Summit Benefits Group

11/02/2026

🏡 Open Enrollment began November 1.

Kentucky individuals and families can now review 2027 health coverage through kynect. The Open Enrollment period runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Before choosing or renewing a plan, check how it fits the year ahead.

Here are four ways to make your review more useful:

✅ Compare the full cost. Look beyond the monthly premium. Review the deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket limit. Think about both routine care and the possibility of a year with more medical needs.

✅ Check doctors and prescriptions. Confirm your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals participate in the exact plan you are considering. Review each medication's coverage and expected cost. A familiar insurance company name does not guarantee the same network or drug benefits.

✅ Update household and income details. Review who belongs on your application and estimate household income for 2027. Account for expected changes in work, self-employment, or family circumstances rather than simply reusing last year's information.

✅ Gather information and complete the steps. Have identification, income records, and current coverage details ready. Submit your application, review any requests for documents, and follow the plan-selection and payment instructions. Browsing plans alone does not complete enrollment.

For example, a family expecting more specialist visits or starting a new prescription may need a different comparison than last year. A lower monthly premium may come with higher costs when they use care. Review the family's needs before deciding to keep the same plan.

Summit Benefits Group in Somerset, Kentucky can help you work through your coverage questions. Bring your provider list, medications, and expected 2027 household changes for a private review. Keep personal documents out of public comments.

Call (606) 249-6880 or visit summitgroupky.com.

10/30/2026

💊 FAQ FRIDAY | “My medications have not changed. Do I still need to review my Medicare drug coverage?”

Yes. Your medication list may stay the same while a plan’s covered-drug list, pharmacy arrangements, or costs change. A familiar plan name or low monthly premium is not enough to tell you what you may spend over the year.

For your 2027 review, check four things:

✅ Each prescription. Use the exact drug name, strength, quantity, and how often you fill it. Check the formulary, which is the plan’s list of covered drugs.

✅ Coverage rules. A covered medication may still have requirements, such as prior authorization, quantity limits, or trying another drug first. Review the details rather than stopping at “covered.”

✅ Your pharmacy. Compare your usual pharmacy with other available options. Your share of the cost can differ depending on the plan’s pharmacy arrangements.

✅ Your estimated yearly spending. Look at premiums and prescription costs together, including any deductible that applies. The lowest premium does not necessarily mean the lowest overall cost for your medication list.

For example, two plans may both cover your medication but place it on different cost levels or use different pharmacy pricing. Comparing the premium alone would miss that difference.

Summit Benefits Group can help you work through these questions as part of a private coverage review. Have your medication list and preferred pharmacy ready. Please do not share medication details in public comments, and do not stop or change a prescription without speaking with your prescriber.

10/29/2026

🩺 MEDICARE ADVANTAGE THURSDAY | “We accept that insurance company” is not the same as confirming your exact plan.

Before choosing Medicare Advantage coverage for 2027, take a few minutes to check the people and places you rely on for care. An insurance company may offer multiple plans, and the network that matters is the one attached to the specific plan you are considering.

Make a complete list:
✅ Your primary care doctor and regular specialists
✅ Your preferred hospital or health system
✅ Other providers or facilities you expect to use

Then verify participation with both the plan and the provider’s office. Use the exact plan name, the upcoming coverage year, and the provider’s location rather than relying only on the insurance company’s name.

Ask about the rules, too. HMO plans generally require network care, with exceptions such as emergencies and urgently needed care. PPO plans generally allow out-of-network care, but it may cost more. Referral and prior-authorization requirements can also affect how you access services.

For example, confirming your primary doctor does not confirm your cardiologist or preferred hospital. Check each separately. If a provider is listed at more than one location, verify the office where you actually receive care.

A provider check is one part of the decision. Prescriptions, expected costs, and other benefits still need a review.

Summit Benefits Group can help you organize these questions before you enroll. Bring your provider list so your coverage review starts with the care that matters to you.

10/28/2026

🦷 ANCILLARY WEDNESDAY | A dental benefit is only useful when you understand what it will pay for.

Routine cleanings and a future crown are very different coverage questions. Before choosing dental insurance, look beyond the monthly premium and ask how the policy would work for the services you may need.

Start with these questions:

✅ Which services are covered? Look separately at preventive care, basic treatment, and major services. Do not assume crowns, dentures, or implants are included simply because a plan offers dental benefits.
✅ Is there a waiting period? Some policies require you to wait before certain services are covered. That matters if treatment is already being planned.
✅ What limits apply? Review deductibles, your share of the bill, any annual benefit maximum, and limits on how often a service is covered.
✅ Can you use your dentist? Confirm participation in the exact network and ask how using an out-of-network dentist affects your costs.

For example, if you expect to need a crown soon, ask about that specific service, when coverage begins, and how much of the cost you would owe. A benefit for cleanings does not answer those questions.

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care. Certain dental services closely connected to covered medical treatment may qualify, but that is not the same as routine dental coverage.

If your dentist has recommended treatment, bring that information to your coverage review. Summit Benefits Group can help you examine available dental coverage details before you choose. Benefits, exclusions, and waiting periods vary by policy.

10/27/2026

🛡️ MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT TUESDAY | “Supplement” and “Advantage” are not interchangeable.

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, works alongside Original Medicare. Medicare pays its share of covered services first, and your Medigap policy helps with certain remaining costs according to the policy’s benefits.

Three details matter before you choose or change coverage:

✅ What it helps pay. Depending on the policy, Medigap can help with costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. It does not mean every healthcare expense is covered.

✅ What you still need to consider. Medigap policies sold today do not include prescription drug coverage. A separate Part D plan may be needed. Routine dental, vision, and hearing needs also deserve their own coverage review.

✅ When you apply. Your federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally lasts six months and starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside protected enrollment situations, medical underwriting may apply and acceptance is not guaranteed.

Here is a common point of confusion: choosing to return to Original Medicare and qualifying for a Medigap policy are separate decisions. Do not assume that one automatically guarantees the other.

The October 15–December 7 Medicare enrollment window is not an automatic annual guarantee that you can buy or switch a Medigap policy.

Thinking about a change? Talk with Summit Benefits Group about eligibility, costs, and how your coverages fit together before canceling anything. Understanding the sequence can be just as important as understanding the premium.

10/26/2026

📋 MEDICARE MONDAY | A familiar plan name does not mean everything stays the same.

Your Medicare health or drug plan can change from one year to the next. That is why your Annual Notice of Change deserves a closer look, even if you have been happy with your coverage.

Use it as the starting point for your 2027 review:

✅ Your costs: Compare the monthly premium, deductible, and what you would pay when you receive care. A low premium alone does not tell you the full story.
✅ Your care: Check your primary doctor, specialists, and preferred hospital against the specific plan’s current network information.
✅ Your prescriptions: Review each medication, its cost, and your preferred pharmacy. Do not assume last year’s coverage carries over unchanged.
✅ Your benefits: Read the details behind the benefits you expect to use, including any limits or requirements.

For example, a plan that fit last year may deserve another look if you added a prescription, began seeing a specialist, expect a procedure, or need a different pharmacy. Your needs can change even when the plan does not.

Then ask: “Does this coverage still fit how I actually use healthcare?”

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. Changes made during this period generally begin January 1.

At Summit Benefits Group, we can help you work through your plan information and questions. Have your current plan notice, medication list, and provider names ready for a private review. You do not have to sort through every detail on your own.

10/22/2026

🦷 Medicare Advantage Thursday: Does Your 2027 Plan Really Cover Dental Care?

Medicare Annual Enrollment is officially underway, and many Kentucky beneficiaries are comparing Medicare Advantage plans for 2027.

One of the benefits people often pay attention to is dental coverage.

But here's something important to understand:

**Not all Medicare Advantage dental benefits are the same!**

While Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental services, some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional dental benefits.

Depending on the plan, those benefits may include:

✅ Routine dental exams

✅ Preventive cleanings

✅ Dental X-rays

✅ Fillings

✅ Tooth extractions

✅ Crowns or dentures

✅ Other qualifying dental services

However, just because a plan advertises dental coverage doesn't mean every dental procedure is covered or that you'll have no out-of-pocket expenses.

Different plans may have very different rules.

When reviewing dental benefits for 2027, consider asking:

✅ **Annual Coverage Limits** — Is there a maximum dollar amount the plan will pay toward certain dental services each year?

✅ **Covered Procedures** — Does the plan cover only preventive care, or does it also include more extensive dental work?

✅ **Provider Networks** — Can you continue seeing your current dentist, or will you need to use a participating provider?

✅ **Copays and Coinsurance** — Will you be responsible for paying a portion of the cost?

✅ **Frequency Limits** — How often can you receive covered cleanings, exams, or other services?

✅ **Exclusions and Restrictions** — Are there certain procedures that are not covered?

Why does this matter?

Imagine comparing two Medicare Advantage plans that both advertise dental benefits.

One might offer strong preventive coverage but limited benefits for major dental procedures.

Another might provide broader dental benefits but have different provider requirements or out-of-pocket costs.

**The word "dental" on a benefits summary doesn't tell the whole story.**

And remember, dental coverage is only one part of your Medicare Advantage plan.

Your doctors, prescription medications, hospital costs, premiums, and maximum out-of-pocket limits should also be considered before making a decision.

With Medicare Annual Enrollment open through December 7, now is an excellent time to review how your current dental benefits compare with the options available for 2027.

At Summit Benefits Group, we can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans, understand available dental benefits, and review the overall coverage that may fit your healthcare needs and budget.

📅 Medicare Annual Enrollment: October 15 – December 7

📍 Servicing All Areas of Kentucky

📞 (606) 249-6880
🌐 summitgroupky.com

Have questions about dental coverage or your 2027 Medicare Advantage options? Give us a call and speak with a licensed agent.

10/20/2026

💰 Medicare Monday: Does a $0 Premium Mean a $0-Cost Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Annual Enrollment is officially underway, and many Kentucky beneficiaries are reviewing their coverage options for 2027.

One thing you may notice when comparing Medicare Advantage plans is that some advertise a **$0 monthly plan premium**.

But does that mean your healthcare is completely free?

**Not necessarily!**

A $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan means you generally don't pay an additional monthly premium for the Medicare Advantage plan itself.

However, that doesn't mean every healthcare service is free or that you won't have other expenses.

Depending on the plan, you may still be responsible for costs such as:

✅ Medicare Part B premiums

✅ Primary care and specialist copays

✅ Hospital admission costs

✅ Outpatient procedures and surgeries

✅ Diagnostic imaging and testing

✅ Prescription drug copays or coinsurance

✅ Other deductibles and cost-sharing

For example:

Two Medicare Advantage plans may both have a $0 monthly premium, but they could have very different costs when you actually use your coverage.

One plan might have lower specialist copays but higher hospital costs.

Another might offer different prescription drug coverage, provider networks, or additional benefits.

That's why **the monthly premium is only one part of the bigger picture**.

When comparing Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, consider:

✅ **Total Healthcare Costs** — What could you expect to pay for the services you regularly use?

✅ **Provider Networks** — Are your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals in-network?

✅ **Prescription Coverage** — Are your medications covered, and what will they cost?

✅ **Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit** — How much could you be responsible for paying toward covered Part A and Part B services during the year?

✅ **Additional Benefits** — Does the plan offer benefits that are useful for your individual healthcare needs?

It's also important to remember that most beneficiaries must continue paying their Medicare Part B premium, even when enrolled in a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan. Certain plans or assistance programs may help reduce that expense.

**The important takeaway:**

A $0 premium can be appealing, but it doesn't automatically mean a plan will have the lowest overall healthcare costs for you.

With Medicare Annual Enrollment open through December 7, now is the time to look beyond the advertised premium and compare the complete picture.

At Summit Benefits Group, we can help you review your current Medicare coverage, compare available 2027 plans, and understand how premiums, copays, prescriptions, provider networks, and out-of-pocket costs may affect your coverage.

📅 Medicare Annual Enrollment: October 15 – December 7

📍 Servicing All Areas of Kentucky

📞 (606) 249-6880
🌐 summitgroupky.com

Have questions about $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans or your 2027 coverage options? Give us a call and speak with a licensed agent.

10/16/2026

❓ FAQ Friday: Can You Change Your Mind During Medicare Annual Enrollment?

Medicare Annual Enrollment officially began yesterday, October 15!

As Kentucky Medicare beneficiaries begin comparing their coverage options for 2027, we want to answer an important question:

**What happens if you enroll in a Medicare plan and then find another option you like better?**

The good news is that you generally have the opportunity to change your selection during Medicare Annual Enrollment.

From October 15 through December 7, eligible beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage.

And here's something many people don't realize:

**You can generally change your plan selection more than once during Annual Enrollment.**

For example:

✅ You enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan in October.

✅ In November, you discover another plan that better fits your healthcare needs.

✅ You submit a new enrollment request before December 7.

Generally, your most recent valid enrollment selection will be the one that takes effect January 1, 2027.

However, that doesn't mean you should rush into a decision.

Before choosing or changing plans, take time to review:

✅ Your doctors and specialists

✅ Your prescription medications

✅ Your preferred pharmacies

✅ Monthly premiums

✅ Copays and coinsurance

✅ Hospital and outpatient costs

✅ Maximum out-of-pocket limits

✅ Additional plan benefits

It's also important to remember that Medicare Supplement (Medigap) enrollment rules are different. Switching back to Original Medicare does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a Medigap policy.

**The important takeaway:**

Annual Enrollment gives you time to compare your options and make an informed decision.

You don't necessarily have to choose a plan on the first day, and if you discover a better fit before the deadline, you may still have time to make a change.

But don't wait until the last minute!

📅 **Medicare Annual Enrollment: October 15 – December 7**

At Summit Benefits Group, we can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for 2027, review your doctors and prescriptions, and understand the differences before you make a decision.

📍 Servicing All Areas of Kentucky

📞 (606) 249-6880
🌐 summitgroupky.com

Have questions about your 2027 Medicare options? Give us a call and speak with a licensed agent.

Send a message to learn more

10/15/2026

📅 Medicare Advantage Thursday: Medicare Annual Enrollment Starts Today

Today marks the start of Medicare Annual Enrollment.

From October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for 2027.

During this enrollment period, you may be able to:

✅ Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another

✅ Move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan

✅ Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare

✅ Join, change, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

Why is this important?

Even if your current coverage worked well this year, your 2027 plan may not look exactly the same.

Changes can happen to:

✅ Monthly premiums

✅ Copays and coinsurance

✅ Prescription drug formularies

✅ Drug tiers

✅ Doctor and pharmacy networks

✅ Deductibles

✅ Extra benefits

✅ Maximum out-of-pocket limits

Your own healthcare needs may have changed too.

A new prescription, different doctor, upcoming procedure, or change in your budget can all affect which plan may be the best fit for the new year.

That’s why Annual Enrollment is not just about renewing coverage — it’s about reviewing your options carefully.

One important reminder:

If you are considering leaving Medicare Advantage and returning to Original Medicare, eligibility for a Medicare Supplement plan is separate and medical underwriting may apply unless you qualify for certain protections.

Medicare Annual Enrollment is open now through December 7.

At Summit Benefits Group, we can help you review your current coverage, compare available Medicare plans, and understand what may be changing for 2027.

📍 Servicing All Areas of Kentucky

📞 (606) 249-6880
🌐 summitgroupky.com

Ready to review your Medicare coverage during Annual Enrollment? Give us a call and speak with a licensed agent.