October Agency Insights
Medicare AEP is here, let’s get you ready for 2026!
Hello, October 🍂
- Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct 15–Dec 7. It is a great time to review drug lists and doctors and book your annual review with us.
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Consider scheduling your mammogram or encouraging a loved one to do the same.
- Flu + fall wellness. Cooler weather = prime time to check in on vaccines, meds, and preventive visits.
- Heads-up: ACA Health Insurance (under 65) Open Enrollment starts Nov 1
October kicks off the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)—the once-a-year window to check your coverage and make changes for plan year 2026.
Key Dates
Oct 15 – Dec 7: AEP (enroll, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage & Part D plans)
Jan 1, 2026: Changes you make during AEP take effect
Why talk to an agent now?
A lot can change in a year- premiums, copays, drug formularies, and provider networks. A quick review now can prevent surprise costs later. We’ll help you:
- Read your ANOC (Annual Notice of Change) and spot what’s changing for 2026
- Confirm your doctors and pharmacies are still in-network
- Check your prescriptions against 2026 formularies
- Compare Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap + Part D (side-by-side, plain English)
Bring your ANOC letter, your medication list, and the names of any must-keep providers, we’ll do the rest.
Extra peace of mind: Final expense & travel insurance
Final expense life insurance: Small, permanent policies designed to help families cover funeral and end-of-life costs. Simple applications, predictable premiums.
Travel insurance for seniors: Headed out of state or on a cruise? Travel plans can help with trip interruption, medical emergencies, and evacuation when you’re away from home. We’ll help you choose the right fit for your itinerary and health needs. Click here to Explore Plans
Quick tips for AEP success
- Make a current medication list (name, dose, frequency)
- Bring your Medicare card and any plan ID cards
- Tell us what matters most: lowest premium, specialists, Rx costs, dental/vision, fitness perks, etc.
- Schedule early—in October and November. Click HERE to schedule or give us a call!
Cooking with Candace—Skillet Cinnamon Apples (Stovetop, 10 Minutes)
Perfect over Greek yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes or on their own.
You’ll need:
- 3 medium apples, peeled & sliced (Honeycrisp/Gala/Fuji)
- 1 Tbsp butter (or coconut oil)
- 1–2 Tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar (to taste)
- 1 tsp cinnamon, pinch salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water (for a glossy sauce)
How to:
- Warm butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples, cinnamon, salt; cook 2–3 min.
- Stir in lemon juice and maple/brown sugar; cook 3–5 min until just tender.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry; simmer 30–60 seconds. Serve warm.
Make it lighter: Skip the butter; use a splash of water and 1 Tbsp maple syrup, or sweeten with applesauce.
Add-ins: Raisins, chopped pecans or a pinch of nutmeg.
Easy (Free or Low-Cost) Ways for Seniors to Enjoy the Cooler Weather
- Morning “leaf-look” walks: 15–20 minutes around the block or a local park- bring a friend or grandkid.
- Library perks: Free talks, book clubs, movie nights, and many offer museum offers you can borrow.
- Farmers’ markets: Sample seasonal produce (apples, greens, squash) and take in live music.
- Porch coffee socials: Invite neighbors for an hour- simple, social, and step-free.
- Volunteer hours: Food pantry sorting or card-writing for veterans- light activity with a big impact.
- Free community fitness: Silver Sneakers/Walk-with-a-Doc, or YMCA events
- Photo scavenger hunt: Snap “something red, something round, a fall leaf…”- fun with grandkids.
- At-home movie matinee: Classic film + popcorn; rotate who chooses the next title.
Ready to review your Medicare for 2026?
Call, click, or stop in, we’ll help you compare plans, understand your options, and enroll with confidence.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov , 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users call 1-877-486-2048), or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.