June Agency Insights
Turning 65 Checklist, Marketplace Must-Knows and a Fresh Summer Recipe
June brings sunshine, celebrations — and for many, an opportunity to plan ahead for important health coverage decisions. Whether you’re turning 65 soon, helping a loved one, or navigating income changes, we’ve pulled together helpful tips and a simplified checklist to support you.
And don’t miss this month’s Cooking with Candace — a crisp, protein-packed Mediterranean Chickpea Salad that’s perfect for warm summer nights!
Turning 65? Here's Your Medicare Checklist
Navigating Medicare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re approaching your 65th birthday, here are some key milestones to keep in mind:
✅ 6 Months Before:
- Review Medicare basics: Parts A, B, C (Medicare Advantage), D (prescriptions), and Supplement (Medigap) coverage
- Learn what Medicare does and doesn’t cover (e.g., dental, vision, prescriptions)
- If you’re still working, confirm whether your employer coverage is considered creditable
✅ 3 Months Before:
- Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins
- Enroll in Parts A & B through the Social Security Administration
If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be enrolled automatically in Parts A and B and should receive your Medicare card in the mail. If you’re not yet collecting Social Security, you’ll need to apply manually through SSA to avoid late penalties or gaps in coverage.
- Begin reviewing plan options — such as Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement and Part D
- Schedule a conversation with one of our licensed agents to review your options
✅ 1 Month Before:
- Confirm your plan selection and ensure everything is in place for your effective date
📌 Disclaimer:
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Marketplace Insights: Income Reporting & FAQs
Summer often brings changes — new jobs, business slowdowns, or fluctuating income — all of which can impact your ACA Marketplace health coverage. Here’s what to keep in mind:
💡 Accurate Income Reporting = Avoiding Surprises
- Your premium subsidy is based on your estimated annual household income
- Update your income on Healthcare.gov whenever your income changes (raises, job changes, etc.)
- Underreporting may result in owing money at tax time
- Overreporting may mean you’re overpaying for your plan
❓ Common Marketplace FAQs:
What’s a 1095-A form?
This is your annual Marketplace tax form confirming coverage and any subsidy received. You’ll need it when filing your federal taxes.
Can I update my income mid-year?
Yes! In fact, you should. Updating your income helps ensure your subsidy remains accurate — and may even increase it.
Can you help estimate my income?
Yes. We can walk through it with you and factor in self-employment income, side work, seasonal changes, and more.
Cooking with Candace: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This refreshing no-cook dish is packed with fiber, protein, and bright summer flavors — perfect for meatless Mondays, light dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl
- Whisk dressing ingredients together and pour over salad
- Toss and chill for 15+ minutes before serving
🎥 Catch the full recipe in this month’s video on our https://www.youtube.com/@joinIBN
We’re Here to Help — at No Cost
Whether you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, need help navigating Marketplace coverage, or just have questions about your options, our licensed agents are here to guide you — at no cost. Book an appointment, give us a call, or stop by. We’re real people, simplifying healthcare every day.