R E LaFond Agency

05/07/2026

💊 Plan N vs. Plan G in the 401! Why Rhode Island residents are moving away from traditional Medicare.

🏥Navigating Medicare in the in RI can feel like driving through the Washington Bridge traffic—confusing and slow. One of the biggest questions we get is: "Should I go with Plan G or Plan N?" In Rhode Island, we have specific community-rated plans that can save you hundreds in premiums if you pick the right one at the right time.

Confused by the "Alphabet Soup" of Medicare? We simplify the process for you. Schedule a call at the link in our bio, or visit relafondagency.com today to request a meeting…

Our goal is simple--provide protection plans to ensure the personal, family and legacy goals you create are secure during every season of your lifetime. In order to best support your goals, our mission will be to:

05/06/2026

🏥 The "65 and Working" Trap:

Working past 65? Your HR department might not be telling you the whole story.

⚠️If you’re turning 65 but plan to keep working, you might think you can just "wait" on Medicare. But if your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare actually becomes your primary coverage. If you don't sign up for Part B on time, you could be left with massive "gaps" in coverage and lifelong late-enrollment penalties. Don't let a simple paperwork oversight derail your health.

We specialize in employer-to-Medicare transitions for MA and RI professionals. Schedule a 15-minute "Gap Check" with us at the link in our bio or by visiting relafondagency.com today!

Our goal is simple--provide protection plans to ensure the personal, family and legacy goals you create are secure during every season of your lifetime. In order to best support your goals, our mission will be to:

05/05/2026

💼 The "Working Senior" Dilemma:

Still working in RI but ready to claim Social Security?

Pause and read this first.🛑

Many Rhode Islanders choose to "early file" at age 62 while still working a local job. But if you haven't reached Full Retirement Age (FRA), the Social Security Earnings Test can be brutal. For every $2 you earn over the annual limit, the SSA holds back $1 of your benefits. Whether you're working in healthcare, at Electric Boat, or running a local business, you need to know your "break-even" point before you file.

Let’s calculate your "sweet spot" for filing so you don't lose benefits to the earnings test. Message me today or visit relafondagency.com for a custom analysis!

Our goal is simple--provide protection plans to ensure the personal, family and legacy goals you create are secure during every season of your lifetime. In order to best support your goals, our mission will be to:

05/04/2026

⚓ The 'Ocean State' Tax Trap: Rhode Island residents, did you know you are one of only eight states that still taxes Social Security?

Living in the Ocean State has its perks, but the tax code isn’t always one of them. For many RI retirees, a portion of their hard-earned Social Security benefits is still subject to state income tax. There is a 'Social Security Subtraction' rule that can help, but it all depends on your total income and filing status. If you aren't careful, you could be sending more to Providence than you need to. Don’t let taxes eat your retirement.

Book a strategy session with R E LaFond Agency to see if your benefits are protected! Visit relafondagency.com to request a meeting today.

11/26/2025

Wishing everyone a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving! Hope your celebration with family and friends is lively and memorable.

PS: Annual Enrollment Period runs until Dec 7th. If you know someone that has questions or is still considering a new plan for 2026, let’s talk!

11/13/2025

November is Long Term Care Awareness Month!

Did you know that family members will provide the bulk of Custodial Care when a parent needs daily long term care services?

Who is the profile of that caregiver? Age 49 (most often the eldest female child); has a full time career and older children that participate in school activities/travel sports.

An average of 20hrs/week of Custodial care covers the minimum need that family members are providing to parents experiencing a Long Term Care need.

Together, we can help you understand the need for long term care along with options for financing the care; available services and support; and advocacy for caregivers and those receiving long-term care. Contact me today to learn more!

10/20/2025

Monday’s Medicare Moment:

Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan that provides coordinated care to beneficiaries with specific needs or situation. Like all Advantage plans, Special Needs Plans will have a network, usually either an HMO or a PPO.




.com

10/15/2025

It’s here—2026 Medicare AEP (Oct 15th through Dec 7th)! It’s your time to address your needs and consider changing your coverage or plan for Jan 1st, 2026. Major changes to plan costs/deductibles and medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare 101: When you make changes during the Annual Election Period, your new plan becomes effective on the 1st of the new year.

10/10/2025

Fridays Medicare Fast Fact:

What is the Annual Election Period? The Annual Election Period (AEP) is the period that runs from October 15 – December 7 each year. Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in, change, or disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D drug plan.

It’s next week—there is plenty of time to review and see what new in 2026, let’s connect to answer your questions…

10/06/2025

Monday’s Medicare Moment:

As a Medicare beneficiary, you’ve probably realized that Medicare changes every year. It adjusts your premiums and deductibles and this in turn causes updates to your chosen Medicare insurance plan. Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter can help prepare you for the changes that your Medicare plan will make for the following year.

08/26/2025