Buursma Agency

09/15/2026

Premium increases get all the attention, but the bigger cost problems in your health plan are often hiding somewhere else entirely.

Three areas employers frequently overlook:

➡️ Behavioral health and addiction support. Untreated substance use disorders drive up medical claims, increase absenteeism, and hurt productivity. The Center for Prevention and Health Services estimates the national cost at over $100 billion annually. Instead of focusing on one-time interventions, some employers are investing in longer-term, structured recovery programs with ongoing support and measurable outcomes. This new approach is showing real promise.

➡️ Specialty care access. More than 100 million specialty referrals are issued each year, yet employees in many areas wait over a month to see a cardiologist or dermatologist. When they can't get into a specialist, they end up in urgent care or the ER. Both cost more. But telehealth or third-party providers can increase employee access.

➡️ Your own claims data. Most employers already have access to carrier dashboards, utilization reports, and plan modeling tools. Reviewing that data quarterly, not just at renewal, shows you where spending is climbing, which programs go unused, and where a little education could go a long way.

Rising health care costs are unlikely to ease anytime soon, but you have more options than you might think. Start by talking to your us about what data and care options you may be underutilizing.

09/14/2026

Medicare’s new GLP-1 Bridge program is creating another pathway for eligible beneficiaries to access certain weight-management medications.

The temporary program began July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to run through December 31, 2027. As of August 2026, it includes Wegovy, Foundayo and Zepbound (KwikPen only) for a $50 monthly copay. Ozempic and Mounjaro are not included.

Eligibility depends on both Medicare drug coverage and health criteria. Beneficiaries may qualify with a BMI of 35 or higher, or with a lower BMI plus certain conditions, such as prediabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, certain heart conditions, or a previous heart attack or stroke.

A standalone Part D plan isn’t required. Members of eligible Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage can qualify as well.

There are additional eligibility requirements and exclusions, so the best place to start is with a health care provider, who can determine whether the clinical requirements are met.

Have questions about how the GLP-1 Bridge fits with your Medicare coverage? We’re happy to help you understand your options.

09/10/2026

09/08/2026

Did you know that a majority of employees report eye strain affecting their focus at work, yet many employers underestimate how widespread the problem is? Environmental factors like screen time, lighting, and indoor air quality all play a role. Offering vision insurance as part of your benefits package doesn't just help with vision; it supports employee productivity through overall wellbeing. Let's talk about building this into your benefits strategy.

09/07/2026

⚠️ Still contributing to an HSA after age 65? Medicare enrollment could create an unexpected tax issue.

Simply turning 65 doesn’t automatically make you ineligible to contribute to an HSA. But once you’re enrolled in Medicare, you generally can’t make or receive HSA contributions, even if you’re still working and covered by an HSA-eligible employer health plan.

Here’s where it can get tricky: If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits when you become eligible for Medicare, you’re generally automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

And if you delay Medicare while working past 65, and then enroll later, premium-free Part A coverage may be retroactive for up to six months. HSA contributions made for months covered retroactively by Medicare could become excess contributions and may have tax consequences if not corrected.

If you plan to work past 65 and keep contributing to an HSA, it’s important to coordinate your HSA contributions with the timing of Medicare and Social Security.

A little planning can help prevent an unexpected tax headache.

Confused by this whole issue? We get it! Give us a call and we can help.

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Only 38% of employees say they fully understand their health benefits. That gap leads to costly mistakes: using out-of-network providers, skipping preventive care, or heading to the ER for non-emergencies.

Small, consistent steps, plain-language materials, year-round education, and real-world cost examples can make a difference. Better health care literacy means lower costs and a healthier, more confident workforce.

08/31/2026

If someone calls and already knows your name, your age, and your address, that does not make them legitimate. Criminals often start with information they already have and only need one more piece from you.

Medicare-related scam calls have climbed sharply over the past year. Some people report getting dozens in a single day. The pitches are predictable once you know them. Your card is expiring. You qualify for unclaimed benefits. A free brace or hearing aid is on the way.

They all want the same thing: your Medicare number.

A few things to remember: Medicare generally contacts you by mail first and does not call to ask for your Medicare number or bank information. A real licensed agent will give you their name and license number without hesitation, and will not push you to decide today.

If someone claims to be from an agency, hang up and call that agency's main number yourself. Anyone honest will not mind.

What is the strangest scam call you have received? Share it below so your neighbors know what to listen for.

Not sure whether a call you got was real? Call our office and we will tell you. 📞

08/25/2026

Reminder for employers: if you offer prescription drug coverage, you're required to send Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage notices to Medicare-eligible employees and their dependents by October 15, ahead of Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period.

These notices let recipients know whether your plan's drug coverage is as good as or better than Medicare's, information they need to avoid a late enrollment penalty. We're here to help. Let's make sure your notices are ready to go out on time.