October 2025 Newsletter
Q: Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
A: They don’t have the guts!
Friends,
Hello again, Michael Antonini here! October is upon us — cooler days, colorful leaves, and a bit of spooky fun at the end of the month. Before the candy bowls and costumes take over, let’s make sure your Medicare coverage is squared away for the year ahead. Here’s the latest in Medicare news, tips, and key dates.
The Annual Election Period (AEP) is upon us from October 15 to December 7.
During this time, you can change plans for next year if you like. You will be getting a letter on grey paper from me to remind you of your choices.
Some Medicare Advantage plans raised the maximum out of pocket and lowered the dental benefits and other ancillary coverage. If you are on a United Healthcare PPO, or Anthem PPO or Aetna Explorer PPO, your policy was NON-RENEWED for 2026.
We need to speak about moving you to a new plan for 2026. This is my top priority this fall. It would be helpful to review your options if you put your information into my secure quoting website here. Then click on “Let’s get Synced”. Thank you in advance.
In 2026, there will be a $615 deductible on most drug plans and a maximum out of pocket of $2,100. Also most brand drugs are now 25% of retail cost and more people will be hitting the out of pocket maximum. However, many drug plans went way up in premium cost for 2026 as well. Some plans were terminated or consolidated to a different plan. Also, more companies stopped working with agents on drug plans. To review your drug plan and enroll in one for 2026 you can go to www.medicare.gov or load your information into my secure quoting website here and then click on “Let’s get Synced”.
Kind Regards,
Michael Antonini
What’s New
Medicare Part B Premium: I’m predicting an increase of about $22 to the Medicare Part B premium for 2026 to about $207. We will see soon.
In 2026, the Maximum out of pocket for prescriptions is $2,100: Many plans will have a $615 deductible and then you will be responsible for about 25% on most brand drugs. Some higher tier drugs could be more expensive.
Here is my new secure quoting system where you can enter your doctors, prescriptions and sign a scope of appointment to make it easier to give you a new quote in a compliant manner.
Ask An Expert: The Pumpkin Prayer
When you are carving your pumpkin this season, consider this prayer:
Open my mind so that I can learn about you.
Cut off the top of the pumpkin.
Take away my sins and forgive me for the wrong that I do.
Clean out the inside.
Open my eyes so your love I will see.
Cut out the eyes.
I am sorry for turning my nose to some things you have given me.
Cut out the nose.
Open my mouth to spread your good news.
Cut out the mouth.
Let your light shine in me so others can see.
Place a candle inside the pumpkin.
Important Dates
Happy October Birthdays!
October 15 to December 7: Annual Election Periods
Monday, October 6 at 11:48 PM EDT Full Harvest Moon
Friday, October 10: World Mental Health Day: A reminder to take care of your well-being.
Friday, October 31: Halloween: Enjoy the fun and stay safe!
All the best,
Michael Antonini