January 2025 Newsletter
Last year I was able to keep all of my New Year's resolutions ... tucked away in a notebook on my bookshelf!
Friends,
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, 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 stand-alone drug plan.
Some of you might have an IRMAA for 2025 based on your 2023 income. You might be able to appeal that charge using form SSA-44. Please call me for more information if you are not sure how to do it.
I hope everyone has a wonderful, joyous, grateful and healthy 2025.
Kind Regards,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
1) Many people have higher drug plan charges, higher deductibles and some drugs that were a flat co-pay are now going to be a percentage charge. The good news is there is a new $2,000 max out of pocket for
drugs, there is no longer a donut hole and you can spread your $2,000 out over the year using the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MP3) if you want.
2) I think it’s horrible that some people are making the murderer of UHC CEO Brian Thompson into a folk hero. There may be things that can be done better by insurance companies and we will see what the future brings. But know this, UHC pays over 90% of all claims without hesitation. Brian Thompson was in favor of reforms and a fan of preventative care. 80% of people who get a claim denied don’t bother to make an appeal. I want to be your champion in 2025 if you do get delayed on a prior authorization or denied a claim. I know how the system works and I’m available and ready to help you get your issues resolved.
3) Recently there was a data breach of the Medicare System. Some people have received new Medicare cards that were effective 11-20-24 and others will get new ones that will be effective 1-13-25. If you get a new card, you can destroy the old one and start using the newone. Also, as a reminder, Medicare will never call you up. There will be a lot of telemarketers trying to get people to change their Medicare Advantage plans during OEP January 1 to March 31, some telesales agents represent themselves as from Medicare, and I have an easy way to get them to stop calling you. Ask them: “Who Gave You
Permission To Call Me?" They will hang up immediately. The reason is they are not allowed to make unsolicited calls to Medicare beneficiaries. Please call me if you have any questions about this.
Ask an Expert: Eric Zilmer
Have you ever wondered why the word “happy” is in “Happy New Year?”
The New Year means a fresh start and an excellent opportunity to examine what matters in life. So why not discuss what lifestyle changes you could adopt to be happier in the New Year?
Here is an article with practical tips of things you can do this year to make you happier.
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.
Monday, January 13, 2025 - January’s full moon is called the Wolf Moon and will reach peak illumination around 5:27 p.m. EST on Monday, January 13, 2025, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Sunday, January 26, 2025 High Noon with Church Bells ringing ... Michael W. Antonini = 63!
Happy January birthdays and anniversaries!
If you don’t get your copy of the 2025 Big Head Calendar and youwant one, please ask me for one and I would be happy to mail it to you. It’s on eBay for $1.26 I heard.