Lee R. Patton, Patton Insurance Benefits Broker

08/24/2026

Healthcare costs aren’t slowing down!

With employer health costs projected to rise another 9.5% in 2027, businesses are going to have some tough decisions ahead.

The good news? Employers don’t have to simply accept higher costs without exploring their options. There are strategies that can help businesses manage expenses while continuing to offer quality benefits to their employees.

This is exactly why reviewing your health plan strategy before renewal season is so important.

If you’re a business owner or HR professional wondering what 2027 could look like for your company, we’d be happy to help you explore your options.

Near double-digit health cost increases are set to continue in 2027.

08/17/2026

Rural retirees are facing increasing challenges as essential retailers and pharmacies close, creating so-called "retail deserts." Family Dollar has closed at least 350 stores in the past year, and nearly 30% of pharmacies have closed since 2010, with closures continuing to outpace openings. Many retirees living on fixed incomes in rural areas are forced to travel long distances for basic necessities and prescriptions, increasing their expenses and dependence on others for transportation.

Family Dollar is closing hundreds of stores as pharmacy deserts spread across rural America. Here's how retirees are affected, and what actually helps.

08/17/2026

Prescription drug prices have seen their largest drop in over six decades, falling 3.1% year over year in July, according to the Consumer Price Index. The Trump administration credits the TrumpRx program and deals with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk for the decline, while economists note that market forces, including the introduction of generics and increased competition, play a significant role.

The decline comes amid a major Washington push to lower drug costs.

08/17/2026

One more article, showing the importance of having a certified broker to assist with the ever changing MA landscape.

'Profit growth over enrollment growth': Health insurers are dropping Medicare Advantage plans — many older Americans will be affected

by Vawn Himmelsbach

Thousands of seniors are receiving notification that their Medicare Advantage plan won’t be available next year, and there’s nothing they can do about it except find another option.

One in 10 Medicare Advantage policyholders face forced disenrollment this year, according to an analysis by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. That’s as many as 2.9 million Americans.

One in 10 Medicare Advantage policyholders face disenrollment as insurers exit markets citing financial pressures.

08/10/2026

Join our team!

We are Hiring!

Company Description
Patton Insurance Benefits is located in West Des Moines, Iowa, and specializes in employee benefits, particularly healthcare coverages. The company offers healthcare coverages to associations, employee benefit programs to individual employers, and benefits for individuals under ACA below 65 and 65+.

Role Description
This is a full-time on-site role for an Administrative Support Specialist based in West Des Moines, IA. The specialist will be responsible for tasks such as phone etiquette, administrative assistance, communication, customer service, and basic accounting.

Qualifications
Phone Etiquette, Communication, and Customer Service skills
Administrative Assistance skills
Basic knowledge of accounting principles
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
Experience in the insurance or benefits industry is a plus

07/31/2026

Just one more hiccup for this upcoming AEP.

CMS to end Medicare Part D stabilization program
By: Jakob Emerson

CMS will discontinue the Part D premium stabilization program at the end of this year, returning the standalone prescription drug plan market to what the agency called “traditional market conditions.”

CMS said July 28 its analysis of 2027 bids indicated insurers had gained sufficient experience under the redesigned Part D benefit to support their assumptions in developing prescription drug plan bids.

The 2027 national average monthly bid amount, which is used to calculate government subsidies for plans, will be $296.05. The national base beneficiary premium will be $41.33. The 2027 de minimis amount is $2. Final average premiums for 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are expected to be released in September.

CMS end Medicare Part D — CMS will end the Medicare Part D stabilization program in 2027, returning the drug plan market to traditional conditions and…

07/20/2026

Health Benefits Made Simple.

Health insurance doesn't have to be confusing. Whether you're a business owner looking to offer employee benefits or an individual exploring your coverage options, I'm here to help you find a plan that fits your needs and your budget.

At Patton Insurance Benefits, we take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and make the process as easy as possible—without the pressure.

We can help with:
✅ Group Health Insurance
✅ Individual & Family Health Plans
✅ Medicare Plans
✅ Dental & Vision Insurance
✅ Life Insurance
✅ Disability & Voluntary Benefits

As a locally owned Iowa agency, we pride ourselves on building relationships and being a resource for our clients long after enrollment.

📞 Call me today at (515) 270-8178 to schedule a free consultation or send me a message here on Facebook.



"We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options." - Medicare Disclaimer

07/15/2026

CMS proposes major Medicare reforms to shift physician pay, phase out MIPS and expand ACO participation

By Heather Landi

The Trump administration has proposed significant changes to Medicare payment and value-based care programs, aiming to expand accountable care, update physician payments and shift the healthcare system toward prevention. The CMS' 2027 Physician Fee Schedule includes easier participation in accountable care organizations, a transition from the Merit-based Incentive Payment System to MIPS Value Pathways, and updated payment policies. The proposal faces criticism from physician groups due to an overall baseline payment decrease as a temporary legislative increase expires.

The Trump administration is proposing sweeping changes to Medicare payment and value-based care programs it says will expand accountable care, modernize physician payment and help shift the healthc | The Trump administration is proposing sweeping changes to Medicare payment and value-based care prog...

07/08/2026

Having worked with many rural employers, we have witnessed firsthand the growing challenges facing rural hospitals and the significant impact their struggles have on the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

150 rural hospitals have closed since 2010; learn key strategies for financial stability, workforce, and infrastructure to keep them operational.