Amy: Why don't skeletons fight each other?
Michael : They don’t have the guts!

Hello there! It’s Michael Antonini, your trusted Medicare agent, and I’m back with another newsletter to help you navigate the world of Medicare. In today’s issue, we’re covering some exciting things—how AI is helping improve your experience with this newsletter, a few important April dates to remember, and expert advice on choosing the right Medicare coverage.
Can you believe that I met my wife Amy 21 years ago today April 1, 2004?! No joke.

Q: Why did the dad sit on the clock?

A: Because he wanted to be on time!

(Maybe if daylight was more careful, it wouldn’t have to be saved all the time.)

Friends,

Spring fever is upon us with the spring equinox on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 5:01 AM EDT.  But first we have to move the clocks ahead on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2 AM.  We close the month with my son Johnny’s 16^th birthday on Monday, March 31, 2024.

If you wanted to and 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.  

What kind of flowers should you not give on Valentine’s Day? Cauliflowers Friends,
Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine, and through later folk traditions it has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
Also, if you wanted to and 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) continues to March 31, 2025. 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.

Last year I was able to keep all of my New Year's resolutions ... Tucked away in a notebook on my bookshelf!

Friends,
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, 2025 to March 31, 2025. 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.
Some of you might have an IRMAA for 2025 based on your 2023 income. You might be able to appeal that charge using form SSA-44. Please call me for more information if you are not sure how to do it.
I hope everyone has a wonderful, joyous, grateful and healthy 2025.

Amy: How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?
Michael: Nothing. It was on the house.

Friends,

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

If you still need help with your Medicare decision for 2025, The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs through Saturday, December 7, 2024.  Also, please keep in mind you can make a change from a Medicare Advantage plan to a different one or change to original Medicare with a drug plan in the first quarter of 2025 during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) .

If you have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for January because your Aetna PPO was non renewed, then you have until Tuesday December 31, 2024 to enroll, but I’d prefer to be done by Saturday December 21, 2024.

Q: Where do bad rainbows go?

A: To Prism.  It’s a light sentence, but it gives them time to reflect. 

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.  

The presidential election is on everyone’s mind this week. I hope you are also considering your Medicare Election for 2025 as well.  People in Fairfield County on an Aetna PPO are being terminated and we must choose a new plan for next year.  Please enter your information on my plan enroll website, and create a scope of appointment so I can best help you then click the blue button that says "Let’s Get Started." Thank you.

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.  

Some Medicare Advantage plans raised the maximum out of pocket and lowered the dental benefits and other ancillary coverage. If you are on an Aetna PPO in Fairfield County, your policy was NON - RENEWED for 2025 and we need to speak about moving you to a new plan for 2025. This is my top priority this fall.

Friends, I hope you had a nice Labor Day weekend and are enjoying the last days of summer.  

The Annual Election Period (AEP) begins in 4 weeks and there are many new changes for 2025.  Including a new $2,000 maximum out of pocket for prescription drugs and the end of the infamous donut hole. You will also be able to spread your out of pocket drug cost out over the entire year. My guess is this will mean higher premiums for drug plans because of these changes, but I won’t know until October.  So stay tuned please.