12/08/2025
The sun has set on the Medicare Annual Election Period for 2026.
This was, by far, our busiest Medicare enrollment season ever. Much of the activity stemmed from the turmoil surrounding the significant changes and benefit reductions to the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Essential plan. For the past decade, this plan had been our most popular Medicare Advantage option.
Unfortunately, economic pressures led Blue Cross to increase premiums—eliminating the long-standing zero-premium feature—and to remove several well-liked benefits, including the over-the-counter allowance and fitness benefit. As a result, more than 150 clients changed plans, keeping our team working at full speed right up to the final day.
No doubt, many individuals who haven’t reviewed their mail or reached out to us will be surprised in January when their premium rises above zero and they discover certain popular benefits are no longer included.
Fortunately, the Medicare Advantage OEP provides an opportunity. From January through March, beneficiaries can make a one-time plan change to improve their situation. We expect to be quite busy again in January as these changes come to light.
A heartfelt thank-you to all our loyal clients who continue to trust us—and a warm welcome to those who have newly joined our community.
