What's New

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is open now through December 7. During this time, you can enroll in, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plan, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes made during AEP generally take effect January 1.

If you haven't already, take a look at your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which your plan mailed in September. It explains changes to your plan's costs and coverage for the coming year. Pay attention to anything that could affect you, and we can help you compare your current coverage with other available options to see how well it may meet your needs.

Contact our office today to schedule time to walk through your choices. We will help you make a confident decision before AEP ends on December 7.

During Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, your mailbox, phone, and television may be filled with messages about coverage. Scammers take advantage of that activity, hoping their pitch will blend in with legitimate plan information.

AEP runs from October 15 through December 7. While you're reviewing your options, someone may call claiming you need a replacement Medicare card, must verify your information to keep your benefits, or qualify for something “free.” The goal may be to steal your Medicare number, personal information, or money. An unexpected request for sensitive information deserves a pause.

Artificial intelligence is making these schemes harder to recognize. Criminals can use AI to write convincing emails and create realistic voices, including imitations made from short recordings. A message may sound professional, contain no obvious spelling mistakes, or even resemble someone you know. Those familiar warning signs are no longer enough.

This doesn't mean every unfamiliar call is fraudulent. It means a convincing voice, official-looking logo, or familiar caller ID isn't proof of identity. Scammers can disguise phone numbers and use personal details to make their stories seem credible. Pressure to act immediately, threats about losing coverage, or demands for payment are reasons to stop the conversation.

Protect your Medicare number as carefully as your banking information. Don't share it with an unexpected caller or enter it through a link in an unsolicited message. Medicare won't contact you out of the blue to demand payment for a new card. If something seems questionable, hang up and call our office, your plan, or Medicare using a number you already trust.

If you've already shared information, act promptly. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report suspected misuse of your Medicare number, and contact your bank if financial information was involved. Review your Medicare or plan statements for services you don't recognize.

Annual enrollment is an opportunity to review your coverage thoughtfully. Contact our office with questions about a message or offer before responding. A little verification can help protect both your information and your coverage.

The ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is officially underway! In most states Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1 through January 15, giving individuals and families an opportunity to enroll in coverage, renew an existing plan or choose a different option for the year ahead. Enrollment deadlines can vary by state, so contact our agency to confirm the exact dates that apply to you.

Now is a good time to review your health insurance needs. Consider what may be different for your household in 2027, including your expected income, household size, health care needs, prescription medications, and preferred doctors or other health care providers.

If you already have Marketplace coverage, review any renewal notices from the Marketplace and your insurance company. These notices may contain important information about changes to your current plan, premiums, benefits, and steps you may need to take to maintain coverage.

Even if you're happy with your current plan, it's worth comparing your options. Plans, premiums, and benefits can change from year to year, and your own needs may have changed as well. When comparing plans, look beyond the monthly premium and consider deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs, whether your doctors and other providers participate in the plan’s network, and whether your prescriptions and preferred pharmacies are covered. If you receive financial assistance through the Marketplace, make sure your application reflects your estimated 2027 household income and other current information. Changes in your circumstances or applicable program rules could affect the amount of assistance you qualify for and what you pay for coverage.

Don't wait until the enrollment deadline approaches. Contact our agency today to schedule an appointment to review your 2027 Marketplace health insurance options. We can help you compare available plans, understand costs and benefits, and evaluate coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Open Enrollment is happening now, so take advantage of this opportunity to make an informed decision about your health coverage for the coming year.