Tom Minich - Insurance Agent

10/12/2026

Clients continue to ask me WHY so many changes to their coverage?

MEDICARE 2027: WHY ARE BENEFITS AND PREMIUMS CHANGING?

Understanding what is happening behind the scenes.Many Medicare beneficiaries are reviewing their 2027 plan information and asking an important question: Why are some benefits changing, premiums increasing, or plans being discontinued when the goal was to make healthcare more affordable?

Part of the explanation goes back to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which introduced significant changes to Medicare prescription drug coverage.

What has improved?

✅ A $35 monthly cost-sharing limit for each covered insulin product.

✅ An annual out-of-pocket spending cap on covered Medicare Part D prescription drugs — $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027.

✅ Medicares ability to negotiate prices for certain prescription medications. These changes were designed to help protect Medicare beneficiaries from high prescription drug expenses. So why are other Medicare benefits changing?

The answer involves several factors: Prescription drug costs: Changes to Part D have shifted how certain expenses are shared among Medicare, insurance carriers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.Rising healthcare expenses: Hospital services, medical treatments, and increased use of healthcare services continue to affect the cost of providing coverage. Medicare funding adjustments: Changes in federal payment calculations can influence the resources available to Medicare Advantage plans.Insurance carrier decisions: Companies must evaluate their costs and available funding when establishing premiums, copayments, provider networks, and supplemental benefits. As a result, some Medicare Advantage plans may adjust dental, vision, hearing, transportation, or other supplemental benefits. Others may change premiums, cost-sharing, or service areas.An important distinction: These changes are not all caused by the Inflation Reduction Act. Healthcare costs, Medicare payment policies, and individual insurance company decisions also play significant roles.

What does this mean for you?

A plan that worked well in 2026 may not provide the same value in 2027.Before renewing your coverage, take time to review your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacy, out-of-pocket expenses, and supplemental benefits. Medicare is not just about the monthly premium. It is about understanding the total coverage and how it meets your individual healthcare needs. I believe education and understanding should always come before making a Medicare decision.

Tom Minich Newcreek LLC Licensed Insurance Agent

📞 518-406-3099

[email protected]

Helping individuals understand their Medicare options and make informed coverage decisions.

10/08/2026

Medicare Fraud Awareness —

Protecting Yourself While Finding the Help You NeedThis morning, I received an email from Medicare.gov warning beneficiaries about scams, unwanted calls, and individuals attempting to obtain personal information or enroll people in plans without their knowledge.

Its an important warning, and one I fully support.As a licensed insurance agent with nearly 20 years of experience, I also recognize another side of this challenge.There are many legitimate, licensed insurance professionals who genuinely want to educate people, answer questions, and help them make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage.

Unfortunately, fraudulent activities have made it increasingly difficult for consumers to know whom they can trust.And I understand why people are cautious. They should be. Medicares rules are designed to protect beneficiaries. Agents representing Medicare plans generally cannot contact prospective clients by phone without permission. But heres something equally important: You have the right to ask questions, seek guidance, and choose the professional you feel comfortable working with.A good relationship with an insurance agent should begin with trust, not pressure. If you're approaching Medicare eligibility, reviewing your current coverage, or simply confused about your options, consider reaching out to a licensed professional yourself. Ask questions. Verify credentials. Take your time. And never feel pressured into making a decision.

My approach has always been simple: Educate first, understand individual needs, and provide service that continues long after enrollment. Medicare coverage is too important for anyone to feel rushed, confused, or intimidated. Protecting consumers and providing meaningful assistance should go hand in hand.

Tom Minich - Newcreek LLC

Licensed Insurance Agent 518-406-3099 Medicare • Life Insurance • Retirement Protection • Supplemental Benefits

09/29/2026

LIFE INSURANCE ADVERTISEMENTS CAN MAKE IT LOOK EASY — BUT IS EASY ALWAYS THE RIGHT ANSWER?

You may have seen advertisements for companies like Ethos offering a fast, convenient way to apply for life insurance online.

And for some people, that approach can make sense.

But life insurance isn't simply about getting approved quickly. It's about making sure the coverage actually fits your health, your family, your budget and your long-term financial goals.

Before responding to an advertisement, ask a few questions:

• Is the company or product available in your state?
• Are there other carriers that may view your health history differently?
• Are you comparing the right type and amount of coverage?
• Are important policy features or riders available?
• Have you compared more than one option?

For example, Ethos currently states that its coverage is available throughout the United States except New York.

The convenience of an online application can be valuable — but so can having an independent professional help you compare multiple companies and explain the differences.

Not every TV or online advertisement tells the entire story in 30 seconds.

Before buying life insurance, take a little time to understand what you're buying and what other options may be available.

A conversation and comparison can make a big difference.

Helping You Make Informed Insurance & Retirement Decisions

Tom Minich
Newcreek LLC
📞 518-406-3099
[email protected]

Call now to connect with business.

09/24/2026

YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE MAY NOT BE THE ONLY BENEFIT WORTH REVIEWING FOR 2027.

As employers and employees begin looking ahead to 2027, most of the attention naturally goes to medical insurance.

But there are other benefits that can play an important role in protecting an employee and their family financially.

Some benefits that are often overlooked include:

• Accident Insurance — can help with expenses following a covered accident
• Critical Illness Coverage — may provide financial support following certain serious diagnoses
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance — can help with out-of-pocket expenses associated with a covered hospital stay
• Disability Income Protection — helps protect income when an illness or injury keeps someone from working
• Life Insurance — provides financial protection for loved ones
• Long-Term Care Planning — helps address the potential future cost of care and caregiving
• Voluntary Benefits — additional protection that may be available through the workplace, often through convenient payroll deduction

The important question for 2027 isn't simply:

“What benefits do we offer?”

It may be:

“Do our employees understand what is available — and does the benefit package address the financial risks they actually face?”

For employers, offering additional voluntary benefits can also help strengthen the overall benefits package, and in many situations these benefits can be employee-paid.

If you're reviewing your employee benefits strategy for 2027, I'd be happy to have a conversation about the options available.

📞 518-406-3099
📧 [email protected]
[email protected]

Helping employers and employees make informed benefit decisions.

09/21/2026

Could Your Employee Benefits Package Do More?

Today's employees are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want benefits that help protect their financial future and provide peace of mind when life takes an unexpected turn.

Voluntary benefits can provide employees with additional financial protection while helping employers enhance their overall benefits package. In many cases, these benefits are employee-paid through payroll deduction, giving employees additional choices while allowing employers to expand benefit offerings without necessarily increasing their direct benefits budget.

One benefit that is often overlooked is Long-Term Care (LTC) planning.

Many people assume Medicare or traditional health insurance will cover extended long-term care needs. In reality, coverage is limited, and the costs of extended care can have a significant financial impact on individuals and families.

Adding access to voluntary benefits—including options such as Long-Term Care planning—can help employees prepare for the future while demonstrating an employer's commitment to supporting their workforce.

If you're an employer and it's been a while since you've reviewed your employee benefits strategy, now may be a good time for a conversation.

📞 Tom Minich
Newcreek LLC
Helping Employers Make Informed Employee Benefits Decisions

☎️ 518-406-3099
📧 [email protected] or [email protected]
🌐

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09/18/2026

I received a call from a client after hearing the statement below!

Medicare Is Moving Beyond the COVID-Era Rules — But Not Everything Is Going Back to the Way It Was

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Medicare temporarily relaxed a number of rules to help people get the care they needed.

Many of those temporary waivers have now ended, and some traditional Medicare requirements are once again in place.

However, not every COVID-era change disappeared. Some telehealth and other healthcare flexibilities have been extended — and some have even become permanent.

That is another reason it is important to understand how Medicare rules apply to your individual situation.

Have questions about Medicare or your current coverage? I’m happy to help.

Tom Minich
Newcreek LLC
Licensed Insurance Agent
📧 [email protected]

[email protected]

09/14/2026

THE ECONOMY CHANGES. YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN SHOULDN’T BE IGNORED.

Inflation. Interest rates. Market changes.

There is always another headline telling us what may happen next.

But if you’re approaching retirement, the more important question may be:

Is your current retirement strategy prepared for different economic conditions?

You don’t have to predict the Federal Reserve or the stock market. But it may be worth reviewing:

• Where will your retirement income come from?
• How much of your savings is exposed to market volatility?
• Could guaranteed income play a role in your retirement strategy?
• Are your life insurance and long-term-care plans still appropriate?
• How could continued inflation affect the retirement you’re planning for?

DON’T WAIT UNTIL RETIREMENT TO FIND OUT IF YOU’RE READY.

A 15-minute conversation is a great start.

I provide complimentary reviews to help individuals and families better understand their insurance and retirement options.

Tom Minich | Newcreek LLC
Helping You Make Informed Insurance & Retirement Decisions

Call now to connect with business.

09/08/2026

Medicare Changes Are Coming for 2027 — Don’t Panic, Just Be Prepared

Every year, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans can make changes. For 2027, we are already seeing indications that some plans may have changes involving:

• Monthly premiums and copays
• Prescription drug coverage and formularies
• Dental, vision and other supplemental benefits
• OTC and additional allowances
• Provider and pharmacy networks
• Plan availability in certain areas

Does this mean your current Medicare plan is suddenly a bad plan? Absolutely not.

It simply means that the plan that worked well for you in 2026 should be reviewed to make sure it still meets your needs in 2027.

Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is especially important this year. When you receive it, don't automatically put it aside. Take a few minutes to see what is changing.

Medicare Annual Enrollment begins October 15.

My goal isn't to convince someone to change plans. It's to help people understand their coverage, review the changes and make an informed decision about what works best for them.

Questions about Medicare or the upcoming 2027 changes? Feel free to reach out.

Tom Minich | Newcreek LLC
📞 518-406-3099

09/08/2026

Medicare Changes Are Coming for 2027 — Don’t Panic, Just Be Prepared

Every year, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans can make changes. For 2027, we are already seeing indications that some plans may have changes involving:

• Monthly premiums and copays
• Prescription drug coverage and formularies
• Dental, vision and other supplemental benefits
• OTC and additional allowances
• Provider and pharmacy networks
• Plan availability in certain areas

Does this mean your current Medicare plan is suddenly a bad plan? Absolutely not.

It simply means that the plan that worked well for you in 2026 should be reviewed to make sure it still meets your needs in 2027.

Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is especially important this year. When you receive it, don't automatically put it aside. Take a few minutes to see what is changing.

Medicare Annual Enrollment begins October 15.

My goal isn't to convince someone to change plans. It's to help people understand their coverage, review the changes and make an informed decision about what works best for them.

Questions about Medicare or the upcoming 2027 changes? Feel free to reach out.

Tom Minich | Newcreek LLC
📞 518-406-3099
[email protected]