Dear Sun Spots: I need help!

For the past two years my insurance company has denied my claims for a yearly mammogram, even though my policy includes this in a “staywell” yearly account.

I am over 50 and had breast cancer five years ago. Other women my age who are covered by this policy get a yearly mammogram paid. My doctor’s office has tried changing codes, so has the hospital, but nothing seems to work. Is there an agency or individual who can help me? – Susan Wilkins, Livermore Falls.

Answer: Yes there is. Sun Spots spoke with Glenn Griswold, the director of the consumer health care division at the Maine Bureau of Insurance who says Maine law requires this be covered, unless this is self funded, in which case he would refer you to the Department of Labor. He recommends you file a complaint through their office. You can do this via the Internet at www.state.me.us/pfr/ins/ins_index.htm by clicking on the green button on the left hand side of your screen marked Insurance Company Information. Then click on Forms & Information, then scroll down to Consumer Complaint Contact and click on it. You can also call the Bureau of Insurance at its toll free number, (800) 300-5000 and request a form and begin the consumer complaint process. Griswold notes that the bureau must have written authorization prior to investigating this.

Dear Sun Spots: I really appreciate the service you extend to your readers. I am a faithful reader and always look forward to your solutions to the questions of your readers. I have seen the answer to my need for consignment shops in the past, but cannot locate it. I thought you mentioned one on Sabattus Street, near Hannaford’s, but when I went looking, I couldn’t find it. Could you please list any consignment shops that are primarily for adult clothing? Thank you. – Joan Pariseau, Turner.

Answer: Sun Spots believes you may mean Second Chance Consignments at Pleasant Street Plaza, Suite No. 11, Lewiston (across from the Ramada Inn). They deal in women’s, men’s and children’s clothing. Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. You can also reach them at (207) 786-4008.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for a recipe of raisin bars. Might you or readers have any you would be willing to share with me? – No Name, No Town

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, you and your family might like to try the following recipe:

Grand Marnier raisin gingerbread bars – ingredients: 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or orange-flavored liqueur, 1 cup dark seedless raisins, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1-1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. ground ginger, ½ tsp. baking soda, ½ tsp. salt, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup light (mild) molasses, 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) butter, melted, 2 tsp. vanilla extract, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, powdered confectioners’ sugar for dusting.

Method: At least one hour before baking, put raisins in a zip-top baggie and pour in Grand Marnier. Squeeze out all the air, seal and lay flat to soak, turning once after 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan or line with foil. In large bowl, with wooden spoon, stir flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, and salt until combined. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, molasses, butter, and cream cheese. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring only until blended. Fold in raisins. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until golden around edges, about 20 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. When completely cool, cut into 24 bars and dust generously with powdered sugar.

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