet’s health, consult your veterinarian. For more tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season, and to find a location near you, visit vcaholiday.com. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock Keeping Pets Safe This Holiday Season: 5 Festive Safety Tips for Pet Owners
SOURCE: VCA Animal HospitalsThe fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCalLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
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Family
5 Tips to Pull Off Holiday Hosting
With stay-at-home holidays a thing of the past for many families, they’re now busy preparing for full-blown celebrations. The return of traditional festivities brings seemingly never-ending to-do lists and pressure to be the perfect host.
Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) With stay-at-home holidays a thing of the past for many families, they’re now busy preparing for full-blown celebrations. The return of traditional festivities brings seemingly never-ending to-do lists and pressure to be the perfect host.
From mastering a mouthwatering menu and donning your home with decadent decor to ensuring guests enjoy the evening to the fullest, hosting duties bring plenty of responsibilities. This year, though, you can avoid those anxious feelings with some preparation ahead of the big day.
To help pull off a sensational seasonal soiree, consider these tips from the entertaining experts at Sun-Maid to make the holidays brighter and more manageable so you can navigate the stresses of hosting.
Invite Others to Share Favorite Traditions
Especially with stay-at-home holidays in recent years, some friends and family members may have developed their own special traditions from new recipes and foods to seasonal games and activities. Inviting your guests to bring or share something that represents their favorite part of the holidays can help everyone feel welcome.
Take Time for Yourself
Remember to make time for yourself so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor right alongside guests. The busyness of this time of year can add stress but reflecting on the true meaning of the season and reveling in your favorite parts of the holidays can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Add New Ingredients to Your Menu
While pairing this year’s turkey or ham with the classics provides comfort and calls to mind holiday memories of the past, cooking with new ingredients and adding fresh recipes to the menu can put a fun spin on the season and maybe even create your own traditions to carry forward.
For example, baking with an option like Sun-Maid Raisins provides a whole fruit option with zero grams of added sugars per 1/4-cup serving. They’re an easy, better-for-you substitution to reduce overall sugar intake without compromising flavor or texture when compared with dried cranberries, which contain 27 grams of added sugars per 1/4-cup serving. The natural sugars of raisins make them a versatile, useful addition to a wide variety of holiday-worthy dishes.
Hop On Hot Food Trends
One of this year’s most popular trends in the kitchen is food boards, a fun and easy way to elevate flavor while incorporating favorites like cured meats, cold cuts, cheese slices and cubes, dips, nuts and more. Plus, you can keep your board balanced with nutritious items like vegetables and fruit, such as raisins, which provide sweet flavor without the added sugars.
A Time for Truce
Gathering for the holidays is about coming together with loved ones, family, friends and neighbors – and pulling it off means catering to everyone’s needs and wants. It’s a time for compromises and truces. To help add a little extra spark this year, try incorporating a theme to the party or coordinate fun activities and games that can be enjoyed by all. For example, holiday-themed charades, a seasonal “name that tune” game and gift exchanges all give guests ways to get in on the excitement.
To find more holiday entertaining inspiration and recipe ideas, visit SunMaid.com/PullOffTheHolidays .
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
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Sun-Maid Raisins
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