Joseph Dowless - CLC Financial

03/17/2026

To anyone with Medicare or who has loved ones with Medicare. One of my clients just called me to check on whether or not what she was being told is true. Someone called her and claimed to be from United Healthcare and told her she owed them $300 immediately or her insurance would be canceled due to legislation the federal government passed.

This is a scam.

Medicare companies will not call you direct demanding immediate payments like this.

If you're ever unsure about a phone call, always err on the side of it being a scam. You can hang up and call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask the company directly to confirm anything you've been told.

Be safe. Don't be sorry.

03/05/2026

11/15/2025

United Healthcare is now out of network with WakeMed.

From UHC -

"WakeMed’s facilities and specialty providers are out of network for people enrolled in the following plans, effective Nov. 15, 2025:

Employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans
Medicare Advantage plans, including Group Retiree and Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP)


Primary care physicians employed by WakeMed are not impacted by this negotiation and will remain in our network. People enrolled in our Medicaid plans will continue to have network

access to WakeMed’s hospitals and providers. People enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan can also continue accessing care with WakeMed on and after Nov. 15, 2025."

11/04/2025

Key ACA repayment rule changes for 2026

Repayment caps are eliminated: For the 2026 tax year, there will be no limit on how much excess APTC you have to repay if your income turns out to be higher than you projected when you enrolled.

Full repayment may be required: You will be responsible for repaying the entire amount of the excess subsidy, regardless of how high it is, which could be a significant sum if your income was underestimated.

Applies to 2026 plan year coverage: This new rule takes effect for coverage purchased for the 2026 plan year, and the repayment will happen when you file your 2026 tax return in 2027.
Increased affordability threshold: The IRS has set the ACA affordability threshold at 9.96% for plan years beginning in the 2026 calendar year.

TL;DR - don't under report income this year or you'll owe it all back. No caps on repayments this time around.

10/28/2025

As of Jan. 1, 2026 UNC Health is out-of-network with Humana, WellCare, and Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC/formerly Cigna) Medicare Advantage plans. Humana North Carolina State Employee Health Benefit Plan (Medicare Advantage for retirees) members will continue to be seen with no increase in cost.

Cape Fear Valley remains out of network wtih United Healthcare.

Please consider these factors when making a decision during open enrollment this year. Feel free to reach out to me for help.

Send a message to learn more

10/15/2025

Today is the start of Medicare open enrollment. There are a lot of changes happening for 2026. This is not a year to assume your plan will remain generally the same. Please find a professional and discuss your options with them.

I still have availability left in November. If you'd like to schedule, then please message me.

If you're wanting to self enroll or just compare plans then this link is a good resource.

https://www.sunfirematrix.com/app/consumer/yourmedicare/8376228/

I always think talking face to face with a person is better, but I know some people are just antisocial.

08/27/2025

CLC Financial Services Group has partnered with Colonial Life to offer voluntary benefits to employee groups with a waiver of pre-existing conditions, guaranteed issue, no participation rates, and we can enroll groups as low as three employees.

When I say with a waiver of pre-existing conditions, that means that there is no look back period for conditions an employee currently has.

example: an employee who is 8 months pregnant can get short term disability and and hospital indemnity plan, go into labor in the next few weeks and all policies will pay out.

If you've had trouble with your groups qualifying in the past due to participation rates, don't worry. Even if only one employee wants a policy, they get it.

Message me if you'd like to discuss this offering in greater detail.

06/11/2025

Was just popping in for a meeting with Haymount Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a fellow Chamber member. Happened to notice their awesome sanitation rating.

02/07/2025

11/23/2024

ACA open enrollment is now underway. If you need help enrolling or renewing your policy, then send me a message.

Medicare AEP ends December 7th. If you've not yet reviewed a plan for 2025, I'll be happy to assist.

Send a message to learn more

08/27/2024

If you are a business owner offering group medical benefits, be sure to pay close attention to your letter of creditable coverage this year. If you need someone Medicare licensed to talk to your Medicare eligible employees about the changes happening in 2025, feel free to contact me.

BCBSNC is sending out their letters to groups on Sept. 1st to state whether they are still creditable coverage under the new CMS changes to drug coverage.

08/08/2024

Important Medicare News:

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-finalizes-payment-updates-2025-medicare-advantage-and-medicare-part-d-programs

tl;dr: Medicare drug costs are capping at $2000 a year. Excellent news for people on Medicare.

Unintended Consequences Effect - It appears that employer provided insurance will no longer be creditable coverage for anyone. If you are Medicare eligible and are still on your employer provided insurance, then you need to consider switching during this open enrollment.

Finalized policies will continue to ensure the strength and stability of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D programs