This may be a simple review for many, and I have covered these topics in more detail on different blogs, newsletters and social media posts.  However, here is a brief summary of some important Medicare tidbits!  These are some good reminders and maybe just a pulse check on your knowledge of basic Medicare coverage, costs and pitfalls.  Let’s dive right in!

What is the Annual Notice of Change, otherwise known as an ANOC, and why should you pay attention to it?  I have made slight mention of the ANOC in other blogs, social medica posts and quarterly newsletters.  However, this document is so important to your Medicare coverage choices and the Open Enrollment Season, that is deserves its OWN blog!  Here you will find out what the ANOC means to you, when you will receive it and what you should do with it.  When the Open Enrollment season nears, this is of utmost importance!

All Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and stand alone Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 stars.  The rating is assigned by CMS, which is the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the governing body of Medicare.  The intent of the star rating is to help guide agents and Medicare Beneficiaries in choosing a plan based on higher quality services and accessible coverage in their area.  However, what do the ratings really mean, and should it have a large impact on what plan you choose?  Read on for a better understanding of the Medicare Star Rating.

The changes in Medicare are coming fast and furious.  Some of these changes are at the federal level and are still in the works.  However, if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan and live in Indiana, pay attention!  One bill at the state level in Indiana was passed on March 25th, 2025.  It is HB 1226 and is called the ‘Birthday Rule’.  It will go into effect on January 1st, 2026 and as with all legislative changes, can have many ripple effects or as some of us in the industry like to call it ‘unintended consequences’ [to quote a friend of mine from NABIP Indy – National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals].  There are likely to be some short term wins for many people on Medicare Supplements, however, there could be some very negative long term effects on everyone.  I’ll break it down for you here and share how it could impact you and your Medicare Supplement Plan.

One of the biggest challenges Independent Brokers have with clients regarding plan selection is the cost of their prescription drugs. This has been an ongoing problem for many and can drastically affect access to affordable health care plans. The steep price tag on medications such as Eliquis and Jardiance has also led to problems accessing these lifesaving and sustaining drugs. Clients have shared in some cases that they just won’t take their medication. They simply cannot afford it. While there are other options for financial assistance we can seek out, not everyone qualifies. Strides have been made so far to address this including the $2000 annual cap on drug copays that began this year. However, more is coming! So, what is on tap next to address this issue?

There are many individuals that become eligible for Medicare under the age of 65 if they have been disabled and getting Social Security Disability Income for two years. They are automatically enrolled in Medicare A and B effective on the 25th month of their disability payments. However, until 2025, these people were limited in their benefit options with Medicare. Last Spring, a new bill was introduced and passed for Medicare beneficiaries under the age of 65 giving them more options for supplemental coverage in Indiana. [See SEA 215 bill: https://www.in.gov/ship/files/SEA215_release1.pdf] Keep reading for more on this latest development in our state!

Early in the new year in 2025, I have already received several calls from clients surprised and worried about the high cost of their first prescription refill.  These are the same drugs they have always been on, so why in the name of happy pills is the cost suddenly so high?  What happened and is there anything that can be done?  Well, read on for both an explanation and some helpful tips to manage those costs!