January Agency Insights
New Year, New Coverage: Special Enrollment Periods, Rising Premiums & Small Business Health Insurance Options
A new year brings fresh goals, new opportunities — and for many people, questions about their health insurance.
With individual health insurance premiums continuing to rise and healthcare remaining a major topic of conversation, more individuals and business owners are exploring their options and asking the same question:
“Is there a better way to get coverage that actually fits my needs and budget?”
At Insurance Benefit Navigators, our role is to help you navigate those options with clarity and confidence — whether you’re an individual, a family, or a small business owner.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): You May Still Qualify for Coverage
Even though Open Enrollment has ended for most people, you may still be eligible to enroll in an ACA health insurance plan through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
A SEP allows you to enroll outside of Open Enrollment if you experience a qualifying life event, such as:
- Losing employer-sponsored coverage
- Lost or Denied Medicaid
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Moving to a new area
- A change in household income
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan
In most cases, you have 60 days from the event to take action.
Why SEPs Matter
Many people assume they must wait until the next Open Enrollment — but that’s not always true. Missing your SEP window could mean being uninsured for months.
Working with a licensed agent ensures:
- You don’t miss important deadlines
- You enroll in the right plan
- You maximize subsidies and savings
Group Health Insurance: How We Help Employers
One valuable (and often overlooked) services we provide is small business and employer group health insurance.
We work with business owners to design group plans that fit their:
- Budget
- Company size
- Industry
- Employee needs
We assist with:
- Group medical plans
- Dental & vision coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee benefits strategy
Whether you’re a business with 2 employees or 50, group health insurance can be a powerful tool for growth, retention, and long-term success.
And just like our individual services — our support for employers is no cost, consultative, and fully personalized.
Smart Health & Financial Habits for the New Year
The start of the year is a great time to reset both your health and your finances.
4 Simple New-Year Habits:
- Review your insurance coverage (don’t wait for a problem)
- Use preventive care benefits (annual physicals are usually free)
- Track healthcare spending (HSA/FSA accounts help)
- Ask questions — confusion costs money
Being proactive now can save you thousands later.
Cooking with Candace—
One-Pan Roasted Veggie Bowls
A simple, healthy, and busy-week approved recipe:
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes, cubed
- Broccoli florets
- Red onion
- Chickpeas
- Olive oil, garlic powder, salt & pepper
Instructions:
Toss everything with olive oil and seasonings. Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. Serve over quinoa or brown rice and drizzle with a lemon tahini or yogurt sauce.
Healthy, filling, and perfect for meal prep.
We’re Here to Help —
Individuals & Businesses Alike
Whether you’re:
- Experiencing a life change
- Unsure if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
- Or a business owner exploring group health insurance
- Turning 65
- Retiring and losing group coverage
Insurance Benefit Navigators is here to help.
We specialize in:
- ACA health insurance
- Medicare enrollment
- Small business health insurance
- Group employee benefits
- Dental, vision & life insurance
Because healthcare shouldn’t be confusing — and choosing the right coverage shouldn’t feel overwhelming.