About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 13, 2023)
jenkinscountytimes.com The Jenkins County Times Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - Page 5 Obi t cxeiiri Contact our office 478-401-5007. Prices start at $25. Nellie Jean Burke Lane Nellie Jean Burke Lane, 82, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 6, 2023. She passed away peacefully at Pruitt Bethany. She was bom on February 16, 1941, in Millen. She worked at Thompson Company for 11 years then stayed home to enjoy raising her 4 children. She attended Rosemary Baptist Church She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Ruby Johnson Burke, sisters, Faye Boykin, Kathryn “Cat” Burke, brothers, Ray Burke, Albert Burke, and of course her husband Quinney Arnold Lane, and sons, Kacey and Mark Lane. Graveside services were held at 2:00 pm Friday, December 8, 2023, at Rosemary Church Cemetery with Rev. Charles Cravey officiating. Survivors include her daughter, Donna Tapley, son Quinney Alan Lane, grandchildren, Travis Tapley Brian (Brandy), Kody Denise Tonya (Anthony), Mark Jr. (Taylor), Samantha Kamdin Isabelle, and 16 great grandchildren; brother, Donnie Burke; daughters-in-law, Tracy Lane and Kathy Fordham; sisters-in-law, Debra Brinson (Dean), Sherrill Jones (Tom); brothers-in-la, Robert Bradam, and several nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Aibe home care and Pmitt Bethany Home Have an old BIBL6 you love, but needs a new cover? ^■CALL The Times Rebinding Services TODAY! WE REBIND IN GENUINE LEATHER. BONDED LEATHER and TOP GRAIN COWHIDE! 912.451.6397 The Times Bible Rebinding Monthly Senior Luncheon with Scarboro Family and Friends The Scarboro Senior Luncheon was held at the home of Pastor Perry Hearn and his wife Ruth. The group had continued the luncheon in the face of adversity after the fire several months ago destroyed the church fellowship hall. But with the cooler temperatures the pavilion no longer accommodates the group. The diverse menu included dressing, chicken, ham, fresh greens, cracklin cornbread, sweet potato casserole, and a variety of desserts, highlights the culinary talents within the Scarboro community. The seniors meet on the first Thursday of each month and are looking ahead to the new year! The shared meals and fellowship undoubtedly contribute to the sense of belonging and community that makes our community a special place. THE COTTON GIN "Milieu's Florist" Since 1987 478.982.2153 717 Cotton Ave. Millen, GA Navigating the Choices: Understanding Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans Choosing the Right Healthcare Path for Your Needs By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times In the complex landscape of healthcare options for seniors, understanding the nuances between Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans becomes paramount. Medicare, a federal health insurance program designed for individuals aged 65 and older, those with certain disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease, serves as a critical pillar of support for millions of Americans. Original Medicare, comprised of Part A and Part B, offers coverage for hospitalization costs (Part A) and doctor bills, medical expenses, lab tests, and preventive screenings (Part B). One notable advantage of original Medicare is the freedom to choose any healthcare provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, providing a broad scope of accessibility for beneficiaries. However, it falls short in comprehensive coverage, as medications are typically not included, leading many to seek additional plans. To address the gaps in coverage, individuals on original Medicare often opt for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to manage medication costs. Additionally, many choose to purchase separate Medigap plans, bridging the financial divide left by Medicare's inability to cover 100% of most medical expenses. Enter Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, an alternative to original Medicare provided by private insurance companies. This option mirrors individual health insurance policies, presenting beneficiaries with a myriad of choices and considerations. Medicare Advantage plans vary in monthly premiums, provider networks, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limits. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a $0 monthly premium, accompanied by a more restricted network of providers and facilities. Others, with higher premiums, boast broader networks and additional perks such as gym memberships or dental coverage. The trade-offs are apparent: beneficiaries must weigh the advantages of a lower plan premium against potential drawbacks like higher copays, smaller provider networks, service restrictions, elevated out-of-pocket limits, or less comprehensive prescription drug coverage. Crucially, if one elects a Medicare Advantage plan, the obligation to continue paying the Part B premium persists. The purpose of the Medicare Advantage plans is to reduce the overall cost for the Medicare program. This is achieved with restricted networks of physicians and a highly restricted referrals process that requires Consider Your Op MEDICARE VS Health Insurance for all Americans 65+who worked and paid into the system. ADVANTAGE Humana. Aetna; Care Improvement Plus. Cigna-HealthSpring YOU & YOUR DOCTOR choose your care. Your plan chooses your care-NOT YOU & YOUR DOCTOR. No Referrals Needed Highly Restricted Referrals No Restrictions Limited Specialist No Lab Fees MRI & Outpatient High Fees No Pre-Authorizations Upfront Copay on ER Visits No Hidden Costs High Deductibles Full Coverage Limited Coverage pre-authorizations of services. The pre-authorization process leads to services not being approved for patients or delays in the services due to the restricted approval process. Patients should be cautious about swapping additional non-health care coverage perks in exchange of major reductions in actual health coverage. For example, Wellcare Medicare Advantage will allow for $200 for eyewear each year, but access to outpatient therapy after a hip or knee surgery is drastically limited. Traditional Medicare has no limits on physical therapy necessary for post-surgery recovery. In essence, the choice between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage requires careful consideration of individual health needs, financial capacities, and lifestyle preferences. Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare plans demands infonned decision-making, empowering beneficiaries to select the option that best aligns with their unique circumstances. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, staying infonned remains the key to unlocking the full potential of these vital healthcare resources. HYMNS C jpicm fke keafd By Sam Eades, Publisher/Writer for The Times In The Bleak Mid-Winter Christina Rossetti Have you ever spent time in the part of the country that has big snow fall every year during this time of season? How about just seeing snow a few times a year falling from the sky? I have seen snow in many ways. One year I decided to take one of my choirs to New York City for a competition. Yes, it was during the winter months and very cold, even in the town I was in at the time. However, when we arrived in New York, it was blistering cold along with weather in the teens and snow was blowing every where. It was a very bleak winter. Actually, some of my choir members decided to wear long shorts and boy, was that a mistake. But, of course, I tried to tell them to dress warm, but it wasn't this cold when we left home or at least they didn't think so. However, when we arrived at the airport in New York City, they felt differently. Everyone was trying to get to their luggage to find a pair of warm pants and a nice heavy coat. After we arrived at our hotel rooms for the evening, everyone was so glad to be somewhere warm and toasty. Especially me! This particular trip reminds me of the hymn, "In the Bleak Mid-winter." This hymn was actually a poem, written by poet, Christina Rossetti and was changed to a carol and performed as such. The actual poem was published under the title, "A Christmas Carol." Christia's deep faith is thought to be partially the result of the solace that she found in writing as a result of her poor health from age sixteen. In the first stanza, Rossetti creates a dreary and desolate image of the world in which the infant Jesus appeared by drawing on the experience of a British winter. She is not suggesting that it literally snowed in Bethlehem, but is drawing on a long-established literary idea of associating snow with Christ's birth. The final stanza is perhaps one of the most endearing to singers of Christmas hymns. Yet, as British hymnologist J. R. Watson observes, "The final verse is strangely interesting." What can I give him. Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet what I can I give him, I will give my heart. Like the shepherds, Rossetti was not employed abd like the wise men, Rossetti held no degree. However, through all this, she invites us to offer our own gift to the Christ Child, just as the shepherds and wise men did. Rather than the present of a lamb or expensive gifts, however, we offer the most important gift we have, our hearts. Sing with me In the bleak midwinter Frosty wind made moan Earth stood hard as iron Water like a stone Snow had fallen Snow on snow on snow In the bleak midwinter Long, long ago Angels and Arc Angels May have traveled there Cherubim and Seraphim Thronged the air But only his Mother In her maiden bliss Worshiped the beloved With a kiss What can I give him? Poor as I am If I were a shepherd I would give a lamb If I were a wise man I would do my part But what I can I give him Give him my heart Give him my heart Ummm December 16 - Jenkins County Christmas Tour of Homes Saturday, 4-8 p.m. Retired Educators will meet at 11:30 at the school media center with lunch at noon in the cafeteria. MEETINGS WILL BE HELD: January 25, 2024; March 28, 2024; and April 25, 2024 in the school media center.
