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May 05, 2025 View in browser
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What you need to know about Medicare open enrollment

If you are approaching age 65, you should start reviewing your Medicare options even if you don’t plan to retire right away. Knowing what Medicare coverage is, when to enroll and what options are available for additional coverage is essential to getting the health insurance you need going forward.

Medicare is health insurance available through the federal government. To qualify for it, you must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Be age 65 or older;
  • Have a qualifying disability; or
  • Have end-stage renal disease.

Medicare embodies three parts to offer comprehensive health care coverage. They are: Part A, hospital insurance, Part B, medical insurance and Part D, prescription drug plans.

Enrollment in Medicare plans is available during specific time periods. It’s important to know when these enrollment periods are so you don’t incur a penalty for not enrolling when you become eligible for Medicare.

Italian lawn bowling comes to Atlanta

A game that’s known for its popularity in Europe among older, retired men is making a play for recognition among Georgians.

“Bocce, also known as Italian lawn bowling, is one of the most widely played games in the world and is one of the oldest lawn or yard games,” according to the United States Bocce Federation. “Best known in Italy, where you may see a group of retired Sicilians gathered in a town square for a daily afternoon game, bocce has been gaining popularity with younger people as well as older people in the United States and other countries.”

Indeed, venues and leagues are popping up around Atlanta, and locals seem to love it for the social aspects and the chance to do something both low-impact and competitive.

Ambassador Ruth Davis lost a keepsake, then a Redditor came to the rescue

A retired career diplomat. A thrift-shopping college student. A treasured autograph. The Queens of the Stone Age.

They all crossed paths, one day this past summer, in a story with a happy ending.

Joseph Patella, 22, had just graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. He was living back home in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, but traveled to D.C. to catch a rock show.

He unwittingly came to the rescue of Ruth A. Davis, 80, who had just been honored for her 40 years with the State Department.

Davis was blessed with the return of a keepsake from her illustrious career. Patella earned some positive feelings for a good deed done well. And both Davis and Patella made a new friend.

Join us for Aging in Atlanta from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM on Thursday, November 9, at Gwinnett Technical College

Join The Atlanta-Journal Constitution for a fun and informative event on aging well in Atlanta! Local experts will cover all the hot topics, from local activities to asset protection. Get the resources you will need to live your best senior life, in person. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!

We can’t wait to see you! 

Click to register for free today

Aging in Atlanta special sections

Look out for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's next special section, which is coming Sunday, Nov. 12, in your ePaper and newspaper. 

Check ajc.com/aging for all the special sections, which will have more information on how you can live your best life.

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