August 2024 Newsletter
Michael: What do you call a cantelope in a swimming pool?
Amy: A watermelon.
Friends,
I hope you are enjoying the summer and staying cool by a lake or a pool. Our family recently (after years on the waiting list) became members of the Pinewood Lake Association here in Trumbull. It’s a very peaceful place pictured above. Tried some paddle boarding too, but I’m not coordinated enough for that.
August is show time for my daughter then vacation for our family. Frankie will be in the town performance of "Anything Goes" August 2-4. Soon we’re on family 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 balanced and blessed life and I will be back to work full time after Labor Day. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) starts in October 2024.
Kind Regards,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
In 2025, a new midyear notification to Medicare Advantage policyholders.
That’s coming because people in these plans often don’t take advantage of some benefits.
This is somewhat surprising since Medicare Advantage plans often tout the coverage that they provide and traditional Medicare can’t—dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits for example.
But a February 2024 Commonwealth Fund study discovered that three in 10 Medicare Advantage members didn’t use any of their supplemental benefits in the past year. And CMS’s statement about its 2025 rule said that “some plans have indicated that enrollee utilization of many supplemental benefits is low.”
The Commonwealth Fund found in 2022 that supplemental benefits were the most common reason people cited for choosing a Medicare Advantage plan over traditional Medicare.
So, starting in 2025, Medicare Advantage plans will be required to send policyholders each July a personalized “Mid-Year Enrollee Notification of Unused Supplemental Benefits.” It will list all supplemental benefits the person hasn’t used, the scope and out-of-pocket cost for claiming each one, instructions on how to access the benefits, and a customer service number to call for more information.
While we’re discussing this change for next year, maybe it’s a good idea to check how much of your supplemental benefits you have used in 2024 so far and make sure you’re taking advantage of all your plan benefits. Please call or email me if I can help you.
Ask An Expert: Kevin Davis
Tips for Staying Motivated Over the Summer
Summer can be useful for learning some new things and improving yourself. Here are some tips on how to keep your mind going:
Make a Summer To-Do List!
Think about it. What are the things that you wish you had more time to do during the year? Have you been meaning to start journaling? Do you want to go check out a new museum or exhibit with your friends? Or maybe you’ve been wanting to learn a new skill or language! Whatever they may be, there are always things we wish we had time to get done.
Give in to your curiosity!
This is a great time to explore the interests that you don’t get the time to look into during the rest of the year! Whether it is reading, films, or podcasts, there is a world of informational media out there for you to explore. If you like books and movies, check out the public library.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community in your free time. Plus, it can also help you find your passion. If you think you may be interested in the medical field, you can volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home. Or, if you are interested in literature, you can try volunteering at your local library. You’ll leave this experience with new skills, positive energy, and insights on what you like to do!
Learn a new skill!
Summer is the perfect opportunity to build new positive habits. If you start working on a new skill every day, you’ll be a pro by the end of the summer! Here are some ways you can build a new habit for learning a new skill!
Learn languages with free apps like DuoLingo and Babbel.
Practice making art each day: go outside and take photos, draw something in your room, learn a new song, or make a new design with a free PhotoShop alternative!
Learn a new word everyday with apps like Daily Dictionary or Word of the Day.
Make something cool using the p5 coding library ! It’s a great way for beginners to dip their toes into coding. It even has its own online code editor so you can see what you’ve made in real time!
Relax, and enjoy some well deserved time off.
Summer is also a time to take care of yourself.
As much as you should have fun with your friends and take advantage of your free time, you should also remember to take time for yourself, relax, and get enough sleep. It is okay if you aren’t spending every moment of your summer doing something productive. If you are looking for some ways to relax try these self care techniques:
Take a break from technology. It’s always a good idea to put your screen down and take in your surroundings. It will help you stop comparing yourself to others and start spending more time with yourself.
Enjoy nature. Take a walk in the park or just sit in a shady spot and appreciate the ambience.
Try meditating. Meditating can help you get more in tune with your body and help you understand your needs better.
Start a gratitude journal. This is a great way to get to know yourself and build your confidence.
At the end of the day, don’t forget to enjoy a nice break. It’s important to be refreshed and energized. Happy Summer!
