Vance Insurance Group, Inc

09/15/2026

US Medicare Plan Ending Action Steps
With over 25 years guiding clients through Medicare decisions, I want to highlight key steps if your Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan is ending. If you don’t choose a replacement, you’ll automatically move to Original Medicare on January 1—but drug coverage will stop. For Extra Help members, reassignment may occur. Remember, Original Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket cap. In 2026, Part B will cost $202.90 per month with a $283 deductible, and the Part A deductible will be $1,700.

One major insurer is ending coverage for around 600,000 Medicare Advantage members in 2027—so those early notification letters are your signal to start reviewing options. You get a unique window: Medigap guaranteed-issue rights start 60 days before your plan ends and last for 63 days after. If you go more than 63 days without drug coverage, you could face permanent Part D penalties.

To ensure a smooth transition and continued coverage, make your new plan selection by December 31. Review each prescription, check coverage tiers, and confirm your preferred pharmacy. Whether you choose a new Advantage plan or Original Medicare with Part D, careful review now will help avoid unexpected gaps in your coverage.

09/14/2026

US Medicare Advantage Exit Options Explained
As someone who's spent over 25 years guiding clients through Medicare choices, I want to break down what the recent news about a major insurer exiting some Medicare Advantage plans by 2027 actually means. Around 600,000 members will be impacted, but many will likely move into other plans from the same company. If your Medicare Advantage plan isn’t renewed, you still keep your Medicare eligibility—those who don’t choose new coverage typically revert to Original Medicare. The main enrollment period runs from early to mid-Q4, with changes taking effect in early Q1, and there’s a special extension through mid-Q1 for some. Importantly, switching to Original Medicare can open a valuable Medigap window—this starts 60 days before your plan ends and closes no more than 63 days after. When weighing your options, it’s crucial to look beyond just the premium—consider whether your doctors and hospitals are covered, review the drug formularies, and understand copays, deductibles, and your potential out-of-pocket maximums. Sometimes a $0 premium hides bigger tradeoffs. There are free, unbiased state assistance programs to help, and confirming your choices with Medicare or a trusted adviser can help ensure you don’t face unexpected gaps in coverage. My role is always to make sure these transitions are as smooth and informed as possible.

09/13/2026

When Will Social Security Run Out of Money?
Social Security's future is a topic on many minds, especially as we plan for retirement. According to the 2025 report, both the Social Security and Medicare Hospital Insurance trust funds are expected to be depleted by 2033. If no action is taken, this could result in a 23% reduction in benefits. There are several options being considered, such as raising the retirement age, adjusting wage caps, increasing taxes, implementing means-testing, or investing in equities. With over 25 years in Medicare and health insurance, I understand how critical these programs are for so many individuals. As changes are discussed, staying informed and prepared remains key to making the best decisions for your health and financial security.
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/scott-vance/1579460-When-Will-Social-Security-Run-Out-of-Money%3F

09/12/2026

Medicare IRMAA: How Income Affects Your Medicare Premiums
Understanding how your income impacts your Medicare costs is essential, especially when it comes to IRMAA—those extra surcharges that can sneak up on your Part B and D premiums if your income from two years ago was above $106,000 as a single filer or $212,000 as a couple. These surcharges increase through five different brackets, but there are ways to plan for, manage, or even appeal those higher costs. With more than 25 years guiding clients through Medicare’s complexities, I’ve seen how being proactive can make a real difference in your coverage and your budget.
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/scott-vance/1579466-Medicare-IRMAA%3A-How-Income-Affects-Your-Medicare-Premiums

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

Retiring at 60 With $2.2 Million in Your 401(k)? Make Sure You Convert Before Medicare
If you’re approaching retirement with a healthy 401(k) balance—say, around $2.2 million—it’s important to consider how your next steps could affect your Medicare costs. With more than 25 years helping clients navigate Medicare and retirement planning, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of smart timing. Converting a portion of your 401(k) to a Roth IRA between ages 60 and 62 can help you avoid higher Medicare premiums, lessen future required minimum distributions, and optimize your tax strategy. Paying conversion taxes from taxable accounts and delaying Social Security benefits are additional moves worth considering. These decisions aren’t just about the numbers—they’re about protecting the retirement you’ve worked hard for.
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/scott-vance/1941204-Retiring-at-60-With-%242.2-Million-in-Your-401%28k%29%3F-Make-Sure-Y

09/10/2026

How to Appeal IRMAA Surcharges

09/09/2026

US Part D Changes in 2027
As someone who's spent 25+ years guiding clients through the complexities of Medicare, I keep a close eye on changes that may impact your coverage and costs. For 2027, a few key updates are coming to Medicare Part D: the premium stabilization program ends January 1, meaning many will likely see a premium increase—though most should be under $10. The national base beneficiary premium is set at $41.33, but your actual cost will still depend on your chosen plan and location. Importantly, the out-of-pocket cap for covered Part D drugs will be $2,400, so once you hit that threshold, you won’t pay additional cost-sharing for the rest of the year.

When plan details for 2027 are released in late Q3, I always recommend comparing your total annual costs, not just the monthly premium. Take into account your specific medications, dosages, refill schedule, preferred pharmacies, deductibles, and drug tiers. Open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, with any changes taking effect January 1. A thorough review before renewing could reveal a plan that’s a better fit for your needs and your budget. My independent, multi-state perspective helps ensure you’re evaluating all your options—not just the headline numbers.

09/08/2026

How Medicare Agents Build Trust With Education
In my 25 years leading Vance Insurance Group, I’ve seen firsthand that trust is earned by putting education at the center of everything we do. I believe clients deserve clear guidance—so I always take time to explain Medicare coverage and enrollment, break down the latest regulatory changes, and make sure no question goes unanswered. Whether it’s through one-on-one consultations or educational seminars, my focus is on transparency and clarity, not sales pitches. This approach has helped so many clients feel confident in their Medicare decisions, and remains at the heart of my practice.

09/06/2026

8% of Medicare Beneficiaries Pay Surcharges