Lang Insurance Services

10/16/2026

NOTE: The Federal Trade Commission, on September 28, 2026, issued a consumer alert warning people about health insurance scams =, especially during Medicare Annuel Election Period and Marketplace enrollment. Fraudulent advertisements and websites can imitate legitimate government resources.
Consumer Advice, Watch for:
• Advertisements or websites that imitate official government sites.
• Unexpected calls requesting Medicare or Social Security numbers.
• Claims that someone needs to issue a new Medicare card for a fee.
• High-pressure sales tactics promising benefits without explaining the actual coverage.
The simple rule: NEVER give personal information to an unexpected caller claiming to represent Medicare.
Medicare does not call people unexpectedly to sell insurance or demand payment for a Medicare card.
A resource worth sharing: FTC's Medicare and health insurance scam guidance⁠:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/.../what-know-ahead-open... See less

10/16/2026

PRESCRIPTION NEWS::::::
Dear CPPI Members,
I'm very happy to report that our combined pressure on the Customs and Border Protection agency and Congress has resulted in a 90-day delay of the October 22, 2026 rule that restricts Americans' ability to receive prescription medications from Canada by mail.
The rule is now set to take effect on January 20, 2027. You can read about the delay here.
As indicated in the CBP announcement, "There are no changes to international mail entry procedures before Jan. 20, 2027." This means that you should still be able to order your medications, for the time being.
However, with the 90-day delay, millions of Americans are just one refill away from losing their ability to order their personal medications from Canada. You now have a little more time to order your medications from Canada, but it is only a temporary reprieve, not a permanent solution.
Our work is far from over. We will still need your help to ensure any final rule includes a specific protection for Americans' continued access to imported medicines for personal use. We can't let up: it's the same rule we must keep fighting, but with a slight extension until it takes place.
You'll be able to see more details as this progresses at www.PersonalImportation.org and if you haven't yet, send letters to your lawmakers at www.PersonalImportation.org/Advocacy.
Your 109,000+ letters to Congress are making a huge difference, and your continued support remains essential. We will send you future emails about upcoming needs to continue our fight.
Thank you for your continued advocacy and commitment to protecting personal prescription importation!
Sincerely,
Ken Hunter
Executive Director
Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation See less

personalimportation.org
Medications | Personal Importation
The Advocacy & Education third annual Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) survey results show that 94% of respondents cite cost as the primary reason for ordering from a licensed.

The Advocacy & Education third annual Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) survey results show that 94% of respondents cite cost as the primary reason for ordering from a licensed.

10/15/2026

Original Medicare Leaves Health Costs Uncovered
After nearly two decades guiding individuals and groups through the complexities of Medicare, I've seen firsthand how important it is to understand what your coverage truly includes—and, just as crucially, what it leaves out. Even in 2027, Original Medicare will still not cover many routine health expenses that come with aging. Long-term custodial care—like help at home, assisted living, or nursing facilities—remains a notable gap; only certain skilled nursing or limited home services may be included. Many retirees are surprised to learn that routine dental, vision care, glasses, contacts, and hearing aids typically aren’t covered, except in narrow situations tied to medical necessity. Care received outside the U.S., elective cosmetic procedures, most over-the-counter items, and even routine foot care are also excluded, with only limited exceptions.

One of my priorities is helping clients budget for these likely out-of-pocket costs well before retirement. Comparing supplemental or alternative plan options and making a separate plan for long-term care, dental, vision, hearing, and incidental expenses is an essential step. Education and preparation are key—my commitment is to ensure you know exactly where your coverage stands, so you can make decisions that truly fit your needs.

10/14/2026

Medicare Hearing Aids: Who Pays?
One of the questions I hear most often: Does Medicare cover hearing aids? Original Medicare (Parts A & B) unfortunately does not include hearing aids or the fittings, so beneficiaries are responsible for the full cost if they need them. Diagnostic hearing or balance exams ordered by a physician for underlying medical issues may be covered under your medical benefits—but even then, you'll need to factor in deductibles, about 20% coinsurance, and possible outpatient copays. Many private Medicare plans (like Medicare Advantage) do offer some hearing benefits, which might include annual exams, fittings, and partial allowances toward hearing devices. But it’s important to read the fine print—coverage limits, copays, provider networks, and preapproval rules can vary widely from plan to plan. Hearing aids themselves are a significant investment: traditional models typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, while over-the-counter options for mild to moderate loss generally cost between $100 and $700 per pair. For those with severe hearing loss, surgically implanted devices may be considered prosthetics and can be covered, but again, deductibles, coinsurance, and the cost of follow-up care can add up. With nearly two decades focused on Medicare guidance, I’ve found that understanding these details ahead of time helps clients make informed decisions and avoid surprises. Always consider your own needs and compare your options closely before making changes to your coverage.

10/13/2026

Why Medicare Is a High-Responsibility Insurance Line
With nearly two decades guiding individuals and groups through the Medicare landscape—including time spent educating retirees from Fortune 500 companies and leading operational teams—I’ve seen firsthand why Medicare is considered such a high-responsibility insurance line. Agents must navigate intricate federal regulations, stay current with evolving plan details, and offer guidance that’s both clear and ethical. For me, professionalism means empowering clients with the information they need, prioritizing their best interests, and never compromising on transparency or integrity—sometimes even advising clients to keep what they have if it’s right for them. It’s about education, accountability, and always doing what’s right.

10/12/2026

2027 COLA Could Outpace Medicare Premiums
Medicare’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) always brings questions about what those numbers actually mean for your wallet. In 2026, retirees saw a roughly 3% increase in Social Security benefits—about $56 extra per month. But with standard Medicare Part B premiums jumping nearly 10%, a significant portion of that bump was offset, leaving many surprised at the real impact on their budgets. This is a textbook example of why, after nearly two decades guiding clients through Medicare’s moving parts, I always recommend focusing on your net benefit, not just the headline figures.

Looking ahead, projections for 2027 are a bit more optimistic: estimates call for a 3%–4% COLA, while Part B premium increases are expected to be closer to 3%. These are still just projections—the official benefit update arrives in mid-fall, with actual Part B premiums announced a bit later. As always, the best approach is to plan conservatively: assume less of your benefit increase will land in your bank account, review your budget early, and take advantage of the current open enrollment period running from October 15 to December 7. Education and careful planning are key to making the most of Medicare’s annual changes.

10/12/2026

Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day

10/11/2026

Suze Orman flags the Medicare gap retirees are missing
Many retirees are surprised by just how much healthcare can cost in retirement—on average, $185,500, not even counting long-term care expenses. Suze Orman has spotlighted a key gap: Medicare doesn’t cover dental, vision, hearing aids, or custodial care. On top of that, there’s no out-of-pocket maximum and premiums continue to rise. This is why I always stress the importance of understanding the true scope of Medicare and planning ahead. Supplemental coverage and early savings strategies can make a real difference. After nearly two decades guiding individuals and retirees through the Medicare maze—including educational sessions for school districts, corporations, and universities—I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is to be proactive. Education and the right plan are everything when it comes to your health and financial security in retirement.


https://www.vusocial.com/agent-news/belinda-lang/2055813-Suze-Orman-flags-the-Medicare-gap-retirees-are-missing

10/10/2026

https://vimeo.com/569358428/81c2e4dc15

Plan now to financially and emotionally be prepared to remain in the comfort of your own home as you age.

10/10/2026

Why Medicare Is Not a Quick-Learning Line
After nearly two decades immersed in Medicare, I can say firsthand: there’s no such thing as a quick study in this field. The rules and plans are constantly shifting, layered with federal and state regulations that demand real expertise. Navigating Medicare means not only mastering those changes, but also translating them into clear, practical guidance for clients—something I’ve done for everyone from Fortune 500 retirees to school district employees. True success here is built on deep training, ongoing education, and always doing what’s best for each individual, even if that means recommending they stick with their current plan.


https://www.vusocial.com/agent-news/belinda-lang/1402938-Why-Medicare-Is-Not-a-Quick-Learning-Line