Hughes & Associates Insurance Agency

07/02/2026

🏥 Health insurance confusing you? Let's break down two of the most important terms you need to know!

💰 What is a Deductible?

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for covered medical services before your insurance starts helping. For example, if your deductible is $1,500, you pay the first $1,500 of covered care yourself — after that, your insurance kicks in! Think of it as your "entry fee" before coverage begins.

🛡️ What is a Max Out of Pocket (MOOP)?

Your MOOP is the most you will ever have to pay for covered services in a plan year. Once you hit this limit, your insurance covers 100% of the rest of all covered services! For 2026, federal law caps Marketplace plan MOOPs at $10,600 for an individual and $21,200 for a family. It's your financial safety net. 🙌

👉 Bottom line: Your deductible is where you start. Your MOOP is where your costs stop. Knowing both helps you budget for healthcare all year long!

Have questions about your plan? Drop them in the comments below! ⬇️ And share this with someone who could use a little insurance clarity! 🔄

06/25/2026

📋 Did you know Medicare has Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)?

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period doesn't mean you're out of options! Life happens — and Medicare has Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) that allow you to sign up or make changes to your coverage outside of the standard enrollment windows.

Here are the most common SEPs for Medicare beneficiaries:

💼 Losing Employer or Union Coverage

If you or your spouse loses job-based health insurance, you have 8 months to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B without a late penalty.

🏠 Moving to a New Area

Moving out of your plan's service area — or into one — may qualify you to switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans within 2 months of your move.

⭐ Plan Loses Its Star Rating

If your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan drops below a 3-star rating for 3 years in a row, you get a one-time SEP to switch to a 5-star plan.

🏥 Entering or Leaving a Care Facility

Moving into or out of a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or similar institution triggers an SEP to adjust your Medicare coverage.

💰 Qualifying for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)

If you newly qualify (or lose eligibility) for Extra Help with Part D drug costs or a Medicare Savings Program, you can change your plan once per quarter in the first 3 quarters of the year.

🔄 Plan Leaves Medicare or Changes Coverage

If your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is discontinued or significantly changes, you qualify for an SEP to find new coverage.

🌍 Returning from Abroad or Released from Incarceration

Returning to the U.S. after living abroad, or being released from incarceration, may qualify you for an SEP to enroll in Medicare.

⚠️ Important: SEPs are time-sensitive — most last only 2–8 months from the qualifying event. Acting quickly helps you avoid coverage gaps and potential late enrollment penalties.

Have questions about your SEP eligibility? Drop them in the comments below or visit Medicare.gov for official guidance.

06/17/2026

🔵 Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement — What's the Difference?

If you're turning 65 or helping a loved one navigate Medicare, you've probably heard both terms. They sound similar, but they work very differently. Here's a simple breakdown:

📋 Medicare Advantage (Part C)

A private insurance plan that replaces your Original Medicare. Think of it like an HMO or PPO — it bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage all in one plan.

Key things to know about Advantage plans:

✅ Usually have low or $0 monthly premiums
⚠️ You must use in-network doctors and hospitals — going out-of-network can cost you significantly more, or may not be covered at all
📍 Plans are local — your network and costs vary by county and zip code
💊 Often include Part D (prescription drug) coverage
💰 Come with copays, deductibles, and an annual out-of-pocket maximum
🏥 Prior authorization may be required for certain procedures
📋 Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Works alongside your Original Medicare to cover the "gaps" — like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Medicare doesn't pay.

Key things to know about Supplement plans:

✅ See ANY doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare — no network restrictions, nationwide
💵 Higher monthly premiums, but very predictable out-of-pocket costs
🚫 Does NOT include prescription drug coverage — you'll need a separate Part D plan
📄 Plans are standardized (Plan G, Plan N, etc.) — same benefits regardless of the insurer
✈️ Great for travelers and snowbirds who need care in multiple states
🔒 No referrals needed to see specialists
⚡ The quick summary:

Advantage = lower premium, but tied to a network and more variable costs.
Supplement = higher premium, but maximum flexibility and predictable expenses.

Neither plan is universally "better" — the right choice depends on your health, budget, where you live, and how often you travel. 🗺️

Have questions about which option fits your situation? Drop a comment below or send me a message — I'm happy to walk you through it! 👇

06/08/2026

⭐ Employee Spotlight: Shane Hughes ⭐

We are happy to shine a spotlight on one of our incredible team members — Shane Hughes! Shane joined Hughes & Associates in 2014, bringing with her an impressive 16 years of experience in the health information field. A proud Arkansas native, she grew up in Rison and earned her degree in Health Information from Arkansas Tech University in 1996.

Some of you may also know her as "Matt's wife" 😂 — but here at Hughes & Associates, she is known as a knowledgeable, and valued member of our team!

Outside of the office, Shane loves reading, camping, and spending quality time with her kids and grandkids. You might find her alongside Matt, cooking for their church's mission trips and summer camps. 🍳❤️

We are grateful to have Shane on our team. Thank you for everything you do! 🎉

06/03/2026

🏥 Ever wondered what happens to your finances when you're stuck in the hospital?

Even with health insurance, a hospital stay can leave you with thousands in out-of-pocket costs — deductibles, copays, and bills that keep coming long after you're home.

That's where a Hospital Indemnity plan comes in. 💡

What is it?
A Hospital Indemnity plan pays you a fixed cash benefit for each day you're hospitalized — no matter what your other insurance pays. You receive the money directly and use it however you need: bills, rent, groceries, childcare, or anything else.

Who might want to consider a Hospital Indemnity Plan? 👇

✅ High-deductible plan holders — covers the gap between what you owe and what insurance pays
✅ Self-employed workers — no paid sick leave? This replaces lost income during a stay
✅ Growing families — helps offset costs around labor, delivery, and newborn care
✅ Chronic condition patients — frequent hospital visits add up; this plan cushions the blow

The best part? Premiums are typically very affordable, and it works alongside your existing health insurance — not instead of it.

💬 Drop a comment or send us a message to see if a Hospital Indemnity plan could be helpful for your situation.

05/26/2026

📢 Did your income change this year? Here's what to do if you have a Marketplace health insurance plan.
Whether you got a raise, changed jobs, lost income, or picked up extra work — any change in your household income can affect your Marketplace coverage and the savings you qualify for. That's why it's so important to report income changes as soon as they happen!

Already a client of ours? Just give our office a call! We'll take care of updating your information for you and talk through any potential changes to your coverage and savings — no hassle, no guesswork.

If you're not yet a client, here's what to do:
✅ Log in to your HealthCare.gov account (or your state Marketplace)
✅ Report the income change under "Report a life change" or "Update my application"
✅ Review your new plan options — your premium tax credits may go up or down
✅ Select a plan and confirm your updated coverage
⚠️ Why does this matter? If you don't report changes, you could end up with a surprise tax bill at the end of the year — or miss out on savings you're now eligible for.

💡 Some income sources people commonly overlook:
It's not just your paycheck! Make sure you're accounting for ALL sources of income, including flow-through income from a business (such as an S-Corp or partnership), investment income like dividends and capital gains, 401(k) withdrawals, and pension income. All of these count toward your Marketplace income calculation and can affect your eligibility for savings.

Not sure how your income change affects your plan? We're here to help! Reach out to us and we'll walk you through it — at no cost to you.
📞 Call us at 479-967-1339
💬 Send us a message
🌐 Visit us at www.MattHughesInsurance.com

Get honest, pressure-free insurance guidance for Medicare, health, life & more. Contact us for tailored solutions today!

05/19/2026

✨ Employee Spotlight: Heidi Kassaw ✨

We are so excited to shine the spotlight on one of our absolute favorites here at Hughes & Associates — Heidi Kassaw! 🌟

Heidi joined our team in 2021 and has quickly become the friendly voice many of you know from calling our office. Have a question or need help with a problem? Chances are, Heidi is the one who has the answers! 😊

A true Arkansas native, Heidi grew up in Paris, AR and has called Russellville home since high school. Before joining us, she spent an impressive 29 years with Walmart — and that dedication and work ethic shows every single day.

Outside the office, Heidi is a devoted wife to Greg and a proud mama to Caleb, Erin, and Jacob. When she's not busy taking care of our clients, you might find her in the kitchen whipping something delicious or out in the garden enjoying some well-earned peace and quiet. 🌱🍳

And the exciting news? Heidi is currently working toward earning her license so she can serve our clients in even more ways. We couldn't be more proud!

Heidi, we are so grateful to have you on our team. Hughes & Associates is a better place because of you! 💙

05/12/2026

📋 Did you miss Open Enrollment for Marketplace Insurance (for those under age 65)? You may still be able to get covered! 🙌

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you sign up for or change a Marketplace health plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment window — if you qualify.

Here are the most common life events that trigger an SEP:

• Lost health coverage (job loss, aging off a parent's plan, losing Medicaid/CHIP)
• Got married or entered a domestic partnership
• Had a baby, adopted a child, or gained a dependent
• Got divorced or legally separated
• Moved to a new ZIP code, county, or state
• Gained citizenship or lawful immigration status
• Released from incarceration
• COBRA coverage becoming too expensive (for those who qualify)

✅ What can you do during an SEP?
• Enroll in a Marketplace plan for the first time
• Switch to a different Marketplace plan
• Add or remove dependents from your plan

⏰ You generally have 60 days before or after your qualifying life event to enroll. Some SEPs may require documentation.

👉 Gives us a call at 479-967-1339 if you think you might qualify, and want to look at plan options

💡 Tip: Even outside an SEP, you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP year-round based on income.

05/05/2026

📚Medicare Myth Buster!
Can you ONLY change your Medicare Supplement during the Annual Enrollment Period?

The short answer: No! 🎉

Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplements (Medigap) are not tied to the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7). You can apply to change your supplement plan at any time of year!

Here's what you need to know:

✅
You can apply any month — there's no set "window" for Medigap changes.

⚠️
Health questions may apply — outside of your initial enrollment period, insurance companies will ask about your health history and may deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions (in most states).

💡
Your best time to shop is during your open enrollment window (the 6 months starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B) — that's when you have guaranteed issue rights.

Thinking about switching plans or just want to compare your options? We're here to help — year-round! Drop a comment below or send us a message. 👇

04/28/2026

✨ Employee Spotlight: Sandy Belote ✨

We're so proud to have Sandy on our team here at Hughes & Associates!

Sandy joined us in 2022 and has been an incredible asset ever since. A Houston native, she and her husband Paul spent years living all over the United States before settling in Russellville to be close to her family — and we're so glad they did! 🏡

Sandy actually got her start with us at the front desk, where she quickly became an absolute go-to. Her warmth, attention to detail, and genuine desire to help made her stand out from day one. It didn't take long before it was clear she had so much more to offer — so she made the move into a full agent role, and she hasn't looked back. Today, Sandy is known for her deep knowledge and the care she puts into every client relationship. People don't just come to her for answers — they come back because they trust her. 💛

Sandy graduated with honors from the College of Southern Nevada's Medical Coding program in 2020, and brought with her years of experience in healthcare settings as front desk and customer service support. That background means she knows how to make people feel at ease — and it shows in everything she does for her clients.

When she's not in the office, you'll find Sandy outdoors with her dog by her side. 🐾🌲

We're lucky to have you, Sandy! 💛