March 2021 Newsletter
Dear Clients,
Many of you know I like numbers and dates so I have a few to share with you here:
1) It was 50 weeks ago today that VP Mike Pence asked us to take 15 days to slow the spread.
We still need to focus on face coverings and physical distancing whilst staying socially connected. It’s my hope that as the weather warms up and more people get their vaccine things will actually start getting better this year.
2) It's tax season! You are allowed to deduct the cost of your insurance premiums including Medicare Part B, your out of pocket medical expenses, drug costs and more as long as you itemize your deductions and your medical expenses are more than 7.5% of your AGI.
3) And here's a fun one: every six-digit number that consists of repeated pairs of three digits (such as 126,126 or 261,261 or 351,351 or 726,726 etc) is evenly divisible by the same four–digit number. What is that number? (answer at end of newsletter)
Wishing you a happy spring,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
In 2021, Medicare created the “Part D Senior Saving Model” where you can save hundreds of dollars this year in out-of-pocket costs for Insulin.
Page 84 of your Medicare and you 2021 handbook discusses it in more detail, but basically plans that participate in this model will offer coverage choices that include multiple types of insulin at a maximum monthly co-payment of $35 for the entire year.
However, only United Health Care and Wellcare are participating in Connecticut. But you still have a chance in March 2021 to change your Medicare Advantage plan to a one from UHC or Wellcare and get the lower cost for your insulin for the balance of the year. We would have to make sure your insulin is on the list and I’m happy and ready to help you.
Ask An Expert: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Last year the AARP foundation helped 1.5 million people secure 1 billion in tax refunds. They help with modified in person help, low contact, contact free and self help preparation. Filling options will vary by location. To learn what Tax-Aide services are available to you, go to www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide .
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. Want to lower your insulin costs? I can help you.
Spring Opening Open Porch Event - Saturday March 20, 2021 from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Last March, I stopped in home meetings and moved my office to the porch. It was safe and worked very well for those who came. Therefore, I will be doing the same thing this spring and summer.
The official Opening Day of the Porch office is Saturday March 20, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It still needs to be by appointment only so I don’t have too many people at one time. I’ll have coffee, tea and water and, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks. Please email or call me 203-521-9671 to choose a time that’s best for you.
The Math Quiz “Divide and Conquer” answer is 1,001.