February 2022 Newsletter
Friends,
You know you’re old when you clean the house to the music you used to drink to. I can’t believe I’m 60 already.
A special "thank you" to the 48 Medicare clients who have been with me for over 10 years now. I hope we can all make it for at least another 10 years.
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, 2022 to March 31, 2022. 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.
Happy Chinese New Year and let's hope the groundhog sees his shadow!
Kind Regards,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
Medicare + Alzheimer’s Drug, Aduhelm
Curiously Biogen, the maker of the drug has slashed the estimated cost of the drug in half from the original projections last year from $56,000 a year to $28,000. Last fall when CMS Raised the Medicare Part B premium to $170.10, this drug was in part to blame because it's a Part B drug.
I wonder if Medicare (CMS) might now consider lowering the Part B premium mid year? I'll keep you posted.
AND RE: at home Covid tests:
Background
On 01/10/22, the Biden administration announced a requirement for commercial health plans to cover the cost of over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 test kits. This guidance doesn’t apply to Medicare or Medicaid plans. There are no changes to the current testing benefits covered for Medicare and Medicaid plans.
For Medicare members, there is no reimbursement for over-the-counter rapid COVID test kits that you may purchase on your own. Medicare will only cover one at home COVID test that is processed by a licensed lab.
Details
The Biden-Harris Administration is purchasing 500 million at-home, over-the-counter tests to be distributed for free to Americans who want them.
The initial delivery starts in January 2022.
There will be a website where all Americans can request at-home tests for home delivery for free.
More information on this federal program is expected soon.
They also shared some additional steps they’re taking to increase access to at-home tests:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is providing up to 50 million free, at-home tests to community health centers and Medicare-certified health clinics for distribution at no cost to patients and community members.
HHS also has established more than 10,000 free community-based pharmacy testing sites around the country. To respond to the Omicron surge, HHS and FEMA are creating surge testing sites in states across the nation.
The Good News
Here is the link to order free kits from the government.
Ask An Expert: Expressing Gratitude Has Physical Health Benefits As Well As Emotional Benefits by Mark Travers, Ph.D.
The past 2 years of Covid have been challenging both mentally and physically. By practicing Gratitude daily, you will find emotional and physical health benefits. Read the article here.
An American psychologist with degrees from Cornell University and the University of Colorado Boulder, Mark Travers, Ph.D. is the lead psychologist at Awake Therapy, a telehealth company that provides video and telephone psychotherapy, counseling, and coaching to individuals in over 40 countries worldwide.
Important Dates
January 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022: Open Enrollment Period OEP
You can change your Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare and join a separate Prescription Drug Plan once during this time. Any changes you make will be effective the first of the month after the plan gets your request.
I am now able to help you with your choices so please do not hesitate to call me.
Happy Birthday today February 1 to Kathy C and Frank Antonini!