AEP’s Over — Now What?
AEP is officially in the rear-view, and now it’s all about making sure your 2026 coverage starts smooth on Jan 1 and knowing your options if something isn’t right. 1) Look for your plan welcome kit & Evidence of Coverage (EOC) Your plan mails an EOC each fall that spells out what’s covered, copays, rules (like prior auth), and extras (dental/vision/OTC). Keep it handy for January appointments and refills. Broker tip: If anything looks different
Healthy Holidays: Smart Eating & Low-Stress Celebrations
The holidays should feel warm and easy, not exhausting or derailing your health. Here’s a simple guide to enjoy the season without the sugar crash, sniffles, or stress spiral. 1) Build a better holiday plate Fill half your plate with veggies/fruit, add lean protein, and keep rich sides to small scoops. Stay moving: adults 65+ do best with ~150 minutes/week of moderate activity plus balance/strength work. Ten-minute walks count. Hand hygiene matters at gatherings, clean
What You’ll Pay for Medicare Part A & B in 2026: A Simple Breakdown
CMS has announced the official 2026 costs for Medicare Part A and Part B, including premiums, deductibles, and some coinsurance amounts. If you’re on Medicare now or about to enroll, here’s a simple explanation of what’s changing and what it might mean for your budget. Medicare Part A: Hospital Coverage Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. The good news is that about 99%
Part D in 2026: What the New $2,100 Limit Means—And What To Do This Fall
Big Part D changes kicked in for 2025, and they keep evolving for 2026. Use September to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) (arrives by Sept 30) and prep for the fall shopping season. The headline numbers 2025: Your out-of-pocket (OOP) spending on Part D drugs is capped at $2,000 for the year. 2026: The OOP threshold is $2,100 (the 2025 cap, indexed). Once you hit it, you owe $0 for covered Part D
Reading Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
Every August/September, your Medicare Advantage (MA) or Part D drug plan drops a thick envelope in your mailbox titled “Plan Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).” It’s the plan’s yearly “heads-up” on what will look different starting January 1, and by rule it has to reach you no later than September 30. Why the deadline? CMS wants to give you at least two weeks to digest any surprises before the Annual Election Period (AEP) opens Oct