(NewsUSA) -  

“Nad of Nadide”
by Wagih Abu-Rish       

This book has been called by Literary Titan “as enticing as the Shakespearian classic Romeo and Juliet, maybe more.” Labeled “an engrossing drama” by The Prairies Book Review, this is a story about love in a maze of social, religious and political obstacles.  

After his love affair with the stunning Lebanese Dania takes a turn for the worse, Fareed Shaheen transfers to university in Istanbul, where he meets the lovely Nad. He falls in love once again, but Nad’s father, General Ali Hikmet, is an intimidating man who has no intention of letting his daughter marry a man of mixed origin. Will the lovers prevail?  

Prairies Book Review adds, “Beautifully written and carefully crafted, this poignant meditation on love and desire makes for a winner.”

Learn more at http://bit.ly/3AnQJdd.

“Pure Dynasty”
by Leila Almarzoh  

In this young adult science fantasy, Isabel, a seemingly ordinary teenager, holds an unexpected secret: She can sense people’s emotions, feeling others’ pain, joy, anger and sadness as if they were her own. Isabel soon learns she is not the only one with a hidden secret; her siblings all have different abilities. They will all find out what is happening as they come together to learn their family descends from witches.  

Isabel and her siblings Molly, Anthony, Austin and Rene fight against a powerful entity that has trapped their father in another realm. It’s time to awaken their abilities and become stronger. The battle is coming; Isabel needs to be ready. The planet is in danger. Magic, time-travel, aliens and spirits -- everything is connected.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3CZcull.

“Driving Unclaimed Cargo”
by Rick Mammoth  

When the U.S. military decides it is in their strategic interest to update its nuclear assets, it chooses to move the American nuclear arsenal to locations all over the country, preventing the currently centralized location from being wiped out too quickly. Even if a 99 percent success rate is achieved, one failure could occur.  

A bomb is misplaced, and it’ll take the work of a secret internal government organization and its operatives to bring it back. However, to reduce the number of connections back to the U.S. government, they decide to use an inexperienced non-government employee to do most of the work. His inexperience is noticeable. Follow along as they work against the current to return a bomb to its rightful owner in this action-packed adventure comedy.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DOEGaV.

“Fred the Fox Finds His Family”
by Jerry Winningham  

When Fred’s family does not come home, he is taken in by various animal families over time. During his time with these families, he realizes that he is not like them and feels isolated and alone. This causes him to search for a new home where he would feel he belongs. In the end, Fred realizes something about family that he will never forget.  

Says one reviewer, “Beautifully told and illustrated, “Fred the Fox Finds His Family” shares a touching story of the real way a family is made. The unexpected story of finding one’s place in a family through discomfort -- but ultimately love -- was a refreshing approach with a positive message. All wrapped up with a pleasantly surprising ending and endearing artwork.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3EGwKtj.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Battlefield Earth, Expanded 21st Century Edition”
by L. Ron Hubbard       

It’s the year 3,000, a thousand years after an alien invasion nearly exterminated the human race and left the cities in crumbling ruins -- a post-apocalyptic graveyard. The vicious aliens hunt the remaining survivors for sport. A young hero rises from the ashes and rallies the scattered tribes in an all-out rebellion for freedom that erupts across the continents of Earth and the cosmic sprawl of the Psychlo Empire.   You will love this classic sci-fi novel because of the characters.  

“Pulse-pounding, mile-a-minute sci-fi action-adventure.” --Brandon Sanderson  

“Non-stop and fast-paced.” -- Kevin J. Anderson  

“Over 1,000 pages of thrills, spills, vicious aliens and noble humans. Un-put-downable.” -- Neil Gaiman  

“This has everything: suspense, politics, war, humor, and intergalactic finance.” -- Publishers Weekly “A vivid movie of the mind.” -- AudioFile “Epic story.” -- Booklist

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3S5URnY.

“The Angkor Abduction”
by Austin I Pulle  

When sex-traffickers kidnap a beautiful Eurasian teenager when she is on a school trip to the famous Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, Alex reluctantly agrees to join in the search but then finds himself fighting a ruthless former Khmer Rouge warlord to rescue the beautiful Imogen and reunite her with her mother.  

Alex had pressed the reset button on his life and relocated to manage the Singapore office of a Texas billionaire. He had hoped for a quiet, successful run, but fate has other plans. Now in a race against time to save the girl from being auctioned off to a select group of billionaire crime bosses, he realizes the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.  

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Crn0BE.

“Did We Learn Anything from WTC Towers Collapse?...”
by  Gregory Szuladzinski  

The best known and the most extensive engineering investigation into the collapse of World Trade Tower 1 is presented in  National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reports. But the author argues that the work failed to demonstrate the mechanism of failure. Now, some 21 years after the disaster, the damage done by premature destruction of evidence cannot be undone. However, the analytical part can be corrected and completed.  

This book presents at least three types of material: the discussion of the report as presented by NIST volumes; the background material and information to better grasp what is missing or poorly explained results in the NIST and the analysis of expected results of a similar attack against the new 1-WTC building.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3y4NjuQ.

“Evil’s Promise”
by Daniel O. Noorlander Jr.    

This is the second in a three-part series on what Rush Limbaugh taught for one-third of a century sitting behind the Golden EIB Microphone. Rush was unwavering in his defense of America against the left and their effort to destroy America as founded. This book focuses on what leftists oppose and why. It constitutes a warning from Rush to shun the left and reject their attempt to regulate every aspect of your life.  

Books dedicated to Rush’s memory must include a discussion of what he taught about evil and how to avoid it. Sample chapters, reviews of the author’s favorite Rush segments and a blog about the Rush Revere series of books can be found at TributeToRush.com.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3M3A8zY.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Love Letters to the Virgin Mary”
by David Richards       

King David is a mortal man who has spent all his life looking for a love he is unable to satisfy. As the pandemic blossoms its dark pollen over the earth, he sees a picture of a woman on Instagram. Over the course of several months, he comes to understand she is the Virgin Mary reborn, and that he has been resurrected as the God of Thunder to bring heaven to earth, and finally meet his Son.  

If you are someone who enjoys books that put your mind to the test, this one’s for you. Written by a life-strategist, number-one international bestselling author and speaker on personal development, this love story is so unique and created from a web of Bible stories, marvel and history.

Purchase at  http://bit.ly/3EPOF08.

“Atom & Molly: The Wireframe Edition”
by Norman Katz  

“Atom & Molly: The Wireframe Edition” is the imagining of a relationship between two perfectly paired particles: Atom, an atom, and Molly, a molecule. Across 95 panels, discover the humor, science and culture involved in their personalities and careers, and meet the other sub-atomic characters in their microscopic world.  

As described by the tag line “The World’s First Sub-Atomic Comic,” “Atom & Molly” is the first comic that uses sub-atomic particles as anthropomorphic characters themselves and brings them to life. The comic’s creator provides commentary with each panel that develops the background storyline and engages the reader’s curiosity. Suitable for children, teens and adults, “Atom & Molly” is a humorous look at science via a relationship and a funny look at a relationship via science and culture. Visit www.atomandmolly.com for more information.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Rl8P57.

“Harley’s Harlequin Heart”
by  Christina Jaeger   Whether you’re a dog lover, have experienced a similar event, or just want to be your best self and make the world a better place. For children and adults alike, this first “Paw Crusaders” book follows Harley, a Harlequin Great Dane. Readers will experience Harley’s joy as he learns doggy lessons and lives life to the fullest. Your heart will warm seeing his family rally around him when he learns he has bone cancer. Harley bravely shares his story, and readers will watch him go from cancer fighter to cancer survivor.    

This book is filled with fun, resources, and hope for anyone unfortunate enough to have their beloved Paw or other family member diagnosed with a dire disease. Harley’s story will help you understand the value of living life in the moment and giving unconditional love. Paws give us a new perspective and help us change the way we see the world.  

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3flBJp2.

“As Time Goes By”
by W. Royce Adams    Nearing the end, Old asks himself, “Does my life ultimately have any importance in any universal scheme? Am I just taking up space? Have I wasted the time given me? What effect have I had on others? Have I unknowingly -- worse, knowingly -- hurt others in some fashion? What’s my worth?”  

These are playful existential questions with no pertinent answers for the author, who sifts through the sands of my time to see what he can discover through remembrance. Don’t expect any fancy writing. No playing with altered punctuation, or trying to be aesthetically clever or poetic or intellectual. Not here a Sedaris or Saunders, or Atwood or Yuknavich. Just the author, squinting into some memorable windows in his life before they all fog.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ESMyJm.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Inflation got you worried money’s tighter than Santa’s belt?

If you’ve searched everywhere but the couch cushions for extra cash for gifts, switching to one of these no-contract wireless service providers could be just what you need to make the holidays merrier.

1.Total by Verizon

This is a great holiday choice to keep you living well on a Scrooge's budget.

Not only do you get access to what’s been rated as America’s most reliable 5G network – just think, no annoying lags while watching videos – but Total by Verizon plans start at just $30 and come with lots of perks.

For the best value, though, check out its $50 Unlimited plan. It includes 5G Nationwide, unlimited data, 10 GB of hotspot data, as well as unlimited talk & text to five countries of your choice and Disney+, the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.

In other words, you’re getting uncompromising network quality, the latest smartphones and exceptional benefits all while beating the average American cell phone bill. Which, according to JD Power, is $70 per month for a single user.

Think of all that extra cash in your pocket as a much-deserved present to yourself.  

2. Straight Talk Wireless

For the practical people on your list, Straight Talk stacks up as a smart, savvy choice.

For starters, Straight Talk offers great smartphones, including a Samsung Galaxy A13 5G, with no contracts or mystery fees at $99.99. Then there's the wide selection of amazingly priced service plans, including the $45 Silver Unlimited plan, which comes with unlimited talk, text and high-speed data – plus 5GB of hotspot data so they can save money while staying connected with loved ones.

3.Tracfone

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, if you’re in the market for a quality phone with a simple, budget-friendly plan tailored for those who want what they need, when they need it, then it’s hard to beat Tracfone’s unlimited talk and text plans starting at just $15 a month.

Need data? The $30 Unlimited Talk & Text plan gives you 4GB of high-speed data. And $40 monthly gets you Unlimited Talk & Text plus 8GB of high-speed data with Hotspot capability and IDnotify from Experian. So no matter which plan you choose, if you don't use all your data it simply carries over to the next month.

Meaning, you’re in control and pay only for what you need. Period.

(NewsUSA) - If author Mitzi Perdue is using the example of Mark Victor Hansen for a little inspiration, well, she’s come to the right place.

It’s hard to find somebody who hasn’t heard of “Chicken Soup for the Soul”  -- the consummate inspirational series loaded with true stories about ordinary people’s lives that has sold more than half a billion copies. But finding somebody who knows the name Mark Victor Hansen, the founder and co-creator of the brand, is another matter.

Yet the story of Mark Victor Hansen is a story onto itself, now told in glorious, painful and motivational detail by Perdue -- a “chicken” celebrity in her own right as the widow of the legendary chicken maven, Frank Perdue -- in her new book, “MARK VICTOR HANSEN: RELENTLESS.”

But more than just launching the book this week, Perdue is committed to forwarding all proceeds from book sales to Ukrainian humanitarian relief efforts. This initiative complements her decision to auction off at Sotheby’s earlier this week a trophy from one of the most successful treasure hunts of all time: a 6.25-carat emerald ring salvaged from the depths of the ocean nearly 400 years after the fabled Nuestra Señora de Atocha shipwreck of 1622. Full proceeds from that sale also will go to Ukrainian humanitarian relief.

Says Perdue, “Human traffickers prey on the vulnerable, and during the Ukraine war, traffickers lurk on Ukraine’s borders, targeting women and children. How can we stop them? The money from the sale of this Atocha emerald, as well as the launch of this book, will go toward rehabbing buildings on the border where women can be counseled before they cross and make a decision that may cost them their lives.”

When it comes to Perdue’s book, “RELENTLESS,” one has to ask: What is Mark Victor Hansen, the motivational speaker, trainer and author, really like out of the public eye? Who is the person behind the curtain, the person who struggles, hurts, and deals with discouragement and rejection? What are his successes and failures? What makes him tick?

“RELENTLESS” is the inspirational story of how Mark went from bankrupt and almost suicidal to being in the Guinness Book of World’s Records for selling half a billion books. Readers will learn about his failures and how he transformed them into his own success story.

It’s hard to imagine one man able to conquer so many mountains. He did it by never letting any obstacle get in his way and by inspiring others to make a difference in the world around them. His story is exceptional, but it is his extraordinary perseverance and generosity that led to his long-term success.

“It is my hope,” says the author, “that the lessons from Mark Victor Hansen’s life help everyone build confidence, agency, empathy, and valuable life skills.”

Plain and simple, “MARK VICTOR HANSEN: RELENTLESS” is a must-read, available on Amazon and all popular retail outlets where books are sold.

Mitzi Perdue, a businesswoman and author, continues to be passionate about sharing fascinating information to support people everywhere on their journey to self-actualization.

Learn more at  https://relentless.vip.

(NewsUSA) - The mission of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to bring hope and joy to children in need through the gift of a new toy, book, or game, at Christmastime and throughout the year.

Each year, the Program strives to reach more underprivileged children, and the success of the mission is made possible by the generosity of the American public. No matter how an individual, company, family, or organization donates, every supporter has a story, and, in their own way, everyone who contributes and supports Toys for Tots can be “Santa” to children in need.

One such Santa is Mr. Irwin Chu. For 20 years, Mr. Chu has been bringing joy and hope to impoverished children through his “Miles of Smiles Bike Drive,” which he created to honor the memory of his son, who was killed in a car accident at age 16.

“As a family tradition, each of us always gave a bike and helmet to the ExxonMobil toy drive in Maryland,” said Mr. Chu. After his son’s death, the family honored his memory by continuing the tradition of donating bikes and helmets to children in need. As the years passed, friends and other community members joined in, and soon, Mr. Chu was donating over 1,000 bikes a year. With the influx of donations, the storage space became even more limited at ExxonMobil, so Mr. Chu reached out to the local Toys for Tots campaign and asked if the Marines on base could assist with the assembly—of course, the Marines stepped up! Throughout the past 20 years, the bike donation has continued to grow, and numerous volunteers have gathered at the Marine Corps base to be “Secret Santas” to assemble bikes and helmets for distribution to less fortunate children.

The support from the community members, individuals like Mr. Chu, as well as donors across the Nation, have a far-reaching and lifelong impacts on the underprivileged children in their local area—and the positive memories can have a rippling effect on their future choices in life. Just like the impact that one donor’s gift had on a young girl, who now serves in the United States Marine Corps— the “Secret Santa” not only gifted this young girl with a toy, but also instilled hope for a brighter future.

Major Mariela Pena, a United States Marine assigned to 1st MLG, I MEF, knows firsthand that anyone can be Santa. Maj. Pena was a recipient of Toys for Tots as an immigrant from Nicaragua in 1987 when she was nine years old. Maj Pena’s family was grateful to be together in San Jose, California, for their first Christmas in the United States, but resources were scarce, and the family had decided to conserve funds and forego Christmas gifts.

A few days before Christmas, Maj Pena and her family walked outside to see Marines in uniform stepping out of a five-ton truck, filled with toys. Maj Pena recalls, “We got the biggest Christmas I think we had ever experienced in our entire lives. I got a yellow bunny stuffed animal that I also used as a pillow.”

Sometimes, it’s not just the physical gift of the toy that resonates with a child—receiving the stuffed animal meant much more than just a Christmas gift to Maj Pena in that moment. “I remember coming outside of the house and seeing the five-ton truck full of toys, and I [knew] that I was going to drive trucks in the Marine Corps, forever,” said Maj Pena. For 26 years, Maj Pena has been serving our country. The “Secret Santa” who donated the yellow bunny not only gave Maj Pena a gift at Christmas, but also gave her hope and inspiration to become a United States Marine.

Toys for Tots is fortunate to have “Secret Santas” across the Nation, and they are “Secret Santas” for a variety of reasons. From physically donating, to lending a hand during a toy distribution, the support that our donors and campaign volunteers give sends a message of hope for a brighter future. Because what may seem like a simple contribution of time or money can give a lifetime of hope and a security—that’s the magic that Santa brings to families and children in need across the country.

Give now, and help make this a hopeful, happy Christmas for less fortunate children across our great Nation! When you give to Marine Toys for Tots, 97% of your tax-deductible gift goes directly to buying the toys, books, and games that give children in need the Christmas they deserve. Visit www.toysfortots.org to make a difference and change a life! After all—anyone can be Santa!

(NewsUSA) - Winter is coming. And so are winter expenses. Planning ahead for inevitable winter expenses, from holiday shopping to home winterization, can save you time and stress as well as money. And it can leave you with a robust nest egg when spring arrives.

Unlike holiday decorations, it’s never too early, or too late, to budget for winter expenses, says Rod Meloni, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional.

Setting aside funds for winter expenses can help you avoid overspending and make sure that you are covered in case of an emergency, says Meloni. For example, setting aside money in advance for contractors to inspect a furnace or clean gutters means you won’t feel pinched when the cold weather kicks in.

Taking smart steps to winterize your home now can save you money later. Some strategies are simple and free; some are more costly and complicated, but a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional can offer help to develop a budget or fit these expenses into your budget.

Consider inside and outside factors for winterizing your home.

Outside, be sure to turn off external spigots to avoid bursting pipes, and put away hoses and sprinklers. Swap screens for storm doors and windows that allow your home to heat more efficiently. Don’t forget to clean the gutters — a buildup of leaves can keep water from draining and allow ice to accumulate and potentially leak into your home.

Inside, schedule an annual inspection for your furnace, and check for insulation of water pipes. Check areas around the attic, windowsills, and electrical outlets for air leaks, and fill them with insulation as needed.

Avoid the heating bill blues by incorporating some money-saving ideas into your winter plans. Installing a programmable thermostat lets you set temperatures lower at times of day when you aren’t home, or when you are on vacation. If your budget permits, check out investing in alternative heating systems such as pellet stoves or solar heat, which can pay off in savings if you plan to stay in your current home long-term.

Make sure your insurance is ready for winter, too. A CFP^® professional can help you review homeowners insurance and determine whether you need to increase your coverage.

Also, be aware that winter can bring a catch-all of potentially unexpected expenses, from the need for snow tires or shovels to backup child care in case of a snow day or winter illness. Setting aside an emergency fund for winter expenses gives you a sense of security, and if you don’t need the funds this year, roll them over to next winter.

Every season involves expenses that should be incorporated into your financial plans. A CFP^® professional can help you think through these considerations and build a comprehensive plan that keeps you on track to achieve your goals, no matter the season.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Mrs. R. Snugglesworth – Attorney-at-Law”
by Amy Flanagan       

Mrs. R. Snugglesworth is 70 pounds of low-to-the-ground PRECIOUS. She is The Best at Finding Slightly Used Sandwiches and The Best at Loving Ham -- and now she's looking for her next big challenge. To her surprise, she stumbles into the canine legal system and discovers a passion for the law. Dog law, that is.  

In two wags of a tail, she enrolls at Wagsworth Legal Academy. Turns out it’s not that easy learning to be The Best at Law School. So when she finds out her dear friend Pitter-Patter needs her help, she can’t wait to take on her first case. She’ll just juggle her Wagsworth legal classes, naps, walks, naps, chasing tennis balls, snacks, naps and work with Pitter-Patter. What could possibly go wrong?  

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3CeAzoe.

“Scars and Scales”
by KC J. Hutchins  

Ten years have passed since the slaying of the Omni dragons, which had subjected the world with their power. Thus, it was a celebrated day when the sorceress queen Delsey and her army slayed these beasts. But soon, the witch set her sights on conquering the rest of the world. Who could oppose her? No one except the single Omni survivor known as Xerxes.  

Freed after years of torture, the dragon seeks to unite the lands against the queen with a mix of creatures -- difficult when he possesses trust issues. Through his journey, Xerxes learns to trust others including a hot-headed werewolf, a silver-tongued dwarf, a timid yet strong elven princess, a pacifist giant, a bounty hunting leprechaun and a lazy gargoyle. Their bonds will be tested as their enemies lay outside a strategic stronghold vital to winning the eventual war.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3LS53PF.

“Truthful Misconceptions”
by Con Trong Bui  

In this fascinating and refreshing view of scriptural concepts, the author stirs our thinking processes in a manner that energizes the reader. For example, he asks where God resided before He creating the heavens and the Earth?  

Con Trong Bui puts forth a few difficult questions and provocative assertions of his own in “Truthful Misconceptions,” a book that explores Christian scripture, its symbolism and interpretation thereof, draws intriguing comparisons between Christianity and other world religions and comes to unique conclusions about Biblical writings and teachings. Whether or not a reader identifies as a Christian, the author’s ideas are accessible to anyone and provide much to consider about truth and beliefs stemming from religious doctrine.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3C1gLnG.

“Muskka”
by A.B. Dulz  

“Muskka” is the story of a young boy who was born in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was raised by his grandparents after his father was assassinated and his mother abandoned her family. His family flees the dangers of Kandahar and continues to move until reaching Karachi, Pakistan, all while evading extremists who are abducting and murdering people who were affiliated with the Afghan government.  

The family settles and begins learning a new language and way of life in Pakistan as rioting erupts in the streets, closing most stores and making it difficult to survive. The patriarch of the family decides to send his two eldest sons to America, with hopes of sending the rest of the family later. The young boy must survive long enough to see the promised land.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3zTcLnO.

NOTE: BookTrib’s Bites is presented by Booktrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Technology is part of children’s lives, and although excessive screen time is a concern, other types of technology can be an enhancement to early childhood education.

The Kinoo Magic Wand is a screenless, smart device that young children can use independently or with family members. The 4-inch wand features three illuminated bulbs and a speaker to produce light, color and sound. Children use the wand to add an essential element of movement-based learning to games and activities in the Move & Master book (mBook), High Five magazine Kinoo Special Edition and more that are compatible with the wand.     

The activities accompanying the wand were developed in partnership with Highlights for Children, the classic children’s publisher of magazines and books.     

The wand acts as a tool to help engage children as they work through letters, phonics and reading, as well as body exercises, music instruments, Hidden Pictures and others. The activities are also designed to help build life skills such as creativity, collaboration, curiosity and critical thinking.     

“Brain research has validated 'physical movement' as a powerful accelerant to learning and development for kids when coupled with visual and auditory learning modalities,” says Jim Marggraff, CEO and founder of Kinoo.     

“While screen time has become a part of everyday parenting and education, it has reduced the time kids spend actively engaging and socializing. Kinoo was founded to combine leading edge technologies with developmental research to produce breakthroughs in learning for all children,” says Marggraff, who created the transformational, award-winning LeapPad Learning System.     

To celebrate the launch of the Kinoo Magic Wand, in partnership with Highlights for Children, Kinoo is hosting the Kinoo Magic Wand Contest. The winning family receives a free trip to Los Angeles, Calif., and will star in Kinoo’s 2023 product commercial. Many families around the countries have participated in the #kinoomagicwand social campaign.     

Parents can also use the Kinoo Magic app to customize their wands with ongoing new releases of content and activities from an expanding library. Another bonus: the Kinoo Connect app enables children to safely play collaborative, curated games while video chatting with selected individuals, such as a remote family member.     

The Kinoo Magic Wand with High Five magazine Kinoo Special Edition by Highlights for Children is a perfect holiday gift.     

Visit kinoo.com for more information.  

(NewsUSA) - Medicare’s open enrollment period ends on December 7, and an estimated 31.8 million seniors and Americans with disabilities will choose a Medicare Advantage plan for their health coverage in the coming year, according to data from the federal government.

What is Medicare Advantage? For Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, it is an increasingly popular health coverage option within the Medicare program, in which plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies in partnership with the federal government, who sets the rules for the plan. Beneficiaries who choose a Medicare Advantage Plan still have Medicare, but their care is covered by their health plan of choice rather than by traditional Fee-for-Service Medicare.

Since 2006, the number of seniors picking Medicare Advantage has more than doubled and today 48 percent of Medicare beneficiaries choose a Medicare Advantage plan – a percentage that is expected to continue growing in coming years. A big reason may be the substantial cost savings Medicare Advantage beneficiaries enjoy.

Medicare Advantage premiums continue to fall, and average premiums for 2023 are down nearly 8 percent from 2022. Additional research finds that seniors who choose Medicare Advantage save nearly $2,000 on average per year compared to traditional Medicare.

Mary Beth Donahue, President & CEO of Better Medicare Alliance, a nonprofit research and advocacy coalition supporting Medicare Advantage, says the program is helping seniors save money on health care at a time when costs of living have risen sharply and weigh heavily on seniors’ fixed-income budgets.

“Medicare Advantage is once again meeting the moment with lower costs, added benefits, and a superior health care experience,” Donahue said. “With the lowest average monthly premiums in 16 years, and separate data showing that Medicare Advantage saves seniors nearly $2,000 per year on total health expenditures, Medicare Advantage is poised to bring meaningful health and financial security to millions of seniors in 2023.”

Beyond Medicare Advantage’s ability to save seniors money, nearly every Medicare Advantage plan covers extra “supplemental” benefits not included in traditional Medicare, such as dental and vision care, in-home health and wellness services, nutrition and meal delivery services and other valuable resources.

Notably, polling finds that Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have a 94 percent satisfaction rate with their plans, while 95 percent report that they are satisfied with their provider network. 

The deadline to sign up for Medicare Advantage is December 7 but enrollment could be extended until 2023.