Thursday, March 23, 2006
(ARA) - The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder is up and running. The plan finder, which was put together by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, allows the user to type in the Medicare beneficiary's information and preferences and the interactive site then comes up with a short list of plans based on that information.
To access the plan finder, log on to the Medicare agency's Web site, www.medicare.gov. On the site's home page, choose the option "Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans," and then follow the site's instructions. Beneficiaries should be prepared with specific personal information, such as their Medicare number, prescriptions (name, dosage, frequency and cost of each) and preferred pharmacies.
Additionally, instead of entering a beneficiary's personal information, users can simply perform a generalized search by answering a series of basic questions that the plan finder will ask. The drug plan finder will then offer customized information based on the answers provided.
Open enrollment for Medicare's prescription drug benefit began November 15. It continues through May 15, 2006.
Every beneficiary can choose from several plans. Many resources are available to help select a suitable one.
* If Internet access is not an option, beneficiaries can call the Medicare agency's hotline at (800) MEDICARE (633-4227). This hotline provides live assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The live representative can answer any questions and help beneficiaries complete the steps needed to determine their best choice of plans. Callers may be required to hold for several minutes before a representative is available; however, representatives can offer invaluable guidance in sorting through information. TTY/TTD callers can dial (877) 486-2048.
* Medicare's home site (www.medicare.gov) offers extensive information on the new prescription coverage and provides frequently asked questions.
* The Medicare & You 2006 handbook explains the new prescription drug benefit and lists the plans available in a particular state.
* Thousands of community events are being held across the country. Dates and times are listed in local newspapers.
Friday, March 10, 2006
The Small Business Administration reports that for every new small business startup, another one shuts its doors. In response, BusinessGrowthSolutions.org has formed a team of professionals to provide help in detecting and treating blind spots in small business owners. Early detection and response to these areas of vulnerability can improve the chances for small business success.
BusinessGrowthSolutions.org offers a monthly publication service with reports written by twelve successful small business owners with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Small business owners do not like surprises, yet many of them often get surprised. These reports are intended to inform small business owners of strategies, practices, technologies, business solutions, and other information they may not be aware of. With this broader awareness, a small business owner is less likely to experience unwanted surprises. Furthermore, subscribers to this service may access the writers directly for further insights and more specific small business advice. For more details go to: www.businessgrowthsolutions.org .
An annual subscription to the publication (Business Growth Management Reports) costs $39.95. It includes twelve issues with a total of forty eight reports. Some reports may have a specific business solution the reader needs. Some may expose issues that enable a small business owner to take immediate action. Lastly some reports may prompt the reader to seek further personal support or small business advice from Business Growth Solutions professionals or other resources.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
BusinessGrowthSolutions.org is a strategic business unit within M.A. Richards & Company, LLC. Since its start in early 2004, the company has been developing and marketing products and services that can improve small business success.
###
Contact Information
Richard Gunderson
M. A. RICHARDS & CO, LLC
http://www.businessgrowthsolutions.org
612-730-6722
Monday, March 06, 2006
(ARA) - Depending on who you listen to, the burst of the housing bubble is either imminent or somewhere down the road. But all financial and real estate experts agree that it is inevitable.
One way for homeowners to minimize the coming dip in their property value is to invest now in home improvement. While interior improvements to kitchens and baths are top equity-builders, homeowners shouldn't overlook the exterior of their houses.
"Exterior home improvements add to home value by increasing both the home's durability and curb appeal," says exterior home improvement expert Scott Seiler of ABC Seamless. "Work done on your house's siding, roof or landscaping can offer appreciable returns when it comes time to sell the house."
Five common equity-building exterior improvements include:
1. Roofing - "This is a top area of concern for many potential home buyers," Seiler says. "An old or damaged roof can cause huge headaches if not taken care of." The average asphalt shingle roof (now installed in four out of five new homes) should last about 15 to 20 years. Metal, slate and tile roofs will last significantly longer. All need regular maintenance and repair to maximize their lifespan.
Check the integrity of your roof every year, at least once a year, more often if you live in a particularly harsh climate, and certainly after every significant storm. High winds and hail can cause considerable damage to even brand new roofs.
2. Deck/patio - Creating an outdoor living space is one of the hottest trends in exterior home improvements. If your home currently has no deck or patio, adding one can be a low-cost way to increase your warm-weather living space. If you already have a deck or patio, consider dressing it up with additional "hardscape" items such as a built-in bench seat, gazebo, arbor, pergola or awning.
3. Landscaping - One of the first things potential home buyers will notice about your house is the landscaping. "To maximize the value landscaping adds to your home, you must walk a fine line," Seiler says. "If your lawn looks like you've never watered, mowed, weeded or fertilized it, a buyer may see it as too much work to bring it up to snuff. On the other hand, if you've gone overboard with shrubs, floral displays and excessive plantings, it will also look difficult to maintain."
The best bet is to keep lawns cut and patch any obvious bare spots, keep shrubs neatly trimmed and plantings to the minimum needed to enhance your home's curb appeal.
4. Sheds/Garages - Americans notoriously love our stuff and we always need more space to put it. Often, yard work equipment and patio furniture wind up stored in the garage. Consider adding a shed. You can either hire a professional to build one for you, purchase a do-it-yourself kit or opt for a pre-made plastic shed. Whatever shed you choose, the important objective is to contain outdoor clutter that might detract from the house's curb appeal.
5. Siding - Wood, fiber cement, vinyl, brick, stucco and aluminum are the most commonly used siding materials. Periodic painting is required to maintain the appearance and efficiency of wood, fiber cement and aluminum siding. Vinyl siding needs no painting, but can crack in extremely cold temperatures or leak at the seams where panels meet.
Seamless steel siding is the only siding option that eliminates both the need to paint and the risk of cracking or leaking. "One of the biggest benefits of this product is its longevity," Seiler says. "The seamless quality eliminates any opportunity for moisture, dirt or bugs to get in. The siding never needs to be painted or stained. The color looks as good after 20 years as it did when it was first installed."
To learn more about how seamless steel siding can add value to your home, visit www.abcseamless.com.
Copyright © 2006, ARA Content
