Kirkland Insurance Solutions

10/18/2026

FORBES MAGAZINE SAYS MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES FACE ONE OF THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL ENROLLMENT SEASONS IN YEARS (Forbes, Aug. 2026)


Medicare Advantage reimbursements and elimination of a Part D premium subsidy are set to reshape costs and coverage during the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period. Part D prescription drug policies and Medicare Advantage plans could look very different.

STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE AND WHEN ANNUAL ENROLLMENT BEGINS: OCTOBER 15-DECEMBER 7

--Read the Annual Notice of Change. It arrives by late September and explains exactly what is changing in the current plans and policies.

--Check for changes in medication coverage. This should be done whether coverage is through a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D policy. Verify that current prescriptions remain on the formulary. Beware that some medications might be moved to a different cost tier.

--Medicare Advantage members should examine changes to providers and benefits. Look for changes to doctors and hospitals in the network. Verify with current providers that they will remain in the network.

--Review details about supplemental benefits, such as dental, vision and hearing care.

--Review other coverage options. The Medicare website will have details about the other plans and policies available. The details usually are available before the AEP begins on Oct. 15. Kirkland Insurance Solutions also has details

--Compare total expected cost, not just the premium. Add up deductibles, copayments and the out-of-pocket maximum based on anticipated care and medications. The plan with the lowest premium is not always the least expensive.

--Consider prior authorization requirements. These might be a detriment when an illness or injury requires specialized care.

--Remember the second window for change. Medicare Advantage members have another opportunity to switch Advantage plans or return to original Medicare between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2027.

Kirkland Insurance Solutions can help you navigate these changes. Contact us via messenger or at [email protected] for a free, unbiased review.

10/14/2026

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT IS HERE!

Annual Enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans is October 15-December 7 and by now you may have received information on your 2027 health care plan and wondering what is the right plan for you.

Or perhaps you will become eligible for Medicare in 2027 and want to know whether you should stay on your group plan (most should) or sign up for Part B and a Supplement/Part D, or Advantage plan.

Here are some of the changes for 2027

Part B and Original Medicare Costs

Part B Premium: Projected to rise to $209.50 per month (an increase of $6.60 from the previous year).
Part B Deductible: Projected to increase by about 3% to $292 per year (up $9 from $283).
Medigap Rates: Medicare Supplement plans are experiencing rising rates (often increasing 10% to 15% or higher), affecting policies like Plan G and Plan N.

Part D Prescription Drug Changes

Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The annual out-of-pocket maximum for Part D increases from $2,100 to $2,400.
Deductible: The maximum Part D deductible rises from $615 to $700.
Averages and Subsidies: The average monthly premium for stand-alone Part D plans is $36, while temporary premium stabilization subsidies are concluding.
Drug Negotiations: Medicare begins negotiated prices for 15 additional Part D drugs starting January 1, 2027.
GLP-1 drugs are covered for eligible patients

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Updates

Plan Discontinuations: Roughly 11% of Advantage plan members face total plan terminations without a direct crosswalk, requiring active re-enrollment.

Average Premiums: The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans is projected to drop to $12.

We can help! Message us or contact by phone at 412-327-9080 for a free consultation.

05/07/2026

Did you know that Medicare will offer coverage for specific FDA-approved weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound through a $50 co-pay program?

The "GLP-1 Bridge" program, which starts July 1, 2026 allows beneficiaries with obesity-related conditions to cover certain medications used for weight loss. Currently Medicare does covers these medications for Type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular risk reduction.

Medications are Wegovy and select Zepbound formulations other than the single dose pens. And coverage is for people with a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27-34 with other clinical criteria.
Covers Wegovy and select Zepbound formulations (not the single-dose pens) for people with a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27-34 with other clinical criteria.

Additional details to come......

If you have questions or concerns about Medicare, we can help. Message us directly for your free consultation.

04/20/2026

Even if you're not retiring, it's always a good idea to start thinking about Medicare. Great article on whether you should sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. Here are some things to consider:

--If you or your spouse are still working, you may be able to wait to sign up for Medicare without paying a late enrollment fee.

--If you have health insurance that's not from a job, contact your health insurance provider for more detail

--If you have COBRA coverage now, sign up for Medicare before you turn 65 to avoid any late enrollment penalties.

--If you were offered COBRA coverage AFTER your job ended, or lost coverage as the dependent spouse of an employee, rules vary

--If you don't have health care coverage currently, sign up for Part A and Part B when you turn 65 or you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

It can be tricky determining when you should sign up for Medicare--Kirkland Insurance Solutions can help. Contact us by messenger, or email at [email protected]

Getting started with Medicare works a little differently if you (or your spouse) are still working when you turn 65. Visit https://go.medicare.gov/3N7SAMo to learn when you should sign up for Medicare.

01/18/2026

Are you approaching age 65 in the next 18-24 months? If so, it may be time to consider your healthcare options even if you’re not planning to retire. A brief discussion about your options and goals can go a long way in simplifying the decision process.

One of the biggest decisions for those considering Medicare is “Do I go with a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan?” This flyer has some tips on what to consider when making this decision.

If you, or any of your family or friends are starting the process of thinking about Medicare, we can help make it easier to navigate.

Message me on Facebook or contact me by phone or email to start the discussion so that you are informed when the time comes.

01/15/2026

1.4M fewer people enrolled in Affordable Care Act Coverage for 2026. If you're looking for medical coverage, or alternatives to traditional coverage, contact us.

About 1.4 million fewer people have signed up for Affordable Care Act plans compared to the same time last year. according to new CMS data.

01/15/2026

Open enrollment for February extended through January 31, 2026. Discussions are taking place regarding extensions of subsidies and tax credits. Contact us to discuss your individual situation.

BREAKING 🚨 House Democrats passed a bill extending Affordable Care Act subsidies to stop your health care prices from tripling.

17 of their Republican colleagues joined them.

Senate Republicans just blocked it.

This disproportionally affects “their people.”

More than 75% of Obamacare users live in “red states.”

07/21/2025

This article from Healthline.com is a great overview of Medicare and what it has to offer. We can help with reviewing options and helping you to decide what's best for you and when is the best time to elect Medicare. From Advantage Plans to Supplements, we can help. Message us.

https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/what-is-medicare

Medicare provides health insurance for Americans age 65 and older or with certain disabilities. Learn about Medicare coverage, costs, enrollment, and more.

06/24/2025

Turning 65 this year and wondering whether you should apply for Medicare? Here are some tips to help you make that decision.

We can help walk you through what to consider to determine what's best for you. Message us for more information.

https://www.uhc.com/medicare/medicare-education/medicare-while-working-tips.html?WT.mc_id=8031053&fbclid=IwY2xjawLIFKhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3R3E0NGlKa1dBbDVkcUQ1AR6mfqb4GJkR-nQhSdXcPWgtsUMs78RTg6uoiCwcXCtM9UVqIP4TIXy_WD6IxQ_aem_z3gbJxFlNqbmT5z2w_Kv8Q

06/24/2025

Losing group coverage? Coming off of your parents' plan? Confused about shopping for coverage?

We can help. Currently there are tax credits offered to Pennsylvanians to help them save money on their monthly insurance premiums through Pennie.

Here's a link to the website and feel free to message me and I can help you understand what is available and how to make the choice that's best for you.

Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official health coverage marketplace; and the only place to get financial assistance to help lower the cost of coverage and care.