Lighthearted Medicare advice and opinions from longtime expert Douglas B. Jones, CLU, RHU. Drawn from his book: Medicare for the Lazy Man (an Amazon best seller), Doug's advice provides a simple road map to the best Medicare insurance protection available on the market today!
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The Business Growth Architect Show: Aligning Spirituality with Strategic Success The Business Growth Architect Show: Aligning Spirituality with Strategic Success is a unique podcast that merges the worlds of business strategy and spiritual insight. Hosted by Beate Chelette, this show explores how aligning one’s spiritual beliefs with business practices can lead to profound success and personal fulfillment. Each episode offers practical strategies, inspiring stories, and actionable advice to ...
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Ep. 695 - Politico comes up with a brilliant idea to fix Medicare Advantage!
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Medicare Advantage may be radically altered if a proposed new law passes. Prior Authorization will be required for Prior Authorizations! Gee, what genius came up with this plan? New business rates are creeping higher in these inflationary times. Rate increases for the rich plan are hitting insureds harder than those for the High Deductible plans th…
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Ep. 694 - Some hope a new law will change Advantage plans - forever!
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They think the problem involving prior authorizations can be fixed with legislation. So the evil MA trolls won't find another way to use their enslaved members to extract more cash from the US Treasury? On the Wikipedia page about Medicare, we learn about out-of-pocket costs: deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and IRMAA. Correspondence with clients…
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Ep. 693 - The good guys blow it: Conservatives defending Advantage plans!
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The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) takes exactly the wrong position when it comes to supporting freedoms for Medicare participants. C'mon guys, wise up! "Managed care" is not what freedom-loving men and women long for in their health insurance! In the MA Minute, one hour nurse visits to members' homes result in a $15 billion windfal…
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Ep #134: Beate Chelette: Leveraging Spirituality And Strategy For Unmatched Growth And Success!
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: Discover how aligning spirituality with strategic success will transform your business! In this episode, I explain how spirituality enhances strategic outcomes. We apologize for some of the audio quality, but feel that the content is strong even with the technical glitches. Thank you for your understanding. Welcome …
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Ep. 692 - Part B monthly premium ($174.70) got you down? Learn the 4 ways to pay.
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Medicare payment options allow some flexibility in meeting this "must do" financial obligation. The only way to dodge it is Medicaid: welfare. Thomas, accident victim in his late 50s, is able to purchase a Medicare supplement plan because his state mandates that right. We list all the states with similar regulations. Finally, One big MA carrier is …
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Ep. 691 - Big Medicare Advantage cuts coming! (Featured on MA Minute)
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Not a new story but one that bears repeating. This is one of many warnings that responsible insurance pros should share with clients. From the "Medicare" page on Wikipedia we learn about how the hospital and nursing facility benefits are renewed after a period without the need for treatment. Medicare supplement rate increases follow the pattern: in…
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Ep #133: Beate Chelette: How to Constantly Improve Yourself
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: Unlock the secrets to constant self-improvement and achieving more, faster! Join me as I share practical tips as well as spiritual insights. Learn how to overcome life challenges, boost your mindset, and take action toward success! Today’s topic is worth a solo episode. I dive deep into the essential elements for pe…
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Ep. 690 - Medicare Advantage claim denials up 18.5% over prior years.
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Additionally, providers are having to write off 8.5% of patient revenue from MA members as uncollectible. From the Medicare Wikipedia page: how you qualify for free-of-charge Part A of Medicare. What happens to hospitals with high readmission rates? Ouch! Finally, the sad story of a patient in Bullhead City, AZ who was hauled off to the hospital an…
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Ep. 689 - How your in-network Advantage plan can vanish before you know it!
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When a hospital and Medicare advantage plan part ways, insurance plan members have to look for new docs elsewhere. One woman was forced to scramble to find four new docs and specialists. Are insurance companies keeping secrets? An actuarial reporting firm is asking subscribers to rat out MA plans who intend to exit or reduce their "footprint" in a …
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Ep. 688 - New Alzheimer's blood test up to 97% accurate!
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It can diagnose like no previous test. Can it cure? Nope, no cure yet. Your Federal Government is auditing, setting stiff penalties for fraudulent MA charges...but tells the thieves they can just keep the cash! More exciting prose from the Wikipedia page on "Medicare". Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICAR…
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Ep #132: Douglas Squirrel: From Basement to Boardroom: How to Use Tech in Business
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: “Elevate your tech and IT team from hidden workers stuck in the basement to strategic powerhouses in the boardroom.” Admittedly I am a bit of a geek myself. That’s why I asked supergeek Douglas Squirrel, expert in technology and business strategy to join me on the Business Growth Architect Show.. Together, we explor…
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Ep. 687 - "You were right about High Deductible Plan G" Words I love to hear!
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Every so often a client 'fesses up and says they should have listened more carefully to my advice. Today we hear from Michael.....! Also, we enjoy correspondence with a couple of other clients, including Marvin who was helping his 88 year-old-neighbor get away from his Medicare Advantage plan. Also, a woman who is working to become a Medicare agent…
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Ep. 686 - Medicare supplement Guaranteed Issue rules around the country!
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Also, on our Medicare Advantage minute: Anthem Blue Cross is engaged in a dispute that could penalize hundreds of thousands! We revisit the Medicare Wikipedia page with a description of the historical development of this massive government program. Finally, a survey: What do people on Medicare think about Medicare? Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com…
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Ep. 685 - Dem plan for drug benefits risks empty shelves, pharmacists say!
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Pharmacists warn of big trouble in the prescription drug supply process if the Administration's plans are instituted. Article for our Medicare Advantage minute shows that enemies of MA plans are worlds apart when it comes to supporting freedom! "Demystifying Medicare" drastically understates the critical importance of Medicare supplements! Finally,…
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Ep #131: Josef Schinwald: How To Leverage Guest Appearances For Business Growth
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: Leverage guest appearances for explosive business growth with Josef Schinwald! Learn proven strategies to expand your audience, build your expert status, and boost your brand. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Josef Schinwald, an expert in podcast guesting, author of "Fast-Tech Formula to High-E…
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Ep. 684 - Company warns of increasing frequency of fraudulent behavior!
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A large insurance firm says their agents are performing unauthorized enrollments and plan switches to enrich themselves to the detriment of their unsuspecting clientele. In our Medicare Advantage Minute we hear the majority of providers say that frustrations caused by prior authorization demands are growing. How about a new problem to watch out for…
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Ep. 683 - "Hospitals Push Back Against Medicare Advantage Plans" - Article
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That is our selection for today's Medicare Advantage Minute. Also, I plug my friend's new book of non-woke wisdom and witticisms: "How It Used to Be"! Finally, a person under age 65 in Virginia with Medicare is only able to purchase Medicare Supplement Plan A. Since I have a client in that position, and he asked for details, we list the differences…
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Ep. 682 - Part B of Medicare: 5 ways to make the most of it!
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In every episode we celebrate a "Medicare Advantage Minute" by sharing a short article or parts of a longer article. Today's selection: Health Providers Irked at the Behavior of Medicare Advantage Plans; Some Refuse to Take Them! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easi…
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Ep #130: Doug C. Brown: Simple Steps to Sell More Without Feeling Rejected
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: Doug Brown shares simple steps on how to sell more without feeling rejected. Learn how to boost your sales and confidence! In this episode of the Business Growth Architect Show, Doug Brown of CEO Sales Strategies, a Sales Revenue and Profit Growth Expert, and creator of the Top 1% Academy, explores the transformativ…
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Ep. 681 - Rate increase from major company: Plan G:16% vs. HDG: 0%
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Medicare Advantage Minute: members find "challenges" with their MA plans all too frequently. A long-time client worries that her new annual HDF premium is out of line; I was able to reassure her. Another client needed a reminder about how his HDG plan works with claims that he incurs. His response: "Good information"! Finally, a tutorial on hospice…
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Ep. 680 - Rural hospitals take it in the shorts from Advantage plans!
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Not just the denials but also the deliberate foot dragging and payment delays are causing cash flow problems for those who can least afford them! Surprise, surprise! Sales commissions on Advantage plans are being increased again! ...almost 20%.... Finally, the cost of medications is causing patients to face difficult decisions. Will the government'…
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Ep. 679 - Amazon's "Virginia Mike" takes a trip to the woodshed!
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Early in the episode is a report on the evil doings of Medicare Advantage plans, straight from the Inspector General of the Department of Health & Human Services. Then we have some correspondence with clients, friends and others. Finally, we peruse a list of the best hospitals plus the best cancer treatment centers in America. Contact me at: DBJ@ML…
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Ep #129: Marshall Davis Jones: Speak Clear, Confident, and Persuasive Every Time
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: Struggling with public speaking? Discover simple tips to speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively every time with Marshall Davis Jones. Use your body language and tonal influence to be heard and understood every time you speak. In this episode of Business Growth Architect Show, Marshall Davis Jones invites us to…
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Ep. 678 - Advantage plans: popular with people but NOT with docs and hospitals!
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If the government has it's way, doctors will lose 2.9% of their current reimbursements. Also, Medicare drug plans are planning to slash coverage. This will affect EVERYBODY. Finally, prepare to hear more and more about how evil it is to make people work in the heat. What are they going to whine and cry about when winter returns? Contact me at: DBJ@…
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Ep. 677 - Face the facts: Medicare is correctly described as "Socialized Medicine"
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Medical costs were lower and more affordable before the heavy hand of government created a perpetual drain on US prosperity. It should never have been approved and it should be pared down before it does even more damage to our economy. Also, Enjoy correspondence with clients. One states, " You were right...". Another has several meaty questions abo…
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Ep. 676 - Big company rate increases: large ones for Plan G, often zero for HDG!
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If you purchase HDG, historical trends suggest that your premium savings will grow larger and faster in the coming years! How does Medicare treat claims for your colonoscopy? Finally, our MA Minute features the article: Medicare Advantage - a $104 billion scam! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR TH…
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Ep #128: Tom Schwab: How to Stand Out as a Podcast Guest
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: Unlock the power of podcasting to skyrocket your business growth! Join us as Tom Schwab reveals proven strategies to enhance your brand presence, attract your ideal customers, and build lasting relationships through podcasting! In this episode of the Business Growth Architect Show, I connect with Tom Schwab about on…
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Ep. 675 - "The Medicare Advantage Trap": Today's MA Minute selection.
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The "Trap" is sprung when a disappointed Medicare Advantage victim tries to escape to Medicare Parts A & B. Eventually, it is determined they can't qualify for a Medicare supplement to complete their health insurance protection. Also, a major Medicare Advantage carrier will not pay bonuses for agents to pester their clients to fill out HRAs (Health…
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Ep. + 674 - Are you new to Medicare? Basic facts about supplement plans revealed!
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A new Medicare participant has one critical choice to make: Advantage plan or supplement plan? The Medicare supplement wins, hands down! Also, research has exposed some fundamental differences in the characteristics of those who select Advantage plans vs. those who purchase supplement plans. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+…
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Ep. 673 - Med Advantage Minute: Did your plan rip off the US Treasury? Maybe so...
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The government has been conducting "secret" audits of Medicare Advantage plans to measure the amount of overpayments siphoning off your tax dollars. Finally, test your knowledge of basic Medicare facts as we run through a quiz of 12 frequently asked Medicare questions. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICAR…
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Ep #127: Rachel Rider Explains How Spirituality Can Make You a Better Boss
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: Feeling stressed at work? Join Rachel Rider as she shares how spirituality can help you feel calmer and make better choices. Tune in to learn how connecting with your inner self can transform your work life and boost your confidence! In this episode of the Business Growth Architect Show, we go deep into a transforma…
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Ep. 672 - Need a new liver? Medicare + supplement is the only way to go!
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If you need a transplant and want to have a say in your surgical team plus your recovery facility, you had better avoid a "Managed Care" plan like Medicare advantage! .Find out how much a house call cost my father-in-law (and my parents) back in the last millennium. A chart purporting to show the average cost of a day in a hospital in each state ac…
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Ep. 671 - Senate committee finds: Med Advantage plans use deceptive marketing!
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Gee, how surprising is that? Also, a very nice non-client wonders whether she and hubby were granted a deserved "12% Household Discount" from their Medicare supplement company. Finally, a new client credits my book plus Suze Orman's Podcast for her "Kick Butt" Medicare knowledge. Just a few questions remain to be answered... Contact me at: DBJ@MLMM…
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Ep. 670 - Medicare Advantage dental coverage: What is it REALLY worth?
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How about a clash of the Titans? Omaha's own Warren Buffet was gifted a McDonald's Gold Card, good for a lifetime of free eats at any McDonald's in his home town. In contrast, Bill Gate's Gold Card is good anywhere in the world! Amazon is expanding it's $5 monthly pharmacy benefit with a limited formulary. It won't beat this year's most popular Par…
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Ep #126: Secrets of Good Leaders: Scott Greenberg’s Advice on Managing People and Yourself
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: Unlock the secrets of effective self-leadership with Scott Greenberg! Discover how you can get your team to perform better and become an inspirational leader. Join the conversation. In this episode, we connect with Scott Greenberg, an acclaimed speaker, author on leadership and performance and explore the intricate …
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Ep. 669 - Is big trouble brewing for Medicare Advantage plans?
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Reading the smoke signals, it's starting to look like increasing costs and decreasing benefits will be on the MA menu for next year. Keep an eye on Humana and CVS. Inflation watch: Fierce Health says that many hospitals are operating in the red in spite of higher revenue. Finally, graphic proof that my recommendation of High Deductible Plan G has a…
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Ep. 668 - Fun & Games with Medicare! (...and you thought it could never happen!)
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Your government has spent considerable time and resources devising games to use as training tools for those working with Medicare. The least you can do is pretend to enjoy the fruits of their labors! Also, we haven't forgotten about the Medicare Advantage Minute! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR …
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Ep. 667 - Introducing: Our Medicare Advantage Minute!
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In each episode there will be a short piece describing a noteworthy element of the MA world. As I always say, a Medicare Advantage plan is just fine until one actually needs to use it! Medicare Supplement Plan G shows a trend toward higher rate increases while an example of a High Deductible plan G increase is about $1 per month for one particular …
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Ep. 666 - Your final wishes: An easy, DIY method to begin this process!
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It always ends with your lawyer making sure your wishes are legal and properly communicated. How does one get started? Look for and download the simple but thorough questionnaire we describe in order to get things rolling in a painless and organized way. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY …
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Ep #125: Grant Tate: Master the Art of Asking AI the Right Questions and Get Better Results
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: “Transform Results with AI: Ask Better Questions for Marketing, Problem Solving, and Business Growth. Join AI Expert Grant Tate to Crack the Code!” In this episode of the Growth Architect Show, I am joined by Dr. Grant Tate, the CEO of Bridge Business Transformation, a high-performance business consultancy. Dr. Tate…
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Ep. 665 - Newly enrolled in Medicare? Questions will still beg answers!
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Correspondence with clients; They come up with some of the darndest things! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.…
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Ep. 664 - Kansas City BC/BS stops selling Medicare Advantage plans!
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Abrupt exit leaves 30,000 members scrambling to find new insurance next year. The smart ones will take advantage of Guaranteed Issue Rights and purchase Medicare Supplement plans! BC/BS of Illinois abruptly stops paying commissions on 3 Medicare Advantage plans in three of their five state BC/BC companies. What gives? Finally, we list eight things …
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Ep #124: The Enlightened Passenger: Corey Poirier's New Book and Life Lessons
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: “Join us as Corey Poirier reveals his life-changing journey and the inspiration behind his new book. Discover valuable insights and lessons that can transform your path to success. Don't miss this inspiring episode!” Join us for a transformative episode as we sit down with Wise Traveler, Corey Poirier. In our episod…
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Ep. 663 - Questions and correspondence from esteemed clients.
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This is my favorite part of the job! Medicare is a complex set of circumstances no one source can anticipate all of the questions that will occur to those who enroll. Curious and thoughtful clients often come up with a wide range of questions; loose ends that are best neatly tied up at the conclusion or our business together. This is my favorite pa…
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Ep. + 662 - Medicare Basics: 11 facts someone thinks you should know.
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Enjoy the fun as I quiz Randy on these basic Medicare facts and then neglect to keep score! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A++) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com. Return to leave a short customer review & help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForT…
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Ep. 661 - 10 critical questions Medicare Advantage plans are facing!
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The world of MA plans appears to be entering a period of turmoil and pressure for change from outside sources. Will they be able to maintain the level of growth they have been enjoying in recent years? Also, new client Dean speaks very highly of the affordable and high quality state of health care in Panama! Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most …
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Ep #123: Crack the Code of Visionary Leadership with Oleg Konovalov
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Had an AHA or Insight? Share it: "From Abstract Ideas to Lasting Legacies: The “Da Vinci of Vision” Shares Insights on Vision and Spirituality in Business" In this episode of the Business Growth Architect Show I have an inspiring conversation with Oleg Konovalov, the “Da Vinci on Visionary Leadership, a global thought leader, author, business educa…
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Ep. 660 - How much does your favorite doctor earn? Find out here....
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Check out the average earnings of 40 medical specialties. Do they really earn their compensation? Should that compensation be even more substantial? First, find out why Trinity Health has taken a stand against insurance giant UnitedHealth in a fight for their financial survival. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by…
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Ep. 659 - Age 80+: Plan F= $401; Plan G = $295; HDG = $76; Give me HDG!
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A highly respected Medicare expert stops short of guiding his client to the best, most money-saving plan available. Also, check out the many absolutely free preventive services offered to women under Medicare. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on …
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Ep. 658 - Your Medicare and drug plan reports can be a wealth of information!
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Great news: the dopes promoting Calcare, Canadian style single payor plan in California have had their posteriors handed to them! How about those anti-aging drugs they wanted to give to little kids? Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+) Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2024; Simplest & Easiest Guide Ever!" on Amazon.com.…
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