Group Insurance Solutions

09/01/2026

Medicare Basics

1. What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, certain people under 65 with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS. [medicare.gov], [cms.gov]

2. Who is eligible for Medicare?

You may qualify if you:
• Are age 65 or older
• Have received Social Security Disability benefits for a qualifying period
• Have ESRD or ALS [medicare.gov], [ssa.gov]

3. What are the four parts of Medicare?

• Part A: Hospital Insurance
• Part B: Medical Insurance
• Part C: Medicare Advantage
• Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage [cms.gov], [medicare.gov]

4. Is Medicare the same as Medicaid?

No. Medicare is primarily based on age or disability, while Medicaid is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. [medicare.gov], [medicare.gov]

5. How is Medicare funded?

Medicare is funded through payroll taxes, premiums paid by beneficiaries, and federal government funding. [cms.gov], [cms.gov]

08/31/2026

Do you have vision coverage? August is National Eye Exam Month. Get your vision checked. Your eyes are important!

08/26/2026

We want to see those doggies! Post a picture of your dog in the comments below.

08/24/2026

Medicare Enrollment Questions - Call us, we have answers!

When can I enroll in Medicare?
Most people become eligible at age 65 and can enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, which surrounds their 65th birthday. [cms.gov], [medicare.gov]

Will I be automatically enrolled?
If you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you are often enrolled automatically in Parts A and B. [cms.gov], [ssa.gov]

What if I miss my enrollment period?
You may have to wait for another enrollment period and could face late enrollment penalties. [medicare.gov], [cms.gov]

Can I enroll online?
Yes. Many people can apply through the Social Security Administration. [ssa.gov], [cms.gov]

Do I need Medicare if I'm still working?
Possibly. It depends on your employer coverage and company size. Review your options before declining Medicare. [medicare.gov], [cms.gov]

08/20/2026

08/17/2026

This is a friendly reminder to schedule that follow up appointment with your P*P or Dentist!

08/13/2026

Prescription Drug Benefits Under Medicare (Part D)

Medicare’s prescription drug benefit (Part D) is the part of Medicare that provides outpatient drug coverage. Part D is provided only through private insurance companies that have contracts with the federal government—it is never provided directly by the government (unlike Original Medicare).

If you want to get Part D coverage, you have to choose and enroll in a private Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage (MAPD). Enrollment is optional (though recommended to avoid incurring future penalties) and only allowed during approved enrollment periods. Typically, you should sign up for Part D when you first become eligible to enroll in Medicare.

Whether you should sign up for a Medicare Part D plan depends on your circumstances. You may have creditable drug coverage from employer or retiree insurance. If so, you don’t need to enroll in a PDP until you lose this coverage. Also, some people already enrolled in certain low-income assistance programs may be automatically enrolled in a Medicare drug plan and receive additional financial assistance paying for their medicines.

© Medicare Rights Center. Used with permission.

08/10/2026

A Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned

The famous saying from Poor Richard’s Almanack is frequently misquoted. It was published by founder Benjamin Franklin in 1737: “A penny saved is two pence clear.” Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones of a sound financial strategy.

Here are some simple and inexpensive energy-saving tips that may help you save money.

Audit First..

To better understand where opportunities may exist for improving energy efficiency, consider an energy audit. Perform one yourself by purchasing a home energy monitor, which tracks your energy use, and a handheld air leak detector to identify windows, doors and other areas of the home that are drafty.

Also, your local power utility may offer in-home energy audits or related services that can help identify remediation opportunities.
.Then Act

Consider these do-it-yourself ideas that may offer immediate savings at very little cost.

• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the heat or air conditioning because—let’s face it—you forget to do it.
• Devices that offer “instant on,” or continuous display (e.g., TV, cable box and recharger) use energy non-stop. Consider a power strip to reduce their electrical use by shutting off the power strip at bedtime.
• Plug up the air leaks through weather stripping or caulking; install door sweeps to block drafts. Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
• Be sure to have your heating system serviced to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Install a water heater blanket and turn it down to 120 degrees; not only is a higher temperature wasteful, but a lower temperature is a safety precaution for younger children. Lower it to a minimum temperature when you leave for vacation.

Honk If You Like to Save Money

For many, the cost of running their automobile(s) can be higher than their home. Here are ways to save:

• Tune up your car.
• Check your tires for proper inflation.
• Drive sensibly by eliminating excessive idling, aggressive driving, and observing the speed limit.
• Eliminate weight—empty that trunk!

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

08/07/2026

The Cost of Medical Care

When uninsured people end up in the hospital, “sticker shock” can follow. Just a quick look at the current prices for medical procedures can be sobering.

How much does a CT scan cost? Between $300-$7,000, depending on where it is performed. Need a stent in your heart? The cost of that delicate procedure can cost between $20,000-$60,000. How about a knee replacement? The total cost adds up to an average of $25,000.1,2,3

Are these the only costs associated with a hospital or outpatient visit? Not quite. Think of the cost of the room, the medications, the anesthesia. Fortunately, many Americans have health coverage, so they only have to pay a fraction of the expenses linked to these and other procedures. Those without health coverage may find themselves in financial pain.

These days, you may take a big financial risk if you go without health insurance. Just one accident, one surprise trip to the hospital, and you may be left with a debt rivaling an auto loan.

If you need to pay for your own health coverage, the cost may be well worth it. Imagining that you can go without it for the next five or ten years may not be realistic, even if you are a millennial or a member of Generation Z just leaving college. You might have a five-figure debt already; could you handle another one, perhaps with little or no warning?

Just how much does it cost to self-insure? Well, here is one estimate. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the average cost of a benchmark Silver health insurance plan for 2025 is $625 per month. That works out to $7,500 for a year. From 2025 to 2026, average health insurance premiums rose 21% nationwide. As for subsidies, the average Marketplace premium after tax credits is projected to be $50 per month for the lowest-cost plan in 2026 for eligible enrollees, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.4,5,6

You can choose to put off paying a few thousand dollars a year for health insurance, but in doing so, you are also choosing to assume a great financial risk. A major medical procedure can cost as much as a new car, or a college education.
Keep in mind this article is for informational purposes only. It's not a replacement for real-life advice, so make sure to consult your financial or healthcare professional before modifying your insurance strategy.

If you are uninsured, take some time to look at your choices with someone who knows the insurance market. Do it today, as you never know what tomorrow could bring.

1. Bettercare.com, April 11, 2025
2. BillKarma.app, April 5, 2026
3. CareCostIndex.com, April 16, 2026
4. HealthSystemTracker.org January 14, 2026

08/06/2026

It's National Fresh Breath Day...do you have dental insurance? If not, give us a call. 🪥😁🦷