The Outlook Agency

03/15/2025

Washington, Oregon or Idaho folks nearing Medicare eligibility, we’re here to help.

Missing deadlines, delaying enrollment or choosing the wrong plan can cost you

02/28/2025

As health benefit costs continue to tap employer resources and employees' wallets, we expect continued interest in qualified high-deductible health plans as well as Individually Controlled Health Reimbursement Accounts (IC-HRA's).

As healthcare costs continue to outpace inflation, your health insurance expenses could skyrocket in 2025.

02/12/2025

Neighborhoods matter, because humans who have positive communities and connections lead healthier lives. If you’re thinking of a move…consider.

Do you want to be happier, healthier, wealthier, and more creative? Experts say there’s one quality you should prioritize in choosing where to live.

02/10/2025

Amidst the disruption occurring to rebalance Federal spending there is the sunset of subsidies in the PPACA which encourage enrollment in ACA Marketplace plans. Should you have an opinion on this please reach out to your congressional representative.

The 2024 election may determine whether 19 million people keep their affordable insurance or face premium hikes of up to $700 annually.

01/31/2025

Legislation has consequences, and PPACA's requirement of an 85% Medical Loss ratio has indulged baser instincts of American business. I would love to see Congress unwind this onerous provision without relinquishing the guarantee-issue protections that lobbyists sold as its cost.

America is facing a shortage of physicians. Here’s how you can find the care you need

12/27/2024

Qualified High Deductible health plans can provide another way to create a nest egg, especially for younger people, through Health Savings Accounts (HSA). HSA funds are owned by the buyer-enrollee. As health care costs rise, such plans continue to gain enrollment.

The amount of money you should have saved in your 401(k) by the time you're 60 is personal. It depends on your income, lifestyle, and goals. But since many Americans plan to retire in their 60s, it's important to consider whether you've set aside enough funds to leave your job for good.

12/03/2024

Medicare AEP 2024 Closing Dec 7...what did people do in 2023?

During the 2023 Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), Medicare Advantage (MA) plans continued to gain significant traction compared to Original Medicare. Enrollment in Medicare Advantage reached approximately 30.7 million individuals by the start of 2023, marking a 7% year-over-year increase. This growth meant that nearly half (48%) of all Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, reflecting a net gain of 2.7 million enrollees from the prior year. In contrast, Original Medicare experienced a reduction in enrollment of about 1.3 million beneficiaries.

What drives preferences for Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Original Medicare?

The increasing preference for Medicare Advantage is driven by several factors, including the additional benefits these plans offer (e.g., dental coverage, vision care, and wellness programs), lower overall out-of-pocket costs, and the convenience of integrated services.

Original Medicare coupled with Part D (Rx Coverage) and/or Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) appeals to enrollees who prefer the broadest access to providers possible.

Even so, in 2025 Medicare options are affected by the Inflation Reduction Act (2022). Three related changes are: no more "donut hole," lower maximum out-of-pocket drug costs and a "prescription payment plan" option.

11/16/2024

FYI.

Deductibles for Parts A and B will also go up

11/15/2024

As AEP continues through Dec 7, eligible enrollees are weighing their options. Be sure to evaluate yours so you can make an informed decision. We help individuals in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

Medicare Advantage patients in the last year of life were far more likely to switch to traditional Medicare, shifting costs from insurers

11/12/2024

Change is here for Medicare enrollees, and so is AEP. The Outlook Agency can help you navigate (WA-ID-OR)

Medicare's Part B monthly premium is outpacing both inflation and Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment.

11/07/2024

Food can help curb or amplify inflammation

Recent research shows that anti-inflammatory diets are not as faddish as they might sound, with the power to reduce the risk of heart attacks and some cancers

10/23/2024

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs Oct 15 through Dec 7, 2024. We help folks with this process who live in Washington, Oregon or Idaho.

Experts say this is one of the most disruptive enrollment seasons in recent memory for Medicare. And while some changes are positive, many will see fewer options, higher costs, and reduced benefits. (Scripps News)