COVID-19 Task Force produces new patient flyer

The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) COVID-19 Task Force has produced a simple, clearly-worded flyer describing how patients can help reduce their risk of catching COVID-19. It's also available in the Resources section of the WisMed COVID-19 web page and via the "Resources" section under the expandable menu in the WisMed Mobile app.

By posting the flyer in clinic rooms or having it available as a hand-out, physicians can help prompt conversations with patients about COVID-19, such as how to avoid the virus that causes it, smart behaviors that can help protect themselves and others and when it’s particularly important to wear a high-quality mask.

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COVID-19 webinar on guidance changes

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is hosting a COVID-19 webinar for health professionals Changes to Isolation and Quarantine Guidance and other COVID-19 Updates on Friday, January 7 at 7:00-8:00 a.m.

Attend tomorrow’s webinar for an update on the COVID-19 situation in Wisconsin. Presenters will discuss recent updates to CDC guidance on isolation and quarantine for COVID-19, as well as distribution processes for new COVID-19 treatment options.

Click here to join the webinar or dial 669.254.5252 for Webinar ID: 160 905 0752.

Access recordings of previous COVID-19 health care professional webinars on the DHS COVID-19 Provider Webinar Series webpage.

Ashlie Dowdell, Director, Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention Program, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Jordan Mason, Manager, Communicable Diseases Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Dr. Jonathan Meiman, Chief Medical Officer and State Occupational and Environmental  Disease Epidemiologist, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist, Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Traci DeSalvo, Director, Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

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Physician finances impacted by 2022 legislation

The backdoor may be closing on Roth IRAs, and federal student loan payments are postponed (again), which may make it beneficial to file for an extension on 2021 tax returns.

Versions of the Build Back Better Act eliminated the backdoor Roth IRA, popular among physicians. However, after Senator Manchin failed to support the Act in December with the fiftieth vote it needed, Senator Schumer has vowed to bring it up for vote again in early 2022. As of January 5, the backdoor Roth IRA is still open. Those who use this strategy, may want to complete their backdoor Roth IRA as early as possible this year before the Build Back Better Act is potentially passed. For additional details, please click here.

President Biden has extended the forbearance period again for federal student loans from January 31, 2022, to May 1, 2022. This marks the fifth extension of the forbearance. Since monthly student loan payments are often based on the income from the taxpayer’s last tax return, married taxpayers should prepare their taxes but wait to file them with the IRS and Wisconsin Department of Revenue – possibly even filing an extension. This is because the calculations for taxes and student loan payments may differ if a couple files taxes as married filing jointly or married filing separately. For instance, a couple may file separately to lower their student loan payments, but it results in a little bit more tax. There’s no reason to file separately and pay more tax when there aren’t student loan payments. So, it may be wise to wait and see what happens with student loans before filing tax returns.

However, an extension must be filed for those waiting past April 18 – April 15 is a federal holiday this year. Also, taxes need to be paid by April 18, even for those who filed an extension. Of course, waiting is all the harder for anyone due a big refund. If that’s the case, now is a good time to contact payroll and update withholdings.

Download the 2022 tax brackets, retirement contribution limits, investment checklist and quick decision flow charts for Social Security and more from the new WisMed Mobile app.

For personalized help eliminating debt, investing smart and securing retirement, please contact Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF® 608.442.3750.

Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF®
WisMed Financial, Inc. part of the Wisconsin Medical Society.

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Waukesha County Medical Society trivia night March 3

Waukesha County Medical Society (WCMS) invites all members to register to attend the WCMS Trivia Night scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2022. Trivia will be held at Raised Grain Brewing Co.

Registration is free for WCMS members, and only $25 for guests. Spots are limited, so register soon. The event will begin with social networking at 6:30 p.m. and trivia will be from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Additional information can be found on the WCMS website. We look forward to seeing you!

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