Headlines flash the news that Medicare now covers the cost of shingles vaccinations and caps the monthly cost of insulin for diabetics at $35, due to provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). That sounds like excellent news. Let’s take a look at the details.

Yes, it’s true that, effective January 1, 2023, the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is covered by Medicare — if you have paid extra for either Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Benefit) or a Medicare Advantage plan that provides Part D drug coverage. Now, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, those with Part D coverage will pay nothing out of pocket for the shingles vaccine. However, it is not covered by Original Medicare Part A and Part B (though Medicare Part B does cover some other vaccines as free preventive care, such as flu and pneumonia vaccines). The Shingrix provisions don’t apply to private insurers, either. Bottom line, if you’ve got Part D coverage this is a real benefit.

Why is news about the shingles vaccine so important? About 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can get shingles, including children, but people who are older or those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk. Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It typically causes a very painful, itchy rash on a person’s body that can linger for months or even years.  In some cases, shingles can lead to more serious problems, such as eye damage, hearing problems, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain. Whether or not you benefit from the shingles vaccine provisions of the IRA, it makes sense to talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.

OK, what about the cap on the monthly cost of insulin? It’s estimated that over 37 million Americans have diabetes. Many of those living with diabetes need insulin to survive, but the price of the medication in the United States is often expensive. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 caps insulin prices at $35 per month for some Americans, but not all. The intention of the original bill was to extend the $35 insulin cap to Americans covered by both Medicare and private insurance. However, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that the private insurance part of the cap failed to comply with strict budgetary rules, and it was removed. As a result, the version of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by the Senate caps insulin prices at $35 a month for Medicare patients only. As above, the cap for Medicare Part D enrollees became effective January 1, 2023. A similar cap takes effect in Medicare Part B’s durable medical equipment benefit on July 1, 2023.

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Rebecca Sonniksen

The Klickitat County Democrats will hold their first quarterly gathering of 2023 beginning 6 p.m.  Monday, March 6, at the High Prairie Community Center, 701 Struck Road. After snacks and socializing, a short meeting focusing on the year’s goals will be held. All are welcome.

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Brenda Edin 

I don’t think I’m the only one who wrestled with my decision to become a volunteer firefighter. As a recent transplant to the area, I was hesitant to sign up. Looking back, most of that came down to self-doubt and a handful of misguided concerns. In case you’re contemplating becoming part of the team, let me dispel a few misconceptions that were in my way and shine some light on what to expect. 

I need experience to join. Nope. All training is provided. All of it. With online education, regular in-person drills, and optional classes, there is no shortage of opportunities to gain knowledge and experience. Whatever you need to get up to speed, it’s available. If you’re like me and tend to ask a lot of questions, crew members like Fire Commissioner/Captain Philip Haner will patiently and thoughtfully share the insights he’s gained over his 26 years of service as a volunteer firefighter and Wildland Engine Boss in High Prairie. 

I’m not sure if I’ll like it. That’s fair. I wasn’t sure either. But if you even think you might, I encourage you to come join us for drills or maintenance nights. I regret not taking Lieutenant/Former Chief Tim Darland up on his invitation to start training with the team before I fully committed. I really should have. His enthusiasm for serving the community (also for 26 years!) was clear from the start, but it was not until I met the rest of the team that I realized how contagious that is. It’s next to impossible not to enjoy something when everyone around you is all in. 

The team is going to be all men. Nope. Most of our current members are men, but there are also two women on the team – me and Chief Sarah Hancock. Ladies, you are just as welcome and expected to volunteer as the guys. Men, you should plan to work alongside a stellar group led by Chief Hancock, an experienced EMT and professionally trained firefighter. 

OK, but the women will be treated differently. Again, no. I hate to admit that I expected to encounter some machismo at fire before I joined. I’m both humbled and delighted to have that stereotype crushed. Are you dedicated, willing to show up, and excited to learn? If so, expect an enthusiastic lesson in air brakes and learn the ins-and-outs of running a pump from Fire Commissioner and 26- year volunteer firefighter, Captain James Amery. James is the go-to mechanical guy for the team and earnest in his desire for everyone to learn how the equipment works. 

It’s too dangerous. Firefighting and medical response do come with some risk – that’s true. But this team is so concerned with personal safety and so protective of each other that you will not be given the chance to respond to an emergency without proper protections in place. Plus, you’ll have people specifically on task to look out for you. Firefighter Ron McDonald has extensive safety training and will point out potential hazards and safeguard your well-being while you’re on a call. Captain Dave Thom will ensure you have the right gear, provide hands-on training as you learn how to communicate on the radio, and fearlessly guide you through your first drive behind the wheel of a fire truck. 

It’s a big commitment. This is true. And it’s something to think about. Monthly maintenance nights are on the first Tuesday of every month and training drills happen on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 pm. Then there’s the time spent responding to fires and other emergencies. While it’s not required that you show up to every one of these events, there is an expectation that you will attend as often as able. Not everyone can match Lieutenant Tom McMackin’s 90+% response rate (and that’s in addition to the countless hours he spends training others and working behind the scenes!) but your availability is something to seriously consider. 

I don’t want to be on call 24/7/365. You won’t be. You’re a volunteer that is free to control your schedule. It’s expected that you have a job, spend time with family, and generally enjoy a life outside of fire. There is a minimum time requirement for volunteers, but you decide when you will respond to a call. That said, from what I’ve seen, members are typically bummed when they miss a page. Like fellow volunteer James Day, I think most of us are on the lookout for opportunities to help and are genuinely excited to be able to care for others in the community. 

I’m a 52-year-old, 5’2” woman who joined the team as a newcomer to High Prairie. No firefighting experience. No professional background in emergency medical response. No understanding of the difference between a fire tender, an engine, or a brush truck. I arrived with nothing more than a desire to participate, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to keep showing up. In return, I’ve found a community of dedicated folks who are eager to bring me up to speed and are genuinely happy to have another person on board. And it’s not just the veteran volunteers. The younger guys like Samuel Holman and Gregory Haner have gone out of their way to offer a kind word, show their support, and let me know I’m part of the High Prairie Fire family. 

Though it’s only been six months since I was sworn in, I’ve found a home here. Being part of a team devoted to serving the community has been a pleasure and a source of personal pride. If you’ve been on the fence or wondering if there’s also a place for you with High Prairie Fire, I encourage you to give it a try. Fellow newcomer, Chris Roper, and I will be the first to offer a hearty welcome and introduce you to the rest of the crew. We’re both still green enough to remember the nerve it takes to show up for that very first visit. And if you keep coming back, we’ll be there learning right along with you, sharing high fives and hurrahs when our work together in drills gets put to practice in the field. 

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer or want to join us for an evening of drills, please reach out via email to volunteer@highprairiefire.com There’s a place for you here. 

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https://lilluna.com/brown-sugar-cookies/#wprm-recipe-container-151936/ Contributed by Jasmine Randall 

INGREDIENTS 

• 2 c brown sugar 
• 1/2 c butter 
• 1/2 c vegetable oil 
• 2 eggs 
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp salt 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 3 c all purpose flour 
• white sugar in a bowl 

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Cream butter, oil and sugar Add eggs and beat until fluffy. 

2. Add baking soda, salt, baking powder, vanilla and flour and mix until incorporated. Stir in Chocolate Chips . 

3. Roll into balls, and then in sugar. Place onto lightly greased baking sheet. 

4. Bake at 350 for 9-11 minutes. 

_{Photo: Jasmine Randall}

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Anonymous

Dear “KEYSTONE LIGHT,”
Your actions have caused quite a blight
You throw your beer cans
On this beautiful land
And seem not to care when or where

You may not know 
That just months ago
Eight miles of trash
Was placed in bags
Weighing just over a TON

You spread your trash
And some of us ask
“WHY?” Do you not care?

Please re-think
How you drive and drink
Then toss the cans
Not caring where they land

Do you not know that littering
Is a CRIME?
So why not save your dime
And return your cans, as most folks do?

High Prairie Community urges you
PLEASE – do not litter our roads !!

WE THANK YOU !!!!

^{_{Photo: Jocelyn Weeks}}

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Jon K. Hancock, Hancock Advisors, LLC

Meet the Author: Jon and Sarah Hancock have lived on Schilling Road in High Prairie since the spring of 2020. Jon reports, “We have three dogs, three cats, three sheep, four chickens, and a horse.  Sarah is the new volunteer fire chief. I’m a ‘registered investment advisor’ (and a fiduciary to my clients – I look out for them).”

One of the biggest fears for people in retirement or approaching retirement is the loss of a substantial part of their hard-won savings due to a stock market crash. However, sitting on the sidelines now has its own real drawbacks due to continued excessive inflation. After a lifetime of investing experience, I am satisfied there is a better way to participate in the markets with the peace of mind that comes from knowing how to greatly limit the severity of bear markets. 

The situation we are facing in 2023 is unlike any the US has seen in almost 50 years. The 1970’s were a decade with a toxic combination of high inflation, rising interest rates to fight inflation, a bear market for stocks as a result, and high job losse. It’s no wonder the “Misery Index” was created during this time. 

2022-2023 is similar to the 1970’s: 

• High inflation: CPI increased 6.5% over the 12-month period ending December 20221 

• Interest rates: In 2022 the Fed raised from .8% to 3.83% (now 4.58%)2 

• Stock market: In 2022 the S&P 500 lost -18%3 and the NASDAQ lost -32%4 

● Job losses: Employment is strong for now, but major companies such as• Google and 

Microsoft have begun layoffs. 

In order to prepare for the future, we ought to look back and appreciate the past. If history is a guide, here are some lessons from the S&P 500: 

• The Great Depression 1929-1932 

-83.65% loss from all time high – 34 months to hit bottom – 15.5 years back to 

breakeven5 

• The Great Financial Crisis 2007-2009 

-50.80% loss from all time high – 16 months to hit bottom – 4.41 years back to breakeven. 

In 2008, buy-and-hold investors learned the hard way about typical diversification as it is commonly practiced by amateur and professional alike: equities, bonds, and real estate prices all plunged together. There was seemingly no refuge, and for most people the diversification they relied upon to protect their accounts failed them. The lesson of 2008 is clear – typical diversification does not work when you need it most. These were very challenging periods for investors, and God forbid that we ever experience a period where all markets behave this way at the same time again. However, given the amount of total debt and leverage in the system, we can’t entirely rule out this possibility during our investment horizon. 

To avoid the worst of a bear market an investor must consider alternatives to the same old ways of investing in the same old markets. The method that offers effective diversification is known as “systematic asset rotation,” also called “tactical asset allocation.” This type of investing doesn’t rely on owning a static portion of every asset class in hopes of reducing risk; instead it is a systematic way of owning winning assets based on tried and true rules put in place to guide our buy and sell decisions. 

Here are the keys to avoiding steep bear market losses: 

1. Using a simple momentum calculation, rotate into strong asset classes and out of weak ones on a regular schedule. This cuts losing positions and lets winners run. 

2. Know and respect the signals that differentiate a bull market from a bear market. There are 

times that taking risk is rewarded, and there are times it is punished, so act accordingly. 

3. When conditions warrant, temporarily go to a defensive risk-off posture in cash or cash 

equivalents until appreciating assets are found again. There are times that cash is the very 

best asset class. 

4. Upon finding performing asset classes, tilt your portfolio in that direction and repeat the 

process. 

The proliferation of exchange-traded products (ETFs and ETNs) allows us to easily, efficiently, and systematically invest in baskets of US and international equities, US and international bonds, real estate, precious metals, and even commodities and currencies. Almost always one or more of these asset classes is working in our favor. For example, even during the depths of the Great Depression gold prices moved substantially higher over many years. 

While we cannot predict the future, we can evaluate our investing environment and make adjustments as necessary. Utilizing systematic asset rotation and respecting risk-off signals are key to avoiding the worst of bear market drawdowns. If you would like to learn more about how to invest confidently and without worry, feel free to contact me at jon@hancockadvisors.io or (360) 776-6600. 

1 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm 

2 https://ycharts.com/indicators/effective_federal_funds_rate 

3 https://www.morningstar.com/etfs/arcx/spy/performance 

4 https://www.morningstar.com/etfs/xnas/qqq/performance 

5 http://www.lazyportfolioetf.com/etf/spdr-sp-500-spy/ 

6 http://www.lazyportfolioetf.com/etf/spdr-sp-500-spy/

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