Building an Inclusive Workforce: Understanding Disability Insurance and Your Business

Creating an inclusive workforce is good business. Companies that prioritize inclusivity benefit from stronger employee loyalty, diverse perspectives, and a more resilient workplace culture. Disability insurance plays a critical role in helping businesses support workers in an inclusive culture while safeguarding company operations.

What Is Disability Insurance?

As the name suggests, disability insurance provides partial wage replacement when an employee becomes disabled through injury or illness and is unable to work. Unlike workers’ compensation, it extends to non-work-related health conditions. This coverage allows employees to maintain financial stability during recovery periods, allowing them to focus on healing rather than the financial stress of lost income. By offering disability insurance, employers can help bridge the gap between health challenges and eventual return to work.

There are two basic types of disability insurance:

Short-term disability: Most plans provide a percentage of the employee’s salary (up to 60% with a cap on payouts) for anywhere from nine to 52 weeks, depending on the plan. Benefits are generally paid after a waiting or elimination period, which is usually seven to 14 days. Many employees use their accrued sick time or personal time off (PTO) during the waiting period.
Long-term disability: Picking up where short-term disability leaves off; long-term disability insurance provides approximately 50% to 60% of an employee’s base wages. Benefits are paid for the number of years specified in the plan. Some long-term disability plans pay benefits until the employee reaches a certain age, such as 65.

How Does Disability Insurance Promote Inclusivity?

Disability insurance is a tangible way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to equity and compassion. Besides hiring diverse talent, inclusivity means creating a culture where employees of all abilities feel supported. Disability insurance contributes to this goal by:

Removing barriers for employees with chronic conditions or unforeseen health challenges
Promoting fairness by ensuring all employees, regardless of health status, have access to protection
Encouraging long-term employment, as workers are more likely to remain with a company that accommodates their needs

How Does Disability Insurance Benefit Employers?

At first glance, disability insurance appears to be an employee benefit, but it also serves employers in several important ways.

Supporting Inclusivity and Retention

Businesses that provide disability coverage send a clear message that their employees matter, regardless of health challenges. Workers are more likely to remain loyal and engaged when they know their employers value their well-being. This is important in today’s competitive market, where retention can be as critical as recruitment.

Maintaining Productivity and Continuity

Disability insurance helps ensure financial stability for employees who may need to take extended leave. This reduces stress and allows them to return to work more prepared, which in turn helps the business maintain continuity and productivity.

Boosting Recruitment

While competitive salaries are important, the top talent today will seek comprehensive benefits packages. Offering disability insurance makes your business more attractive to workers who want assurance that their income is protected. Inclusive benefits can also help position your company as a supportive, forward-thinking workplace.

Speak with our knowledgeable agents at Breeden Insurance Services, Inc. about adding disability insurance to your company’s group benefits package. We can help you find a plan that suits your business at the most affordable rates. Give us a call at (336) 249-8616.

Can I Get Health Insurance Outside of My Job?

Many workers today get health insurance through their employers. Companies often offer group health plans that make coverage more affordable. If you lose your job or work for an employer that does not offer health insurance, it may seem that you are out of options. The good news is you can get health insurance outside of your job, and there are several options to secure coverage that fits your health and financial needs.

Why Look for Health Insurance Outside of Work?

Employer-sponsored health insurance is an important employee benefit, but it is not always available or the right fit for everyone. Individuals and families may look for alternatives for a number of reasons, including the following:

Self-employment: Freelancers, small business owners, and contractors must find their own health coverage.
Job transitions: If you have recently resigned, been laid off, or retired early, you may need new coverage.
Part-time or gig work: Many gig platforms and part-time jobs do not offer health benefits.
Better options: Some families and individuals find marketplace plans or private policies that provide better networks and offer more flexibility.

What Are the Main Options for Health Insurance That is Not Employer-Sponsored?

Individuals and families may have any of the following options for health insurance outside of work:

Health Insurance Marketplace (Affordable Care Act Plans)

Created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) the Health Insurance Marketplace is a popular choice for individuals without employer-sponsored coverage. Plans are categorized in tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) based on cost sharing. Marketplace plans are required to cover essential health benefits, such as emergency services, prescription drugs, and preventive care.

Depending on your household income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that reduce your monthly cost. Open Enrollment for Marketplace plans begin on November 1 and end on January 15 of the following year. December 15 is the last day to enroll in a plan that starts January 1. Certain life changes, such as job loss or marriage, may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicaid or CHIP

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance for eligible low-income families and individuals. Eligibility can vary, as each state has its own income guidelines. Children may qualify for low-cost health coverage under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) even if their parents are not eligible for Medicaid.

Medicare

Individuals ages 65 and older or with certain disabilities may be eligible for Medicare. Under Parts A, B, C, and D, it offers hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage, along with Medicare Advantage (private) plan and Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) options.

Other Options for Health Insurance

For those not covered by employer-sponsored health insurance, other options include:

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) coverage, which allows you to temporarily continue your previous coverage, although you typically pay the full premium plus an administrative fee
Short-term health insurance is designed to cover temporary gaps in coverage
Private health insurance plans, which may provide more flexibility than Marketplace plans

Our friendly agents at Breeden Insurance Services, Inc. are well-versed in all available health insurance options. Contact us at (336) 249-8616 for help finding health insurance outside of work.

Beyond the Pink Ribbon: How Life Insurance Supports Your Family Through Health Challenges

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While the pink ribbon is a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment, it also highlights how sudden health changes can affect every aspect of family members’ lives. Most people think of life insurance as a safety net in the event of death. While this protection is vital, in reality, it can play a much larger role by helping families navigate serious health challenges, including cancer diagnosis.

Financial Effect of a Health Diagnosis

A serious diagnosis, such as breast cancer, impacts the entire family emotionally, physically, and financially. Reduced income from missed work can rapidly lead to financial stress. Even with health insurance, families may face mounting out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays, deductibles, experimental treatments, and travel expenses to access specialized care.

Under certain conditions, life insurance policies with accelerated benefit riders allow policyholders to access a portion of the death benefit while they are still alive. These benefits can be used to cover medical bills and household expenses, or to fund alternative treatments, so families can focus on healing and spending meaningful time together.

How Life Insurance Accelerated Benefit Riders Work

With accelerated benefit riders, living benefits are paid to policyholders with terminal or chronic illnesses or who meet certain conditions and need long-term care. Policyholders or their beneficiaries are still entitled to any cash value and death benefit remaining in the policy. Accelerated benefit payouts can range from 25% to 100% of the death benefit. In some cases, policyholders may choose to receive either a lump sum or periodic payments.

These funds do not have to be repaid and can be used at the discretion of the policyholder. For example, in the case of a family facing breast cancer treatments, living benefits can be used to:

Pay the mortgage or rent during the time away from work
Cover childcare while a parent undergoes treatment
Access specialized care not covered by health insurance
Reduce financial stress to keep the focus on recovery instead of bills

Ensuring Financial Stability

Serious health challenges bring uncertainty about medical outcomes, finances, and the future of the family. Life insurance can provide crucial financial stability for your loved ones in the most challenging circumstances. In the event of death, it can provide surviving family members with the resources to maintain the home, cover daily living expenses, and plan for future needs, such as education. This stability is crucial for families with dependents who rely on your consistent financial support.

Even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, planning ahead can help shield loved ones from sudden financial hardship. Purchasing life insurance is more than a financial decision. It is an act of love and responsibility that acknowledges the reality that life can be unpredictable. For families facing health challenges, it can be comforting to know that life insurance can provide both immediate and long-term support. Our knowledgeable agents at Breeden Insurance Services, Inc. can help you secure a life insurance policy to safeguard your family’s future. Call us today at (336) 249-8616.

Does Medicare Cover All Healthcare Services?

Medicare provides broad coverage for many essential healthcare needs, but it does not cover everything. It is important to understand what is and is not included, so you can plan ahead, avoid unexpected expenses, and decide whether a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is right for you. In this post, we outline what Original Medicare covers, where the gaps are, and what options you have for protection from unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

What Does Original Medicare Cover?

Original Medicare has two main parts:

Part A (hospital insurance): This covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care (under certain conditions), hospice care, and some home healthcare services. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A.
Part B (medical insurance): Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, medically necessary services, such as lab work, x-rays, and certain treatments, and durable medical equipment. It requires a monthly premium.

Although Parts A and B together cover a large portion of basic healthcare needs, you should be aware of the limits of Original Medicare.

What Does Medicare Not Cover?

Coverage under Original Medicare stops in certain areas. The following are common exclusions:

Prescription drugs: Most outpatient prescription medications are not covered. You will need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
Dental care: Although oral health is key to overall wellness, routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and dentures are not covered by Medicare.
Vision care: Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, and it will only help pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.
Hearing services: Routine hearing exams are excluded from Medicare coverage.
Long-term care: If the need is primarily custodial (help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating) Medicare does not cover extended stays in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Alternative medicine: Services such as acupuncture, naturopathy, and chiropractic care, except spinal manipulation for subluxation (partial dislocation), are not covered under Part B.

What Are Out-of-Pocket Costs with Medicare?

Original Medicare beneficiaries must meet an annual deductible before coverage kicks in. After the deductible is met, you pay coinsurance, which is typically 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the service under Part B. Certain services may require a flat copayment. These expenses can add up quickly, and there is no maximum out-of-pocket limit with Original Medicare, unless you enroll in a Medigap plan.

How Can You Fill the Coverage Gaps?

Beneficiaries have several options for managing costs and obtaining healthcare services not covered by Medicare:

Medigap plans are supplemental policies offered by private insurers to help cover out-of-pocket costs with Original Medicare.
Standalone Part D plans can cover prescription drugs.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans bundle Part A and Part B coverage and often include prescription drug coverage. Many offer benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing care.

Work with an Agent at Breeden Insurance Services, Inc.

We help individuals understand Medicare options and choose plans that fill the gaps in coverage. If you have questions or want to explore additional options, our agents are here to help. You can reach us at (336) 249-8616.

Protecting Your Business from the Unexpected: Fire Prevention Tips for Small Businesses

A fire can be devastating for a small business. It can destroy property, interrupt operations, and put lives at risk. Although you may not be able to predict when a fire will strike, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk and protect what you have built. By implementing these fire protection strategies, you can help safeguard your business assets and give yourself and your employees peace of mind.

Identify and Eliminate Fire Hazards

Regularly inspect your property to identify risks. Look for overloaded outlets and damaged wiring, cords, or cables. Move anything flammable away from electrical equipment and heat sources. Ensure any flammable chemicals or liquids are properly stored in approved containers.

Practice Good Housekeeping

Clutter on the premises can significantly increase fire risks. Dispose of waste materials, particularly flammable items, in a safe and timely manner. Ensure heat-producing equipment is cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent buildup that could fuel a fire.

Install and Maintain Fire Safety Equipment

In the event of a fire, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers are your first line of defense. Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed. Ensure fire extinguishers are clearly labeled, easily accessible, and regularly inspected. If your building has a sprinkler system, schedule routine maintenance to ensure it is working properly.

Clear Escape Routes

Keep exits, hallways, and storage areas clear of obstacles, such as boxes and equipment, to avoid blocking escape routes. Maintain all fire escapes and ladders in working condition. Ensure windows can be opened and screens can be removed.

Keep Your Property Up to Code

Business owners are responsible for taking measures to prevent fire emergencies. Have your business property evaluated on an annual basis to ensure it meets fire code requirements. This is a good time to have fire extinguishers inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.

Train Your Employees on Fire Safety

Employee training is a key factor in preventing and responding to fires. Provide training on how to recognize hazards, use fire extinguishers, and safely evacuate the building. Conduct regular fire drills to ensure workers know what to do in an emergency. If fire strikes, a well-prepared team can act calmly and quickly.

Have an Emergency Plan in Place

To protect people and property, it is essential to have a detailed fire emergency plan. Create an evacuation map and post it in visible locations. Designate a meeting point outside the building and ensure employees understand procedures. Include instructions on contacting emergency services and notifying management. Review and update your emergency plan regularly, especially as your business grows or changes locations.

Get the Right Insurance Coverage from Breeden Insurance Services, Inc.

Fires can happen, even with the best precautions. Having the right fire insurance can help your business recover quickly. Commercial property insurance can help cover repair and replacement costs. Business interruption insurance can provide financial protection in case operations are shut down temporarily. Our experienced agent can help ensure your business has the fire protection coverage it needs. Give us a call today at (336) 249-8616.

National Fire Safety Week: Is Your Household Prepared for Evacuation?

National Fire Safety Week serves as a reminder each October to re-evaluate our preparedness for house fires. While many families install smoke detectors, check fire extinguishers, and take other precautions, evacuation readiness may be overlooked. Every second counts in a home fire, and having a clear, practiced evacuation plan in place can mean the difference between safety and tragedy. Take the following steps to help ensure you are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively.

Establish and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

If possible, your escape plan should identify two exits from every room. Create a map of your home with all doors and windows highlighted. Ensure windows and doors are not blocked. Once your plan is in place, practice evacuating the home at least twice a year. Stress the importance of never opening doors that feel hot and staying low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation. Nighttime drills are important, as home fires often occur when occupants are asleep.

High-rise and condominium building fires can be particularly dangerous. If you live in such a building, ensure you know the locations of all the exit stairs and how to escape in an emergency.

Choose a Safe Meeting Spot

Designate a safe location outside of the home where your family can meet after evacuating. For example, it could be a neighbor’s yard, the mailbox, or a particular tree. This helps ensure all family members are present and accounted for in case of a fire, so first responders are not put at risk unnecessarily.

Equip Your Home with Essential Safety Tools

To prepare for a home fire, it is important to equip your home with certain essential items, including the following:

Smoke detectors: These should be installed in every bedroom and on every level of the house. Test smoke detectors each month and replace batteries yearly. To start a home fire drill, press the test button to sound the smoke alarm.
Carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide is an invisible threat that often accompanies house fires. Many detectors available today can detect carbon monoxide as well as smoke.
Fire extinguishers: These should be placed in key areas, including the kitchen, the garage and near fireplaces.
Escape ladders: If your home has multiple stories, ensure ladders are available to allow exit from upper-floor windows.

Pack a “Go Bag”

In the chaos of a home fire evacuation, there may be no time to consider what to take with you. Pack an emergency kit in advance and keep it easily accessible. Include important items, such as the following:

Essential medications
First aid supplies
Flashlights and batteries
Cash
Copies of important documents
Comfort item for children and/or pets

Speak with a Friendly Insurance Agent at Breeden Insurance Services, Inc.

Fires can cause devastating losses, even with the best preparation. Along with practicing your evacuation plan, it is important to review your homeowners or renters’ insurance coverage regularly. We can help ensure your policy adequately covers fire damage and personal belongings at the best rates. Ask our agent about additional living expense coverage if your home becomes uninhabitable because of a fire. Give us a call today at (336) 249-8616.

Acing Open Enrollment: Your Guide to Group Benefits

Open enrollment season can be a whirlwind for both HR teams and employees. With so many choices and deadlines, it’s easy for confusion or procrastination to take over. With the right strategy, open enrollment becomes a chance to reinforce your commitment to employee well-being and long-term satisfaction. Here’s how to make this enrollment season count.

What Open Enrollment Really Means for Employers and Employees

Open enrollment is the annual window where employees can review, update, or enroll in various workplace benefits, including health insurance, dental and vision plans, retirement contributions, and voluntary coverages. For most companies, it’s the only time during the year when employees can make changes without a qualifying life event, such as marriage, birth, or the loss of other coverage.

This brief period plays a big role in shaping how employees view their total compensation package. A smooth and informed enrollment process can lead to stronger participation, higher satisfaction, and improved employee retention.

Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes

Open enrollment comes with its share of pitfalls. The most common? Leaving everything to the last minute, assuming last year’s choices still apply, or failing to review plan changes. Even minor adjustments to premiums, copays, or provider networks can impact employees significantly if they don’t read the details.

From the employer’s perspective, failing to communicate to your team early enough or clearly enough can lead to rushed decisions and missed opportunities. Preparing materials in advance and conducting informational sessions can help prevent these issues.

What Employees Are Asking for This Year

Employees’ expectations around benefits are shifting. Health insurance remains a top priority, but workers are increasingly seeking options that support mental health, financial wellness, and work-life balance. Popular benefit requests now include:

Telehealth and mental health coverage
Flexible spending or health savings accounts (FSAs/HSAs)
Expanded paid leave policies
Retirement plan matching
Voluntary benefits like accident, critical illness, and pet insurance

Paying attention to these trends can help employers offer benefits that align with what today’s workforce actually values.

HR’s Role in Driving Engagement

Human Resources plays a crucial role in the success of open enrollment. HR professionals are the bridge between complex insurance options and employee understanding. When HR teams take a proactive and hands-on approach by offering benefit fairs, lunch-and-learns, or one-on-one Q&A sessions, participation and satisfaction improve.

Equipping managers with key talking points and preparing FAQ-style communications can further reduce confusion and ensure consistent messaging across the organization.

Why Clear Communication Makes All the Difference

It’s not enough to make benefits available; employees need to understand them. Clear and jargon-free communication is essential. Utilize multiple channels, including emails, digital guides, internal portals, and printed flyers, to reach employees where they are. Visual breakdowns, cost comparisons, and real-world scenarios can help demystify plan options.

Providing tools like online calculators or comparison charts empowers employees to make confident choices, rather than defaulting to last year’s elections without thought.

Make This Enrollment Season Count and Talk to Our Team Today

Open enrollment is a valuable opportunity to foster even greater employee engagement, reinforce a positive workplace culture, and ensure your team feels supported in and out of the office. Our agency can help you design and communicate a group benefits strategy that drives participation and adds real value. Give us a call at (336) 249-8616 and let’s make this enrollment season your most successful one yet.

New Rules Prompt Health Plans to Prepare for Upcoming Changes

Healthcare is constantly evolving, and 2025 is expected to bring a fresh wave of regulatory changes that will impact both insurers and consumers. From new transparency requirements to changes in preventive care coverage, health plans nationwide are adjusting their offerings and operations. Whether you’re a policyholder or shopping for coverage, understanding what’s changing (and why) can help you make smarter choices about your health insurance.

What’s Driving the New Changes in Health Plans

Updates largely drive the latest changes to federal regulations, including efforts to improve price transparency, expand access to preventive services, and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, some states are introducing their mandates aimed at lowering premiums or increasing network access.

These new rules are designed to make health insurance more consumer-friendly. The rules also require insurance carriers to review, revise, and sometimes rebuild elements of their plan structures.

Premiums, Preventive Care, and Plan Design Adjustments

Several of the most impactful updates this year affect:

Premium pricing: Adjustments to federal subsidies and risk adjustment programs may affect the cost of your coverage. Many insurers are recalculating rates based on updated actuarial assumptions and regulatory requirements.
Preventive care access: Plans are expanding coverage for screenings and early interventions, especially in areas such as mental health, reproductive health, and chronic disease management.
Plan structure: More plans are being redesigned to meet new cost-sharing limits and network adequacy standards. That means better access to in-network providers and potentially lower deductibles for select services.

If you haven’t reviewed your health plan in a while, now’s the time to take a closer look at how these updates may affect your coverage and costs.

How Insurance Providers Are Responding

Health insurers are taking several steps to stay compliant and remain competitive. These include:

Expanding telehealth options to meet access standards
Updating provider directories and improving online plan tools
Enhancing mental health networks and substance abuse coverage
Rolling out redesigned plan tiers with more options for consumers

Many insurers are also investing in consumer education, offering more tools to help members understand their benefits, estimate costs, and compare the quality of providers. Expect clearer plan documents, simplified billing formats, and better customer support from many carriers this year.

What You Should Watch For as a Consumer

As a policyholder, it’s essential to:

Review your Annual Notice of Changes (if you’re on an individual or Medicare plan)
Compare your current plan with the new options available during open enrollment
Pay attention to updated provider networks to ensure your preferred doctors are still in-network
Look for changes to covered services, especially preventive and mental health care

Don’t assume your plan is the same as last year. Minor shifts in coverage or costs can have a major impact when you need care.

Get Ahead with Smart Planning

Proactive planning empowers you to take control of your healthcare. Evaluate your needs, track any chronic conditions, and consider how recent changes might affect your coverage options. The more informed you are, the easier it is to select a plan that aligns with your health goals and financial needs.

We’ll Help You Prepare and Stay Ahead of the Curve

Health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating changes to an existing plan or exploring new options, at Breeden Insurance Services, Inc., we’re here to help you understand what’s ahead and what plan makes the most sense for you. Our agency can walk you through your coverage, answer questions about new regulations, and help you feel confident in your healthcare decisions.

Life Insurance’s Role: Adapting Your Coverage to Big Changes

As life changes, so do your financial needs, and life insurance should match your current situation. While many people buy a policy and forget about it, your coverage should evolve with each major life event. From tying the knot to expanding your family or launching a business, staying protected means regularly reviewing your policy and making adjustments if needed.

Why Getting Married or Having Kids Changes Everything

When you get married, your financial responsibilities grow. Your loved ones may rely on your income to cover bills, housing, and savings. Add children to the picture, and the stakes are even higher. A parent’s sudden death could leave the surviving spouse overwhelmed with expenses for childcare, schooling, and the basic costs of living.

If your current policy was purchased when you were single, it’s likely that it no longer provides sufficient protection. Updating your coverage to match these life events ensures your loved ones will have the financial support they need.

What Buying a Home or Starting a Business Means for Your Policy

A mortgage is often the largest long-term debt most people take on. Life insurance can help you ensure that this debt doesn’t fall on your spouse if an unexpected death, severe illness, or other health condition occurs. The same applies to business ventures. If you have taken out a loan or invested personal income, your policy should reflect your new financial risk.

In some cases, your business partners may choose to put life insurance policies in place to ensure continuity should an owner, partner, or key employee pass away. Life insurance can provide the funds needed to buy out a deceased partner’s shares or keep the business running during the transition.

Don’t Let Your Coverage Fall Behind

It’s wise to review your life insurance annually, even if you have not experienced a major change. A quick review can help you update beneficiaries, increase coverage limits, or ensure you are not overpaying. It’s also an opportunity to evaluate whether your current type of policy (term or permanent) still makes sense.

Even a small increase in income, a move to a new home, or the decision to start saving for your children’s college education can shift your needs regarding life insurance.

Understanding Term and Whole Life Options

If you’re in the early stages of your career, term life insurance is usually the most affordable way to get coverage. It’s ideal for covering debts such as a mortgage or the costs of raising children. Whole life or other permanent insurance products offer coverage for your lifetime and build up a cash value that grows over time, becoming a valuable asset.

As your financial profile becomes more complex, many people choose to layer policies, maintaining a term life policy while adding a smaller whole life policy to address their long-term needs.

Life Insurance as a Financial Planning Tool

Beyond protection, life insurance can serve strategic purposes. Do you want to leave a legacy, fund a trust, or ensure a child with special needs is cared for after you’re gone? A customized policy helps make that possible. With the right plan in place, life insurance can support retirement planning, wealth transfer, and charitable giving.

Let’s Make Sure You’re Covered for What’s Next

Every chapter of life brings new opportunities and new responsibilities. Don’t let an outdated life insurance policy fall short when your family needs it most. Call (336) 249-8616 to schedule time with one of our agents to help you review your options and adjust your coverage to align with your life, goals, and future.

Mastering Medicare: Your AEP Survival Guide

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) comes around every fall, but for many beneficiaries, it still brings confusion, stress, and missed opportunities. If you’re enrolled in Medicare or about to become eligible, understanding how to make the most of this window can mean better coverage, lower costs, and greater peace of mind. Here’s how to take control of your Medicare decisions this AEP.

Understanding What AEP Allows You to Do

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can:

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
Enroll in, change, or drop a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan

What you can’t do during AEP is enroll in Medicare for the first time (that’s handled during your Initial Enrollment Period) or purchase a Medigap plan without medical underwriting in most states. AEP is about re-evaluating your current coverage rather than starting from scratch.

Key Dates and Deadlines You Shouldn’t Miss

Mark your calendar with these essential timeframes:

October 15 – AEP begins. You can start making changes to your plan.
December 7 – AEP ends. Any changes must be submitted by this date.
January 1 – New plan coverage begins.

Missing the December 7 deadline means you are locked into your current plan for another year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a move, loss of other coverage, or another qualifying life event.

How to Evaluate Your Options

Choosing a Medicare plan shouldn’t be a guessing game. Start by reviewing:

Current coverage: What did you like or dislike about your plan this year?
Provider networks: Are your doctors still in-network?
Prescription drug coverage: Has your medication list or your plan’s formulary changed?
Costs: Look at premiums, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change each year, so even if you are happy with your plan, it’s a good idea to compare. You may find a better option or save money just by switching plans within the same provider.

Mistakes to Avoid During AEP

One of the most common AEP mistakes is doing nothing. Assuming your current plan still works without reviewing changes can lead to unexpected costs or coverage gaps. Other mistakes include:

Not checking if your medications are still covered
Overlooking changes in provider networks
Waiting until the last minute to research or enroll

Take time early in the AEP window to gather information, ask questions, and make informed decisions.

Helping a Loved One Through the Process

If you’re helping a parent or family member navigate Medicare, open communication is key. Review their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter, discuss their healthcare needs, and assist them in comparing plans. Many people find the process overwhelming, and having a trusted guide can make a big difference.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

AEP doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance, it is a valuable opportunity to secure better benefits and lower costs. Our agency is here to help you understand your options and find the Medicare coverage that fits your life. Let’s make this year’s enrollment season your most confident one yet. Contact us at (336) 249-8616 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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