Medicare's 2012 Annual Enrollment Period Ends December 7

MEDICARE'S 2012 ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD ENDS DECEMBER 7

BOISE, ID (November 28, 2011) - The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) office of the Idaho Department of Insurance reminds consumers that December 7 is the last day for Medicare open enrollment.

"Senior citizens have a small window of opportunity left to review their plans," says Department Director Bill Deal. "Any changes to existing plans need to be made by next Wednesday."

Idahoans who have questions about open enrollments are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-247-4422, or Medicare at 800-633-4227. Due to expected high call volume, people who choose to call Medicare may have the best results by calling in the evening or on weekends.

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If you have any questions, please contact SHIBA, Medicare, or your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent today.

Safely Preparing this year's Thanksgiving Feast

We are only one day away from Thanksgiving, and a marathon of cooking.  Do you know the safest methods for preparing, cooking, and storing that turkey and dressing?  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been busy putting together some great tips and guidelines to help you make the best out of your Thanksgiving feast!

Preparation

• When preparing foods, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching any raw food product (turkey, eggs, etc.).
• Be sure to use different cutting boards when cutting raw meat and cutting cooked food or preparing salads.
• Never thaw a turkey on a counter.
• Fridge: Thaw a turkey 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey.
• Cold Water: Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound.  Make sure water is not able to leak through packaging on to turkey.  Change the water every 30 minutes.  Cook the turkey immediately after thawing, do not refreeze.
• Do not stuff the turkey in advance.  For optimum safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended.  If you choose to stuff your turkey, mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey cavities.  Fill the cavities loosely.  Cook the turkey immediately.  Use a food thermometer to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165-degrees F.

Cooking

• Set your oven temperature no lower than 325-degrees F.
• A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165-degrees F, as measured with a food thermometer.
• Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
• Basting the turkey is not necessary.  Bacteria can grow on basting tools if they are allowed to sit at room temperature between bastings.
• For quality, let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to set.  The turkey will carve more easily.
• Remove all stuffing from the turkey cavities.

Storing Leftovers

• Remove all meat from the turkey carcass within two hours of the turkey's removal from the oven.
• Discard any turkey, stuffing, and gravy left out at room temperature longer than two hours.
• Leftovers should be stored in shallow containers, in the refrigerator, for no longer than four days.
• You may freeze leftovers within two hours, and use them within 2 to 6 months for best quality.

Reheating Leftovers

• Cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated.
• In the oven:
• Set the oven temperature no lower than 325-degrees F.
• Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165-degrees F.
• Add broth or water to keep turkey moist while reheating.
• In the Microwave:
• Cover your food and rotate it for even heating.  Allow standing time.
• Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165-degrees F.
• Never taste leftover food that looks or smells strange.  When in doubt, throw it out!

For more information, please read the USDA's entire "Let's Talk Turkey" pamplet.

BE SAFE. BE SURE. Auto insurance tips for your winter trip.

BE SAFE. BE SURE.

Auto insurance tips for your winter trip.

BOISE, ID (November 16, 2011) - Before you hit the road this winter, make sure your auto and auto insurance are ready for the journey.  The Idaho Department of Insurance reminds motorists that planning ahead can help avoid mishaps that could ruin a vacation.

"Whether you are traveling near or far, you will likely be packing some valuable items such as skis, a laptop or a video camera - none of which are covered by an auto insurance policy," says Department Director Bill Deal, "These items must be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy to be reimbursed if they are stolen."

Top 5 Auto Insurance Tips

• Confirm your auto insurance is active and premiums are up-to-date.  Have a current copy of your insurance card in the vehicle.
• Select liability limits that are appropriate for your financial circumstances.  If you are found to be at fault in an accident and purchased insufficient limits, your personal assets are at risk for the remaining financial obligation.
• If renting a vehicle for the trip, check your auto policy to see if it includes coverage for this added exposure.  Verify potential coverage limitation with your agent, and make sure you are not duplicating benefits from your existing policies.
• Verify your homeowners or renters insurance covers the theft of personal items from a vehicle, especially if you are planning to carry expensive items in it.
• Check to see if your policy includes roadside assistance.  You can be covered for towing, fuel delivery, lockout service, jump-starts and more.

If you are unclear about your auto insurance coverage or would like to learn how to lower auto insurance costs, talk to your insurance agent, contact the Department of Insurance, http://www.doi.idaho.gov/, or visit http://www.insureuonline.org/.

Visit the Department's website to read a Consumer Alert with more tips on auto rental insurance and winter travel.

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Your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent would be happy to do a free policy review with you, to prepare for the holiday season and travel.  Please give your agent a call anytime you would like to schedule a review.