Page 4 - The Buzz 09/04/2026
P. 4
A4 | LOCAL NEWS The SEPTEMBER 4 - 17, 2026
Sergeant Bradley J. Harper Veterans Preparing for
Holiday
Memorial Field dedicated on Military Spending
Appreciation Night at Jack Anderson Before the
Stadium Holidays Arrive
BY LYNETTE DOTSON | THE BUZZ
BY ALEXUS MASTERSON, MPH,
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATOR
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION,
MUSKINGUM COUNTY
While the holiday season may
seem months away, August is an
ideal time to begin planning for holi-
day expenses. Taking small financial
steps now can help families avoid
last-minute stress, reduce reliance
on credit cards, and enjoy the hol-
idays within their budget. Start by
estimating your anticipated holiday
Community leaders join the family of Sergeant Harper during the dedication of the Sergeant Bradley J. Harper Veterans Memorial Field. Matthew Dotson expenses. Consider gifts, travel,
decorations, food, charitable dona-
A special ceremony honoring area Point graduate Annie Brock, who is This is where they learn discipline, tions, and special events. Creating a
military personnel was held before currently serving in the United States teamwork, sacrifice, leadership, spending plan allows you to identify
the first home game of the 2026 Army as a military intelligence offi- and commitment. And those are the how much money you may need and
Tri-Valley football season. As part of cer, was in attendance and said a same values that define Brad Harp- how much you can realistically set
Military Night, the football field was few words. er. Brad’s family has been such an aside each month.
dedicated to honor the lives of U.S. “I never could have imagined that important part of this community for A dedicated holiday savings fund
Marine Sergeant Bradley J. Harper, one day I would have the privilege generations, and I hope that today can make a significant difference.
U.S. Marine Sergeant John Eugene of standing here for a moment as serves as a reminder that this com- Even saving a small amount each
Mattingly, Army First Lieutenant meaningful as this one. Today is munity stands behind him. To Brad’s week can add up over time. Consid-
Sharon Ann Lane, and all U.S. mili- about much more than a name on a family, we cannot take away the loss er setting up an automatic transfer
tary veterans who have served our football field. Today is about honor- you’ve experienced. We cannot re- to a savings account to make saving
country. Sergeant Bradley J. Harper ing a legacy and recognizing the sac- pay the sacrifices that Brad made, easier and more consistent. Some
Veterans Memorial Field is a remind- rifice of those who have given every- and we certainly cannot put into banks may offer a unique savings ac-
er, within the confines of Jack Ander- thing so that we can live in freedom,” words what his life meant to the peo- count called a “Christmas Club” that
son Stadium, of our local heroes who said Brock. “This isn’t just a football ple who knew and loved him. But we you can deposit money into every
sacrificed for our freedom and safe- field. This is where young people can make sure his name never fades week to help you save. It can also be
ty. learn what it means to be a part of from this community.” helpful to review your current budget
Tri-Valley High School and West something bigger than themselves. and identify areas where spending
can be reduced temporarily. Simple
changes, such as limiting impulse
Genesis HealthCare System Takes Steps to Protect purchases or dining out less often,
may free up funds for future holiday
Local Careas Insurance Denials Increase expenses. Make a plan that best fits
your families’ lifestyles and goals for
Contracts with four insurers will end Jan. 1, 2027, unless fair agreements are reached. saving.
Finally, remember that meaningful
SUBMITTED celebrations do not have to be expen-
sive. Homemade gifts, family tradi-
Genesis HealthCare System has panies are so harmful to patients, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Emergency tions, and experiences often create
notified Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, doctors and our community’s hospi- care is always covered at an in-net- lasting memories without straining
Medical Mutual of Ohio (all three for tal,” said Matthew Perry, President work rate, and patients should never finances. Find something that you
their Medicare Advantage plans) and & Chief Executive Officer of Genesis hesitate to seek emergency care. enjoy making and share it with oth-
CareSource (for both Medicare Ad- HealthCare System. “Patients should
vantage and Medicaid) that it will end be able to count on their insurance What patients can do: ers. I plan on gifting jams I canned
current contracts on Jan. 1, 2027, company to cover the care their doc- • Medicare: Medicare’s Annual this summer, and some items made
with my sewing machine! Planning
unless fair, new terms are reached. tors determine they need. If they will, Enrollment Period runs Oct. 15 ahead provides greater financial flex-
The decision follows two years of in- we will gladly renew our contracts.” through Dec. 7. Genesis will host ibility and peace of mind. By starting
creasing denials and payment take- Genesis is contesting 9,000 active free community sessions, publish now, families can focus more on en-
backs for care that Genesis doctors denials of coverage for care already a plain-language guide and answer joying the holiday season and less
determined patients needed and provided, resulting in millions of dol- questions through the Patient on worrying about the bills that fol-
Genesis provided. Commercial em- lars in losses. Genesis believes many Financial Advocate Hotline at low.
ployer-sponsored insurance for work- of these practices are inconsistent 740-454-4335. Genesis cannot
ing families is not affected. This also with federal Medicare rules for how recommend or choose a plan for
does not affect any traditional Sup- care must be covered. Because Gen- patients, but it will provide clear
plemental Medicare/Medigap plans. esis does not send patients surprise information and help patients find
For patients, nothing changes to- bills for amounts it believes insur- trusted, unbiased support. CONTINUED FROM A1
day. Coverage remains the same ance companies are responsible for
through Dec. 31, 2026. Patients paying, those unpaid costs affect • Medicaid: Patients with Medicaid
should keep their appointments, Genesis’ ability to continue providing have the right to change insurance Gus Macker
seek care when they need it and the doctors, nurses, team members companies. If Genesis is out-of-
come to the emergency department and local services the communi- network with CareSource on Jan. Basketball
in an emergency. ty depends on for high-quality care 1, 2027, patients can change their
“This was not our first choice but close to home. plan by visiting www.ohiomh.com throughout this community who be-
was our last resort. We had to take If new agreements are not reached, or calling the Ohio Medicaid lieved in this vision before we could
this action because we believe the these plans will be out-of-network Consumer Hotline at 800-324- even tell them exactly when the
behaviors of these insurance com- at Genesis for non-emergency care 8680 (TTY 711). tournament would happen. They in-
vested their time, resources, reputa-
Genesis promises tion, and trust into something they
Ohio Pottery Zanesville to patients: believed could be special for Zanes-
• Genesis will share what it knows
ville. Now we have the opportunity to
Waltz Family Owned Since 1951 when it knows it, in plain language make good on that belief.”
as discussions continue.
With the dates officially secured, the
Veteran • Genesis will not send patients a Gus Macker Zanesville committee
Owned surprise bill for amounts it believes will move forward with preparations
for 2027, including tournament op-
their insurance company is erations, volunteer recruitment,
responsible for paying. To make community engagement, team reg-
that promise work, Genesis may istration promotion, sponsorship
need patients’ help during the activation, and additional event an-
process, including responding nouncements.
promptly to insurance questions, More information regarding registra-
appeal requests, forms or tion, volunteering, tournament activ-
information needed to protect ities, partnerships, and other details
patients’ coverage and help will be announced in the months
Genesis pursue payment from ahead.
insurance companies.
Save the date:
• Genesis will help patients appeal July 10-11, 2027.
against wrongful insurance denials
After more than a year of work,
Largest Selection of USA at no charge. prayer, preparation, patience, and
community support, Gus Macker is
Made Planters in Ohio! • Genesis will keep serving the officially coming back to Zanesville.
community with compassion,
HUNDREDS TO CHOOSE FROM excellence, integrity, teamwork
STARTING AT $3.00 and innovation.
Plus bird baths, outdoor plaques, hen & Patients can learn more, get help
chick pots, 1-10 gal. crocks, mixing bowls, and stay informed at genesishcs.
hanging bird feeders, religious plaques, org/protecting-our-mission or by call-
hundreds of flower pots, outdoor lantern WE’VE ing the Patient Financial Advocate
jockeys, concrete benches, statuary GOT Hotline at 740-454-4335.
including angels, Indians, dogs, calves, GEESE!
eagles, military, religious, rabbits, concrete
porch geese, and more! New Puzzles
RETAIL • WHOLESALE READ THE BUZZ IN FULL COLOR ONLINE. EVERY ISSUE!
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