From Your Agent’s Desk…

Tuesday’s Topic - 4/9/24
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Tuesday’s Topic - 4/9/24

This week, we look further into clawbacks - and in particular, how the SSA can clawback Social Security from seniors who are in default on student loan payments.

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Tuesday’s Topic - 4/2/24
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Tuesday’s Topic - 4/2/24

I thought I would share some of my clients’ most recently asked questions, so today I’m sharing more about a new Social Security Clawback rule.

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April 2024 Newsletter
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April 2024 Newsletter

It’s hard to believe our son turned 16 on Easter Sunday yesterday. Our daughter is an aspiring actress, my wife is a genius and I’m one of the luckiest guys alive. The photo above is us at "MJ the Musical."

Another reason I’m grateful is that I love what I do for a living and I appreciate all of my Medicare clients. A special thank you to the 126 clients who have now been with me for over 10 years.

Finally, 20 years ago today I met my wife Amy at her office party celebrating 5 years in business, so that means today is her 25th work anniversary. Congratulations Amy and The Healing Touch Wellness Center on 25 years in business! https://healingtouchct.com/

There's so much to be thankful for.

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Tuesday’s Topic - 3/19/24
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Tuesday’s Topic - 3/19/24

On today’s Tuesday’s Topic, I discuss a few reasons why you may want to appeal your IRMAA. Here is the SSA-44 form for you to reference and be sure to tune in next week when I walk through the steps for how to appeal.

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Tuesday’s Topic - 3/12/24
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Tuesday’s Topic - 3/12/24

In this episode, I walk through PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) adjustment based on claiming early or deferring. For more information about when to start receiving retirement benefits, here is an informational flyer from the SSA.

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Tuesday’s Topic - 3/5/24
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Tuesday’s Topic - 3/5/24

Today, we discuss PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) which the Social Security Administration uses to calculate your benefits at Full Retirement Age (FRA).

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March 2024 Newsletter
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March 2024 Newsletter

Q: Why did the clock always feel optimistic during Daylight Savings Time? A: Because it knew brighter days were ahead! (Maybe if daytime was more careful, it wouldn’t have to be saved all the time.)

Friends, Spring fever is upon us with the spring equinox on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:06 PM EDT. But first we have to move the clocks ahead on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2 AM. We close the month with my son Johnny’s 16th birthday on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

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February 2024 Newsletter
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February 2024 Newsletter

Michael: I’ve been hitting the gym pretty hard last month Client: Did you lose any weight? Michael: No, but I broke my hand

Friends, Groundhog Day, celebrated every year on February 2, is an unusual holiday that stretches back hundreds of years back to European traditions and even ancient times.

Groundhog Day is famously connected to weather prediction, with the most prominent tradition involving a groundhog predicting the conclusion of winter by seeing (or not seeing) his own shadow.

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January 2024 Newsletter
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January 2024 Newsletter

Friends,

Last year, I was able to keep all of my New Year’s resolutions …

tucked away in a journal on my bookshelf.

If you didn’t get a chance to change your Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) last fall, then I have good news for you.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024. You can make one change during this time to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare with a stand alone drug plan.

If you or a friend needs a nice 2024 magnetic calendar, please let me know your address and I’ll mail you or a friend one.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and joyous 2024.

Happy New Year!

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December 2023 Newsletter
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December 2023 Newsletter

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?

"It's Christmas, Eve!"

Friends,

I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving and are getting ready to celebrate the holidays with your families.

If you still need help with your Medicare decision for 2024, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs through Thursday December 7, 2023. Also, please keep in mind you can make a change from aMedicare Advantage plan to a different one or change to original Medicare with a drug plan in the first quarter of 2024 during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) as well.

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November 2023 Newsletter
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November 2023 Newsletter

Q: What type of key can never open a door?

A: A Tur-key

Friends,

This weekend we turn our clocks back. I must admit it throws me off for about a week. I believe I would prefer to just always be on Atlantic Time.

My predictions of the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) and Medicare Part B premium came true. I’ll get into more details in the "What’s New" section of this newsletter.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and be grateful for all of the blessings in life. I have about 26-30 people I’ll be hosting, so my work availability will be limited from late on Wednesday 11-22 until Monday 11-27 at 9 am.

I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.

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October 2023 Newsletter
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October 2023 Newsletter

Q: What did the pumpkin say to its carver?

A: Cut it out!

Friends,

The Annual Election Period (AEP) is upon us from October 15 to December 7.

During this time you can change plans for next year if you like. You will be getting a letter on grey paper from me to remind you of your choices.

Many Medicare advantage plans raised the maximum out of pocket and either lowered the dental benefits or are charging more than double what they were this year for dental. Also, many plans changed their names for some reason. If you are on the UHC PPO 004, we need to speak about moving you to the UHC PPO 005.

Drug costs are supposed to be going down, and in 2025 there will be a maximum out of pocket of $2,000. However, for some reason many drug plans went way up in premium cost for 2024. We should look at changing your stand-alone drug plan if you are on Aetna/Silver Script, Elixir, Humana or AARP Walgreens currently. I will need a listing of your medications and preferred pharmacy please.

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September 2023 Newsletter
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September 2023 Newsletter

Amy : “Michael, were any famous men born on your birthday?”

Michael : “No dear, only little babies”

“You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake”.

– Bob Hope

From your agent’s desk

Friends,

I find it hard to believe this is my fourth September monthly newsletter I’ve sent. Seems like the dad jokes started just a short time ago. Also, in the "hard to believe" category is that in

40 months from today, I will join you as my own Medicare client on January 1, 2027.

Speaking of 40, next year, 2024, marks my 40th year as a licensed insurance agent in Connecticut. I was first licensed on July 5,1984 and my cousin Alice was my first client.

If you know anyone else who might benefit from this newsletter, please ask them to visit my website www.michaelantonini.info and then add themselves to my newsletter mailing list from the bottom of my home page. Thank you in advance.

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August 2023 Newsletter
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August 2023 Newsletter

Patti: Does laziness run in your family?

Michael: No one runs in my family.

Friends,

August is showtime for my daughter, then vacation for the family.

Frankie will be in the town performance of "Anastasia" August 2-6 and the next week we’re on vacation before getting ready to get back to school and work.

Some of you might think that all I do is tell dad jokes and go on vacation. Well, I do live a blessed life and I will be back to work full time by the fall busy time. Until then, I hope you are enjoying your summer and I look forward to connecting with you in September.

Kind Regards,

Michael Antonini

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July 2023 Newsletter
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July 2023 Newsletter

What's the difference between a duck and George Washington?

One has a bill on its face, the other has his face on a bill.

Friends,

Happy 247th Independence Day everyone! Celebrating America's declaring of independence from Great Britain in 1776.

July is a big month for my family. On July 5, I mark 39 years as a licensed insurance agent in Connecticut. I’m shooting to make another 16 years at least.

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June 2023 Newsletter
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June 2023 Newsletter

Q: Why did the cookie go to the doctors?

A: It was feeling crummy.

Today, June 1, 2023 is my 16th wedding anniversary to my wife Amy. She is a

genius. We’re in Newport, RI, so I’ll keep this short.

June is a month of high school and middle school graduations and I’m giving a

shout to our daughter Frankie’s 8th grade graduation and stepping up to high

school in the fall. She also is accepted into the Regional Center for the Arts.

We also celebrate Father’s Day in June. So happy Father’s Day, happy graduation

and happy June birthdays to everyone who falls in these categories.

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