Allison & Associates Insurance-Medicare Advisor : Scott Allison

Allison & Associates Insurance-Medicare Advisor : Scott Allison Health Insurance Advisor

09/01/2026

Friendly reminder the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15th and runs through December 7th!

Had a great time at the Whitley County Chamber golf outing!
08/21/2026

Had a great time at the Whitley County Chamber golf outing!

08/10/2026

Have you ever looked at your Medigap premium and thought, “Wait… didn’t this just go up?” I have gotten several calls this year from clients about this, and I completely understand the frustration. One thing that surprises many people is that Medigap premiums can sometimes increase more than once in a year. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a mistake.

Premiums can change for a variety of reasons, including rising healthcare costs, changes in an insurance company’s pricing, age-related pricing (depending on the type of plan), or state-specific requirements.
If your Medigap premium recently went up, I’d encourage you to find out why it increased and whether your current plan is still the best fit for you.

Medicare can be confusing, especially when your costs change unexpectedly. If you have questions about your Medigap premium or want to review your coverage, the Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15th. That's the time to look at what's available for 2027 to see if you want to keep what you have or make a change.

08/04/2026

Your HSA Isn't Just for Today—It's a Retirement Healthcare Fund in Disguise.

As life expectancy continues to increase, many of us will spend decades in retirement. While Medicare helps cover healthcare costs after age 65, it doesn't cover everything. That's why building your Health Savings Account (HSA) before age 65 can make a significant difference.

HSA funds can help pay for:
-Medicare co-pays
-Co-insurance expenses
-Prescription drug costs
-Other qualified medical expenses

The money you save today can provide tax-advantaged resources for the healthcare expenses you're likely to face tomorrow. By contributing consistently during your working years, you'll be better prepared to manage out-of-pocket medical costs without disrupting your retirement income.
The earlier you start building your HSA, the more time your savings have the potential to grow. Your future self will thank you. Invest in your health today so you're prepared for tomorrow.

07/29/2026

"If I already have Original Medicare, why would I need anything else?"

Original Medicare is a great foundation, but it doesn't cover everything. Here are three common questions I hear:
• Does Original Medicare cover all of my medical expenses?
Not quite. In most cases, you're still responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and about 20% of approved medical costs, with no annual out-of-pocket maximum.

• Why would someone choose a Medicare Supplement plan?
Many people like the predictability it offers. A Medicare Supplement plan can help cover many of the costs Original Medicare leaves behind, and it allows you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
• Why would someone choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead?
Others prefer having their coverage bundled into one plan. Depending on where you live, Medicare Advantage plans may include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits like dental, vision, or hearing.

The best plan really depends on your individual needs, your budget, and how you like to receive your healthcare. That's why I always encourage people to learn about their options before making a decision.
If you're turning 65, new to Medicare, or just have questions about your current coverage, I'd be happy to help you understand your choices. My goal is to make Medicare a little less confusing and help you find coverage that fits your situation.

07/20/2026

Here are 3 common FAQ's concerning Marketplace/ACA health plans:
1. What is a Marketplace plan?
A Marketplace plan is health insurance available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Depending on your income, you may even qualify for financial assistance to help lower your monthly premium.
2. Can I qualify for savings?
Possibly. Many individuals and families are surprised to find out they qualify for premium tax credits or other savings that make coverage more affordable.
3. When can I enroll?
You can enroll during the Annual Open Enrollment Period or if you've had a qualifying life event, like losing your health insurance, getting married, or having a baby.
If you've been putting off looking at your health insurance options because it seems confusing, I'm happy to help. Feel free to reach out with your questions, and we'll find the coverage that works best for you.

07/16/2026

Over the past few years, I've had several clients become victims of sophisticated Medicare phone scams. These aren't the obvious scam calls we're used to anymore.
Today's scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to change the way they sound on the phone. Someone calling from anywhere in the world can use AI to make their voice sound more natural, mask their accent, and even sound like they're calling from right here in the United States. A friendly, professional voice is no longer proof that a caller is legitimate.
Their goal is often to trick you into giving them your Medicare number and other personal information. Stolen Medicare information can be used to commit Medicare fraud, steal your identity, or be sold to other criminals who use it for additional scams.

Protect yourself:
• Never give your Medicare number, Social Security number, banking information, or passwords to an unsolicited caller.
• If a call doesn't feel right, hang up.
• If someone claims to be from Medicare or your health plan, call the official phone number on your Medicare card or insurance card to verify the request.
I've seen firsthand the stress and frustration these scams cause. Please share this post with your family and friends—especially anyone on Medicare. A few moments of caution can prevent months of headaches.

07/13/2026

"Medicare will pay for my long-term care if I ever need it."

The truth is, it usually won't. Medicare is designed to cover short-term skilled care after a qualifying hospital stay—not ongoing help with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, eating, or simply getting around.

What surprises many people even more is that about 7 out of 10 people age 65 and older will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime. That's a reality most of us don't think about until it's too late.

When people hear "long-term care," they often picture a nursing home. But that's only one option. Here in Indiana, long-term care can also include:
• Care in your own home
• Assisted living communities
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Memory care for those living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia
• Adult day services that provide care and support during the day

I believe planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family. A Long Term Care policy can help protect the retirement savings you've worked so hard to build while giving you more choices about where and how you receive care. Indiana's Long Term Care Partnership policies can also provide valuable asset protection if Medicaid is ever needed.

If you've ever wondered whether Long Term Care insurance makes sense for you, I'd be happy to answer your questions. There's no pressure—just an honest conversation to help you understand your options before a health event forces the decision. Feel free to reach out anytime. I'm here to help.

07/06/2026

I talk with people every week who are surprised to learn that Original Medicare doesn't cover all of their healthcare costs. It's one of the biggest misconceptions I hear. While Original Medicare provides valuable coverage, you'll still have some out-of-pocket expenses.

Here's a simple breakdown:
• Part A (Hospital Insurance)
• Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.
• You may have to pay:
• A deductible before Medicare starts paying for a hospital stay.
• Daily coinsurance if your hospital stay extends beyond certain time limits.
• Coinsurance for extended skilled nursing facility stays.

• Part B (Medical Insurance)
• Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab work, durable medical equipment, and more.
• You'll typically pay:
• A monthly premium.
• An annual deductible.
• About 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most covered services after you meet your deductible.

Here's something many people don't realize:
• Original Medicare doesn't have an annual out-of-pocket maximum. If you experience a serious illness or need ongoing medical care, your share of the costs can continue to add up throughout the year.
That's why I encourage everyone to take the time to understand how Medicare works before making a decision. For some people, additional coverage—such as a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan—may help reduce out-of-pocket costs. The right choice depends on your health needs, budget, and personal goals.

If you're approaching Medicare eligibility or just have questions about your options, I'd be happy to help you better understand your choices so you can make an informed decision.

06/29/2026

I've been having more conversations lately about Medicare Part B Giveback plans, and I think they're going to get a lot more attention next year.

As the cost of the Medicare Part B premium continues to increase over time, many people are looking for ways to stretch their retirement income. A Part B Giveback plan can help by reducing some of your Part B premium, depending on the plan and where you live. That extra money each month may not seem like a lot at first, but over the course of a year, it can make a meaningful difference.

Another reason I think these plans will become even more popular is because many people are starting to look at the bigger picture—not just saving money on their premium but also protecting themselves from unexpected healthcare costs. That's why I believe pairing a Part B Giveback plan with a Hospital Indemnity plan is going to be a smart option for many Medicare beneficiaries.
Some of the reasons include:
-Lower monthly Medicare Part B costs through a Giveback plan (when available).
-Cash benefits from a Hospital Indemnity plan for covered hospital stays, which can help with copays, household bills, transportation, or other unexpected expenses, depending on the policy.
-A balance between saving money today and preparing for the unexpected tomorrow.
-More flexibility and peace of mind when healthcare needs arise.

Of course, this isn't the right solution for everyone. Part B Giveback plans aren't available in every area, and Hospital Indemnity plans vary by carrier, benefits, and cost. That's why I always encourage people to review their options based on their individual needs rather than assuming one plan fits everyone.
As we get closer to the next Annual Enrollment Period, now is a great time to start learning what's available in your area and thinking about what matters most to you.
If you'd like to see whether a Part B Giveback plan is available where you live—or if you want to discuss whether pairing one with a Hospital Indemnity plan makes sense for your situation—I'm always happy to have that conversation.

Address

301 W Van Buren Street
Columbia City, IN
46725

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Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm

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+15742122888

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