GCI Health Insurance Services

10/17/2026

10/16/2026

The Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration is ending after 2026. This is a temporary federal program that helped stabilize premiums for some standalone Medicare Part D drug plans.

Does that mean your premium will automatically go up in 2027? Not necessarily. The impact will vary by plan, and total prescription costs depend on more than monthly premiums.

What should you do? Start by reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see updates regarding your premium, coverage rules, out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy network.

Once you know what's changing, talk to us to compare your current plan with the Part D options available for 2027. We will evaluate:

• What your prescriptions will cost
• Whether your medications are still covered and any new rules to get them covered
• Any changes to your deductible
• Whether your usual pharmacy is still preferred or in-network

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15–December 7. Even if you're happy with your current plan, reviewing your ANOC and comparing your options can help you determine whether your coverage still fits your needs for the year ahead.

10/15/2026

📣Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period is here! The enrollment window is from October 15 through December 7.

During this time, you can:

➡️ Join, drop, or change a Part D prescription drug plan

➡️ Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan

➡️ Switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare

Even if you’re satisfied with your current coverage, it’s important to review your plan and compare your options each year. Plan costs, benefits, provider networks, and drug formularies can change from one year to the next, and your own health care needs may change, too.

You don’t have to navigate your options on your own. Contact us to schedule a Medicare review meeting. We are here to help you!

10/09/2026

💰 COULD YOU BE PAYING LESS FOR MEDICARE?

With Medicare costs changing for 2027, now is a good time to see if you qualify for extra help.

California Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for programs that help pay:

✓ Medicare Part B premiums
✓ Prescription drug costs
✓ Deductibles & copays
✓ Other Medicare expenses

Programs include Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, and Medi-Cal.

⭐ Don't assume you make too much to qualify!
Eligibility rules can change, and it's worth checking.

Need help seeing if you qualify?

📞 GCI Medicare Specialists: 530-895-3894
📞 HICAP Passages: 1-800-434-0222
📞 Medi-Cal: 1-800-541-5555
📞 Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
📞 Medicare: 1-800-633-4227

10/07/2026

🚨 Medicare Scam Alert: Protect Your Personal Information! 🚨

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the holiday season are busy times — and unfortunately, they can also be popular times for scammers to target seniors.

Scammers may call, text, email, or even come to your door pretending to be from Medicare, an insurance company, or another trusted organization.

🛑 Be cautious before giving out personal information, including your:
• Medicare number
• Social Security number
• Banking or credit card information
• Date of birth
• Other personal or medical information

A few important reminders:

✔️ Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision.
✔️ Don’t click unfamiliar links in texts or emails.
✔️ Be cautious of “free” offers that require your Medicare number.
✔️ If a call doesn’t feel right, hang up and contact a trusted source directly.
✔️ When in doubt, ask someone you trust before sharing personal information.

Medicare decisions are important — you should never feel rushed, pressured, or afraid to ask questions.

At GCI Health Insurance Services, we’re here year-round to help our clients understand their Medicare coverage and recognize when something just doesn’t seem right.