GCI Health Insurance Services

📬 Keep an eye on your mailbox this September! If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan, you should be receiving your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter by September 30th. This letter explains what's changing with your plan starting January 1st — things like your premium, deductible, drug coverage, which doctors or pharmacies are in network, and how benefit coverage is changing.

It's easy to set this letter aside, but taking a few minutes to read through it can save you from surprises come the new year. And if something in your ANOC catches your attention, remember that Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15th through December 7th, giving you time to compare plans and make a change if you need to.

If you have questions about what your ANOC means for you, we're always happy to help walk through it with us and discuss plan options starting October 1. Send us a message or give us a call!

🚨 Medicare Scam Alert: Protect Your Personal Information! 🚨

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the holiday season are busy times — and unfortunately, they can also be popular times for scammers to target seniors.

Scammers may call, text, email, or even come to your door pretending to be from Medicare, an insurance company, or another trusted organization.

🛑 Be cautious before giving out personal information, including your:
• Medicare number
• Social Security number
• Banking or credit card information
• Date of birth
• Other personal or medical information

A few important reminders:

✔️ Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision.
✔️ Don’t click unfamiliar links in texts or emails.
✔️ Be cautious of “free” offers that require your Medicare number.
✔️ If a call doesn’t feel right, hang up and contact a trusted source directly.
✔️ When in doubt, ask someone you trust before sharing personal information.

Medicare decisions are important — you should never feel rushed, pressured, or afraid to ask questions.

At GCI Health Insurance Services, we’re here year-round to help our clients understand their Medicare coverage and recognize when something just doesn’t seem right.

If you’re a Veteran, did you know VA benefits and Medicare don’t work the same way?

It is important to understand how VA and Medicare benefits may, or may not, work together.

VA coverage is typically used at VA facilities, while Medicare can give you access to providers nationwide. Having both may offer more flexibility, especially if you travel frequently or want a broader choice of healthcare providers.

In addition, delaying Medicare Part B enrollment in favor of VA benefits could lead to a lifetime penalty if you eventually do decide to enroll in Medicare.

Understanding how these benefits work together can help you avoid gaps in coverage, and potential financial penalties.

Have questions? We’re here to help.