11-30-2022 8:29am

It's Medicare Time

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - IT'S MEDICARE TIME

Hello everyone...Caio a tutti. Wasn't I just 45? On December 26th, I turn 65. I recently got my Medicare card in the mail. You can sign up three months before your 65th birthday. It's a privilege to reach this age. I feel lucky. So many people don't make it. I still dress in my own unique style, and I wear my hair long. High heels are a staple, and I love wearing bright red lipstick and big earrings. I'm almost 65!

There are some important updates to Medicare and Social Security that I read about recently in the AARP Bulletin. If you aren't a member of AARP yet, it might be a good time to consider becoming one. They're running a special now, so get on board. Check out www.aarp.org.

Here are some important updates for Medicare and Social Security for 2023. Medicare Part B's standard monthly premium will fall to $164.90 in 2023, a $5.20 decrease from this year. This is welcome news after 2022 when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hit beneficiaries with the highest-ever increase.

Part B covers doctor visits, diagnostic tests and other outpatient services. Most Medicare beneficiaries have part B premiums deducted directly from their monthly Social Security payments. SS will rise in 2023 by 8.7 percent because of this year's inflation. When was the last time you got a raise like that!

The 2023 premium decrease makes good on statements earlier this year by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. He noted that Medicare spending on Aduhelm, an expensive new Alzheimer's drug, was not going to be nearly as high as expected, generating savings that would be passed on to beneficiaries in 2023. Spending on other Part B services is also projected to be less than anticipated. This is amazing!

"Lower Part B premiums and deductibles is welcome news for seniors who are struggling with rising costs due to inflation," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer.

There's more good news for some Medicare users: The average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is expected to decrease to $18 in 2023, down nearly 8 percent from 2022. CMS projects that 31.8 million people will be enrolled in these private insurance plans in 2023.

CMS also announced that the average monthly premium for Part D prescription drug plans will decrease slightly from $32.08 in 2022 to $31.50 in 2023.

And the annual Part B deductible for 2023 is also decreasing to $226. That's a $7 decline.

To all of you who have Medicare this year, congratulations!! You made it, just like me. We are part of a privileged group of Americans. Take pride in this chapter of your life. It's a new phase in your prime! It's Medicare time!

Peace and Love...Pace e Amore,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, it's an honor to be on Medicare.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - WILLY NILLY TRADING COMPANY'S CHRISTMAS SHOP

There's a whimsical, wonderful, winter-land in the heart of Bay Shore called the Christmas Shop. Each year, Willy Nilly Trading Company opens their Christmas Shop to holiday revelers. Once you step inside, you slip away from the humdrum of everyday life and are transported to the "North Pole." Santa might even be outside ringing his bell. This is the perfect shop to find the perfect gift for that perfect someone. Merry Christmas...Buon Natale!

For more information and store hours, visit www.willynillytrading.com.

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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - BORROWED TIME by JOHN LENNON

[Verse 1]
When I was younger, uh huh
Living confusion and deep despair
When I was younger, uh huh
Living illusion of freedom and power
When I was younger
Full of ideals and broken dreams, my friend
When I was younger, uh huh
Everything simple but not so clear

[Chorus]
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow

[Verse 2]
Now I am older
The more that I see, the less that I know for sure
Now I am older, uh huh
The future is brighter and now is the hour

[Chorus]
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow

[Verse 3]
Good to be older
Would not exchange a single day or a year
Good to be older, uh huh (You bet)
Less complication, everything clear

[Chorus]
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow
Living on borrowed time
Without a thought for tomorrow

[Outro]
Oh yes
It all seemed so bloody easy then
You know like
What to wear very serious like you know
How am I gonna get rid of the pimples
Does she really love me
All that crap
But now I don't bother about that shit no more
I know she loves me
All I gotta bother about is standing up
Alright you can get out of there

I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write articles geared to the 60 and beyond population. Topics include human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and places I've been to in and around Bay Shore. I also write about restaurants and stores in the area. You can also watch my first Monday-of-the-month vlog, “60 and Beyond with Skylark" on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, that features topics covered in my articles from SLTN. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel as well as my free STLN newsletter that gets delivered directly to your email each Wednesday morning. To support SLTN, you can make a recurring monthly donation ($5 Friend or $15 Advocate) or a one-time donation of any amount. It's up to you, and it's easy to do on my feed. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.