March 2024 Newsletter
Friends,
Q: Why did the clock always feel optimistic during Daylight Savings Time?
A: Because it new brighter days were ahead!
(Maybe if daylight was more careful, it wouldn’t have to be saved all the time.)
Spring fever is upon us with the spring equinox on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:06 PM EDT. But first we have to move the clocks ahead on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2 AM. We close the month with my son Johnny’s 16th birthday on Easter Sunday, 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, 2024 to March 31, 2024. 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, I recently contracted with Humana for Medicare Supplement policies. If you are not happy with your Medicare Supplement plan or its cost, please ask me about a Humana Medicare Supplement.
Click here for a link to the current rate chart.
Kind Regards,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
Connecticut to become first state to cancel Medical Debt for some residents
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcies in the United
States, and more than 2 in 5 American adults have some. In many cases, the money people owe to health care providers forces them to cut spending on food or utilities, forgo other medical care or take on even more debt. Here is the good news: Connecticut will become the first state to cancel medical debt for eligible residents. The state plans to erase approximately $1 billion in medical debt this year by leveraging $6.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, it
said. Here is an article from ABC news on this topic. And here's one if you prefer CNN.
Array RX Discount Card
This is something that I missed last fall and a client brought this to my attention recently. Connecticut is has taken a big step toward making prescription drugs more affordable for all. All residents are eligible to sign up for ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card program that provides up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state. However, this is not insurance. You must still keep your Medicare Drug plan so that you do not have a penalty, but like Good Rx, this is another discount prescription card that might save you money on certain prescriptions. You can get more information and sign up at ArrayRxCard.com.
New Limits for Medicare Savings Program
Effective March 1, 2024 there are new higher limits to qualify for the Medicare Savings Program. Below is a chart and a link to the application. If you think you might qualify, I would be more than happy to help you apply.
QMB Single $2,649 Monthly; Couple $3,595 Monthly
SLMB Single $2,900 Monthly; Couple $3,935 Monthly
ALMB Single $3,088 Monthly; Couple $4,191 Monthly
Application is here.
Ask an Expert: Mindful - What is mindfullness?
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis. Whenever you bring awareness to what you’re directly experiencing via your senses, or to your state of mind via your thoughts and emotions, you’re being mindful. And there’s growing research showing that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually remodeling the physical structure of your brain. The goal of mindfulness is to wake up to the inner workings of our mental, emotional, and physical processes.
Mindful Practices for Every Day
As you spend time practicing mindfulness, you’ll probably find yourself feeling kinder, calmer, and more patient. These shifts in your experience are likely to generate changes in other parts of your life as well. Mindfulness can help you become more playful, maximize your enjoyment of a long conversation with a friend over a cup of tea, then wind down for a relaxing night’s sleep. Try these 4 practices this week:
Try This Simple Walking Meditation
5 Steps to Mindful Listening
Loving-Kindness Practice for Every Day
5 Steps to Wind Down and Fall Asleep
Important Dates
January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024: 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 10, 2024: Daylight Savings time begins. Spring ahead 1 hour at 2 AM.
March 19, 2024: 11:06 PM EDT Spring Equinox
March 31, 2024: Easter, Johnny Antonini's 16th Birthday
Happy Birthday to everyone born in March!
All the Best,
Michael Antonini