Your Medicare Moves

05/17/2026

Just about all the Medicare Supplement Insurance policies are showing double digit increases each year. Are you starting to wonder if there is a way to thwart some of that increase. The little discussed High Deductible Plan G could be a solution. This makes the most sense for my older Medicare clients who see the most dramatic rate increases. A sample client who is 90 plan G premium is $365/mo, That same person on the High deductible G is $100/mo. Doing the mathe with $265/mo premium savings, in one year you have saved $3,180. That is more than the $2,950 deductible.

If you want to look at options, give me a call 831-423-8542. Remember in California, we can change to an equal or lessor plan with no health questions or pre-existing conditions within 30 days of our birthday. (Only for those on an existing Medicare Supplement, not a Medicare Advantage)

05/14/2026

I put together a quick video on the rarely discussed High Deductible plan G. In light of the recent year after year double digit rate increases on Medicare Supplements, the High Deductible plan is something many should really look at. Don't let the name scare you. Watch this video.

Medicare Supplement rates are increasing at an alarming rate. Would you like to have a Medicare Supplement that caps your costs and doen't cost you an arm and a leg? Watch this video for information on the High Deductible G option. Often you save more in annual premiums than the deductible exposure....

05/05/2026

Our government is based on the "you make more, we take more" progressive tax system. While Medicare Income Related Monthly Adjustments are not a "tax", they sure feel like one. If you do a Roth conversion, take funds from your 401K or IRA after age 63, this can trigger you getting a surcharge on your Medicare premiums. To learn more, book you free consult at 831-423-8542 if you live in California.

04/14/2026

Large Medicare Supplement rate increase notices hitting all UHC Medicare Supplement clients. June is their month to take their annual increase.
Pro Tip: In California you can change your Medicare Supplement Carrier the month of your birthday to 60 days after your birthday. Best to look at your options then. For your no cost review, call 831-423-8542.

Call now to connect with business.

10/28/2025

A little known but true fact about how health insurance started in the US.

The modern insurance industry didn’t start with Washington or Wall Street. It started with a hospital in Texas that learned to survive by asking people to pay before they got sick. In 1929, Baylor University Hospital was drowning in unpaid bills. The Great Depression was in its lead up, patients.....

01/27/2025

Dear valued clients,

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your Medicare plans each year. As professional agents we try hard to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about plans and options. Often in the media agents and brokers are NOT portrayed in very good light. Also, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the branch of the government that oversees Individual and Medicare does not distinguish between Agents and Brokers like us and the call centers that I know drive you crazy with unwanted calls.

If you value, the ability to work with our agency we would like you to tell your legislators why we are important to you. We would appreciate it so much if you could take a few minutes to complete this short 5 question survey (see link below). The professional Association that we belong to the National Association of Benefit and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) will be forwarding the information from surveys to CMS and your legislators.

Thank you in advance for your time. We appreciate you!

Client Survey link
https://www.votervoice.net/NABIP/Surveys/11551/Respond

The last thing I will say, THANK YOU. Thank you for reading this far. Thank you for helping. Pam

Medicare beneficiaries, we need your help!The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) represents over 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants, and employee benefits specialists...

12/19/2024

If you value, the ability to work with our agency we would like you to tell your legislators why we are important to you.
We would appreciate it so much if you could take a few minutes to complete this short 5 question survey (see link below). The professional Association that we belong to the National Association of Benefit and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) will be forwarding the information from surveys to CMS and your legislators.

Thank you in advance for your time. We appreciate you! If you have already completed the survey, Thank-You. This is the start to how we affect change!

09/13/2024

Your Prescription or Medicare Advantage Plans are changing for 2025

It’s important to review your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan every AEP because, as we’ve talked about, plans and coverages can change each year. This year, it’s especially important to conduct your review because potentially disruptive changes are coming in 2025, courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act, that may significantly alter the makeup of your Part D prescription drug coverage.

Here are some key Inflation Reduction Act changes:
• Insulin available at $35 per covered prescription (took effect in 2024)
• Annual out-of-pocket maximum reduced to $2,000 from $8,000
• Expansion of low-income subsidy program to 150% of the federal poverty level
• Plus, several important changes to the structure within Part D, including elimination of the coverage gap

Many of these changes will have positive impacts for you as the consumer. However, experts are predicting we could see substantial adjustments to products released in 2025, which could affect pricing, formularies and benefits.

That’s why I’m urging all my clients to pay special attention to their carrier’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter when it arrives in the mail this September. Once you review your ANOC letter, please contact me to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation appointment to review your coverage. This is the best way to ensure you remain in a suitable plan going forward into 2025.

I look forward to helping you!

Pamela Fugitt-Hetrick

08/01/2024

Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Aug 7, 2024 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Annual Medicare Open Enrollment 2025. What you NEED to know
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WpCZRP8fQW2iBAO9iY9ZuQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The Inflation Reduction Act put in motion changes to Medicare Prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription coverage. For some, these changes will be great. As with all things, for some if will have pain points. EVERYONE needs to review their drug and advantage plans betw...

07/01/2024

Changes Due to the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduced significant changes to Medicare Part D, focusing on reducing prescription drug costs for enrollees. Here are the biggest changes:

1. Out-of-Pocket Spending Cap: Starting in 2025, Medicare Part D will implement a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket spending for prescription drugs. This cap will be adjusted annually based on the growth rate of per capita Part D costs, significantly reducing the financial burden for beneficiaries who require high-cost medications.

2. Elimination of the Coverage Gap: Also known as the "donut hole," the coverage gap phase where beneficiaries faced higher costs for their medications will be eliminated in 2025. This will simplify the benefit structure and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for enrollees.

3. Insulin and Vaccines: Since 2023, the cost of insulin has been capped at $35 per month, and adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (such as the shingles vaccine) are provided without cost-sharing.

4. Changes in Catastrophic Coverage: In 2024, the 5% coinsurance requirement for catastrophic coverage will be eliminated, shifting a larger share of costs to Part D plans. By 2025, Part D plans will cover 60% of drug costs in the catastrophic phase, with pharmaceutical manufacturers providing a 20% discount on brand-name drugs.

5. Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program Expansion: Starting in 2024, eligibility for full benefits under the Part D LIS program will extend to individuals with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level, enhancing access to reduced drug costs for more low-income beneficiaries.

6. Manufacturer Discount Program: In 2025, the current Coverage Gap Discount Program will be replaced by the Manufacturer Discount Program. Drug manufacturers will provide a 10% discount on brand-name drugs during the initial coverage phase and a 20% discount in the catastrophic phase, increasing their financial contributions to the program.

These changes aim to make prescription drugs more affordable for Medicare beneficiaries while redistributing costs among the federal government, insurance plans, and pharmaceutical companies.

We will not have final plans information to share with clients and referrals until October 1st. We strive to get you as much information as we legally can now to keep you updated. This is not the year to "set it and forget it" on your drug plans and or Medicare Advantage plans. Be in the know and work with us at no charge.
DCD Financial & Insurance Services
www.lowcostcahealth.com