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COVID-19 will put $1 billion hole in state revenue

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 11:44am

By CATHERINE HUNT, LSU Manship School News Service

BATON ROUGE — Louisiana’s revenues are expected to drop by $1 billion or more due to the coronavirus, threatening cuts to services in the fiscal year starting July 1, state economists told the Revenue Estimating Conference Monday.
The four-member group adopted the lower forecast, which could translate into a 10 percent cut in the state’s discretionary funding, as Louisiana grapples with high levels of unemployment, falling oil prices and business closures because of the pandemic.
“There’s no crisis we’ve had that even comes close to this,” said Greg Albrecht, the Legislature’s chief economist.
The economists released their estimates shortly before Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that the state will be entering the first phase of the reopening process on Friday. He said he would loosen restrictions on businesses such as restaurants, gyms and salons. These businesses, along with churches, will be allowed to operate with 25% occupancy. However, bars, amusement parks and tattoos parlors will remain closed.
Even so, Albrecht projected a $867 million loss in general tax collections in the next fiscal year and about $165 million in tax and fee dollars for specific agencies.
Health services and higher education are typically the most vulnerable to budget cuts because they are not protected by mandated spending laws.
Falling oil and gas prices are responsible for much of the damage. Albrecht and Manfred Dix, the chief economist for Governor Edward’s administration, projected oil prices to be between $28 to $32 a barrel.
In addition, the projection calls for revenues to decrease by $362 million in the current fiscal year, with $123 million of that total coming from the state’s general tax collection.
Albrecht and Dix said they are highly uncertain of most of their estimates, since the data is distorted because of the coronavirus. It is difficult to determine how people will react once businesses do reopen, they said.
“People have to feel comfortable going out,” Albrecht said, “I don’t think people are going to be real comfortable for a while.”
The Revenue Estimating Conference is composed of Senate President Page Cortez, R-Lafayette; House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales; Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne; and Stephen Barnes, an economist at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Meanwhile, the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday voted 11-5 to suspend several taxes on the oil and gas industry for a year to help the businesses recover. Opponents questioned if that is wise given the budget hole that the state is in.
The state’s total budget is usually around $30 billion and includes roughly $20 billion in federal aid and $10 billion or so raised through state taxes and fees.
Edwards and state Republican leaders have called on Congress to pass a bill that would supply at least $500 billion to states around the country to help them recover from the economic impact of the virus.
President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have both expressed reservations about doing that.

ERNEST PAUL STRATTON JR.

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 11:35am

Ernest Paul Stratton Jr., 58, a resident of Berwick, died Friday, April 8, 2020.
He is survived by his father, Ernest Stratton Sr. and stepmother, Susie Stratton of Berwick; two brothers, Alfred Stratton of Lafayette and Gene Stratton Sr. of Patterson; six sisters, Agnes Smith of Baldwin, Pamela Hubler and Brenda Stratton, both of Berwick, Kathleen Stratton of Texas, Christine Crane of Centerville, and Rebecca Concienne of Mississippi; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his mother, grandmother, step-grandfather and brother.
No memorial services will be held at this time.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Central Catholic Key Club pitches in

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 11:30am

Submitted Photo
The Central Catholic High School Key Club donated food trays to Ochsner St. Mary employees to thank them for all they do for the community. Pictured from CCHS are Sinclair Callais and John Charles Hebert with nurses Caitlin Verret, Sean Perera, Audrie Jones and Libby Sample. Not pictured is Sophie Tucker from CCHS.

13-year-old arrested in Berwick boat theft

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 11:28am

Staff Report

A 13-year-old turned himself in Sunday at the Berwick Police Department after being named in a warrant alleging that he took part in stealing a boat, Police Chief David Leonard said.
—Juvenile, 13, was arrested at 12:10 p.m. Sunday on a Berwick warrant for theft over $2,000.
At about 12:10 p.m., a juvenile walked into the Berwick Police Department with his guardian, stating they were there so he could turn himself in on an active warrant for his arrest. The juvenile was placed under arrest and booked on the charge.
He was later released to the custody of his guardian with juvenile court proceedings pending.
The warrant stems from an incident in which a boat was reported stolen Friday from Berwick. During the course of the investigation, officers were provided pictures of suspects stealing the boat, and the juvenile was identified and a warrant was prepared for his arrest.
Investigators later recovered the stolen boat in the Atchafalaya River and it was returned to the owner. More arrests are pending in this investigation.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—Ernest Sentel Oneal, 38, Fifth Street, Morgan City, at 1:25 a.m. Monday on charges of disturbing the peace-intoxicated and battery of the infirm.
Officers were called to a Fifth Street residence for a disturbance. They came into contact with Oneal. Officers observed he was intoxicated and learned he had committed a battery on a person with disabilities. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Javien Jawan Francis, 23, Oregon Street, Berwick, was arrested at 9:38 p.m. Saturday on warrants for four counts of possession of methamphetamine.
Officers came into contact with Francis in the area of Seventh Street and Brashear Avenue. A warrant check revealed the Morgan City Police Department and City Court of Morgan City held active warrants for his arrest. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Josue B. Avilez-Ortiz, 27, Chennault Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:20 p.m. Saturday on a charge of first-offense driving while intoxicated.
Officers investigating a crash at the intersection of Seventh Street and Brashear Avenue identified one of the drivers as Avilez-Ortiz.
The officer suspected driver impairment and gave him a field sobriety test. He did poorly on the test and was placed under arrest.
He was transported to the Morgan City Police Department and given an intoxilyzer test. He gave a breath sample of 0.142g%. He was booked into the Morgan City Police Department.
—Alonzo Bennett, 34, Martin Luther King Avenue Patterson, was arrested on 1:32 a.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and on a warrant for simple battery.
Officers were called to a residence on Bush Street for a disturbance. They came into contact with Bennett. A warrant check revealed the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office held an active warrant for hisarrest.
During the investigation, Bennett was found in possession of a firearm. A computer check revealed he was a convicted felon. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:
—Adrienne Alice Businelle, 41, Irish Bend Road, Franklin, was arrested at 8:24 a.m. Sunday on a leash law violation. Businelle was released on a summons to appear Aug. 21.
—Rontrell Robertson, 32, Antoine Street, Houma, was arrested at 11:14 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Robertson was released on a summons to appear on Aug. 21.
—Mark Anthony Robin Jr., 35, Cynthia Street, Franklin, was arrested at 5:10 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substance, domestic abuse child endangerment law-aggravated, and introduction of contraband into penal institution. Robin was released on an $8,500 bond.
—Patrick D. Thomas, Sr., 46, Feu Follet Road, Lafayette, was arrested at 4:26 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and transactions involving drug proceeds. Thomas was released on a $12,000 bond.
—Justin Anthony Michael Lacaze, 27, Fortune Street, Berwick, was arrested at 4:04 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. No bail has been set.
—Lee Anthony Gibson, 37, La. 83, Franklin, was arrested at 9:41 a.m. Saturday on charges of improper display of license plates, driving under suspension and resisting an officer by flight. Gibson was released on a summons to appear Aug. 21.
—Brittnay Clements, 31, Gary Duhon Drive Franklin, was arrested at 9:44 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of Xanax and on an active probation and parole warrant. No bail has been set.
—Jeffery P. Moore, 58, South Penn Road, Franklin, was arrested at 3:46 p.m. Sunday on a charge of first-offense driving while intoxicated. Moore was released on a $2,500 bond.
—Angelle Rene Broussard, 28, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:48 p.m. Sunday on charges of theft and driving under suspension. Broussard was released on a summons to appear Aug. 21.
—Charles O. Jones Jr., 50, Main Street, Jeanerette, was arrested at 6:06 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving under suspension and speeding. Jones was released on a summons to appear Aug. 21.
—Barney Burrell, 42, Fontelieu Road, New Iberia, was arrested at 9:11 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving under suspension, stop signs and yield signs, and possession of marijuana. Burrell was released on a summons to appear Aug. 21.

Morgan City police radio logs for May 8-11

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 11:17am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Friday, May 8
5:31 a.m., block Maple; Vehicle theft.
5:40 a.m., 200 block South Railroad; Alarm.
6:08 a.m., 6400 block La. 182; Alarm.
7:19 a.m., 600 block Freret; Telephone harassment.
7:27 a.m., 1000 block Front; Suspicious boat.
7:49 a.m., 600 block Freret; Complaint.
8:09 a.m., 800 block Victor II; Standby.
9:03 a.m., Glenwood; Narcotics investigation.
9:20 a.m., MLK and Victor II; Accident.
11:03 a.m., 6200 block La. 182; Escort.
Noon, 100 block Chennault; Theft.
12:21 p.m., 200 block Louisa; Juvenile.
1:08 p.m., 7700 La. 182; Lost wallet.
1:33 p.m., 1000 block Brashear; Disturbance.
2:47 p.m., First Street; Suspicious subject.
3:09 p.m., 500 block Levee Road; Medical emergency.
3:45 p.m., Ninth and Ditch area; Suspicious subject.
4:59 p.m., 7843 La. 182; Theft.
5:10 p.m., 1000 block Belanger; Theft.
5:11 p.m., 800 block Ditch; Disturbance.
5:18 p.m., Brashear; Accident.
7:01 p.m., 600 Block of Freret; Civil complaint.
7:11 p.m., Hickory; Complaint.
9:05 p.m., Park Road; Traffic incident.
9:19 p.m., 7800 block La. 182; Complaint.
10:37 p.m., 200 block of Franklin; Recovered property.
10:55 p.m., Sixth and Hilda; Drug law violation.
11:11 p.m., 6300 La. 182; Traffic stop.
11:56 p.m., Glenwood; Animal complaint.
Saturday, May 8
3:40 a.m., 1000 block of Marguerite; Traffic stop.
3:46 a.m., 500 block of Sycamore; Suspicious person.
4:37 a.m., 1100 block of Marguerite; Fire alarm.
5:31 a.m., 7200 block La. 182; Traffic stop.
6:48 a.m., 500 block Federal; Medical emergency.
9:36 a.m., 1000 block La. 70; Accident.
10:17 a.m., 2300 block La. 70; Lost property.
10:21 a.m., 500 block Terrebonne; Indecent behavior.
11:15 a.m., 7700 block La. 182; Theft.
11:25 a.m., 7500 block La. 182; Shoplifter.
12:06 p.m., 200 block Leona; Welfare concern.
12:17 p.m., 1600 block La. 70; Complaint.
1:19 p.m., 3000 block Diane; Disturbance.
1:21 p.m., 500 block Roderick; Medical emergency.
1:52 p.m., 900 block Seventh; Medical emergency.
2:54 p.m., 3000 block Allison; Residential burglary.
3:10 p.m., 1000 block Brashear; Complaint.
4:07 p.m., 7200 block La. 182; Complaint.
4:50 p.m., Sixth and Bush area; Loud music.
5:35 p.m., 2000 block of Allison; Medical.
6:52 p.m., 1400 block North Third; Theft.
6:58 p.m., 500 block Bowman; Disturbance.
7:09 p.m., La. 182 and U.S. 90 junction; Traffic stop.
7:12 p.m., 6400 block La. 182; Traffic stop.
7:24 p.m., Cypress Gardens; Traffic incident.
7:43 p.m., Wytchwood Drive; Loud music.
7:45 p.m., 500 block Bush; Medical.
8:10 p.m., 700 block Bush; Loud music.
8:20 p.m., Brashear; Crash.
8:36 p.m., Duke and Sixth; Loud music.
9:03 p.m., 300 block Wise; Medical.
9:04 p.m., 800 block Brashear; Disturbance.
9:29 p.m., Terrebonne; Loud music.
9:35 p.m., 3100 block of Wytchwood; Loud music.
10:08 p.m., Mount; Fight.
10:26 p.m., 2300 block La. 70; Loud music.
10:37 p.m., 7200 block La. 182; Medical.
10:48 p.m., 1400 block Maple; Trespasser.
11:17 p.m., 2300 block La. 70; Traffic stop.
Sunday, May 10
12:43 a.m., 100 Block of Chennault; Loud music.
12:52 a.m., 7500 Block of La. 182; Traffic stop.
12:57 a.m., 700 Block of Bush; Disturbance.
7:57 a.m., 1100 block Marguerite; Assault.
10:05 a.m., Eastbound new bridge near Federal exit; Accident.
10:13 a.m., 600 block Ridgewall; Medical emergency.
11:41 a.m., Greenwood and Sixth; Accident.
12:28 p.m., 1000 block Seventh; Alarm.
1:12 p.m., 7200 block La. 182; Disturbance.
1:45 p.m., 300 block Aucoin; Disturbance.
1:57 p.m., 800 block Victor II; Alarm.
3:39 p.m., 3000 block Diane; Domestic disturbance.
4:03 p.m., 100 block Fig; Welfare concern.
4:15 p.m., 300 block Aucoin; Complaint.
5:47 p.m., 600 block Front; Complaint.
5:55 p.m., 600 block Front; Disturbance.
6:09 p.m., U.S. 90 East; Reckless driver.
6:29 p.m., Front; Reckless driver.
7:02 p.m., Ochsner Assistance.
7:06 p.m., MCPD; Harassment.
7:08 p.m., 3000 block Diane; Complaint.
7:15 p.m., 200 block Chennault; Complaint.
8:05 p.m., 600 block Fourth; Theft.
8:32 p.m., Mount; Fight.
8:48 p.m., 400 block Sixth; Loud music.
8:57 p.m., 1000 block Brashear; Theft.
9:02 p.m., Shaw and Hemlock; Loud music.
9:14 p.m., 1000 block Walnut; Loud music.
9:22 p.m., 2000 block Keith; Loud music.
10:17 p.m., 100 block Wren; Medical.
11:13 p.m., 1400 block Second; Disturbance.
11:58 p.m., 400 block Fifth; Disturbance.
Monday, May 11
12:14 a.m., Ochsner; Assistance.
12:44 a.m., 400 block Fifth; Harassment.
2:04 a.m., La. 70; Alarm.

Botanic Gardens presents virtual gardens week

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 9:11am

By RICK BOGREN, LSU AgCenter

BATON ROUGE — The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden will host an online National Public Gardens Week celebration via its website and Facebook page now through May 16.
National Public Gardens Week celebrates gardens and arboreta across the United States and encourages everyone to enjoy and support these green treasures. This year the Botanic Gardens encourages everyone to celebrate their own green treasures.
Each day of the week, the Botanic Gardens will present a themed educational video on its website and Facebook page with a corresponding giveaway on Facebook. The remaining schedule is as follows:
—May 12: Herbal cocktails with Beausoleil bartender Jessica Torres, who will share a recipe for a Southern favorite: mint julep.
—May 13: Volunteer Appreciation Day as the Botanic Gardens staff thanks all volunteers for their time and support of the gardens.
—May 14: Garden yoga with Leela Yoga lifestyle instructor Allyson Huval, who will livestream a garden yoga class at 9 a.m.
—May 15: Floral Friday with Billy Heroman’s floral designer Missy Hosner, who will give floral arranging tips.
—May 16: Fairy gardening with East Baton Rouge Parish Master Gardener Kitty Bull, who will demonstrate ways to make a fairy garden.
“Although people can’t join us in our gardens for National Public Gardens Week, we are excited to bring the celebration to them. I hope they will virtually join our experts to learn how they can better enjoy their own garden,” said Burden director Jeff Kuehny.
More information is available online at www.lsu.edu/botanic-gardens/ and on Facebook at face book.com/LSUAgBotanic Gardens/.

UMass Lowell researchers win $400K grant

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 9:09am

From UMASS LOWELL

LOWELL, Mass. — UMass Lowell researchers have created germ-killing fabric that could help stop the spread of communicable diseases.
The team is working to embed a germ-killing agent known as N-halamine into hospital scrubs and other garments worn by medical professionals and patients to reduce the risk of exposure to drug-resistant bacteria and other harmful pathogens in health-care settings.
The work is supported by a $417,000 grant over the next two years from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
On any given day, one in 31 patients develops an infection as a result of their hospital stay, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health-care staff are also at greater risk to fall ill from infection due to germs present in their work environment.
The UMass Lowell researchers are developing a way not only to treat fabrics with N-halamine but to re-charge the textile’s effectiveness in killing germs by rinsing it in bleach as part of the laundry cycle.
“Wearers can check the N-halamine level in the fabric with potassium iodine strips. If the test shows that the N-halamine on the fabric surface is used up, the fabric’s germ-fighting ability can be renewed by rinsing it in a bleach solution. The recharging process can be repeated as needed throughout the entire service life of the garments,” said UMass Lowell Chemistry Prof. Yuyu Sun, an Acton resident who is leading the research with Nancy Goodyear, associate professor of biomedical and nutritional sciences.
In contrast, removing harmful bacteria on health-care workers’ clothing that is not treated with a germ-killing agent would require the wearers to change their garments every few hours, said Goodyear, who lives in Chelmsford.
In current practice, health-care facilities launder employees’ lab coats an average of every 11 to 13 days, while hospital scrubs are washed every day-and-a-half to two days, according to published surveys, Sun said.
Most hospitals provide a laundry service for scrubs, through which workers deposit the garments in a pickup bin at the end of the shift. But some health-care personnel are responsible for washing their own scrubs, leading to the possibility that the garments are worn for several shifts before being cleaned. Laundry routines at home may also be inadequate to eliminate pathogens and any germs on the clothes may cross-contaminate other items in the wash, Goodyear said.
Beyond clothing, the UMass Lowell researchers are concerned that other fabrics in health-care facilities such as bedding and draperies could be a breeding ground for germs. About 37 percent of hospitals launder their curtains only when they are visibly soiled, according to a study cited by the researchers.
While germ-laden fabrics put the health and safety of hospital workers and patients at risk, existing research suggests the impact of such contamination is underestimated because of a lack of investigations into whether textiles are the source of the germs during illness outbreaks, the researchers said.
Preliminary studies have shown fabrics treated with N-halamine to be effective against pathogens including E. coli, MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, among others, according to Goodyear, who added that researchers are continuing to test the fabric to see how it performs against other types of pathogens.
Along with Sun and Goodyear, other members of the UMass Lowell team include UMass Lowell Research Scientist Jianchuan Wen and public health graduate student Adorrah-Le Khan, both of Lowell, and undergraduate chemistry major Jake Sartorelli of Chelmsford.

Late wife’s best friend stiff-arms man’s interest

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 9:08am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My wife passed away, and I have fallen in love with her best friend. She feels she would be disrespecting my wife’s name if she went out with me. How can I let her know my wife would not object to us dating?
I don’t know how to get her to understand my vows to my wife have been fulfilled with her passing. I will never forget her, and she will always be in my heart. But I feel I have room in my heart for this woman. She is a great person, and at some point I would like to have her as my wife. Advice, please?
GOING FORWARD IN TEXAS

DEAR GOING: You have stated your points both succinctly and pragmatically. It’s understandable that you would be drawn to her, considering the close relationship you already had, I assume for many years. If you have told this lady what you have written to me as plainly as you stated it in your letter, and her feelings remain unchanged, it is possible that she is not as attracted to you as you are to her. And, if that’s the case, she should say so in plain English so you can look elsewhere.

DEAR ABBY: My fiancé and I got engaged a few months ago and have been getting mixed messages from our parents about our wedding next year. Overall, they seem happy for us, but they don’t show much interest in our relationship, or the wedding either.
Since we are gay, we are unsure whose, if any, parents we should ask to help us pay for the wedding. My fiancé’s parents are very conservative and most likely wouldn’t volunteer to contribute. My parents are likely the only ones who would help, but they haven’t made any offers.
We both have full-time jobs, but they are middle to low income, so help would be appreciated. Part of me resents them for not offering any help since their parents pitched in for their festivities and because they will undoubtedly expect invitations. Any advice you can give would be appreciated.
MARRYING IN THE WEST

DEAR MARRYING: Welcome to the world of gay weddings, a subject that has cropped up since 2015, when it was legalized in all 50 states. There are no hard and fast rules covering this. Modern couples, both straight and gay, often pay for their own weddings to the extent their budgets allow.
While you and your fiancé might raise the subject of pitching in with your parents, in the interest of family harmony, please try not to do it with prior resentments or expectations. Whether they agree or decline, you will be fine, and your day will be special.

DEAR ABBY: I was invited to a baby shower. Because of the virus that’s going around, many people weren’t planning on going, so they canceled the party. Should I still take them the gift I bought for their baby? Or should I just forget it because they canceled the baby shower?
BEARING A GIFT IN NEW MEXICO

DEAR BEARING A GIFT: Do not “just forget it.” The kind — and generous — way to handle it would be to give the mother-to-be the gift, remembering that, in spite of the shower being canceled, she will need things for her baby.
***
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Local officials take part in tele-town hall Tuesday morning

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 8:07am

The Louisiana Public Health Institute and Loui siana Department of Health are hosting a tele-town hall called “COVID-19: Preparing for the Next Phase” at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
To attend, go to https://bit.ly/2SmXANN
The event will be moderated by Shelina Davis, CEO of the institute, and Earl Benjamin-Robinson, deputy director of LDH’s Office of Community Partnerships & Health Equity.
The goal of this informational session is to educate the community about COVID-19 response measures, discuss the phased re-opening approach, share information about available resources, and address community con-cerns. The dialogue will also focus on equitable health outcomes for all Louisianans, especially the African-American community who has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Among those taking part will be Franklin Mayor Eugene P. Foulcard, Region 3 Medical Director Chip Riggins, Dr. Gary Wiltz of the Teche Action Clinic, St. Mary Homeland Security Diretor David Naquin and St. Mary Community Health Improvement Specialist Jeanne Solis,
Each tele-town hall will be hosted through Go To Meeting.

Wondering when to apply for Medicare?

Mon, 05/11/2020 - 3:35pm

Are you getting close to retirement age and wondering when to apply for Medicare?
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older, certain people under 65 with disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease. Learn how to get started with Medicare if you have a disability or if you have ESRD.
Your first chance to get Medicare usually starts 3 months before turning 65 and ends 3 months after turning 65.
Medicare enroll is at certain times, and the cost can go up the longer you wait to sign up.
Here is a list of things that should be done from the Medicare.gov website.
Get started with Medicare
As you get started with Medicare, there is a choice in how you get your Medicare coverage. And, there are some important decisions to make. Follow these 3 steps to help get started:
1. Sign up for Medicare through Social Security
If you’re over 65 (or turning 65 in the next 3 months) and not already getting benefits from Social Security, you need to sign up to get Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You won’t get Medicare automatically.
Note: Sign up for Medicare online or contact Social Security. Social Security will review your records to see if you qualify for Medicare.
If you already get benefits from Social Security, you’ll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you’re first eligible and don’t need to sign up. Medicare will send you a “Welcome to Medicare” packet 3 months before you turn 65.
There will be other important deadlines and actions to take, so read all of the materials in the packet.
2. Choose your coverage
People get Medicare coverage in different ways. There will be lots of information to help you make a decision about how to get Medicare coverage:
—An official “Welcome to Medicare” packet with important information about your coverage options.
—Your official “Medicare & You” handbook once you’re enrolled and every year each fall.
—Mail from private insurance companies, agents and brokers, marketing the Medicare plans they offer.
There are two main ways to get Medicare coverage:
Original Medicare — This includes Part A and Part B. You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
If you want drug coverage, you can join a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
To help pay out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (like your 20% coinsurance), you can also shop for and buy supplemental coverage like a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy.
If you don’t get Part D or a Medigap policy when you’re first eligible, you may have to pay more to get this coverage later. For Part D, this could mean a lifetime premium penalty.
Medicare Advantage — An “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B and usually Part D. Most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover — like vision, hearing, dental and more.
Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors who are in the plan’s network.
Note: Medicare Plan Finder can help you compare all of your options and find what best meets your needs.
3. Complete your “Year 1: Medicare Checklist”
During your first year with Medicare, go to Medicare.gov and out the Medicare Checklist to get the most out of your Medicare coverage and be prepared in case of emergency.