The FPA of Connecticut is excited to announce our first educational program of 2024! This event promises to be insightful, featuring three distinguished speakers covering two essential topics in the financial planning realm. This event is an excellent opportunity to enhance your knowledge and stay updated on the latest trends in the financial planning landscape. It also offers a chance to network with fellow professionals in the field.

Agenda (2 CFP® CEUs pending):

8:30am: Full buffet breakfast included with registration

9:00am: Effectively Transitioning at 65 PLUS What’s New with Medicare Planning

Mark Brownstein, CSA, Director of Medicare, Emerald Medicare

Finding the right Medicare plan requires careful consideration, and our presenter, a Medicare insurance specialist, will discuss the many options and plans that are available to Medicare eligible clients. This session will take the mystery out of Medicare, which is a mandatory federal health insurance program, and, in some cases, penalties may be incurred if your clients do not sign up when they are supposed to. It will also cover the enrollment process and how to choose a plan that’s right for a client’s individual situation and budget. For example, if they are turning 65, retiring, or moving to a new address, they need to know the dates for enrollment and plans available in their state or county. Also discussed will be how to cover medical expenses that traditional Medicare does not cover. 

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, attendees will: (1) Know when, how and who needs to enroll in Medicare; (2) Be able to guide clients to resources available to make an informed decision as a first-time Medicare enrollee or to evaluate their current individual Medicare plan options at age 65 or post-retirement; (3) Be educated on the various Medicare options and statewide plans available so that they can help their clients understand and receive all the benefits they are entitled to, as well as find coverage that best suits their budget and current and future health care needs.

10:00am: Planning for the Impact of Caregiving, Aging and Dementia on Your Clients

Annette Cochefski, Executive Director, and Karen Rorke, Director of Community Relations, The Village at South Farms

As your clients age, their level of care may change from independent living, assisted living, to full skilled nursing care. This presentation will focus on senior living considerations, addressing key aspects that are vital for comprehensive financial planning in later stages of life.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, attendees will: (1) have a good understanding of the financial impact on family members who leave their jobs to provide home care, including stats on families who financially contribute to an aging loved one’s expenses, as well as the cost of the various levels of care (i.e., independent living, assisted living, full-skilled nursing) and (2) be in a position to identify and address the needs of aging clients to help them develop a proactive aging strategy that includes making informed decisions about their future finances.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Mark Brownstein is highly regarded as a “trusted educator and advisor” for boomers for decades and specializes in Medicare protection as the Director of Medicare for Emerald Medicare. He is a fully licensed Medicare professional servicing 26 states. He is a passionate, independent, and dedicated provider of comprehensive and competitive Medicare solutions. As an advisor, Mark has built his career based on objective education to assist in implementing Medicare solutions to meet clients’ changing needs. Mark has extensive experience working with individuals, financial professionals, and tax advisors to implement Medicare solutions to meet clients’ changing needs. Over the past 10 years, his team has helped guide thousands of clients through the Medicare maze so they can select the plan that’s right for them, always at no cost or obligation to anyone, anytime. He has received industry recognition as a highly energetic leader in Medicare knowledge who is both committed to the highest standards and to service quality.

Annette Cochefski has worked in senior living for 30 years in multiple positions. Her expertise includes clinical and operations. She is a Registered Nurse and member of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association Board of Directors. She is currently the Executive Director at The Village of South Farms.

Karen Rorke had an extensive career in media and marketing, eventually becoming a Director of Sales with Nexstar Media, parent company of WTNH in New Haven. In 2017 her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and due to that experience chose to shift her passion to health and aging becoming a professional in senior living and care options. Since 2018 Karen has helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate the senior living landscape.