Vantage point magazine

In this issue:
Re-Visioning
Retirement
How Does Stress
Affect You?
Peace of Mind by
Doing the Right Thing
Caregivers’ Resources
Understanding
Medicare

VantagePoint

Welcome to the Inaugural Issue of VantagePoint!
Unlike other magazines that state they are written for you, the large and growing audience
of adults 55+, the purpose of VantagePoint is to actually serve your real need for information
you can trust, rather than to just sell you something.

True to this, and making it unique among other magazines, VantagePoint contains no advertising.

Rather, VantagePoint is supported and distributed by a small group of companies, each a
leader in its field, that are committed to providing our readers with credible information about
issues that affect you, your family, and the plans you make to reflect the changes in your
finances, health, and lifestyle.

Created and distributed quarterly, VantagePoint is designed to serve and promote an active,
involved readership. The electronic version contains active links to websites that offer more
information on the article topics, as well as sites that can serve as resources on other, related
subjects.

Future issues will introduce additional subject areas with information provided by leading
companies in those fields.

We hope you enjoy VantagePoint and welcome your feedback on the articles presented
and suggestions on topics you would like to see covered.

Thank you,
Matthew Ross
Publisher

In This Issue: Page
Re-Visioning Retirement 3
How Does Stress Affect You? 7
Peace of Mind By Doing the Right Thing 9
Caregivers’ Resources 13
Understanding Medicare 15

Life Insurance

Re-Visioning Retirement
America’s Retirement Re-set
This article provided by

It is no secret that the face of retirement is changing. People are working longer, adult children are returning to
what was once an empty nest, and many retirees are headed back to the workforce.

But at American General Life Companies*, we wanted to know more. We wanted to know how people really felt
about retirement and we wanted to know how we could help people recover from the financial difficulties so many
had faced over the past few years.

This quest for knowledge led us back to a familiar place. Just a decade ago we completed a major study surrounding
attitudes about retirement. Now, 10 years later, we’ve completed a new study - and this time around we found a
significant shift in attitudes and actions.

Life Insurance

In 2001, SunAmerica Financial Group (SAFG) and Age Wave launched the Re-Visioning Retirement Study.
This comprehensive study was one of the first to look beyond basic financial and demographic issues to
reveal the attitudes and expectations of retirees nationwide.

This year, we rejoined forces to launch a new initiative: the 2011 SunAmerica Retirement Re-Set Study.**
As part of SunAmerica Financial Group, American General Life Companies is pleased to share these
useful insights regarding how the mindset, expectations and financial planning for retirement have changed
in the past decade.

54% view
retirement
as a new
chapter
in life.

Some highlights of the study include:
• We’ve seen a retirement mindset re-set: 54% view retirement as a new chapter in life
rather than a winding down – a significant increase over the 38% that held a similar
view in 2001.
• People have re-set the timing and purpose of retirement: retirement is being postponed
by five years – from 64 to 69 – triggered in part by increasing longevity as well as the
recession and financial need. And retirement no longer means the end of work: almost
two-thirds say they would ideally like to remain productive and include work in
retirement.
• Achieving financial peace of mind has replaced wealth accumulation as today’s
primary financial goal. People are now six times more likely to say their top financial
goal is “saving enough to have financial peace of mind” (82%) versus “accumulating
as much wealth as possible” (13%).
• Nearly half of Americans 55 and older expect to provide intergenerational support
for family members and, in a new twist on childcare, 70% of those believe their
adult children will need financial assistance.
• And nearly half of today’s retirees retired earlier than they planned. The top reason?
Unexpected health problems.

While the past decade has been a time of change and tumult, the Retirement Re-Set Study shows that
Americans are emerging from this period with a more thoughtful and realistic financial outlook. And at
American General we’re using the findings of the study to ensure we continue to provide consumers with
the products and tools they need to help build a secure future.

So what does this really mean for Boomers who are looking to ensure their financial security?


It means retirement continues to defy a “one size fits all” mentality.
In 2001 we found for the first time, that there were four distinct
types of retirement experiences: “Ageless Explorers,” “Cautiously
Contents,” “Live for Todays,” and “Worried Strugglers.” The 2011 study
revisited these distinct retirement categories and examined how those
experiences have changed in character and scope, and how consumers
can navigate the most effective paths to a successful retirement.

When it comes to retirement, Americans fall into four distinct categories
driven by three key factors: optimism or pessimism in respective
world views; how socially engaged, active and connected they are;
and how well they plan and prepare for retirement.
• 20% are Ageless Explorers, and have a positive, active and
fulfilling vision of retirement as a new chapter in life with
new opportunities.
• 18% are Cautiously Contents who seek a traditional retirement
with more rest, relaxation and leisure.
• 27% are Live for Todays who have many retirement ambitions,
but often find themselves financially unprepared.
• 35% are Worried Strugglers who are the least happy and see
retirement as a period of financial worry and stress.

Understanding which category you currently occupy and which
category you aspire to be in during retirement is an important tool
in assessing your financial reality and retirement preparedness. In
upcoming editions of VantagePoint, we’ll briefly review each of these
categories of the Four Faces of Retirement, starting with a look at
Ageless Explorers here.

Ageless Explorers
Ageless Explorers see retirement as a positive, active and fulfilling new chapter in life, and an opportunity
for new experiences and continued personal growth. Before retiring, they gave considerable thought to
the retirement lifestyle they desired and planned accordingly— substantially raising the odds of their ideal
retirement occurring.

Retirement They are highly likely to have benefited from professional financial advice, and
in most cases they have developed solid financial plans for their retirement.

continues Very optimistic in general, they are strong believers that now is a good time to
invest, and most find their financial situation even stronger now than before the
to defy economic downturn.

a “one size Ageless Explorers find themselves ahead of the game because they realize that
retirement preparation is not a “do-it-yourself” project.

fits all” They’ve looked for more guarantees in their financial strategies and solutions,
whether they be retirement accumulation products, or protection vehicles.
mentality.

Life Insurance

At American General Life Companies we know that life insurance can help protect families from the
catastrophic effects of the death of a family member. While life insurance products protect families from
unexpected death and the death benefit can serve as income to replace a loved one’s salary, there may also
be living benefits with life insurance. Some universal life insurance policies offer guaranteed premiums, and
some even guaranteed cash value. And with a universal life insurance product, you may be able to access
withdrawals or loans of cash value tax free. That tax treatment may help when planning for supplemental
retirement income particularly if you are concerned with future tax rates.

In addition to considering the supplemental role of universal life insurance when planning for retirement,
annuities can also play a valuable role. Some index annuity products issued by American General
include new optional riders that offer guaranteed lifetime income as well as a degree of inflation protection
in retirement.

Long-term disability and long
term care insurance products are
another reason Ageless Explores
tend to flourish in retirement.
These financial tools provide
protection against the financial
devastation that could occur as
the result of a critical illness,
injury or disability. Long term
care products can help protect
assets and, in some cases, even
allow for care in the comfort of
your own home.

Contact your financial profes-
sional today to learn more
about these solutions and how
you and your family can better
prepare for a future that reflects
your vision of retirement.

Take a moment to review the
findings from the SunAmerica
Retirement Re-Set Study at
retirementreset.com.

In the next issue we’ll discuss the path to success for “Cautiously Contents.”

* American General Life Companies, www.americangeneral.com, is the marketing name for a group of affiliated domestic life insurers
including American General Life Insurance Company and the United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York.

**The 2011 SunAmerica Retirement Re-Set Study is a public opinion poll conducted by Harris Interactive in conjunction with Age
Wave ( the nation’s foremost thought leader on population aging and its profound business, social, healthcare, financial, workforce and
cultural implications) in the second quarter of 2011 with a national sample of 1,001 adults age 55 and older who were representative
of the general population by income, ethnicity, geography and gender.


For additional information, please visit www.americangeneral.com

Heart Health

How Does Stress Affect You?

What’s the link between stress and heart disease? Does chronic stress cause high blood pressure?
Find out the answers to these and other questions with our FAQs About Stress.

What’s the link between stress and heart disease?
Stress sets off a chain of events. First, you have a stressful situation that’s usually upsetting but not harmful.
The body reacts to it by releasing a hormone, adrenaline, that causes your breathing and heart rate to
speed up and your blood pressure to rise. These physical reactions prepare you to deal with the situation by
confronting it or by running away from it — the “fight or flight” response. When stress is constant (chronic),
your body remains in high gear off and on for days or weeks at a time. The link between stress and heart
disease is not clear. However, chronic stress that causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure may
damage the artery walls.

Does chronic stress cause high blood pressure?
Chronic stress does not cause high blood pressure. The exact causes of high blood pressure are unknown,
but contributing factors include being overweight, eating too much sodium (salt), lack of physical activity
and drinking too much alcohol. But chronic stress can take a physical toll on you. It can weaken your
immune system and cause uncomfortable physical symptoms like headache and stomach problems.

Can medicines help me lower my stress level?
Medicines are helpful for many things, but usually not for stress. Some people take tranquilizers to calm
them down, but it’s far better to learn to manage your stress through relaxation or stress management
techniques. Be careful not to confuse stress with anxiety. If you suffer from severe anxiety, speak with your
doctor about whether you need medication.

Heart Health

What is “Type A” behavior and does it cause heart disease?
Since the early 1970s, doctors have used the term “Type A” personality or behavior to describe a person who
is always in a hurry, impatient, often irritated, angry or hostile, and who strives for perfection. Studies found
that 50 percent of men were Type A, and these men were nearly twice as likely to have heart disease as
men who were not Type A. More recent studies have questioned whether all aspects of Type A behavior are
equally important. These studies show that the Type A traits linked to heart disease probably are anger and
hostility. Why? When you are angry or hostile, your body releases stress hormones into your blood, causing
your heart rate and blood pressure to go up temporarily, and making your heart work harder.

How do I know if I need a stress management class?
Stress management classes can help you learn to handle your stress, especially if you have a “Type A”
personality (constantly rushing, angry, hostile or competitive) or if your stress is nonstop. Stress management
classes can be found at community colleges, rehab programs, in hospitals or by calling a therapist in your
community. Classes normally last for 10 to 12 weeks and offer many techniques to help you.

Think about how stress affects you.
Common responses to stress are listed below.
Aches and Pains* Energy Level and Sleep*
• Headache • Feeling tired without a good reason
• Backache • Trouble sleeping
• Neck ache
• Stomach ache Other Emotional Signs
• Tight muscles • Easily irritated
• Clenched jaw • Impatient
• Forgetful
Feelings
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Depression
• Helplessness
• Out of control
• Tense

*Some physical signs of stress may be caused by your medical condition or by medicines you take.
If you aren’t sure what’s causing your physical symptoms, ask your doctor if stress might be the cause.

How Do You Respond?
When you are under stress, do any of these behaviors apply to you?
• I eat to calm down.
• I speak and eat very fast.
• I drink alcohol or smoke to calm down. HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS
• I rush around but do not get much done.
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in
• I work too much.
the center of the chest that lasts more than
• I delay doing the things I need to do.
a few minutes, or that goes away and
• I sleep too little, too much or both.
comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable
• I slow down. pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• I try to do too many things at once.
For more information on warning signs,
Engaging in even one of these behaviors may mean that you are visit: www.heart.org
not dealing with stress as well as you could.

End-of-Life Planning

Peace of Mind by
Doing the Right Thing

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most stressful events. When a death occurs, a myriad of decisions must be
made in a short period of time. If you’re unprepared, the emotional and financial costs of planning a funeral
service can be overwhelming and unfortunately, those burdens often fall to the ones we love the most…..
our family and friends.

That’s why we encourage people to do the right thing by planning ahead.


A new planning tool, Dignity Planning®, has helped
thousands of people achieve peace of mind not only for
themselves, but for their loved ones. You can start your end-
of-life plan right now by visiting Dignity Planning.

Research indicates than an increasing number of adults
today plan their funerals as a natural part of preparing for
life’s milestones – such as weddings, college education and
retirement. Just as creating a will and estate planning are
responsible decisions, making your final arrangements in
advance makes a lot of sense. And there are many benefits
to making funeral arrangements in advance, such as:

• Helps your loved ones avoid painful guesswork about
what you may have wanted
• Helps avoid emotional overspending
• Ensures that your final wishes are honored.
• Make decisions together with spouse, friend or
other family members
• You can lock in the cost of the funeral at today’s
prices and hedge against inflation which can save
thousands of dollars
• (Veterans and spouses) Coordinate with veteran
VA burial benefits
• PEACE OF MIND!

And remember, the only right decision is your decision.
The most important decision however is getting started and
Dignity Planning will help.

A Straightforward Process
Planning a funeral requires making thoughtful personal
decisions and the Dignity Planning tool helps you plan in
the privacy and comfort of your own home. Regardless of
what type of service you choose, it’s simple to start making
your prearrangements using our four-step approach: Reflect,
Record, Share and Support.

Step 1: Reflect
First, take some time to reflect on how you envision your funeral service. Think about funerals you may
have attended in the past. Ask yourself what you liked or disliked about each service. Think about what
other family members traditionally did. What would they be comfortable with? Start with some of the basic
questions. Do you prefer burial or cremation? Although burial is considered traditional in many areas,
cremation is on the rise.

A recent survey by the National Funeral Directors Association indicates the percentage of people choosing
cremation will surpass 50 percent by the year 2025. The current national average is estimated to be over 38 percent.

So once you answer that first basic question, much of the rest of the planning details begin to fall into
place. Your end-of-life plan can include as many details as you would like. Think about the type of service


If you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed
Forces, you may be eligible for additional
funeral benefits. When you prearrange your
funeral, you’ll be able to learn about and
access these benefits in advance so your
loved ones will have all the information
they need in advance.

that would best celebrate and commemorate your life.
Consider the tone and atmosphere of the services.
Should they be somber? Upbeat? Traditional? Highly
personal? What type of music do you prefer? How
will they reflect your unique personality, interests and
values? How do you want to be remembered? Again,
the only right decision is your decision but you must
start making those decisions now!

Here are some things to consider when making your final arrangements:
• Burial or Cremation: Do you wish to be buried? Cremated? Entombed in a mausoleum? Have your
cremated remains scattered? Your funeral provider can provide you with a full list of options.
• Funeral Service: A formal or informal ceremony or ritual prior to burial, the funeral service provides a
sense of closure and community to family and friends. At a funeral service, a casket or urn is present. You
may choose to have the casket open or closed. Although your faith or culture may dictate some elements
of the service, you may want to personalize others.
• Visitation, Wake or Viewing: Held the night before or immediately prior to the funeral service, the
visitation – also called a wake or a viewing – provides a way for friends and acquaintances to pay
respects and offer condolences to your family. As with the funeral service, you may decide whether you
want an open or closed casket if one is present.
• Memorial or Tribute Service: Similar to a funeral or visitation, a memorial service gives family and
friends a time to come together in your memory and celebrate your life. At a memorial or tribute service,
a casket or urn is usually not present.
• Graveside Service: As the name implies, a graveside service may be held just prior to burial of a casket
or urn and usually consists of final remarks, prayers or tributes. The service may occur after or in place
of a funeral service.

Step 2: Record
Reflecting on your final arrangements helps you create your end-of-life plan. But, recording your wishes
is the best way to ensure they will be carried out. Start your end-of-life plan now at Dignity Planning. The
Dignity Planning tool will walk you through documenting a few initial choices. Then, once your private,
secure account is started, you have the flexibility to add service details to your plan immediately or to spend
some time reflecting on the details that are important to you and your loved ones.

Once you are ready to add personalization and service details to your plan, you can do so online or over
the phone when it is convenient for you.

When properly documented and communicated, your written wishes will enable your loved ones to act
on your behalf without having to guess your wishes. Just as you keep your will and financial documents
updated, you should keep your end-of-life plan current to reflect your latest preferences.


Step 3: Share
After recording your wishes, the Dignity
Planning tool will help you share them with
your loved ones and keep your planning
documents in a safe but accessible space. If
you choose to keep your plan in a home filing
cabinet or security fire-proof safety box with
other important documents, be sure to notify
your family of that location. And remember;
never keep these important documents in a
banks safety deposit box as they may not be
accessible after a death occurs!

Step 4: Support
If you are financially unprepared, the costs of
planning a service can be overwhelming for
your family.

Supporting your funeral and cemetery plan
relieves your loved ones of the stress of gathering Regardless of what type of service you
money at the time of your death. And funding choose, it’s simple to start planning
your plan in advance can provide protection
against inflation. Some funeral providers offer your final arrangements using the four-
a price guarantee that essentially locks in the step approach: reflect, record, share
funeral cost at today’s prices so that your loved
ones will not have to pay more for your selected and support.
products and services at the time of your death.

Planning or prearranging is one of the most caring gifts you can give your family. It not only makes
sense financially, it also eliminates the guesswork for your family by providing them with a clear picture
of what you want your service to say about you. So to achieve peace of mind, do the right thing and visit
Dignity Planning today!

The Dignity Difference
The Dignity Memorial® network is North America’s largest network of funeral homes and cemeteries. Dignity
providers serve over 300,000 families each year through our 1,800 locations in the United States and Canada.
For us, there is no higher honor than to be chosen to bring loved ones, friends and a lifetime of memories
together in celebration of a special life.

When you create a plan using Dignity Planning with a Dignity Memorial provider, our commitment to you includes
exclusive benefits and services, which only Dignity Memorial providers offer. To learn more about these benefits,
such as the award winning Dignity Memorial Guidance Series, the 24-Hour Compassion Helpline®, the Everlasting
Memorial® or our 100% Service Guarantee, please visit www.DignityMemorial.com.


www.DignityMemorial.com


The following sites have been selected from lists compiled by the US government to provide information
and services to senior citizens. They are presented only as suggested resources and are not intended to be
viewed as ‘authorized’ or ‘approved.’ In future issues we will present additional resources on complementary
subjects we hope will be both of interest and value.

Find a nursing home, assisted living, or hospice; check your eligibility for benefits; get resources
for long-distance caregiving; review legal issues; and find support for caregivers.

Find Help Providing Care
Advocates for Residents of Nursing Homes, by State
Assisted Living
Choosing a Health Care Facility
Eldercare at Home
Eldercare Locator
Family Care Navigator
Health for Seniors
Home and Community Based Programs for Veterans
Home Care Services
Home Health Agency Comparison


Find Help Providing Care (continued)
Hospice Care
Hospice Locator
Hospital Comparison
Long Term Care Information Clearinghouse
Nursing Home Comparison
Respite Care Locator

Government Benefits
Benefits for People with Disabilities
Government Benefits – Check Your Eligibility
Medicaid Overview and Eligibility
Medicare Basics for Caregivers

Legal Matters and End-of-Life Issues
Legal Matters and End-of-Life Issues
Writing a Will

Long-Distance Caregiving
Caring from a Distance
Long-Distance Caregiving from the U.S. National Institute on Aging

Support for Caregivers
Caregiver Resources from Medicare.gov
Caregiver Resources from Medline Plus
Caregivers of a Spouse or Partner
Caring for the Caregiver
Checklists and Forms for Caregivers
National Caregivers Library
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Respite Care Locator
Stress and Caregiving

Looking for information on what other resources might be available?
Let us know for future issues of VantagePoint. Email your suggestions to
info@vantagepointtoday.com

Understanding Medicare


Staying healthy used to be as easy as following a few simple rules – Eat right. Exercise. Get adequate sleep.

But for today’s seniors, healthcare is much more complicated than it used to be. While those basic guidelines still
apply, there’s so much more to think about as we age. Staying fit and active may not be as easy as it once was.
Certain health issues may become bothersome, chronic problems. Add the ever-changing healthcare system – and
escalating medical and drug costs – to the mix, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

To get the most value from your healthcare, it’s essential to have good partners on your side. Good healthcare is not
just about treating illness. It’s about improving health and living life to the fullest. Only you and your doctor know
what’s best for you.
Y0036_12_0845 File & Use 12152011


At HealthSpring, we understand that and strive to be a partner in your health. We have made it our mission
to help support you and your doctor in order to improve both your health and your healthcare experience.

Navigating Medicare Choices
Today, nearly 49 millioni Americans are eligible for Medicare and that number will only grow as baby
boomers start to age into the Medicare population. Many seniors feel overwhelmed when trying to
navigate the Medicare maze.

Throughout these next issues, we hope to provide you with a few insider tips so you ask the right questions
and make the right choices to ensure you get healthcare that not only keeps you healthy, but is also affordable.

All persons aged 65 and older or those disabled for longer than 24 months are eligible for Medicare
services. Original Medicare, provided by the federal government and administered through the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), charges a monthly premium for hospital and medical coverage,
which represents Medicare Parts A and B. However, that does not include prescription drug coverage or
other supplemental coverage, such as vision, dental or hearing, or provide a limit to out-of-pocket spending.

For that reason, many seniors choose additional health coverage to ensure their financial and physical
well-being. The most popular options are Medicare Advantage plans or supplemental plans such as
Medigap policies. In order to qualify for Medicare Advantage or Medigap, you must have both Medicare
Parts A and B and continue to pay your Part B monthly premium, as stipulated by CMS.

The ABC’s of Medigap
Medigap policies are sold by private insurers and
have standardized basic benefits stipulated by the 2010 Monthly Medigap Premiums
government. The different policies correspond to (Range of State Averages)
letters A-M, so Plan A in New York will cover the
same basic benefits as Plan A in California. While Plan Type Average State Highest State Lowest State
the benefits are universal, prices are not, so it’s
A $147 $286 $61
important to be a smart shopper and compare
premiums. B $173 $269 $77
C $178 $248 $117
Currently, there are 10 Medigap policies
offered: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, D $194 $246 $137
with Plan F being the most popularii. Four E $186 $238 $108
discontinued plans—E, H, I, and J—are still
available to people who had the plans before F $172 $220 $79
they were closed. G $165 $222 $71
H $191 $317 $113
It is not a requirement that all Medigap policies be
available in each state, so be sure to check offerings I $201 $271 $119
and eligibility in your area. It’s important to J $191 $283 $113
remember that Medigap policies are supplemental
insurance and not a replacement to Medicare. K $82 $97 $42
L $122 $143 $73
A basic Medigap policy works with Original
M $53 $58 $49
Medicare to help pay some of your out-of-pocket
costs like co-payments, coinsurance, and the N $28 $44 $16
yearly Medicare deductible, or the “gaps” in Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
Medicare coverage.


Medicare Advantage and You
Today, nearly 12.5 millioni seniors are enrolled in Looking Ahead
a Medicare Advantage plan, and that number is Medicare currently covers nearly 49 millioni people,
growing. and millions of baby boomers born between 1946 and
1964 will soon begin to qualify. Start asking questions
now so when you are eligible for Medicare you get the
Many seniors choose Medicare Advantage, care that suits both your lifestyle and your wallet.
commonly referred to as Medicare Part C, because
they see it as an all-around good value: the Most beneficiaries can only make changes to
extra benefits over and above original Medicare supplemental coverage plans, such as Medicare
contribute to high quality coordinated care and Advantage, during the annual enrollment period,
outcomes – all at an affordable cost. which is October 15 – December 7, but it’s never too
early to start preparing. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY
Many seniors like the convenience of Medicare 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or
Advantage because they can have one plan to cover visit www.medicare.gov to learn more and see if you
qualify to enroll.
all their healthcare needs. As an added bonus, you
only have to keep up with one insurance card,
Taking Charge of Your Healthcare
instead of having to carry around three different Start this New Year off right and make your health
cards for Medicare, Medigap and prescription a priority. Early prevention and treatment is key to
drugs. Life is confusing enough, healthcare doesn’t maintaining your health. If you haven’t seen your
have to be. primary care doctor in over a year, make your annual
appointment today.
As the name implies, the advantages of Medicare
Advantage lie in the extra benefits not covered by January: Glaucoma Awareness Month
Original Medicare. But not all Medicare Advantage According to the U.S. Department of Health and
plans are created equal. Human Services, approximately 2 million American
over the age of 40 have glaucoma. Half of that number
are unaware they have this potentially blinding
While many Medicare Advantage plans include disease because they do not have any symptoms or are
options with zero or low monthly premiums, they unaware of the signs. Discuss the need for a glaucoma
vary in price and the extra benefits they offer, so it’s screening with your physician.
important to compare the plans available in your
area and talk to your doctor and family about what Glaucoma Signs:
is right for you, both physically and financially. • Blurred vision
• Gradual loss of peripheral or side vision
When making your Medicare choices, some
important questions to ask include: • Difficultly focusing on objects

• Are my prescription drugs covered? February: American Heart Month
Keep your heart healthy by controlling your cholesterol
• What are the copay amounts for primary care, and blood pressure. Know your cholesterol and blood
specialist and hospital visits? pressure numbers and get them checked as often as
your doctor recommends.
• Do the doctors and hospitals in the provider
network meet my needs? Cholesterol – Your HDL (good cholesterol) should be
• Are there coinsurance or deductible amounts 60mg/dL or higher to protect against heart disease.
Your LDL (bad cholesterol) should be low, less than
associated with procedures and/or visits? 100 mg/dL is optimal. Talk to your doctor to see what
• Is there a cap on out-of-pocket spending for cholesterol levels are right for you.
both prescription drugs and other care needs?
Blood Pressure – Your blood pressure target should be
• What extra benefits are offered (dental, vision, 120/80 or less. The top number (systolic) measures the
hearing, fitness club, etc.)? pressure in your arteries when your heart beats; the
bottom number (diastolic) measures pressure in the
arteries between heartbeats.


The HealthSpring Difference
How is HealthSpring different? Our success is based on several key factors that set us apart and enable us
to serve our members in a complex market.

First, our focus on Medicare Advantage has allowed us to better understand the specific needs of beneficiaries
and tailor plans for each of our service areas. We also have a local market presence to allow us the flexibility
to respond to the needs of members in each community we serve. We have on-site personnel and local
support in each of our markets, so member service is highly personalized.

HealthSpring has developed a unique approach to healthcare that collaborates closely with both the
physician and patient. We partner with physicians and hospitals that are dedicated to improving the quality
of care and reducing the costly over-practicing of medicine. HealthSpring then passes the value on to our
members in the form of increased benefits and lower premiums and co-payments.

HealthSpring is also committed to a coordinated healthcare approach, with the primary care physician as
the key to managing members’ health. This team approach, with the physician in the lead working with
specialists, provides open communication among all providers and results in better care for members.

As Medicare’s rolls swell and the country wrestles with improving healthcare efficiency and cost, HealthSpring
remains dedicated to growing a system that aligns the interests of members, physicians, and health plans to
provide healthcare as it should be. HealthSpring’s expertise, innovation and commitment enable us to truly
help seniors get more from Medicare and more from life.


For more information, please visit www.myhealthspring.com.

A Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract.

i
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid enrollment data, November 2011.
ii
Kaiser Family Foundation: Issue Brief Medicap Reform: Setting the Context.

Content Contributors

About AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE COMPANIES
American General Life Companies, www.americangeneral.com, is the marketing name for a group of affiliated domestic life
insurance companies. American General Life Companies insurers offer a broad spectrum of life insurance, fixed annuities, accident
& health products and worksite benefits to serve the financial and estate planning needs of its customers throughout the United States.

To learn more, please visit the company website, www.americangeneral.com, or contact:

American General Life Companies
2727-A Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
Phone: (800) 231-3655 Fax: (713) 831-3028 TDD: (888) 436-5256

About SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL:
Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Service Corporation International is a top provider of death-care products
and services offering funeral, cremation, and cemetery services to hundreds of thousands of families each year. Compassionate
employees in over 1,800 network funeral homes and cemeteries work with families on a pre-need basis to plan their most ideal
tribute to passed loved ones.
Service Corporation International (SCI) is the umbrella title for seven individual brands: Dignity Memorial, National Cremation
Society, Advantage, Funeraria del Angel, Making Everlasting Memories, Memorial Plan, Neptune Society/Trident Society. Each
of SCI’s brands offers a unique experience allowing families to choose which best fits their needs and desires, whether it be the
simplest of funeral arrangements or an extravagant ceremony involving ample planning and resources.
To learn more, please visit the company website at www.sci-corp.com or contact:
Service Corporation International
1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019
Phone: (713) 522-5141 GeneralInquiries@sci-us.com

About HEALTHSPRING:
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, HealthSpring is the largest health plan in the United States focused exclusively on Medicare
Advantage. HealthSpring’s concentration on this market has led to the development of a unique approach to healthcare and a deep
understanding of the needs and challenges facing both patients and physicians.
HealthSpring’s physician engagement model provides more access to high quality preventive care for members while supplying
physicians what they need to deliver that care more effectively and cost efficiently. Specifically, HealthSpring recognizes and
rewards physicians for quality over quantity of care, and provides extra resources to physicians so they can devote more time and
attention to patients. The result: healthier members with lower medical costs. It is a common-sense model, but an uncommon
practice.
HealthSpring currently owns and operates Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland,
Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. Additionally, HealthSpring offers a
national stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan.
For further inquiries, please visit the company website at www.healthspring.com or contact:
HealthSpring, Inc.
9009 Carothers Parkway, Suite 501 Franklin, TN 37067
1-800-472-1823

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