Combating Elder Abuse With The Area Agency On Aging

At the Greater South Florida Chamber of Commerce, we are dedicated to providing the best business expos in South Florida.

1. Melissa Corichi Insurance Agent.
2. Area Agency On Aging.
3. The Alzheimer Association.
4. Florida State Oriental Medical Association.
5. Gomez Roofing & Solar Company.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:08):
Good morning, Welcome back to the show. It is Saturday,
the tenth of May two thousand and twenty five, and
we're privileged to be here this morning. iHeartRadio on West
Palm Beach, Florida, who were now streaming on the iHeart app.
I'm Robbed from the Greater South Florida Chamber of Commerce.
This is our weekly radio program South the Best of
South Florida. Business with us is longtime Corporate Trusty Ambassador
Melissa Kricci. Melissa is an independent broker specializing in Medicare

(00:32):
coverage and I know Medicare is multiple parts. Melissa, can
you explain the different parts of Medicare for the listing
audience this morning? Please sure?

Speaker 2 (00:40):
This is honestly can be a little confusing, so I'm
glad you asked. Medicare originally had two parts A and B.
Part A is your hospital coverage and Part BY is
your medical coverage. Party for most people is free. You
pay taxes into it your whole working life. Part B
has a premium that's based on your income from two
years prior. For most people, that premium is one hundred

(01:02):
and eighty five dollars, which is usually charged to you
in three month increments unless you set up an account
to make payments online. These are the two parts of
the federal Medicare program. Part C was added in nineteen
ninety seven and is now known as the Medicare Advantage Program.
If you have Part C, you have traded in your
federal Medicare coverage for private insurance. When you join a

(01:23):
Part C plan or Medicare Advantage plan, you are restricted
to that plan's network of doctors and hospitals. You no
longer have access to the nationwide Medicare network. Some Part
C plans do have at a network, and even fewer
may have out of state benefits. But if that's something
important to you when shopping for coverage, make sure you
explain it to your agent, as a Medicare supplement with

(01:44):
original Medicare may be the better coverage option for you now.
Part D was added in two thousand and three and
finally gave seniors drug coverage. The Part D program works
similar to the Medicare Advantage Program, as its private insurance
regulated by the federal government.

Speaker 3 (02:00):
If you have a.

Speaker 2 (02:00):
Medicare Advantage plan, your Part D benefits are bundled into
your coverage. If you have original Medicare, you need a
standalone Part D plan. One really frustrating thing about the
Part D program is that it's constantly changing. Every year
insurance companies update their formularies and benefits. That's another good
reason to work with an independent broker like me. I

(02:23):
help all my clients with their Part D coverage for
free annually.

Speaker 1 (02:27):
Listen, thank you for elaborating on that. You had mentioned
Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. What are actually the different
types of Medicare coverage options available? Can you elaborate on that?

Speaker 2 (02:38):
There's essentially two options when it comes to Medicare coverage.
You can either stay on Original Medicare and get a
supplement or a medigapp plan, or you can switch to
private insurance by joining a Medicare Advantage plan. I sell
both so my clients know all their options when getting
a quote from me. A lot of agents may only
sell Medicare Advantage or may only sell Medicare supplements. They

(02:59):
don't necessarily inform their clients they have other options. This
leads to many seniors confusing the two programs, thinking their
Medicare Advantage plans a supplement. Unfortunately, there are some big
differences between the two programs, and you only have a
brief enrollment period to join a plan, so educating yourself
on all your options or working with a broker like

(03:20):
me is strongly recommended.

Speaker 1 (03:24):
Now, what factors should be considered when choosing between original
Medicare and Medicare advantage plans? I know that's the sixty
four million dollar question for lack of better grammar.

Speaker 2 (03:33):
Well, the major difference between original Medicare with a supplement
and Medicare Advantage is that network. With original Medicare, you
can see any provider across the country that accepts Medicare.
In this country, ninety eight percent of providers do. That's
a huge network. You can even opt to go to
a premier specialty clinic like the Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic,

(03:56):
and some medigap plans will pick up the access charges
that they are allowed to charge. With a Medicare advantage plan,
you are restricted to an HMO or PPO style network,
which can be very limiting. Many providers opt out of
Medicare Advantage completely and only accept original Medicare. Another major
difference is the premium. Most Medicare Advantage plans do not

(04:19):
have a premium associated with them unless they have enhanced benefits.
All Medicare supplements have a monthly premium, and that can
range from fifty dollars a month to hundreds of dollars
a month. This is, of course, an addition to the
monthly part B premium you're also responsible for. That standard
premium is one hundred and eighty five dollars a month.

(04:40):
Right now, if you join a supplement, you would pay
an additional premium on top of this. However, a Medicare
supplement picks up the twenty percent Medicare part be leaves
you with in exchange for your premium, so you have
no medical bills. A Medicare advantage plan pro rates out
that twenty percent into a schedule of benefits.

Speaker 1 (05:00):
What advice would you give someone just starting to explore
Medicare options because so much noise out there, so many
things have changed, and I know there was some radical
changes in twenty twenty five.

Speaker 2 (05:09):
Oh yeah, and all the harassment and bombardment with mailers
and phone calls from all the agents who are eager
to get your business. I'd like people to understand that
they have a seven month period before and after you
qualify for Medicare to join a Medicare advantage plan and
a six month period following your qualification to join a

(05:30):
Medicare supplement. After that, you're subject to enrollment periods or
medical underwriting. If you want to make a change, start
early and gather as much information as possible. Attend educational seminars,
consult with independent agents, and compare plans. Understanding your specific
healthcare needs and financial situation is crucial to making an

(05:52):
informed decision. I sometimes start working with clients as young
as sixty three to start their Medicare planning. When shopping
for coverage, try and do it from the perspective of
a sick person instead of choosing what complements your current lifestyle.
That way, you have the most comprehensive coverage you can find,
instead of getting sold something with a bunch of extra

(06:14):
benefits but has huge out of pockets or high deductibles.

Speaker 1 (06:18):
Listen, how do you help clients understand the complexities of
Medicare plans.

Speaker 2 (06:23):
I use a personalized approach with my clients, starting with
a detailed educational session to break down the basics of Medicare.
I have an educational presentation that I like to share
with all my new clients. I like to educate my
clients so they actually understand how the federal Medicare program works,
as well as their two options for additional coverage. This

(06:44):
includes one on one meetings or at my free monthly
educational workshop, where I explain each part of Medicare and
how they affect individual needs. I always make sure to
include information on their benefits and how their plan works
and what is and isn't covered. For my Medicare Supplement clients,
we go over each benefit line by line, and for
my Medicare Advantage clients, we review the summary of benefits

(07:05):
before we fill out the application. I always quote an
indemnity plan for my Medicare Advantage clients so they can
see their options for reducing their out of pocket costs
as well. I also go out of my way to
get my client's additional documents or forms they may need
for reference or submitting claims. I also like to remind
my clients that I'm their agent all year, and I

(07:26):
tell them to contact me if they have questions or
concerns about their coverage. I've helped many clients through the
medical underwriting process so they could increase benefits or lower premiums.
I've also been there to appeal or advocate for my
clients when they needed something covered. I have even helped
clients get claims that were initially denied get paid.

Speaker 1 (07:48):
What is an indemnity plan, then, how do they complement
Medicare advantage plans.

Speaker 2 (07:52):
Indemnity plans reimburse you for a set amount in the
case of hospitalization. Many indemni plans have additional benefits or
writers that are optional, which you can personalize to your
specific needs. I sell two great indemni plans that include
benefits like reimbursement for er ambulance, MRI, office visits, doctor

(08:13):
administered medications, surgeries, and more. Indemni plans can complement Medicare
advantage plans by providing additional financial protection and flexibility. While
Medicare advantage plans offer hospital, medical, and often prescription drug benefits,
they still have a MOOP or a maximum out of pocket,
which is the amount you are responsible for paying before

(08:33):
your catastrophic coverage kicks in and all your medical bills
are paid. Out of pocket. Costs such as copays, co insurances,
and deductibles add up to thousands of dollars. Indemni plants
can help recover these costs by offering a fixed cash
benefit for covered services in exchange for a monthly premium.
Most indemni plans I quote costs around fifty five dollars

(08:55):
a month, although they range from thirty to one hundred
dollars a month based on the benefits you include. Additionally,
indemnity plans often provide the freedom to choose any doctor
or hospital, not restricting you to a network of physicians
and facilities, making it easy to work with in conjunction
to your Medicare advantage plans.

Speaker 1 (09:12):
Network and what are some common misconceptions about Medicare that
you encounter.

Speaker 2 (09:17):
One common misconception is people think Medicare covers all health
care costs. It doesn't. Medicare split into two parts, both
of which have a deductible and co insurance. Medicare also
does not include any drug coverage. That's why you need
to shop for a Medicare advantage plan or medigap plan
with a standalone drug plan. When you first qualify for Medicare,

(09:38):
many people assume because they don't have any medications, they
don't need drug coverage. However, there's a penalty for every
month you go without coverage that gets supplied when you
finally do join a drug plan. To avoid ac creering
a penalty, work with an asian or broker to find
coverage when you first qualify for Medicare. Another thing people
do is confuse Medicare with Medicaid. Medicare is a federal

(10:01):
program for those sixty five and older or disabled, whereas
Medicaid is a joint state and federal program for low
income qualified individuals. Despite these differences, it is possible to
have both. Many people think Medicare enrollment is automatic, but
this is only true if you are currently collecting a
Social Security check. You will still have to enroll in

(10:22):
Part B even if you're automatically enrolled into Part A.
A lot of people defer their Social Security to age
sixty seven, and therefore need to apply for both Part
A and Part B when they hit age sixty five.
Another confusing concept for people is whether they can keep
employer coverage if they continue to work past age sixty five.
You can, but under certain stipulations. If your employer has

(10:44):
more than twenty employees and your coverage is considered credible,
you can remain on your employer plan until you're ready
to retire, But if you work for a small company
under twenty employees or have ACA coverage, Medicare automatically becomes
primary when you turn sixty five and you must enroll
in Part am B because your old coverage may not

(11:05):
pay claims any longer.

Speaker 1 (11:07):
And finally, how do you stay informed about changes in
Medicare regulations and offerings? So?

Speaker 2 (11:12):
I regularly attend industry seminars, participate in webinars, and subscribe
to Medicare and insurance newsletters. I also engage with professional
networks and forums in exchange for insights with other industry professionals.
All health insurance agents are required to complete twenty four
hours of continuing education credits every two years to keep
their license valid. In addition to that requirement, agents are

(11:35):
required to take an exam every year to sell Medicare
advantage and party plans. Most agents use a hip this
for this exam, although there is a new program through
the professional organization NABIP which stands for the National Association
of Benefits and Insurance Professionals that most carriers also accept.
This exam includes sections on Medicare basics, eligibility, coverage, marketing,

(11:59):
enrollment guidelines, and compliance including identifying, reporting, fraud, waste, and abuse.
This test is designed to ensure agents understand the intricacies
of Medicare and are equipped to sell plans ethically and legally.
It's required annually to sell Medicare Advantage in Part D plans.
In addition to this test, each carrier has its own course,

(12:20):
sometimes courses and exams in order to sell their products
take hours. This period is referred to certification and can
take weeks to get through all the testing depending on
how many contracts you have.

Speaker 1 (12:32):
Well, finally, what I'd like for you to do is
give everyone your phone number and contact information until we
have you on next segment. And I went to thank
you for being with us this morning.

Speaker 2 (12:40):
Thank you. My name is Melissa Carici and you can
find me by googling my name Melissa c as in
Charlie r I c as in Charlie Hi. My phone
number is five six one two eight seven zero four
zero six.

Speaker 1 (12:56):
Thank you so much. Look forward to seeing you out
at the upcoming events on the fifteenth of this month
at the Haberd Defense Center in Fort Pearson. On the
sixteenth of May at the gim Ward Senior Community Center
and Plantation.

Speaker 4 (13:12):
Hey, this is Melissa Krici. I'm a licensed and insured
local insurance agent. So one thing worth mentioning is the
annual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage did end back in December,
which is known as plan changing season for those on
a Medicare Advantage plan. But I do like to remind
all my clients that you have the Open Enrollment Period

(13:34):
or OEP available to make one plan change up until
March thirty first. So if you're unhappy with your current coverage,
give me a call. Can reach me at five six
one two eight seven zero four zero six call their text.

Speaker 1 (13:51):
Good morning, Welcome back to the show. It's Saturday, May tenth,
twenty twenty five. We're privileged to be here this morning
in West Palm Beach, Florida at iHeartRadio. Woman Astria on
the iHeart App. I'm Rob, the director of Operations at
the Greater South Florida Chamber of Commerce. This is a at
one of our weekly radio programs, the Best of South Florida.
Business with Us. In studio this morning is b Scaffiti.

(14:11):
She works with the area Agency on Aging B. We
want to share a little bit about who you are
and what it is that you and your organization do
can you elaborate on that?

Speaker 5 (14:20):
I would love to Rob. Thank you for the opportunity
to come here today. It's a beautiful day in South Florida.
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs is responsible for developing
policy recommendations for long term care, combating agism, and creating
public awareness of aging issues, understanding the contributions the needs
of elders, advocating on behalf of elders, and serving as

(14:41):
an information clearing house in the state of Florida. We
are responsible for following three grants. SHINE stands for serving
the health insurance needs of the elders. This program supports
the Florida Department of Elder Affairs mission by providing free,
unbiased healthcare insurance counseling through a dedicade network of volunteers,
powering Florida seniors to make informed healthcare choices. Paying for

(15:05):
their Medicare can be costly, but it doesn't have to be.
The mipaprogram or Medicare Improvement Patient Provider Act program can
help you save your money. It can help you save
your Part B plan benefits are available for qualified Medicare
beneficials or help them save money and out of pock expenses.
What we hear today is to talk about as a
Senior Medicare Patrol or the SMP. This patrol's mission is

(15:27):
to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregevers
to prevent, detect, and report suspected healthcare fraud, errors and
abuse through outreach, counseling and education. B.

Speaker 1 (15:39):
Why is MFPW so important?

Speaker 5 (15:42):
You know, the Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is very important
and focuses on actions everyone can take to prevent Medicare fraud,
aras and abuse. Each year is hosted through June fifth
week of Correlation of the Medicare Eligibility of sixty five,
so six y five is the day we celebrate the
Medicare of Fraud Prevention Week. This starts on June second

(16:06):
with a great event. Medicare loses an estimated sixty billion
dollars each year in fraud, eras and abuse. Through that
number is impossible to measure every day issues related to
problems that affect people across the country, costing time, money,
and well being. The most effective way to stop Medicare
forward from occurring is prevented from happening. In the first place, right,

(16:29):
learning how to prevent it, and then sharing what you
learn with others is how Medicare beneficiary, caregivers and family members,
partners and professionals, and the whole community can participate. This
week of the month, our S and B team will
provide you with information on how you can arm yourself
with specific tools and tricks on how to prevent yourself,
protect yourself, detect potential scams, and why it's important to

(16:52):
report Medicare fraud, waste and abuse.

Speaker 1 (16:55):
And the Medicare fraud and abuse and the actions everyone
can take.

Speaker 5 (16:59):
Touch Yeah you know. Financial loss for Medicare every year
is estimated at sixty billion dollars a year, so fraud
and abuse can be found the following scenarios. One charging
for services or supplies that are not providing, misrepresenting a
diagnosis or a person's identity, requesting Medicare numbers, and an
educational presentation or unsolicited phone calls. The way that beneficiars

(17:23):
can guard against Medicare fraud is keep your numbers private,
do not share them, make sure you protect them like
a credit card, don't carry it around with you all
the time. Always review your medical summary Medicare summary notice
or your explanation of benefits for anything that seems unusual.
If you discover something questionable, call your doctor provider for

(17:43):
the service to aver of other chargers. However, do not
feel like you much confront a potential fraudire We don't.
This is why the S and P is here to
help you.

Speaker 1 (17:54):
What about the community partners and professionals Local healthcare providers
are working with in the community.

Speaker 5 (17:59):
At large reposting SMP information on social media, Refer clients
and consumers to the SMP program Elder Helpline at one
eight hundred nine six three five three three seven. Healthcare
providers can help by talking with patients about healthcare related scams.
Remind beneficiaries that products and services should only be ordered

(18:22):
by physicians they regularly see, and not via a TV
ad or unsolicited phone calls. The public at large can
be aware. Help your neighbors beware of older individuals purchasing
gift cards and large sums of money. Encourage those to
know to talk to a trusted source like SMP or
Shine Program. Share known healthcare related scams with your neighbors.

Speaker 1 (18:45):
Common scams that are being seen in our state and nationwide.
Elaborate on that, because it's a tragedy that you see
elder abuse, but it seems to happen everywhere. Obviously, Florida
having a large boomer population. I'm sure it's something we
see more than you would in areas that are less populated.
Can you touch on that.

Speaker 5 (19:02):
You're right, Rob, absolutely, I get calls every day from
people with a Medicare card scam. They received a call
from someone claiming you need a new Medicare card in
the mail. Medicare is switching to a card with a
chip in it. It's a new year and a new card.
New administration says you need a new Medicare card. You
need a black and white card instead of the red,

(19:22):
white and blue card. They need your Medicare number if
you received a new card. These are all scams. Medicare
will never call you directly. Please do not fall for
that one.

Speaker 1 (19:35):
And what are the Senior Medicare Patrol helps with? Can
you elaborate on the different issues? Yeah.

Speaker 5 (19:41):
The Senior Medicare Patrol, run through the area Agency on Aging,
plays a unique role fighting against Medicare fraud, eras and abuse.
Volunteers and staff can serve as your eyes and your
ears or boots on the ground in your communities. The
SMP program is composed of both staff and elders and
volunteers that are certified the Department of Elder Affairs. We

(20:02):
will help you with your claims and your fraud and abuse.

Speaker 1 (20:08):
You know, I'm extremely excited about working with you in
your organization this calendar year as we have been for
a number of years. And I know that on the
fifteenth of this month, next week at the havard Oafence
Center from ten am to two pm, you're going to
be with us for the Senior Lifestyle Expo and Holistic
Boomer Health Fare. And then again with us on the
twenty first of May. It's Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Stuart

(20:31):
and then you'll be with us, I believe on the
here at iHeartRadio on June sixth for an event we're
doing from three to seven pm, and with us at
the Cane Center on June eleventh. And then I know
that we're going to be at the Area Council on
Aging and Port Saint Lucy on the seventeenth of June,
and at the Lindsay Davis Community Center in Rivera Beach
on June twentieth. Before we sign off this morning, we

(20:54):
want to give you an opportunity to go ahead and
give out your contact information in anything that you want
to share, before you give the information on how people
can reach out to you.

Speaker 5 (21:02):
Again, Yes, thank you Rob. We're also having a World
Elder Abuse Awareness Day June seventeen, twenty twenty five, from
nine thirty to twelve at the Area Agency on Aging,
Palm Beach, Treasure Coast, forty four hundred North Congress Avenue,
West Palm Beach, Florida three three four oh seven. But
if you have any concerns, please call the Area Agency
on Aging at five six one six eight four five

(21:25):
eight eight five, or you can google us on our
website www. Triple APBTC dot org.

Speaker 1 (21:31):
Once again, it has been be scaffiti from the Area
Agency on Aging on Saturday May tenth, twenty twenty five,
from my Heart Radio here in West pom Beach, Florida.
Thank you being have a wonderful weekend.

Speaker 5 (21:41):
Thanks Rob, thanks for the opportunity.

Speaker 6 (21:50):
The Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach on the
Treasure Coast was designated by the Department of Elder Affairs
as the Aging and Disability resource Center providing information and
services as adults with a disability and those who care
for them. Call the helpline at eight sixty six six'
eight four fifty eight eighty five For, medicaid long term,
care home delivered, meals respite for the, caregiver personal care

(22:11):
and homemaker, services electric bill, assistants extra help with, prescriptions
and much. More The Shine program provides health insurance information and, free,
unbiased confidential counseling assistance To medicare. Beneficiaries they're families and.
Caregivers The Area agency On aging of The Palm beach
and The Treasure coast is the designated resource for services for,
seniors adults with a, disability and those who care for.

(22:33):
Them we are located At North, congress just south of
forty Fifth street In West Palm. Beach call us at
five six one six eight four fifty eight eighty five
or VISIT AAA pbtc dot. Org THAT'S aaa PB tc dot.

Speaker 1 (22:47):
Org good, Morning welcome back to the. Show it Is,
Saturday may, tenth twenty twenty, five and we're privileged to
be here this morning At iHeartRadio In West Palm, Beach,
florida where we're now streaming on The iHeart. App my
name Is. Rob i'm the director Of operation with The
Greater South Florida chamber Of. Commerce this is one of
our weekly radio programs called The best Of South Florida
Business news have with us longtime Corporate, TRUST Thee, ambassadors

(23:10):
The Alzheimer's association with. Us this morning Is. Jennifer What
i'd like for you to, Do, jennifer is give out
your pertinent contact information phone, number web address where people
can reach to you and your team if they want
to do an. Inquiry and before we get, STARTED i
want to let everybody know this is a special interview for. Me,
unfortunately in twenty, TWENTY i lost my father at ninety
seven years of. Age he'd succumbed to, cancer but he

(23:33):
actually beat the cancer and he was doomed due To
alzheimer's and it was very sad to. See so your
organization has a real soft spot in my. Heart put
it that, way BECAUSE i watched how you people worked
with my dad above them beyond the call of, duty
AND i just want to commend you in your organization
for what you're doing. Nationwide it's. Awesome so let's go
ahead and get into it this.

Speaker 7 (23:53):
Morning, well thank you so much for having, me and you,
know thank you for your kind. Words and my name
Is Jennifer bracetaid and we have a twenty four to
seven helpline that is available at any time for anyone
In that number is eight hundred two seven to thirty nine.
Hundred again that's eight hundred two seven two thirty nine.

(24:15):
Hundred and also our website is alz dot.

Speaker 1 (24:19):
Org, jennifer what Is alzheimer's for the average person out
there who may not?

Speaker 8 (24:24):
Know?

Speaker 7 (24:25):
Sure, So alzheimer's is a neurological. Disease unfortunately it is
a degenerative, disease but it is a disease of the.
Brain starts with issues of memory and, cognition but also
leads to a shutdown of the. Body and you, know
organs forget how they're supposed to work and really shuts

(24:47):
down the entire. Body and, uh you know one thing
that is so important to. Clarify so many times we
hear the Words alzheimer's and dementia, interchangeably But alzheimer's is
a type of. Dementia dementia is a term for an
umbrella of symptoms dealing with memory. Loss but there are
certainly different types of, dementia even Though alzheimer's is the

(25:09):
most common, form but There's louis body, Dementia parkinson's dementia,
vascular so there's several different types of dementia In alzheimer's
is just the most common.

Speaker 1 (25:20):
Form and how Is alzheimer's impacting not Just South florida
in the state of The, florida but our country as a.

Speaker 7 (25:26):
Whole, yeah, so you, know recently our new facts and
figures came out there are over seven point two Million
americans who are living With alzheimer's. Disease here In, florida
we have the second highest number in the entire, country
with over five hundred and eighty Thousand floridians living with the.
Disease but this really does Affect South florida. Tremendously Miami

(25:51):
dade is number one in the country For alzheimer's prevalence
with over sixteen percent of our sixty five and older
population living with the. Disease and other top counties that
rank in the top one hundred Are browered And Palm
beach that are you, know in the top thirties with you,
know significant population living with this.

Speaker 1 (26:13):
Disease, Obviously, Jennifer the average individual is probably not. Aware
so if you could be kind enough to elaborate on
the warning, signs what should someone do if they notice
these signs in? Themselves there are, others are loved. Ones
can you touch on that? Please?

Speaker 7 (26:28):
Sure, absolutely so you know there can Be we talk
about the ten warning signs Of alzheimer's, disease you, know
really talking about memory loss that disrupts daily, life you,
know forgetting important. Dates some of these things happen asking
the same question over and. Over but the thing THAT

(26:49):
i always like the preface is if you visit our
website alz dot org slash ten, signs or if you
just go to alz dot org and you look that.
Up we talk about, also here's a a sign to
be concerned, about but here's something that's. Typical so you,
know a typical sign would be forgetting something but then
remembering it. Later other signs, are you, know challenges in

(27:11):
planning or solving, Problems difficulty completing a familiar. Task if
you make a recipe and you've made it for fifty
years and all of a sudden you're putting too much.
Sugar you're putting sugar instead of salt that could be
a cause for, Concern confusion with time and, place new
problems with words and. Speaking these can be. Issues and

(27:33):
these are things that if you see that in yourself
or in a loved, one you, know it's so important
to discuss with your.

Speaker 3 (27:38):
Doctor you know.

Speaker 1 (27:41):
What treatments exist For alzheimer's right, Now.

Speaker 7 (27:45):
So there are two NEW fda approved treatments that actually
can slow the procrussion of the. Disease for so long
we had been dealing with diseases with drugs that only
dealt with the symptoms that this actually works to slow
to remove plaque from the. Brain so That's lickembi and,
kinsula and so these drugs can actually provide you more

(28:09):
time for loved, ones individuals who are living with you,
know mild cognitive impairment or very early in the stages
With alzheimer's, disease if they are eligible for those. Treatments
so we do have. Treatments we know that there are
more advances every, day so we are working to continue
to raise. Awareness and that's why it's so incredibly important

(28:31):
that if you are exhibiting symptoms or are concerned to
talk to your doctor because there are treatments that are out,
there and also there's so many clinical trials going on as, well.

Speaker 1 (28:42):
And what resources are available In South florida and what
does The Alzheimer's association.

Speaker 6 (28:48):
Do so The.

Speaker 7 (28:50):
Alzheimer's, association we're national. Nonprofit we provide support and education
for those so we host support groups whether that's in
person or. Virtual so to find out more about those support,
groups you could visit alz dot org or our helpline
which is eight hundred two seven two thirty nine one

(29:10):
hundred uh and so we provide. That we also raise
funds for research and. Support but then also here In,
florida we do have The department Of Elder affairs and
they provide through the area agencies on aging different. Support
whether that's a, restpit whether that's an adult daycare and,

(29:31):
home there could be support for. That so if anyone,
is you, know currently a caregiver and they need support
and need more information on how to get those, services
they can call The Elder helpline which is eight hundred
nine six three five three three seven and that's eight
hundred nine six three five three three.

Speaker 1 (29:52):
Seven, Okay, well before we sign off this, morning WHAT
i want to do so everybody know you had it
all all of our events and the upcoming week on
the fifteenth Of may at The Habit Offense center And
Fort pearson and you're going to be with. Us on
the sixteenth Of, may your team will be with us
at The Gym Wards Senior Community center. Implantation both days
were there from ten to. Two on the twenty first Of,

(30:14):
may we're at The Emmanuel Lutheran church And stuart where
you're bringing out the. Bus and then we have a
couple of other. Dates that's the running Out, may and
lot of stuff going on In. June and once AGAIN
i want to thank you and your team for all
your support and want to thank you for what you're
doing for the community here In South florida as a.
Whole and we thank you and you have a wonderful.
Weekend thank you you as.

Speaker 7 (30:36):
Well appreciate your.

Speaker 1 (30:37):
Time did you know that over.

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(31:05):
helpline at one eight hundred and two seven to two
thirty nine.

Speaker 1 (31:08):
Hundred learn more at alz dot. Org good, Morning welcome
back to the. Show It's, Saturday may, tenth twenty twenty.
Five we're privileged to be here this morning At iHeartRadio
In West Palm, Beach, florida where we're now streaming on
The iHeart. App I'm rob the director Of operations at
The Greater South Florida chamber Of. Commerce this is one
of our weekly radio programs we do On iHeart radio
called The best Of South Florida business have WITH Us

(31:31):
Corporate Trustee Ambassadors Florida state Orienta medical association with us
as Doctor cynthia And Hayes, hurst who's going to be
one of the sponsors for the event coming up at
the Hbrid Offence center this Coming thursday from ten to
two at eight oh One North Virginia avenue In Fort,
pierce and we're really excited about that. Event we've had
a lot of RSVPs for that. Event WHAT i want

(31:52):
to do is give you the opportunity this morning to
touch on anything cutting edge that's going on with you
and your organization in that, area and we're really looking
forward to the event On. Thursday thank, You.

Speaker 10 (32:02):
Rob i'm Doctor Cynthia Hayes hurst on The advocacy chair
For Florida State Oriental Medical. Association this, month we're going
to actually focus on some a couple of cardiovascular things
that people probably aren't quite aware. Of one of them
is actually is a month for being aware of blood pressure,

(32:23):
issues and the other one is. Strokes so at our,
event if people want to come by and learn some
more information about how acupucture can help with your cardiovascular,
health with your blood pressure and hopefully also preventing from
you from having a stroke in the first, place but
also to be aware that people who do actually experience a,

(32:44):
stroke they have severe impairments a lot of times with
their ability to just do normal everyday you, know life required.
Activities and if you can get help physical therapy and
movement to get your body functioning, back and you pair

(33:04):
that with, acupuncture which helps with the neurological functioning of,
things you can actually recover as fully as. Possible they,
say if it's if it's within the first three, months
you can usually receive pretty full. Recovery if it goes
on longer than, that it's more difficult to. Recover but
In chinese, medicine they believe in restoring yourself to your prior.

(33:30):
ABILITIES a lot of people don't know that acupuncture could
help it at, all and we actually are putting an
article out about. It using physical therapy and movement to
reprogram your body to restore its, function and to use
acupuncture along with. It there's many studies that show that twenty,

(33:50):
minutes three times a week of acupuncture can really improve
that function for.

Speaker 1 (33:56):
Patients that's very. IMPORTANT i know that you're an exceptional
at what you, do and your organization is exceptional as a.
Whole and you know for the listening audience may be
tuning in for the first time or may not have
heard one of your prior interviews because who you do
this with us on a regular, basis talk about the
organization as a whole. Statewide how many practitioners are involved?

Speaker 10 (34:18):
Statewide we have three thousand and five hundred. Acupuncturists they
are nationally board. Certified they have a bare minimum of two,
thousand six hundred hours of. Training they are tested in
four different with four different national. Boards one is a biomedical,
board the next the other three are pertain to our.
Medicine one is our herbal, medicine that's our, pharmacy and

(34:41):
then the other two are our foundations and our theories
are pattern, differentiation which allows us to be more specific
when treating our patients because we're treating the patients and
how things show up in their.

Speaker 1 (34:52):
Body and another thing the listening audience we should be aware, of,
uh Doctor, headshurch is the fact that your, organization you
all have your own individual. Practices you've all spent a
substantial amount of your time going to school studying to
be able to you, know produce income for you and your.
Families obviously those are your. Livelihoods and you know you
spend a substantial amount of time going to, school and

(35:13):
you volunteer your. Time you're doing this pro. BONO i
want people to be aware of.

Speaker 10 (35:17):
That, yes everybody that works for The Florida State Oriental
Medical association works for. Free there are there's a board of,
directors there's fifteen people who chair committees to try to
get the best possible health care and outreach for our
citizens In. Florida we want to improve the health and

(35:38):
well being of everyone In. Florida and it's really important
for people to know that they have access to two
really good care that maybe is not something that they've
been that they even knew about. Before they're used to
going to their regular list of, doctors and they never
really thought about adding acupuncturists to this list of. Providers

(35:59):
but a punctures is a very valuable part of a healthcare.

Speaker 1 (36:02):
Team, absolutely and OBVIOUSLY i know you've opened up doors
from a chiropractic, standpoint from an acupunctural, standpoint AND i
think it's imperative that people understand the efforts that you're
your organization stand. With AND i know, you yourself and
a number of your colleagues have made substantial trips up To,

(36:22):
washington D. C to get On Capitol. HILL i think
that's really important that people understand that you're going above
and beyond doing. That.

Speaker 10 (36:29):
YEAH i just came back from Our, washington D d.
Trip we did acupuncture for our public servants on the
twenty eighth Of, april and we were also educating everyone
about Our healthcare for Our Seniors, act which IS hr
sixteen sixty seven and that is In congress Until december

(36:51):
of next, Year december twenty twenty sixth and if that
bill gets, passed that would add an extra three or
thirty five thousand acupuncturers as healthcare providers on The medicare.
Plan right, now there's sixty five million people that are
on that, plan and within the next eight years they,
anticipate or next seven, years they anticipate eight million more

(37:13):
people being added to that healthcare. Plan and, unfortunately we
have less and less healthcare providers going to school and,
training and so the opportunity to have you, know thirty
five thousand people who are already trained to join the
healthcare plan to try to alleviate some of the healthcare
crisis that we're currently experiencing would be a big bonus for.

Speaker 1 (37:33):
Everyone, yes it. Would that would be. Huge most, importantly you,
know once, Again, folks has been DOCTOR. Cynthiae. Hayeshurst she
is the advocacy chair for The Florida State Oriental Medical.
Association she's also the founder AND ceo Of, serendipity which
is on off A Virginia avenue In Fort. Pearce i'm
looking forward to having you and your team out at

(37:54):
the event On, thursday the fifteenth Of, may And i'm
hoping to have someone from your organization at the To
healthfare also on the twenty first Of may at The
Emmanuel Lutheran church And, stuart BUT i know we have
a number of dates transpiring up. There What i'd like
for you to do this morning before we sign up
is let everybody know how they can get a hold
of The Florida State Oriento Medical association and give out

(38:14):
your contact information as. Well thank.

Speaker 10 (38:18):
You they can reach The Florida state Orient Medical association
AT ssoma dot org for more information and my. Information
i'm DOCTOR. Cynthiae. Hayeshurst my office is In Port piers
and if you'd like to come by and meet, ME
i will be at The Fend center On may fifteenth
from ten to. Two see you.

Speaker 1 (38:39):
Soon thank you so, much, doctor have a wonderful weekend
And god bless.

Speaker 10 (38:42):
You thank you For.

Speaker 11 (38:49):
Are you suffering from, stress poor, digestion or lack of?
Sleep acupuncture can. Help board certified practitioners from The Florida
State Oriental Medical association are ready to help you lead a,
healthier happier. Life variance, relaxation, focus and increased energy after
a treatment called eight hundred five seven eight forty eight sixty.
Five that's eight hundred five seven eight forty eight sixty.
Five or visit f soma dot org slash, Acupuncture Got,

(39:11):
Pain Get, Acupuncture live A Better Life today eight hundred
five eight seven forty eight sixty five or online at
fsoma dot org slash.

Speaker 1 (39:18):
Acupuncture good. MORNING i Am rob the director Of operations
with The Greater South Florida chamber Of. Commerce it Is,
Saturday may. Tenth i'm here In West Pone, Beach Florida iHeart.
Radio we're doing one of our weekly radio, programs which
is called The best Of South Florida. Business we're privileged
to be here At iHeart radio In West Pone, Beach,
florida where we're now streaming on The iHeart. App AND
i have with Meet gary From Gomez rooping And Solar,

(39:41):
company who's one of our Corporate Trustee. Ambassadors and Obviously,
gary your, Company Gomez rooping And solars different in the
sense that it's. Hybrid, OBVIOUSLY i know that you are
a trusted roofing and solar solution provider serving The Tri county,
area AND i know you specialize in residential and commercial,
roofing including, tile, metal, shingle and flat. Rooping and additionally

(40:03):
you offer the solar solutions and installations and solar water,
heaters pool heaters and things along those. Lines and you,
know your company's been around since nineteen eighty, three so
you're established and you're a very effective. Company WHAT i
want to do, is you, know there's a lot of
noise out. There we got about eight or nine minutes this.
Morning i'd like to have you touch on some of

(40:23):
the different things that are going on with, policies with federal,
issues and how a lot of those things are tied
into local, markets whether it be, county, state or also
federal markets as well national, things because you AND i
both know you'd have to be an imbecile not to

(40:44):
hear all the noise that's out. There but by the same,
token there are a lot of things that are transpiring
right now and a lot of those are on timelines
And i'm not well versed in, that and you are
well versed in this. Industry So i'd like for you
to touch on those things if you could this morning for
the listening.

Speaker 3 (40:58):
Audience, Hey, well first, OFF i really appreciate the opportunity
to be on your. Show, again we absolutely love what
you do with the, community and you, know it's the
best way to start A. Saturday and with some of
the questions that you've brought, up ABSOLUTELY i would love
to touch on, that AND i think it's a vital

(41:19):
focal point for all of us as homeowners here In.
Florida there are a lot of moving and shifting dynamics
on the state level and the federal level that you,
Know i'm Sure i'm not you, know smart enough to
know all of them by any, means but we see
a lot of this stuff. Happening and you, know for,
instance on the roofing, side you, know we've had My Safe,

(41:41):
florida which is you, know a state, funded you, know
brand program for years here In South, florida and you, know,
currently you, know that's even at risk of you, know
funds not being available for home owners or the government
no longer granting funds for. That, so you, know blessed
are the people that were able to take advantage of
it when it was. THERE i meet people every day

(42:03):
that wish they would have known about, it or wish
they would have moved quicker about, it you know, previously
and what's done is. Done but on the flip side of,
that rob, is you, know we have the renewable. Energy you,
know people will always need to power their, homes cool
it down in the, summer heat it in the, winter

(42:23):
and you, know run their. Power the cost of energy
is rising on a yearly basis around the, country and
ported no attention to. That the cost of energy continues
to go. Up for the last several, years we've had
amazing tax credits and programs to our advantage that people
have taken advantage of to allow them to go, solar

(42:47):
to allow them to break off from the grid and
to power their own, homes and to save thousands of
dollars doing. It what we at risk now is the.
Uncertainty is this program going to be available in a,
month is going to be available in three? Months nobody
knows because of how chaotic and hectic the government seems
to be right now on certain. Topics so we're really encouraging.

(43:11):
People if you haven't looked at it, yet definitely call us,
up schedule a consult you, know have us show you
what's currently available for homeowners to take advantage, of such
as a tax, credit the net metering program and all
these tools that makes it make. Sense and then if
you have looked at, it you, know a year ago

(43:31):
or two years, ago and it didn't make, sense why
would definitely encourage you to sit back down a second
time before these options off the table and what happens
is we lose them and then the cost of, energy you,
know doubles on us over the next three or four,
years and you, know we wish we.

Speaker 1 (43:49):
Could, yeah that's ironic that you touch on, that because
the key word is wish we could because of the
fact that hindsight's twenty. Twenty but like you had, mentioned
you're providing people a viable. Option you're giving people an
option to come up with a resolution to help them
overcome anything that they're up. Against and like you, said

(44:10):
there are a lot of things where there's, uncertainty AND
i think it's really really neat that your organization is
an organization that people can turn to when you're going
to turn to do something to your. HOME i, mean
that's your. Livelihood you, know that's your family's. Livelihood you,
know that's what you're going to use to if need,
be to borrow against to pay for your children or grandchildren's.

(44:30):
Education you're going to invest through your home to improve
your portfolio and your livelihood for your. Family and when
you do, that you want to make sure you're doing
things with a company like yours it's been around since
nineteen eighty, three because you, KNOW i don't know the
business like you, do BUT i do know the basics
in the sense THAT i see people that don't have

(44:50):
hurricane windows and, doors or don't have solar, panels or
don't have proper ripping on their. HOMES i say to,
myself whether it's a home inspection before a sale of a,
home or to get a home a praise so it
can go up on the, market everything that you do
is so important with helping people improve the value of their.
Home and the majority of people use their home as

(45:12):
a lifeline for their economic stabilities in. Futures so when
you being willing to work with people when they're going
through uncertainties and being a sounding board for them is
really really. Important and kudos and hats off to you
And phillip and your team because you do a great
job and like not to be. Redundant when you've been
around for as many years as you. Have it's a
trusted name and it's a brand that is well, respected

(45:35):
so you should feel good about.

Speaker 3 (45:36):
That, yeah we, do and it's just it's it's creative.
Ways you, know you hit the nail on the head
that you, know, homeowners you know us lucky enough to
own a, home whether it's passed down you, know from
our parents or whether we bought it. Ourselves it's the
one place you should feel. Safe it's the one place

(45:57):
you should be able to go to after a hectic
day at work or out in you, know society where
you can just relax and let your guard. Down and you,
know nobody wants to go home and deal with problems
or deal with issues or we're just not be able to.
Relax and that's when having a thoroughly you, know inspected

(46:18):
home does. That it gives, you you, know the peace
of mind of knowing that everything that should be the
way it is. Is my roof's, good my energy is.
Good god forbid there's a. Storm you, KNOW i have
the ability to operate my house when it's not. There
our jobs outside of just doing the. Work the best

(46:38):
way possible is teaching homeowners ways of accomplishing this that
they didn't know. Existence for, INSTANCE i was at a
home this morning and the homeowner From Fort Saint lucy
lost a portion of their house during a. Storm they've
been waiting and waiting and waiting for the. Insurance they
don't know when it's going to. Come, meanwhile you, know

(46:59):
they need to put a room Fun their biggest spear
rob was that they were going to have to finance
a roof on top of all their other. Bills so
what we were able to do for him is very.
Simply we bundled their roof and a solar system together
under one contract and we used that to offset THEIR fdl.

(47:21):
Bill that's awesome and, yeah in this, case they went
from paying three hundred dollars a MONTH fbl to you,
know paying just under two hundred and seventy dollars a,
month and they got a brand new roof with, it
and they got the ability to have solar as, well
and all the tax credits that came with. It so you,
know imagine saving thirty dollars a month while getting a

(47:41):
brand new. Roof now you're going to save on your
insurance down the road as.

Speaker 1 (47:45):
Well, Garry i'm hearing that noise in the background means
we got about fifteen to thirty seconds left if you
can give everyone your contact information until we have you
on the next, segment and we look forward to doing
that in the very near. Future go, ahead.

Speaker 3 (47:57):
Sir, yeah you can email me At gary At gomez
Dash roofing dot com or you can actually just reach
out to, me text or call and my personal number
is area code nine four one or eight three zero
zero eight. Eight have a Happy easter, Everyone god.

Speaker 1 (48:18):
Blessed thank You, GREY i appreciate. It Happy easter to
you as, well, Sir thank.

Speaker 3 (48:22):
You you're. Welcome bye, Bye.

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