February 2021 Newsletter
Dear Clients,
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that dogs cannot contract COVID –19. Dogs previously held in quarantine can now be released. To be clear, WHO let the dogs out.
I want to get back to laughing and smiling and corny jokes. However, we need to wait for more people to get vaccinated and keep wearing our masks, sanitizing our hands and keeping our HEPA air filters running to stay safe in the meantime.
I missed seeing people this fall and especially wish to meet all of my newest clients that I have only spoken with on the phone. I’m hoping that I can host events this summer on the porch or patio just to say hello and listen to a corny joke of yours.
I promised my wife Amy a trip this summer too, and took out a world map and a dart and said, “Throw this dart, and wherever it lands--that’s where I’m taking you when this pandemic ends.” Turns out that we will be spending a week this summer behind the refrigerator.
Wishing you continued health,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
Ever get a letter from your bank or credit card company about great new changes they are making and then think, “How is this any better for me?” I have two such things to bring to your attention regarding some of your Medicare policies as they relate to dental insurance:
1) AARP Supplement
They have added a discount dental plan to your supplement. The good news is there is no additional charge to you. The other news is it is through Dentegra. This is not really insurance at all; what it does is give you a discount on dental procedures at dentist who participate in that program.
You need to ask your dentist if they participate or go to www.dentegra.com to find a local provider. Something is better than nothing I guess.
2) Aetna Medicare Elite PPO
Aetna made a subtle change to the $1,000 dental reimbursement benefit that they offer for $0 on your Medicare Advantage Policy. The good news: they still cover any licensed dentist, which is good. The change is they added the sentence “who accepts Medicare patients and has not opted out of Medicare.”
So you will need to either check with your dentist or Aetna member service to be sure you are going to a dentist that will meet this additional requirement. Then you pay the bill and submit to Aetna for 50% reimbursement up to $1,000 per year. You can find out if your dentist has decided to opt out here.
Ask An Expert: Lea Crotta
Get CASH for your old Life Insurance policy!
No longer want or need your life insurance policy? Did you know you can sell it for a one-time cash settlement for more than its cash surrender value? Over a million seniors lapse their policies every year! Life settlements have been legal and regulated since 1911.
Please call me to get in touch with Lea if you might be interested in seeing if you are eligible for cash for a life insurance policy you no longer want or need, especially if you plan on letting your policy just lapse. Here is how it works:
Lea Crotta
Life Settlement Professional at Prosperity Life Settlements
Vero Beach, Florida
Important Dates
Open Enrollment period continues through March 31, 2021
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare and then purchase a drug plan and a Medicare Supplement once during this time. Any changes you make will be effective the 1st of the month after the plan gets your request. I will be ready to help anyone who would like to discuss this option, or get our of that Aetna Elite PPO.
Birthday Shout-outs for today, February 1, 2021:
1) Francesco Paul Antonini is 92 today! He was born in Peruga, Italy. Without my dad there would not be a Michael Antonini Medicare Insurance Broker. He has supported and cheered me on my whole life, and he’s currently a Medicare client as well.
2) Kathy C. When we first met many years ago, I discovered that her husband had Tricare and I explained to them that they don’t need to buy any supplemental insurance from me and that Tricare will cover them for life. With gratitude for my knowledge and honesty, Kathy has referred dozens of clients to me over the years and hosts a community meeting for me at her home in the fall (except not this past year due to Covid). As my parents always taught me, honesty is the best policy. And as an aside, Kathy’s George Washington Crumb Cake with a hot coffee is also the best.