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The Fair Square Bulletin: The End of the COVID Emergency Declaration

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By Daniel Petkevich
May 30, 2023

Assessing Medicare After COVID Protections Expired

Good morning. Welcome to the Fair Square Bulletin, the newsletter that delivers helpful aging tips right to your inbox.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
In today's email:
  • What the end of COVID's emergency status means
  • Why you should protect your Medicare card
  • How often can you switch Medicare plans?
  • Client Spotlight: the author of 'How To Be Old'

COVID Emergency Protections Have Expired

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The end of the COVID emergency was official nationwide on May 11th.
As of May 11th, the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration in the United States has expired. You might have received free COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines regardless of your insurance status. But now, you will have to face many of these costs on your own. Interested in finding out what you might have to pay for? Click the button below to read our blog post.

Should you laminate your Medicare card?

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You might have noticed that some people were laminating their vaccination cards. Technically, you're allowed to laminate your Medicare card, but the Social Security Administration does not recommend it.

Laminating your card

can compromise some of the security features of the Medicare card.
Instead, we recommend getting a plastic card protector so you can maintain the integrity of the Medicare card without compromising the security features. We sell these protectors at cost to ensure you get the best value.

How often can you switch your Medicare plan?

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If you aren't satisfied with your plan, you might be feeling the urgency to want to switch. Typically, you can only switch during certain specified enrollment periods. Is now the time for you to make a change? Let's find out.

Client Spotlight: the author of How To Be Old

Kenneth Kaszak has put what he's learned about aging gracefully and staying active in this book 'How To Be Old.' Kaszak, a Pittsburgh-based author and investment professional, offers unique insight into the art and science of getting older, like why your physical appearance and your bank account aren't the most important aspects of aging properly.

Together with Fair Square

Your Medicare Advisor for Life.

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Daniel Petkevich, Founder & CEO of Fair Square Medicare
Why did I start Fair Square? I wanted to give all seniors the Medicare experience I wish my parents could have had when they turned 65. Lengthy government documents, pushy insurance agents, and more junk mail than you've ever seen. Medicare is complex, and the plan we choose has critical ramifications on our health and our wallet.
As my dad said, Medicare is a minefield. After I watched my folks struggle to navigate their plan decisions, I thought to myself, “this should be easier.” So Fair Square is working to make it better for you and your family.

In Other News...

  • More info on COVID protections ending.

    From Forbes

    , learn how Medicare may stop paying for skilled nursing.
  • Best vacation spots for seniors. It's not too late to plan your summer vacation! Check out

    Travel + Leisure's

    top 9 vacation destinations for retirees.
  • El Niño might bring major heatwaves. According to

    USA Today

    , we could see record high temperatures across the country with a more severe weather pattern building in the Pacific Ocean.

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Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

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