Hughes & Associates Insurance Agency

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! 💛

04/23/2026

Most people assume ALL annuities are loaded with fees. Fixed Indexed Annuities are here to change that perception. 🙌

✅ No contract fees
✅ No management fees
✅ No administrative charges

A standard FIA lets your money grow with index-linked interest — without the drag of annual fees cutting into your balance.

Even when you add optional Riders (like a guaranteed income rider or enhanced death benefit), the fees remain minimal compared to other annuity products on the market. We're talking a fraction of a percent annually — not the hefty charges you might see elsewhere.

Bottom line: Fixed Indexed Annuities offer a rare combination of protection, growth potential, and cost efficiency that's hard to beat in the retirement planning world.

Curious how this could work for your retirement strategy? Shoot us a message, leave a comment, or call us to set up an appointment 📆

04/21/2026

📌 Is a Fixed Indexed Annuity right for you?

Not every financial product fits every person — but Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIAs) are a surprisingly great match for a specific group of people. Here's who tends to benefit the most:

1. Pre-retirees & retirees (ages 50–70)
If you're within 10–15 years of retirement (or already there), protecting what you've saved becomes just as important as growing it. FIAs offer upside potential tied to a market index — without the risk of losing your principal when markets drop.

2. Conservative investors worried about market volatility
If market swings keep you up at night, an FIA lets you participate in index gains while guaranteeing your money won't go backwards due to a market crash.

3. People without a pension who want guaranteed income
Most people today don't have a traditional pension. FIAs can be set up with an income rider that creates a paycheck for life — so you never outlive your money.

4. High earners who've maxed out other tax-advantaged accounts
Already maxing your 401(k) and IRA? FIAs offer tax-deferred growth with no annual contribution limits — a great next layer of retirement savings.

5. Those prioritizing legacy & wealth transfer
FIAs typically pass directly to named beneficiaries — avoiding probate and ensuring your loved ones receive your remaining balance efficiently.

💡 Bottom line: FIAs aren't for everyone — but if you want protection, growth potential, and income you can count on, they're worth a serious look.

Have questions about whether an FIA fits your retirement plan? Drop a comment below or send us a message — we're happy to help. 👇

04/14/2026

What is a Fixed Indexed Annuity — and why are so many people talking about it? 👇

A Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) is a retirement savings product offered by insurance companies that gives you the best of both worlds:

✅ Protection from market losses — your money is never directly invested in the stock market, so a market crash won't wipe out your savings.

📈 Growth potential tied to a market index — like the S&P 500. When the index goes up, you can earn interest. When it goes down, you don't lose a dime.

🔒 A guaranteed floor of 0% — meaning your worst year is still $0 lost. That peace of mind is priceless in volatile markets.

💰 Tax-deferred growth — you don't pay taxes on the gains until you start taking withdrawals, letting your money compound faster over time.

Think of it like this: imagine you could participate in some of the market's gains — but put a seatbelt on so you never experience the crashes. That's a Fixed Indexed Annuity.

Who is it best for?
FIAs are often a great fit for people who are 5 years from retirement or already retired and want to protect what they've saved while still growing it — without the rollercoaster of the stock market.

Have questions about whether a Fixed Indexed Annuity might be right for your retirement plan? Drop a comment below or send us a message and we'll see if it's a good fit for your situation! 🙌

04/07/2026

🏥 Medicare Question of the Day!
"Do I automatically get my Medicare card when I turn 65, or do I have to apply?"
Great question — and the answer depends on YOUR situation! Here's the breakdown:
✅ You're automatically enrolled if:
You're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before you turn 65. In that case, your Medicare card will arrive in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday. No action needed!
📋 You DO need to apply if:
You're NOT yet collecting Social Security benefits when you turn 65 (for example, if you're still working and haven't claimed Social Security yet). In that case, you'll need to sign up through Social Security — online at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office.
⏰ Don't miss your window!
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window — it starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. Missing it could mean late enrollment penalties or gaps in coverage!
💡 Pro tip: Even if you have employer insurance and plan to delay Medicare, it's worth understanding how the two work together so you don't get hit with penalties later.
Share this with a friend or family member who's approaching 65 — this stuff matters! 💙