Harlon Pickett Insurance Broker

Harlon Pickett Insurance Broker Helping individuals, families, the self-employed, and small businesses with their Health, Life, Medi Insurance is HARD, I make it EASY.

Get your free consultation on https://www.hpinsurancebroker.com today and buy a lifetime of peace.

07/07/2025

Green Imaging: Our Trusted Partner in Healthcare
A huge THANK YOU to the team at GreenImaging for being a sponsor at the 2025 NABIP Annual Convention, in Miami - and more importantly, for being our everyday partner in delivering real solutions for our clients.

If you're a broker, agent, consultant, or agency that stopped by their booth, ๐—น๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—บ๐—ฒ ๐—ป๐˜‚๐—ฑ๐—ด๐—ฒ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚ ๐—ฎ ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜๐˜๐—น๐—ฒ: donโ€™t let that brochure just gather dust. Take a deeper look.

๐—ช๐—ฒ ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—š๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—œ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ:
โœ… With individual ACA clients
โœ… With Medicare members
โœ… With our small groups using Medical Cost-Sharing
โœ… When building a plan for a group using Green Imaging as a direct contact
โœ… With our BOR on a group's current use of HDHP (high deductible health plans)

๐—ช๐—ต๐˜†? ๐—•๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜ ๐—ฎ๐—ณ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—ฏ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€.

Green Imaging helps break down financial barriersโ€”not just for employer plans, but for ANYONE navigating healthcare with a big deductible and an order for imaging in hand.

๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒโ€™๐˜€ ๐—ฎ ๐˜€๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ผ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚โ€™๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฑ ๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฌ ๐˜๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐˜€:

The client gets an imaging order. Walks down the hall to the hospital imaging center (because thatโ€™s what they were told to do). Then, they are informed that the cost will be $2400 and will be applied to their deductible. SO they put off care because that is not in the budget.

๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—ต๐—ผ๐˜„ ๐—š๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—œ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜€ ๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐˜€:

Rheumatoid Arthritis work up - 7 separate orders for standard x-rays - down the hall $2500 - Green Imaging $600

Two Sholder MRIs and a DEXA scan (that sounds like a lead in to a bad joke) - hospital imaging all in $5000 - Green Imaging $785

Green Imagingโ€™s access to affordable imaging makes the difference between someone getting care now when they need it, rather than having to wait a little longer because they canโ€™t afford it.

Thatโ€™s value.

Thatโ€™s strategy.

โžก๏ธ If you're working with ACA, short-term plans, high-deductible health plans, medical cost sharing, Medicare Advantage, Self pay, or even just trying to help a friend, Green Imaging might be the tool you didnโ€™t realize was right in front of you.

Visit greenimaging.net
Ask questions. Learn something new.
๐—›๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฝ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ ๐—ฐ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐˜€ ๐˜€๐—ฎ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜† ๐˜„๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜ ๐˜€๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ.

Thank you again to Green Imaging for being a trusted partner. You make a difference in how we serve our clients, and thatโ€™s something worth celebrating.

By Harlon Pickett | Healthcare Strategist & Founder, Eagle Care Health SolutionsAs more Americans choose to work past 65...
07/06/2025

By Harlon Pickett | Healthcare Strategist & Founder, Eagle Care Health Solutions

As more Americans choose to work past 65, a quiet but costly issue is surfacing in employer-sponsored health plans: IRMAA, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.

While most discussions about IRMAA focus on retirees, employers may be overlooking how this โ€œshadow taxโ€ affects their high-earning employees who remain on the job after age 65. Especially when Medicare enrollment is encouraged or required by the company.

Most employers donโ€™t even know what IRMAA is until their high-value, 65+ employees come asking why theyโ€™re suddenly paying $ 500 or more each month for Medicare coverage they didnโ€™t request and barely use.

So, hereโ€™s what you need to know: This isnโ€™t just a retiree problem. Itโ€™s a costly and unnecessary burden on your experienced, still-working employees, especially those in leadership, consulting, and specialized roles.

Whatโ€™s IRMAA?
IRMAA is a Medicare surcharge tacked onto Part B and Part D premiums for individuals whose income crosses certain thresholds (starting at $103K single / $206K married in 2025). These surcharges are based on your income two years prior.

For high earners? These premiums can balloon to $500โ€“$600+ per month, even while theyโ€™re still working, covered by your group plan, and not even using Medicare as their primary insurance.

How Employers Accidentally Create a Problem
Some employers, especially those with self-funded plans, encourage or require employees to enroll in Medicare at 65. Why?

To lower plan premiums
To shift claims risk to Medicare
To avoid high-cost utilization among older workers

I get it. On paper, it makes sense.

But hereโ€™s the catch: Medicare enrollment triggers IRMAA for high earners who are still actively working. They canโ€™t appeal. They canโ€™t delay the cost. And in many cases, Medicare is secondary to your group health plan, which means theyโ€™re paying a premium for coverage they barely use.

Letโ€™s not sugarcoat it: this feels like a penalty for staying in the workforce.

Real-World Example
Letโ€™s say your VP of Ops is 67 and earning $225,000. Your health plan requires her to enroll in Medicare Part B and D.

Hereโ€™s what sheโ€™s now paying monthly:

Base Part B: $185
IRMAA (2025 Tier 3): +$244.60
Part D + IRMAA: ~$110
Total Monthly: ~$530+
Annual Hit: Over $6,000

All while still paying into your group plan and with no access to Medicare subsidies or appeals.

Why This Matters
This isnโ€™t just about dollars. Itโ€™s about retention, equity, and planning:

You may be nudging your best talent out the door by making it more expensive to stay employed.
Most employees (and many HR teams) donโ€™t know this is coming until itโ€™s too late to plan around it.
There are better ways to manage health plan costs without inadvertently penalizing older, high-performing workers.

What Employers Can Do
Review your Medicare policies - For groups with 20+ employees, you are not required to make Medicare primary. Let employees opt-in on their own terms.
Educate employees before age 63 - Remember: IRMAA is based on income from two years prior. Help them time income events, such as bonuses, RSU exercises, and Roth conversions, wisely.
Offer IRMAA-aware planning support - If you're serious about retention and employee wellness, help them understand the financial implications of staying with your company past 65.
Consider Medicare premium stipends - Some employers cover the cost difference, especially for critical leadership roles.

Final Word
Employers often aim to reduce healthcare costs, but without realizing it, they may be offloading those costs onto the very people they want to keep: their experienced, still-working, older employees.

IRMAA isnโ€™t just a retiree issue; itโ€™s a workforce issue. As more Americans work past 65, this is going to get louder.

When you lead with transparency, compassion, and strategic thinking, your workforce and bottom line will thank you.

I talk about this and other difficult to understand issues every day with employers who are trying to do the right thing. If this hits home, letโ€™s start a conversation.

07/04/2025

Coming home after another great NABIP Annual Conference -

I always walk away from NABIP events with notes, ideas, and renewed energyโ€”but more importantly, with gratitude.
One of the biggest takeaways for me this time?

โžก๏ธ As NABIP grows, one thing remains constant: our members have a heart for service.
We are united by a mission bigger than sales and strategy. Weโ€™re building continuity through:

โœ… The Healthcare Bill of Rights that advocates for real change
โœ… Trusted expertise that helps guide legislation with facts and lived experience
โœ… Education and mentorship that help brokers sharpen their craft
โœ… A commitment to improving healthcare literacy for every client we serve
This is why I proudly support and contribute to the NABIP community.

And it's why I believe every broker, agent, consultant, or agencyโ€”no matter where you are in your journeyโ€”can benefit from the relationships and resources found here.

Happy July 4th from all of us at H Pickett Insurance Agency.Today, we celebrate freedom, unity, and the incredible commu...
07/04/2025

Happy July 4th from all of us at H Pickett Insurance Agency.

Today, we celebrate freedom, unity, and the incredible communities we serve. May your day be filled with sparkle, joy, and a moment to reflect on the values that bring us together.

Wishing you a safe and dazzling Independence Day!

Licensed Brokers Arenโ€™t the Problemโ€”Weโ€™re the People Bridging the GapNABIP has responded to the recent report by Paragon...
06/22/2025

Licensed Brokers Arenโ€™t the Problemโ€”Weโ€™re the People Bridging the Gap

NABIP has responded to the recent report by Paragon Health Institute, and it's an important conversation for anyone involved in the future of healthcare access.

The report raises concerns about the ACA and broker involvement, but letโ€™s not lose sight of the facts:

๐Ÿ’ก Brokers arenโ€™t loopholes. Weโ€™re the lifeline for over 19 million Americans trying to navigate a complex system.

๐Ÿงญ We guide people through enrollment, eligibility, and plan choiceโ€”things that are anything but easy.

โœ… Income is already verified twice.
โœ… Subsidies are reconciled through the IRS.
โŒ Fraud concerns are significantly overstated.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read NABIPโ€™s full response: [https://www.rfr.bz/ff8a328

๐ŸŽฏ Letโ€™s work toward reform thatโ€™s data-driven, balanced, and protects accessโ€”not restricts it.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Have a story to tell? You can help strengthen this conversation:

๐Ÿง“ 65+ [Share your experience] (https://www.rfr.bz/f59cb66
๐Ÿฅ Marketplace clients: [Tell your story] (https://www.rfr.bz/fff41f8
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Individual clients: [Add your voice] (https://www.rfr.bz/f776bcc

๐Ÿ“Š Brokers and agents: [Take the NABIP Marketplace survey] (https://www.rfr.bz/f59cb66 to help ensure policy reflects real-world experience.

Letโ€™s push for reforms that serve the public and keep trusted guidance at the center of the system.
https://www.rfr.bz/fde8a72

๐Ÿ“ขNABIP Fires Back at Misleading ACA Claims

The Paragon Health Instituteโ€™s recent report misleads the public, misrepresents the enrollment process, and ignores the rigorous safeguards already in place.

NABIP is setting the record straight. Licensed brokers arenโ€™t loopholesโ€”theyโ€™re lifelines. Theyโ€™ve helped more than 19 million Americans navigate ACA enrollment, verify eligibility, and make informed choices.
โœ… Income is verified twiceโ€”front-end and back-end.
โœ… Subsidies are reconciled through the IRS.
โœ… Fraud claims donโ€™t match reality.

๐Ÿ“‰ Paragonโ€™s proposal to eliminate Enhanced Premium Tax Credits would spike premiums, threaten coverage stability, and harm working families, gig workers, and small businesses.

Letโ€™s stop the finger-pointing. Real reform must be targeted, data-driven, and focused on preserving accessโ€”not reducing it.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read NABIPโ€™s full response: https://lnkd.in/eKNF4F6A

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Help strengthen our advocacy! Complete NABIPโ€™s Marketplace Agent/Broker survey and share with your clients. These insights are critical for shaping conversations with lawmakers, regulators, and market leaders.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Survey: https://lnkd.in/g6n_qtDU

๐Ÿ”ด UnitedHealthcareโ€™s decision to eliminate agent commissions isnโ€™t just a business moveโ€”itโ€™s a direct hit to seniorsโ€™ ac...
06/22/2025

๐Ÿ”ด UnitedHealthcareโ€™s decision to eliminate agent commissions isnโ€™t just a business moveโ€”itโ€™s a direct hit to seniorsโ€™ access to trusted guidance.

As NABIP stated, this action is as shortsighted as it is harmful. Eliminating commissions on over 100 Medicare Advantage plans across more than 20 states doesn't just affect brokers and agentsโ€”it affects the millions of Medicare beneficiaries who count on us to help them make the right decisions.

We are not order-takers.

We are problem-solvers, educators, and advocates. And now, we're expected to do that work for free.

โ“Without independent brokers and agents:
Who will explain the differences between plans?
Who will help avoid costly enrollment mistakes?
Who will stand beside our seniors when no one else does?

The answer? No one.

And that leaves our most vulnerable population LOST.

If we allow carriers to devalue and eliminate the professionals who show up every day for seniors, weโ€™re not just damaging our industryโ€”weโ€™re abandoning the people weโ€™re here to serve.

๐Ÿ—ฃ Itโ€™s time to raise our voices:
Speak to your clients.
Educate their families.
Rally your peers.

Support loudly. Support often. And donโ€™t let this go unnoticed.

NABIP, Jessica Brooks Woods CEO, MPM, PHR, Harlon Pickett


https://www.rfr.bz/fc2b1ec

๐Ÿšจ NABIP Condemns United Healthcareโ€™s Decision to Slash Agent Commissions ๐Ÿšจ

NABIP strongly objects to United Healthcareโ€™s recent decision to eliminate agent commissions across more than 100 Medicare Advantage plans in over 20 states. This move limits access to trusted, licensed guidance for Medicare beneficiaries and threatens the role of independent agents who serve as vital advocates for older Americans.

NABIP has met directly with the congressional committees that oversee the Medicare program and with CMS to elevate urgent concerns about the impact of commission cuts on Medicare beneficiaries. These meetings reflect the seriousness of the threat to Medicare access and the urgency for action. Alongside these efforts, NABIPโ€”joined by NAIFA, HAFA, CIAB, and IIABAโ€”submitted a joint comment letter to U.S. House and Senate leadership urging immediate intervention to address the growing instability in the Medicare Advantage market.

๐Ÿ”— Read the press release: https://ow.ly/YUgL50WaXal
๐Ÿ”— Read the joint letter: https://ow.ly/RSiF50Waibp

In Remembrance and GratitudeAt H Pickett Insurance Agency, we pause this Memorial Day to reflect on the profound sacrifi...
05/26/2025

In Remembrance and Gratitude
At H Pickett Insurance Agency, we pause this Memorial Day to reflect on the profound sacrifice made by our nationโ€™s heroes.

Freedom isnโ€™t free. Today, we remember.

05/22/2025

๐Ÿšจ Big Win for Texas Employers & Brokers! ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
Texas Senate Bill 1332 has officially passed with supermajority support and is now on Governor Greg Abbottโ€™s desk โ€” poised to become law!

๐ŸŽ‰ This long-overdue legislation brings an end to one of the most burdensome rules in group health insurance. Previously, employers had to pay an extra month(s) of premiums if terminations werenโ€™t reported by the third day of the next month โ€” even if no services were used.

๐Ÿ“Œ With SB 1332, insurers will now have the discretion to waive those charges if no claims were made โ€” bringing fairness and flexibility to Texas employers.

๐Ÿ‘ Hats off to NABIP-TXโ€™s Legislative Council for pushing this across the finish line! This is a huge win for the clients we serve and the small businesses we advocate for.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Texas legislative fact: If the Governor takes no action, this bill will still become law 10 days after presentation (excluding Sundays), thanks to its supermajority passage and barring a veto.



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Having a great time at NABIP-TX. Day 1 sessionsโœ… Federal Health Insurance Legislation and Priorities. Max Karlin โœ… Coord...
04/09/2025

Having a great time at NABIP-TX.
Day 1 sessions
โœ… Federal Health Insurance Legislation and Priorities. Max Karlin
โœ… Coordinating Group, Individual, and Medicare Benefits.
โœ…ERISA and Employee Benefits Compliance Essentials
โœ… Market trends for 2025
โœ… Collaboration Panel - bringing together NABIP, NAIFA, and HEALTH AGENTS FOR AMERICA INC

Outstanding information.

In our ever changing industry having an Association at your back, helping to fight for your best interest and the interest of your clients is essential.

Keep up the good work. Looking forward to tomorrows topics.

Harlon Pickett, Reid Rasmussen, Jason Galvin, Lisa Cawley CIC, FLMI, RCLS, Stacy Cochran, Jessica Brooks Woods CEO, MPM, PHR, Jasmine Keating ๐Ÿ’Ž , Elizabeth Allen

๐Ÿšจ Todayโ€™s the Day! ๐ŸšจGet ready to tune in LIVE for Healthcare Horror Stories on Why Does Healthcare Suck? ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ The audio ro...
10/31/2024

๐Ÿšจ Todayโ€™s the Day! ๐Ÿšจ
Get ready to tune in LIVE for Healthcare Horror Stories on Why Does Healthcare Suck? ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ The audio room is back, and so is your chance to take the mic!

Got a healthcare experience that left you speechless? A story that still gives you chills? Join us to share your story or just listen in โ€“ this is a safe space to speak up and shed light on the real-life challenges of navigating healthcare.

๐Ÿ“… Happening Today
โฐ 11 am CST
๐Ÿ”— https://www.rfr.bz/fd2ff58

Donโ€™t miss out โ€“ see you there! ๐Ÿฉบ๐Ÿ’ฌ

๐Ÿ”Š ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—”๐˜‚๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ผ ๐—ฅ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—บ ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—•๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ธ โ€“ ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—œ๐˜โ€™๐˜€ ๐—”๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—š๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น! ๐Ÿ”ŠEver been left in shock after a healthcare experience? Then this...
10/30/2024

๐Ÿ”Š ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—”๐˜‚๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ผ ๐—ฅ๐—ผ๐—ผ๐—บ ๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—•๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ธ โ€“ ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—œ๐˜โ€™๐˜€ ๐—”๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—š๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—น! ๐Ÿ”Š
Ever been left in shock after a healthcare experience? Then this episode of Why Does Healthcare Suck? is for you! Weโ€™re bringing back the original audio room format, where you can jump on stage and share your story. ๐Ÿ™Œ

Get ready for Healthcare Horror Stories โ€“ the tales we all live but rarely share. Whoโ€™s ready to speak up, listen in, and maybe even spark some change? ๐Ÿฉบ๐Ÿ”ฅ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Join us live: HALLOWEEN!! OCT. 31st @ 11am CST
LINK: https://www.rfr.bz/f33b7e1

๐ŸŽƒ Got a Healthcare Horror Story? ๐ŸŽƒItโ€™s that time again! Join us for an unforgettable episode of Why Does Healthcare Suck...
10/29/2024

๐ŸŽƒ Got a Healthcare Horror Story? ๐ŸŽƒ
Itโ€™s that time again! Join us for an unforgettable episode of Why Does Healthcare Suck? as we dive into the scary side of healthcare โ€“ and no, weโ€™re not talking about Halloween! This time, weโ€™re inviting YOU up on stage to share your story. ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ’ฌ

Whether itโ€™s a spooky bill, a jaw-dropping insurance surprise, or an epic doctor showdown, we want to hear it all! Letโ€™s pull back the curtain on what healthcare is really like. Whoโ€™s in? ๐Ÿ‘ป

๐Ÿ“… Mark your calendar: HALLOWEEN!! Oct. 31 @ 11am CST
๐Ÿ”—https://www.rfr.bz/ff9b1c1

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