Next Step Insurance

06/24/2026

What do you do when you’re changing jobs and your new health insurance won’t start for 90 days?

Well, there may be options besides crossing your fingers, wrapping yourself in bubble wrap or never leaving the house.

Short Term policies can bridge that waiting period, if you qualify. They are usually available for 30 to 90 days, though in some instances they can be extended further.

Short Term policies cover unexpected illness, injury, inpatient and outpatient hospital services and ER visits.

There are some caveats:
- There are health qualifications: no pre-existing conditions, like diabetes or cancer
- They do not cover preventative care, pregnancy/maternity, immunizations, dental, vision and some other services
- They are not ACA Marketplace plans

If you would like more information on Short Term policies, give us a call at 920-268-1600!

06/22/2026

Summer school is in!

Looking for info on Medicare? We got you covered! (insurance joke – gets them every time)

Want to retire but you’re not 65 yet? Have we got plans for you!

Give us a call at 920-268-1600 to register for one of our exciting, mesmerizing, engrossing seminars!

What’s that? The monster trucks are stuck in Ohio and the backup dancers fell off the bleachers?

Oh well, at least we’ll still be able to make sense of your health insurance options. It’ll just have to do…

06/19/2026

Fun Fact Friday: Yes, you CAN fry an egg on the sidewalk, if it’s hot enough!

Ok, here in Wisconsin, not likely to be hot enough this week, but in 2015, a man in Australia successfully fried an egg on the sidewalk when the temperature reached 111 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fortunately, he did think to use a pan instead of doing so directly on the concrete. No details as to whether he put hot sauce on the egg as well…

Source:
https://bestlifeonline.com/summer-facts/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

06/17/2026

PART 2 OF 2

Here’s the reality:
Original Medicare has no maximum out‑of‑pocket limit.
For retirees, people on fixed incomes, or individuals qualifying due to disability, having a plan with no cap on medical expenses is financially dangerous. That’s why brokers matter.
We work one‑on‑one with each client to find coverage that fits their needs and limits their financial exposure, so they can sleep at night without worrying about medical debt.

This is also a heavily regulated industry. Every year, we complete national certifications and then re‑certify with every carrier we represent. At Next Step Insurance, we work with 19 carriers — which means 20+ trainings and exams every single summer just to be allowed to help people during the Annual Enrollment Period.

Imagine putting in that level of work, time, and expertise — only to have policymakers who do not understand Medicare suggest that brokers don’t deserve to be compensated for it.
If you’ve read this far, we are asking for your help.

Please contact our representatives, and urge them to protect broker compensation so agencies like ours can continue helping people navigate Medicare safely and confidently.

https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/agent-groups-speak-out-against-congresswomans-call-to-limit-ma-compensation?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMjc1MjU0NjkyNTk4Mjc5AAEeRalsZIIf0zwYyXWHGtWe4yNMpx_nS1TmU1vsRdn9-nn1d3G_lhFSAe13xSg_aem_RDMU91xAocXJz9jVsLv7hw&utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

06/17/2026

PART 1 OF 2

https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/agent-groups-speak-out-against-congresswomans-call-to-limit-ma-compensation?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMjc1MjU0NjkyNTk4Mjc5AAEeRalsZIIf0zwYyXWHGtWe4yNMpx_nS1TmU1vsRdn9-nn1d3G_lhFSAe13xSg_aem_RDMU91xAocXJz9jVsLv7hw&utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

If you have ever worked with Next Step Insurance to understand Medicare — what it covers, what it doesn’t cover, and how to protect yourself from unexpected medical costs — I’m asking you to take a moment to read this. Our agency provides this guidance at absolutely no cost to the people we serve. If our help has ever made a difference in your life, I would ask you to contact your local and state representatives as well as your state Insurance Commissioner and share the impact Next Step Insurance has had on you and your family.

Recently, public comments have suggested that Medicare brokers are “over‑compensated,” citing that $10 billion was paid out nationwide last year. There are more than 900,000 licensed Medicare brokers in the U.S. That averages to roughly $11,000 per broker per year. Does that sound “highly compensated”?

At Next Step Insurance, we give up our entire fourth quarter to serve our clients. We miss holidays, school events, sports seasons, and time with our families — not because we have to, but because we care deeply about the people who trust us. We want every client to have peace of mind about their health coverage.

06/15/2026

🌟 WE’RE HIRING | HEALTH INSURANCE AGENT (UNDER 65 MARKET)
📍 Sheboygan County, WI

We are a growing insurance agency focused on helping clients make informed decisions about their health coverage. Our philosophy is simple: educate first, sell second. We believe trust and long-term relationships matter more than high-pressure sales tactics.

We are looking for a motivated, client-focused individual to join our team as a Health Insurance Agent serving the under-65 market. Experience in insurance is welcomed but not required — we are willing to train the right person who fits our culture and values.

🌟What We Offer
• Starting salary of $42,000
• Additional earning potential through commissions on ancillary product sales
• Paid training and mentorship
• A referral-based business model — no cold calling
• A supportive team environment with opportunities for growth
• A benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance, flexible schedule, paid time off and unlimited vacation after a year

🌟What You’ll Do
• Educate clients on health insurance options and help them make informed decisions
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Assist individuals and families with under-65 health insurance solutions
• Protect and uphold the agency’s reputation through exceptional service
• Work collaboratively with team members to provide the best client experience possible

🌟What We’re Looking For
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• A team-oriented attitude
• Quick learner with a willingness to grow professionally
• Client-focused mindset with integrity and professionalism
• Ability to obtain a Wisconsin Life & Health insurance license upon hire (or already licensed)

🌟Ideal Background
This position is a great fit for someone with customer service experience who is looking to transition into a professional sales and advising career. If you enjoy helping people, learning new skills, and being part of a positive team culture, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Apply here: https://nextstepinsurance.bamboohr.com/careers/28
📩 Or message us directly to start the conversation.

Take a look at the current openings at Next Step Insurance

06/15/2026

Time for your annual summer reminder:

Don’t forget to pack your insurance card when travelling!

While most insurance includes at least partial coverage for an out-of-network emergency room visit, it will be much less painful (pun intended) if you have your membership card with you. Even better, check what that coverage is before you leave.

Also, make sure you have the correct footwear when hiking. No matter how stylish they are, this season’s fabulous flip-flops are NOT mountain gear.

06/12/2026

Fun Fact Friday: There are over 200 species of squirrels, at least 10 of which can be found in Wisconsin, including two types of flying squirrels! I’m not sure if any are named Rocky though 😁

In fact, squirrels can be found on 5 continents – everywhere but Australia and Antarctica!

This Fun Fact is brought to you by the Squirrel Alliance of Sheboygan County. Headquarters: wherever we stored last years nuts. You wouldn’t happen to know where that was, would you?

Sources:
https://www.sciencing.com/squirrels-wisconsin-8647201/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com
https://wildlifeinformer.com/facts-about-squirrels/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

06/10/2026

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

I started noticing that my mom was having difficulty with language and memory in 2018. Her P*P said it was normal aging. In 2021, there was a sharp increase in her memory problems, so she was tested. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Things we learned:
- It is possible to still have fun days. Mom’s sense of humor never left her, even 7 years after the first symptoms began..
- There are different versions of dementia. Some can cause the personality to change drastically, some don’t. We were lucky – Mom was still the same sweet person she always was.
- The memory loss can be sporadic: some days Mom was able to remember more, some days less.
- Enjoy the stories, even when you’re hearing them for the 20th time in a month. There will come a day when you are the one telling them what their life was like before.
- Confabulation, remembering events that never occurred, can happen. The first time she did that, I must have looked like a deer in headlights. It is not worth upsetting your loved one by getting confrontational about it. When Mom would say, “We see that person every time we’re out,” I would reply that if it wasn’t them, it was certainly someone similar.
- Figuring out the day-to-day is hard. If you don’t have a support network of friends or a local group nearby, http://alzconnected.org?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com is a community board where you can go for advice.
- For those who aren’t able or ready to seek assisted living for their loved one, there are devices that can help in the interim: LifeAlert for fall and wandering risks, JubileeTV to communicate through a tv / special cable box with those who can’t use a phone anymore

For more info on caregiving, help paying for care, etc., check out the Alzheimer’s Association’s website:
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

06/08/2026

Exciting news!

This year we are joining the Port Washington Farmers Market sponsors!

The Port Washington Farmers Market happens every Saturday from June 13th through Halloween, Oct. 31st. Don’t dawdle! Hours are 8:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Sooooo many Markets, so little thyme! (I crack myself up…)

For more info:
https://downtownport.com/farmers_market/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com
https://www.facebook.com/PortWashingtonTourism?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com