22 Nov 2011

Q&A -- Medicare open enrollment

By Sen Chuck Grassley

Q&A on Medicare open enrollment with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Q:    What does open enrollment mean for seniors?

A:    The Medicare open enrollment period for 2012 is under way.  Any enrollee who wants to change plans needs to do so by December 7, 2011.   The annual enrollment period applies to Medicare Parts A and B, which is traditional Medicare; the alternative to Medicare Parts A and B, which is Medicare Advantage; and Medicare Part D, which is the prescription drug program added to Medicare in 2003.

During open enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries don't have to make changes if they don't want or need to.  They can switch from traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, move from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare, or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.  They can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan, drop Medicare prescription drug coverage, or switch from one drug plan to another.

Helpful consumer information is available at www.Medicare.gov/find-a-plan.

Q:    What happens if plans are discontinued?

A:    Most Medicare enrollees will not need to change plans, and most enrollees whose current coverage won't be available next year - whether it's Medicare Advantage or one of the Medicare drug benefit plans - will be enrolled automatically in a new plan, as spelled out in a Notice of Change that insurers were required to send beneficiaries in October.  However, automatic re-enrollment is not always the case, so it's important to read any paperwork you receive this fall.  You may need to re-enroll yourself.

Some insurance plans make changes to prescription drug plans.  It might be higher or lower costs, or the dropping or adding of medications.  Medicare beneficiaries should examine their plans for 2012 changes.  It's important to review your options every year for both financial and health needs.

For 2012, Medicare beneficiaries have plan options that offer enhanced coverage, including zero deductibles and coverage in the gap for generic drugs.  In Iowa, there are 33 Medicare prescription drug plans available for 2012.  These plans offer additional options, such as coverage in the standard benefit's coverage gap and a deductible below the standard $310, including plans without a deductible.  For 2012, the lowest Medicare prescription drug plan available in Iowa for 2012 is $15.10 per month.  Overall, drug plans have seen a slight decrease in premiums for 2012.  I co-authored the legislation that created the Medicare prescription drug program.  Competition among insurers was built into the program design to keep costs low for enrollees, and the program has delivered consistently better-than-expected results in keeping premiums low and affordable.  Beneficiary satisfaction also is high, with 95 percent of enrollees saying their Part D plan works well, and 94 percent saying it's easy to use, in a survey conducted this year.

Q:    What kind of help is available to sort through enrollment questions?

A:    Many states, including Iowa, have set up Senior Health Insurance Information Programs.  Iowa's program provides confidential guidance to individuals, and it's free of charge.  Those who have questions about plan options or unresolved issues with plans should call the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, or SHIIP, at 1-800-351-4664.

Monday, November 21, 2011
22 Nov 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Names New 'Farmers for Ron Paul' Nationwide Coalition Members

By Rick Martin
Nationally-known Virginia farmer and Iowa farmer support Paul through a 'growing' coalition
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today new members its "Farmers for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition formed to energize voters in America's unrivaled agricultural sector.

The new members include a nationally-known proponent of holistic farming methods, and a farmer from the key early voting state of Iowa.

"I've been a fan of Ron Paul for years, since the first day I learned about his positions.  He's the only one with enough backbone to take on the entrenched corporate-government fraternity by attacking with the power of freedom, thereby unleashing entrepreneurial dreams on the marketplace.  Currently cowering under the withering fire of guns, badges, and bureaucracy, America's home-based and back-yard innovators have plenty of antidotes to the problems that plague our culture," said Joel F. Salatin, who raises livestock using chemical-free holistic methods and co-owns with his family Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. 

"Paul understands the power of bottom-up creativity.  Reducing the military, both foreign and domestic, reducing regulatory power, and reducing the penetration of prejudicial government interests in the culture is the balanced approach to restore constitutional normalcy.  Paul is the only national figure willing to go to the mat for these precious principles that will ensure tomorrow's opportunities," said Mr. Salatin.

Mr. Salatin authored eight books, including the most recent Folks, This Ain't Normal.  He was featured in the film documentary Food, Inc. and most recently in TIME magazine on October 24, 2011.  The New York Times dubbed Mr. Salatin "the high priest of the pasture" and he is often introduced as the "most famous farmer in America."

Reflecting Dr. Paul's support in the first-in-nation voting state of Iowa, farmer Kevin Wolfswinkel of Sibley, Osceola County also joined the pro-Paul farmers' coalition.

"Ron Paul and I both agree that liberty and big government cannot co-exist for very long.  Government dislikes the idea of independent minded individuals having free reign over their own lives.  At the same time agriculture is one of the few remaining bastions of freedom loving entrepreneurs, and unless a new course is charted farmers risk losing everything they and their families have spent generations working for," said Mr. Wolfswinkel, who produces corn, soybeans and pork.

"The hard work and personal sacrifice required to succeed in agriculture is at risk of being erased either by crippling regulation, the government's financial mismanagement, or a combination of both.   Ron Paul is the only presidential candidate who possesses the expertise, personal will, and integrity to begin us on the road to regaining control of our lives and livestock," added Mr. Wolfswinkel.

Messrs. Salatin and Wolfswinkel now serve on the "Farmers for Ron Paul" national advisory board.  As a first basic step, those wanting to join the "Farmers for Ron Paul"coalition should visit www.RonPaul2012.com/Farmers.

###
22 Nov 2011

Don't Let Black Friday Deals Leave You in the Dark

By Rick Martin
BBB Tips Help You Shop Smart, Online or at the Mall 

These days Black Friday deals seem to be out before the Thanksgiving turkey even gets cold; leaving many consumers overwhelmed with the pressure to buy, buy, buy.  The BBB recommends you do your research before shopping to ensure advertised deals are all they're cracked up to be.

"Some Black Friday deals may look good on the surface, but quantities may be extremely limited or the size of the discount greatly exaggerated.  Check prices at several retailers and read advertisements carefully to make an educated decision on whether it's worthwhile to stand in line or miss a good night's sleep," said Chris Coleman, BBB President/CEO. Shopping online can be a way to avoid crowded stores, but shoppers need to use extra caution when shopping on the web.

Whether you choose to buy online or at the store, be sure to:

 

  • ·  Protect your personal information. Stick to well known and trusted websites. When shopping at stores, keep your card out of sight and safe.
  • ·  If the site is secure, its address should start with https://. You also may see a picture of a small closed lock in address bar.
  • ·  Know the company's refund and return policies. Are there restocking fees? Do you have to pay shipping costs on returns?
  • ·  Do not rely on pictures of a product. Read the description and check model numbers, if applicable.
  • ·  Be cautious of free offers. Free offers are often followed by an open-ended enrollment in a program that automatically bills your credit card account. Before ordering anything online, make sure you click on and read all terms and conditions.
  • ·  Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card. If you suspect fraud or don't receive your order, credit cards afford the best protection in the event of a dispute.
  • ·  Obtain a tracking number for all shipments.
  • ·  Print out the orders and keep receipts.
  • ·  Be aware of phishing. Don't respond to emails that ask for your credit card or bank account number or other personal information. Legitimate businesses do not send emails claiming there is a problem with an order or account.  Call the company or find the customer service form on the company website to confirm any problem.
Check a company's BBB Business Review before you do business with a company or charity by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 800-222-1600. For more advice you can trust from your BBB, visit www.iowa.bbb.org.
22 Nov 2011

Quad Cities Comic Book Convention

By Alan Morton

The Quad Cities Comic Book Convention will be held on Saturday December 3 at the Ramada Inn in Bettendorf, IA. The Ramada Inn is located at 3020 Utica Rd (I-74 @ Kimberly Rd / Spruce Hills Dr, IA Exit 2). It will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM and admission for the public is free. Dealers from three states specializing in comic books new and old, toys and related. Or if you have old comics lying around that you no longer want bring them by dealers are buying.

For further information contact Alan at (309) 657-1599 or visit www.epguides.com/comics.

22 Nov 2011

Braley to Discuss Vets Hiring Tax Credit in Cedar Rapids

By Jeff Giertz

For months, Braley has pushed veterans hiring tax credit; bill sitting on President Obama's desk

 

Washington, DC - This morning, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold an event at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Cedar Rapids to discuss the Wounded Warrior and Returning Heroes tax credits passed by the US House last week.  President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law as early as this week.

Braley will be joined at the event by veterans and officials with Alliant Energy.

In response to high unemployment rates for veterans, in August, Braley introduced the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a precursor to the House-passed bill that provides a payroll tax break for businesses who hire a current member of the National Guard or Reserve or any unemployed veteran who has returned from deployment within the last 18 months.

In October, Braley hosted a House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity field hearing in Waterloo to focus on veterans' unemployment.  Braley is the highest ranking Democrat on that subcommittee.

TODAY, Monday, November 21st, 2011

 

10:00am in the Lobby of the Veterans Memorial Building, 50 - 2nd  Ave., Cedar Rapids, Iowa

# # #
22 Nov 2011

Active Army Casualty from Illinois

By readMedia

SPRINGFIELD, IL (11/20/2011)(readMedia)-- The Department of Defense announced today the death of an active duty Soldier from Moline Ill., who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Adam E. Dobereiner, 21, died Nov. 18 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Dobereiner was assigned to the 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade based at Fort Hood, Texas.

The Illinois National Guard is supporting the active component as well as providing military support to the Dobereiner family. 

The Dobereiner family will not address the media and will not be granting media access to the services to follow.

22 Nov 2011

Maquoketa Art Experience holds fundraiser, Building Community Through Art

By Paula Neuhaus

[MAQUOKETA, IA] Maquoketa Art Experience announces their first annual fundraiser, Building Community Through Art on Friday, December 2, 5-7 p.m. at Maquoketa Art Experience, 124 S. Main St. in Maquoketa. The evening includes special guest speaker, Figge Art Museum Curator Rima Girnius and a special exhibition of select portraits from artist Rose Frantzen's collection, Portrait of Maquoketa will be on display. The fundraiser also includes a silent auction, appetizers, and a group exhibition including the work of Iowa artists Thomas Metcalf, Sindi Mueller, Charles Morris, Dena Tollefson, and Mary Zeran.

Tickets are $25 per person. All proceeds benefit the growth of Maquoketa Art Experience, a not-for-profit arts organization that is working to build community in Maquoketa through visual arts exploration. For more information contact visit www.maquoketa-art.org. or call Paula Neuhaus at 563.652.9925.

# ##

22 Nov 2011

OMG! ART SALE: LESLIE BELL'S STUDIO! OMG!

By Rick Martin
You are cordially invited, in fact highly encouraged if not guilt tripped to attend an open house and art sale at Leslie Bell's studio the first weekend of December. After 38 years in the St. Ambrose University Art Department (he's never gone home; not even once) the aforementioned Mr. Bell is retiring from fulltime teaching (to part time), hoping that his money doesn't run out before he goes to heaven. He's also desirous of getting rid of some pretty awesome art because he's been told time and time again, "You can't take it with you". And anyway, he's against renting a U-haul.

Have you always wanted to buy a painting, drawing, photograph, lithograph, intaglio, Xerox, thumbprint, used car or choice piece of beachfront property from Professor Bell? You're in luck. There will be hundreds and hundreds and several more hundreds of just such  things stacked and leaning about, waiting for you to snatch them up at record-low prices. He will not be driving his funny car nor will there be a radio DJ yelling at you in a politically incorrect manner about his mental health. The sales, however, will be insane by all accounts and since the artist himself is writing this diatribe, all accounts are coming straight from the horse's mouth.

OK. The particulars:

WHERE:  Studio House aka Les's studio?1918 Gaines Street, Davenport Iowa: the first livable structure north of Locust Street, west side of Gaines Street. There's a big parking lot at Locust and Gaines by the way. 50' from the front door! Call 563-639-4555 if you need more incentive to attend.

WHEN:  Thursday - December 1: 4?6 p.m.
              Friday - December 2: 4?6 p.m.
              Saturday - December 3: 1?3 p.m.

HOW:  If you're coming in from Illinois?Govt. bridge north to 1918 Gaines. If you're from outer space, it's the third stone from the sun. Follow the Mississippi River up from the Gulf of Mexico and stop when you see all the cars and bicycles and people dressed in black, smiling.

WHO:  Anyone brave enough to talk an artist out of a portion of his loot and willing to have a glass of faux Champagne and gawk at the pretty pitchers. And pictures.

WHY:  It's a chance to gain the status only MFA-generated art can bring to a household, dorm room, crash pad or Occupy SAU tent.

ENDING:  See you then and there.
22 Nov 2011

Teen Events

By Jan LaRoche
Teen Advisory Group

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Teen Advisory Group at the Moline Public Library. Help plan programs, give input about what books and materials to add to the collection, make friends, and have fun. We meet the first Thursday of the month, and the next meeting is Thursday, December 1 at 3:30 in the Platinum Room. This program is free and no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com <http://www.molinelibrary.com/
> .


Teen Writers Group

Teen and Young Adult writers are invited to the Moline Public Library on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Bring a few short items to share with the group, get feedback, and learn some new tricks. The next meeting will be on Monday, December 12 at 7:00. This program is free, no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com <http://www.molinelibrary.com/> .


Anime Club

Teen and Young Adult fans of anime, manga, and all things Japanese are invited to the Moline Public Library the third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 for Anime Club. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 20 at 3:30. This program is free and no registration is necessary. For more information call 309-524-2440 or visit us at 3210 41st Street, Moline, IL 61265 or online at http://www.molinelibrary.com <http://www.molinelibrary.com/> .


Teen Reading Challenge

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to take part in the Quad City area-wide Teen Reading Challenge. Pick up a Challenge log from your local library and keep track of how much you read between Jan. 8 and Jan. 28. Read 250 minutes to win a prize and an invitation to the Challenge Final Party on Friday, February 3rd. At 500, 750, and 1000 minutes get entered into drawings for more prizes. For more information, contact your local library.
22 Nov 2011

Governor Pat Quinn Proclaims Lance Corporal Joshua Misiewicz Day in Illinois

By Katelyn Tye

Honors La Grange Military Hero

CHICAGO - November 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today proclaimed Lance Corporal Joshua Misiewicz Day in Illinois, in recognition of Lance Corporal Misiewicz's exemplary service in the United States Marine Corps.

Lance Corporal Misiewicz, a 23-year-old La Grange resident, deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the 1st Batallion, 5th Marine Regiment in March 2011. While on patrol in the Helmund Province on July 20, 2011, Lance Corporal Misiewicz stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and sustained extensive injuries. Lance Corporal Misiewicz was later awarded the Purple Heart by Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos for injuries sustained during battle.

A copy of Governor Quinn's proclamation is attached.

WHEREAS, all citizens owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who heroically serve to defend the freedom and safety of all Americans; and,

WHEREAS, by answering the call of duty during times of peace and war, these heroic service men and women have demonstrated a profound love for the people of this country and a steadfast commitment to the freedom that unites us; and,

WHEREAS, the United States and the State of Illinois are blessed by the 1.5 million men and women who have answered that call to serve our nation with courage and integrity; and,

WHEREAS, these members of our military are true heroes; and,

WHEREAS, since June 2011, more than 100,000 American heroes remain deployed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom; and,

WHEREAS, one such hero was 23-year-old La Grange native and United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Joshua Misiewicz; and,

WHEREAS, prior to pursuing his dream of enlisting in the Marines, Lance Corporal Misiewicz spent a lifetime representing his community in the highest esteem?as a member of the St. Xavier Parish, as an all-state all-star hockey player, as a 2006 honors graduate of Lyons Township High School, as a student athlete and associates' degree recipient from St. Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona; and,

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Misiewicz deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in March 2011; and,

WHEREAS, A Department of Defense photo of Lance Corporal Misiewicz giving high-five to an Afghan child in April 2011 became an image seen around the globe as a demonstration of the American goodwill toward the people of Afghanistan; and,

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Misiewicz, while on patrol in the Helmund Province on July 20, 2011, stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and sustained extensive injuries; and,

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Misiewicz has undergone more than two dozen surgeries and will continue to receive treatment at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD; and,

WHEREAS Lance Corporal Misiewicz has fought successfully against all odds; and,

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Misiewicz, was awarded the Purple Heart by Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos for injuries sustained during battle; and,

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Misiewicz has now accepted a new mission, spending much of his time with the support of his family and fellow Marines following the road to recovery en route to the future;

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim November 19, 2011 as LANCE CORPORAL JOSHUA MISIEWICZ DAY in Illinois, in recognition of Lance Corporal Misiewicz's service and sacrifice, and encourage all citizens to express their respect and gratitude for our nation's troops by supporting them in whatever way possible.

###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar