What's New

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7, and it’s the one time each year when you can review, compare, and make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Any changes you make during this period will take effect January 1, 2026. With plan benefits, premiums, and provider networks changing annually, it’s important to take a fresh look to ensure your coverage still meets your health and budget needs.

What Should You Do?

• Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your current plan
• Make a list of your providers and medications to confirm they’re covered
• Reach out early to schedule a one-on-one review with our team

Beginning October 1, we can walk through your options and help you choose the plan that’s right for you. Don’t wait until the last minute — contact us today to set up your review appointment so you’ll be ready when AEP officially opens.

Many people are well aware of the benefits of telehealth, including convenience and flexibility, as well as access to a broader range of specialists. Under Medicare’s original rules, telehealth services were intended mainly for rural residents , with the aim of connecting patients with remote specialists from an approved medical facility, like a local clinic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare temporarily made it easier for people to get care from home through telehealth, no matter where they lived. This change allowed beneficiaries to have video or phone visits with their doctors right from their living rooms — a huge help for people with mobility challenges or those living in urban or suburban areas.

Starting October 1, 2025, unless new laws are passed, this pandemic-era home access will end for many services under Original Medicare. The guidelines will revert back to the original rule, meaning in most cases, you will need to be at an approved medical site in a rural area to use telehealth. There are a few notable exceptions, including mental health counseling, substance use disorder treatments, dialysis visits, and a few other services, which will still be covered from your home, wherever you live. If you rely on telehealth, it’s smart to ask your provider now what services you can still get from home, and whether they offer extra telehealth benefits beyond basic Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage Plans may offer more telehealth benefits than the basic coverage in Original Medicare. Stay informed and consult with your licensed insurance agent to help you plan ahead for any changes to your care routine in the coming months.

On July 3, 2025, lawmakers in Washington passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) , which includes several changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While the legislation is now official, many of the details are still being shaped through rulemaking, guidance, and state-level decisions. That means real-world impacts may shift as the law is rolled out. Here's a look at what the law includes so far and how it could affect individuals and families in the months ahead.

Key ACA Changes

1. Expiration of Subsidies

Enhanced premium tax credits, expanded under the American Rescue Plan and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act, are set to end in late 2025. Without renewal, premiums may rise — by up to 75% in some states.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates around 4.2 million people could lose coverage.

2. Enrollment Policy Changes

The bill proposes adjustments that could affect ACA sign-ups:

• A shorter enrollment window
• Ending automatic re-enrollment (affecting ~11 million people)
• Annual income and eligibility checks
• Revised access rules for certain legal immigrants

The CBO projects these changes could result in 3.1 million more people becoming uninsured.

3. Medicaid Reforms

Proposed changes to Medicaid include:

• Work requirements for some able-bodied adults
• Higher cost-sharing for those above the poverty line
• Tighter eligibility verification
• Reduced federal support for states covering undocumented immigrants
• Limits on funding for certain services, including gender-affirming care

The CBO projects these changes could lead to 7.8 million losing Medicaid coverage.