March 2025 Newsletter
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 16th 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.
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 standalone drug plan
Also, United Health Care is in contract negotiations with Hartford Health Care at the moment. I’m hopeful that a new contract will be made before the April 1, 2025 deadline. If you are impacted by this and too nervous to wait and see, then we can discuss changing your Medicare Insurance plan before the end of the month.
Kind Regards,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program: Selected Drugs for Initial Price Applicability Year 2027
Recently CMS announced the selection of the below list of 15 drugs covered under Medicare Part D for the second cycle of negotiations (initial price applicability year 2027), based on total gross covered prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D and other criteria as required by the Inflation Reduction Act.
The selected drug list for the second cycle of negotiations is:
Ozempic; Rybelsus; Wegovy
Trelegy Ellipta
Xtandi
Pomalyst
Ibrance
Ofev
Linzess
Calquence
Austedo; Austedo XR
Breo Ellipta
Tradjenta
Xifaxan
Vraylar
Janumet; Janumet XR
Otezla
Click here for a link to the CMS announcement.
And you can look at this fact sheet for more details.
Ask An Expert: Better Homes and Gardens
Checklist: The Ultimate Guide to a Tidier Home
Some people can get excited about cleaning and tidying up their house, others might need some instruction and guidance. I found this handy guide of 20 things to work on for spring cleaning from Better Homes and Gardens. I hope you find it helpful.
Important Dates
January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025. 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.
March 9, 2025 Daylight Savings time begins. Spring ahead 1 hour at 2 AM.
March 14, 2025 2:55 AM Full Worm Moon
March 20, 2025 5:01 AM EDT Spring Equinox
Happy Birthday to everyone born in March!
All the best,