December 2023 Newsletter
Friends,
Q: What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?
A: “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.
If you have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for January, then you have until Sunday December 31, 2023 to enroll, but I’d prefer to be done by Saturday December 30, 2023 if you would like my help.
Kind Regards,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
What vaccinations should you consider now that winter is approaching? Fall used to be the time for just one vaccination for the newest flu variant.
This year, three shots are being recommended for older Americans.
1) A new COVID booster was recommended in September to protect from the latest Corona virus variants.
2) Officials also recently approved two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
vaccines for adults 60 and over. CDC recommends to get either this fall.
3) Finally, of course your annual influenza shot.
AND WILL IT BE COVERED BY MY MEDICARE INSURANCE?
1) All Medicare beneficiaries get a free COVID shot
2) The Flu shot has long been covered by Medicare Part B.
3) As for RSV, if you have a Part D drug plan or Part D coverage on your
Medicare Advantage plan, then it is covered as well.
By the way, because of the inflation adjustment act, all vaccines the federal government recommends for adults are $0 co-pay if you are enrolled in a Part D drug plan. That includes the all important shingles shot now as well.
Ask an Expert: Sari Harrar, AARP
7 Super Secrets of the Super Agers:
Super agers control their blood sugar and blood pressure.
Super agers don’t exercise more, but they push themselves physically.
Super agers avoid stress and prioritize mental health.
Super agers protect their vision and hearing.
Super agers prioritize sleep
Super agers do more than Wordle
Super agers talk to their friends — a lot.
I hope to become a super ager someday, and here is a link to the whole story.
Important Dates
AEP Through 12-7-23
Winter Solstice: Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 10:27 pm
EST (I will ask Amy if she will be my winter girl)
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah 2023!
Happy December Birthdays!
What did one ornament say to the other?
"I like hanging with you."
All the Best,
Michael Antonini