December Agency Insights
Important Deadlines, Rising Costs & Healthy Holiday Cheer
Medicare Annual Enrollment Ends December 7th
If you still need to review your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, December 7th is the last day to make changes for the 2026 plan year.
During AEP, you can:
- Change your Medicare Advantage plan
- Move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Update your Part D prescription coverage
- Review how your 2026 benefits and drug costs will shift
If you need support reviewing your options before the deadline, our team is here and ready to help.
ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment: Key Dates You Must Know
Open Enrollment is in full swing, and deadlines are approaching quickly:
✔ December 15
Enroll or update your plan for a January 1, 2026 start date.
✔ December 15 – January 15
Enroll during this window for a February 1, 2026 start date.
Updating your application ensures your subsidy calculation reflects your current income — which can significantly affect your monthly premium.
Rising ACA Deductibles: What You Should Know for 2026
Across the Marketplace, many ACA plans have seen increases in deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs for 2026. This trend is due to rising healthcare costs, higher claims utilization, and updated federal limits.
For many families, this means:
- Higher upfront costs before coverage begins
- Larger out-of-pocket responsibilities for labs, imaging, and hospital care
- Increased exposure during unexpected medical events
This can feel overwhelming — but the good news is that there are affordable supplemental products that can help offset these rising costs.
Ways to Protect Yourself From Rising Out-of-Pocket Costs
Our agency offers several low-cost ancillary coverage options that can pair with ACA health plans to reduce financial strain:
✔ Hospital Indemnity / Surgical Plans
Pays you cash directly if you’re admitted to the hospital or need surgery. Helps offset deductibles, lost wages, or other expenses.
✔ Accident Plans
Provides a lump-sum payment or fixed benefits for injuries such as broken bones, burns, ER visits, or urgent care needs.
✔ Critical Illness Plans
Lump-sum payment upon diagnosis (heart attack, cancer, stroke, etc.). Money can be used for treatment, travel, childcare, or household bills.
✔ Telemedicine & Discount Programs
Can reduce routine care costs and improve access outside of traditional office visits.
These plans are surprisingly affordable and can make a meaningful difference during an unexpected medical event — especially as deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums rise.
If you’d like recommendations or a custom bundled quote, we’d be happy to help.
December Fun Facts to Celebrate the Season
- December marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.
- The first artificial Christmas trees were made in Germany — out of goose feathers dyed green!
- Poinsettias were named after Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.
- December is the most popular month for engagements.
Cooking with Candace—Healthy & Easy Holiday: Festive Cucumber Bites
Ingredients:
- 2 English cucumbers, sliced
- Whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt cream cheese
- Dill & chives
- Lemon juice, salt, pepper
- Optional: Top with a cherry tomato, smoked salmon, paprika
Instructions:
Mix cream cheese with herbs and lemon, pipe onto cucumber slices, garnish, and chill. Light, refreshing, and holiday-ready!
Perfect for holiday gatherings, and easy to prep ahead!
Warm Holiday Wishes From Our Family to Yours
As 2025 winds down, our team at Insurance Benefit Navigators wants to express our deepest gratitude for trusting us with your healthcare coverage. Whether you’re navigating Medicare, ACA Marketplace plans, small-group benefits, or supplemental protection, it’s our privilege to support you.
We wish you a joyful holiday season surrounded by peace, good health, and the people who matter most.
Happy Holidays and cheers to a wonderful 2026!
— The IBN Team