Carmichael Insurance Group

Turning 65 soon? 📅

One of the most important Medicare decisions you’ll make happens during your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Open Enrollment Period.

During this 6-month window, you may qualify for coverage with:

✅ Guaranteed acceptance
✅ No health questions
✅ No waiting periods
✅ More plan options and flexibility

Waiting too long could mean higher costs or even denial of coverage later.

The best time to protect your healthcare and retirement savings is when you first enroll in Medicare Part B.

Questions about Medicare Supplement plans or enrollment timing? We’re happy to help.

📞 Hadley Carmichael – Carmichael Insurance Group
(720) 271-0635
[email protected]

We had the chance to visit the Venardos Circus this past weekend at Aspen Grove in Littleton—and what a great family experience.

Set up under a classic big top right in the parking lot, it brings back that nostalgic feeling of when the circus or carnival would come through town. But what really stood out was how **small, intimate, and personal** the whole show felt. Every seat feels close, every act draws you in, and you can tell it’s designed to create a connection with the audience.

In a world where so much entertainment feels big and impersonal, this was the opposite—a genuinely memorable experience our entire family loved.

They’ll be at Aspen Grove through May 10th, then in Loveland May 14th–25th. If you’re looking for something fun, unique, and family-friendly, don’t miss it.

https://venardoscircus.com/

Turning 65? Here are 4 key steps to getting started with Medicare—made simple:

1️⃣ Learn the Basics
Before enrolling, take time to understand how Medicare works. Know the differences between Part A, Part B, Part D, and supplemental coverage. This is where working with a trusted advisor can make a big difference.

2️⃣ Set Up Your Social Security Account
Create your “My Social Security” account at ssa.gov. This is where you’ll manage your enrollment and access important information.

3️⃣ Enroll at the Right Time
You can sign up for Medicare Parts A & B starting 3 months before your 65th birthday. Timing matters—missing your window could lead to penalties or delays in coverage.

4️⃣ Choose the Right Coverage
Decide between Medicare Advantage or a Medigap plan, and don’t forget to consider prescription drug coverage (Part D). Your healthcare needs, lifestyle, and budget should all factor into this decision.

After 20+ years in this industry, I can confidently say—there’s never been more change than in the past couple of years. Having someone guide you through these decisions and keep you informed is more important than ever.

If you’re approaching 65 or helping a loved one navigate Medicare, I’m always happy to be a resource.

💙 What Medicare Doesn’t Cover (And Why It Matters for You)

Many people believe that once they enroll in Medicare, their healthcare costs are fully covered.

Unfortunately… that’s not the case.

Understanding what Medicare doesn’t cover can help you avoid surprises and better plan for your future.

🚫 Here are some common gaps in Medicare coverage:

• 🦷 Dental care – cleanings, fillings, dentures
• 👓 Vision – eye exams for glasses or contacts
• 👂 Hearing – hearing aids and fittings
• 🏡 Long-term care – nursing homes, assisted living, custodial care
• 💊 Prescription drugs – only covered if you enroll in a Part D plan (and still have costs)
• 🌍 Care outside the U.S. – very limited coverage
• 💰 Out-of-pocket costs – deductibles, copays, and coinsurance

⚠️ Why this is important:

Healthcare is one of the biggest expenses in retirement and many of these costs can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.

✅ What you can do:

• Review your Medicare coverage each year
• Consider adding a supplemental plan (Medigap or Medicare Advantage)
• Look into Part D prescription coverage if you take medications
• Plan ahead for potential long-term care needs

🧠 The key is simple:
Know your coverage. Plan for the gaps. Avoid surprises.

If you have questions about your Medicare options, don’t wait. Getting the right plan in place can make a big difference in both your health and your finances.

🎓 **The “529 Grandparents Loophole” Just Got Better** 👵👴

Grandparents have always played a special role in shaping their grandchildren’s future—but now, they can also play a powerful role in funding it. 💡

Thanks to recent changes under the SECURE 2.0 Act, what many are calling the “529 grandparents loophole” has become one of the most effective ways to help pay for a grandchild’s education—without hurting their financial aid eligibility.

Here’s why this matters:

For years, when grandparents owned a 529 plan and used it to pay for a grandchild’s education, those distributions could count as student income on the FAFSA—potentially reducing financial aid.

That created a dilemma: help now and risk aid, or wait until later.

That’s changed. ✅

Starting with the new FAFSA rules, distributions from a grandparent-owned 529 plan are no longer counted as student income.

👉 Translation:
Grandparents can contribute to a 529 plan, let it grow tax-free, and use those funds for education expenses—without negatively impacting financial aid calculations.

💥 **Why this is such a big opportunity:**

• 📈 Tax-free growth and withdrawals when used for qualified education expenses
• 🏦 Potential estate planning benefits by reducing taxable assets
• 🎯 No negative impact on FAFSA-based financial aid
• ⏳ Flexibility in timing distributions when needed

This creates a unique planning opportunity for families who want to be strategic across generations.

🧠 **A few smart strategies to consider:**

• Grandparents can open and own a 529 plan for their grandchild
• Front-load contributions (up to 5 years of gifting in one year)
• Coordinate with parents to maximize both savings and aid eligibility

Like most financial strategies, the details matter—especially around timing, ownership, and coordination with the broader family plan.

But done right, this approach can make a meaningful difference in reducing the cost of education while preserving financial aid.

If you’re working with families navigating both Medicare planning and multigenerational wealth strategies, this is a conversation worth having.

Because sometimes, the best legacy isn’t just what you leave behind—it’s what you help make possible. ✨

The “cheapest” Medicare plan can end up costing you more.

I see this happen every year.

Someone chooses a plan because:
✔️ It has a $0 premium
✔️ It looks like the lowest cost option
✔️ It includes extra benefits

But later on, they run into surprises like:
❌ Limited doctor networks
❌ Higher out-of-pocket costs
❌ Delays from referrals or approvals
❌ Prescriptions costing more than expected

And suddenly, that “cheap” plan doesn’t feel so cheap anymore.

Medicare isn’t just about picking the lowest price—
it’s about choosing coverage that fits your health, your doctors, and your needs.

The right plan can protect both your health and your wallet.

If you’ve ever felt confused trying to choose a plan, you’re not alone.

What’s been the most confusing part of Medicare for you?

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan can make a big difference in how you access care and manage costs.

👉 PPO plans give you flexibility — see any doctor (in or out of network), no referrals needed, and great for those who travel or want more control.

👉 HMO plans focus on coordinated care — lower monthly premiums, but you’ll need to stay in-network and get referrals for specialists.

There’s no one-size-fits-all — it all comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and healthcare needs.

If you’re unsure which direction is best for you, I’m here to help you make a confident, informed decision.

Medicare has several parts — and understanding how they work together can make a big difference in your healthcare coverage.

Here’s a quick overview:

🩺 Part A – Hospital Insurance
Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health care.

👨‍⚕️ Part B – Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and medical equipment.

📋 Part C – Medicare Advantage
An alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through private insurance plans that often include additional benefits.

💊 Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription medications.

Medicare can feel confusing — but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

A Medicare Benefits Advisor can help explain your options, guide you through enrollment, and make sure you choose a plan that fits your needs.

If you have questions about Medicare, reach out and get the guidance you deserve.

Turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare is a big milestone — and the decisions you make at the beginning can impact you for years to come.

Your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Open Enrollment window is a one-time 6-month opportunity when you can enroll with no health questions and guaranteed approval. After that window closes, you may have to answer medical questions — and coverage can become more expensive or even unavailable.

That’s why it’s so important to slow down and make the right choices the first time.

Medicare isn’t just about picking a card — it’s about building a strategy that fits your health needs, budget, and long-term goals.

Talk with a Medicare professional who can:
✔ Explain your options clearly
✔ Help you avoid costly mistakes
✔ Be there in future years when your needs change

The right guidance now can save you stress — and money — later.

If you’re approaching 65 or just starting Medicare, don’t navigate it alone.

📣 Social Security Announces 2.8% COLA Increase for 2026 — What Retirees Should Know

The Social Security Administration just announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. For the average retiree, this will mean about $56 more per month in benefits starting in January.

While any increase is welcome, many retirees are still feeling the pinch of higher prices on everyday essentials—especially those who rely on Social Security as their primary source of income (which is about 40% of older Americans).

Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

✅ How Your Check May Change:
Multiply your current monthly benefit by 2.8% (0.028) for an estimate of your new 2026 benefit.

⚠️ Medicare Will Impact Your Net Benefit:
The projected Medicare Part B premium increase could be 11.6%—rising to $206.50/month (up $21.50). Because most enrollees have their Part B premium deducted directly from their Social Security check, the actual “take-home” increase may be smaller.

💡 Taxes Can Also Reduce Your Monthly Payment:
Beneficiaries can choose to have 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% of their monthly Social Security payment withheld for federal taxes. Understanding whether withholding makes sense for your situation is important for tax season planning.

📬 When Will You Be Notified?
SSA will mail notices with your exact 2026 benefit in early December. You can opt to receive this electronically by creating or logging into your my Social Security account.

🧠 What This Means for Medicare Beneficiaries

As a Medicare Benefits Advisor, I always remind retirees: COLA increases and Medicare premium changes must be reviewed together. A benefit increase doesn’t always mean more money in your pocket if healthcare costs outpace it.

If you're approaching retirement—or already enrolled in Medicare—now is a great time to:

🔹 Review your 2025–2026 healthcare budget
🔹 Check your Medicare plan to ensure it still fits your needs
🔹 Evaluate whether tax withholding or IRMAA could affect your benefits

If you’d like help reviewing your Medicare costs alongside your Social Security benefits, I’m here as a resource.

Are you concerned the 2.8% increase won’t keep up with your expenses?
Share your thoughts below — I’d love to hear how retirees are feeling about this year’s COLA.

🛡️ What to Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Cancelled
For Colorado Medicare Beneficiaries

Many Coloradans are facing unexpected cancellations of their Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for 2025. Nationwide, an estimated 3 million MA plans have been cancelled — the most on record — as several major insurers exit markets or consolidate offerings. Here in Colorado, where roughly 64% of Medicare-eligible residents are enrolled in MA plans, this disruption is hitting hard.

What a “Plan Cancellation” Means
If your plan is being discontinued, you’ll receive a non-renewal notice indicating your coverage ends December 31. On January 1, you’ll automatically return to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) unless you choose a new plan. The good news: you have several options.

✅ Your Options

Choose a New Medicare Advantage Plan

During Open Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7) you can switch to another MA plan.

Because your plan is ending, you also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to join a new plan outside those dates.

Compare premiums, provider networks, drug coverage, and extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing).

Return to Original Medicare + Part D + Medigap

When your plan ends through no fault of your own, you have guaranteed-issue rights to purchase a Medigap (Supplement) plan without medical underwriting.

You’ll also need to add a standalone Part D prescription plan.

This route can cost more monthly but allows broad provider choice.

Do Nothing = Risk Coverage Gaps

If you take no action by December 31, you’ll default to Original Medicare on Jan 1.

That means no drug coverage or supplemental benefits until you re-enroll, potentially leaving costly gaps.

📅 Important Deadline: December 31

This deadline differs from general open enrollment. If your plan is cancelled, you must select new coverage by Dec 31 for uninterrupted benefits on Jan 1. Waiting beyond that may limit your options or delay coverage.

🧭 What To Do Now

Review your non-renewal notice carefully.

Make a list of your doctors, prescriptions, and needed benefits.

Compare available plans in your county at Medicare.gov