DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was wondering if all who need COVID-19 tests have found them easily. A recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will soon allow
over-the-counter tests to be available free — up to eight test kits per month per recipient — through Medicare at participating, eligible pharmacies and stores. The details are still being worked out and the tests should be available in the early spring. (https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/news-alert/biden-harris-administration-will-cover-free-over-counter-covid-19-tests-through-medicare).

Meanwhile, Medicare recipients can access free tests by requesting four over-the-counter tests for home delivery at covidtests.gov; get tested through your health care provider; access lab-based PCR tests and antigen tests performed by a laboratory when the test is ordered by an authorized health care professional at no cost. Medicare recipients can also already access one lab-performed test without an order and without cost sharing.

In addition, Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage and payment for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests as a supplemental benefit in addition to covering Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, so Medicare beneficiaries covered by Medicare Advantage should check with their plan to see if it includes such a benefit.

All Medicare beneficiaries with Part B are eligible for the new benefit, whether enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or not.

I also want to let readers know of a resource for current Medicare information and updates from the Medicare Rights Center. I have found this to be helpful and accurate and have been reading their newsletters for years. I hope this helps readers with Medicare information. https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/ Thanks for your column, I love the info. — Steve, Windsor

ANSWER: Thank you for sharing this important information, Steve! I read it and summarized the link for those readers who aren’t on the computer. I also signed up for the Medicare watch newsletter. For those who receive these benefits, this is definitely a resource worth reviewing.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the recent inquiries about appraisals and sales of antiques, I have had very good luck with Jim Talbot of CTA Auctions in Turner (https://www.ctaauctions.com/), 225-3797, cta@ctaauctions.com. Please add him to your Rolodex — Anne, Auburn

ANSWER: Thank you, Anne. I love how I can count on my readers to make recommendations. You continue to keep Sun Spots Land shiny!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I read in one of your columns that someone is having problems with mice. A friend of mine suggested using Dial soap. I put some bars of soap in various places under our mobile home and since I have put it there, we have had no problems with mice or squirrels. For $1 a bar at Family Dollar, it’s quite easy and at that price, the soap is a steal. — Kathy, no town

ANSWER: You are lucky! Of course, that’s worth a try. There also are many other do-it-yourself tactics which I listed in the Feb. 9 Sun Spots.

However, I still stand by my recommendation of hiring a pest control company. Remember, dear readers, there really is no such thing as “a few mice.” They are highly sociable creatures and hang out together in a “mischief,” That’s right; that’s what a group of mice is (aptly) called and a mischief is made up of a dozen mice or more. I speak from experience.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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