September Agency Insights
Ready, set… almost time to enroll! Medicare AEP and ACA OEP are almost here.
Hi friends! September is that “sharpen your pencils” month—cooler mornings, new routines, and the perfect time to get your health coverage ducks in a row. Here’s what’s new, what’s next, and how we can help. at no cost to you.
Medicare: Get AEP-ready (Oct 15–Dec 7)
Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters start arriving soon—don’t file them under “later.” We’ll review any changes (premiums, drugs, networks) and see if sticking or switching makes sense.
Key dates: AEP runs Oct 15–Dec 7. Changes you make take effect Jan 1.
Pro tip: Make a 10-minute list before we chat—current meds, preferred pharmacies, must-keep doctors, and your monthly budget target.
ACA Marketplace: Mark your calendar
Open Enrollment for 2025 coverage is Nov 1–Jan 15 (enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage). We’ll compare plans, check your subsidy, and keep your doctors in-network where possible.
Heads up: The special “income SEP” window ended in late August. If you missed it, we’ll plan ahead for OEP and look at bridge options if needed.
Employee Benefit Corner (groups of 2+)
Q4 is renewal season. If you’re starting a business or reviewing your team benefits, we’ll shop all major carriers, compare networks and total employer/employee costs, and suggest plan tweaks that actually move the needle.
Add-on benefits worth considering (employee-paid, no employer contribution required):
- Pet insurance: popular perk with minimal admin; employees pay the premium.
- Dental & Vision: low-cost, high-usage benefits that boost retention.
- Life/AD&D and Disability: basic protection with optional buy-up tiers.
- Enrollment timing: easy to add at renewal—or midyear with a simple amendment.
- Messaging: position as voluntary ‘pick-what-you-need’ options to attract and keep talent.
Scam + Spam Season: Call Us First
Expect more commercials, cold calls, and “act now” mailers. Some are legit, others…not so much. Before you give info or switch plans, call us first. We’ll sanity-check the offer in plain English at no cost. (Tip: add your number to donotcall.gov and use your phone’s spam filters for peace of mind.)
Book Early = Breathe Easy
Medicare and Marketplace appointments fill up fast. If you already know your availability, grab a spot now so you’re not speed-running choices in December.
Quick Wins Checklist
🗂️ Gather: meds list + doctors + preferred pharmacies
💳 Bring: last 2 paystubs or estimated 2026 annual income (if Marketplace), Medicare card (if Medicare)
👩⚕️ Networks: tell us your “must-keep” providers 0076
💬 Questions: write them down—we love a good lightning round
Cooking with Candace—a yummy 10-minute recipe
Lemon-Garlic Chickpea Toss (no-cook, protein-packed)
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas (rinsed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 mini cucumber (diced)
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- Handful parsley
- Crumbled feta cheese
Dressing:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon
- 1 small grated garlic clove
- Pinch salt/pepper
Whisk dressing, toss with veggies/chickpeas, finish with feta (optional) or a spoon of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess. Great on greens or stuffed in a pita.
Need help? That’s what we do.
Call: (727) 491-7260
Referrals: Know someone who could use a hand before Open Enrollment? Send them our way, we’ll take great care of them.
See you soon, and happy almost-fall! 🍂
September Fun Facts
A few quick facts to make you the most interesting person in the waiting room—and some health tie-ins you can act on.
- The autumnal equinox usually lands around Sept. 22-23—day and night are nearly equal. Nice moment to ‘balance’ your coverage checklist, too.
- September is often recognized as National Preparedness Month and National Cholesterol Education Month—good reminders to check preventive benefits and keep an updated list of medications.
- Birthstone: sapphire. Flowers: aster and morning glory. Before the year speeds up, consider booking any remaining appointments or procedures while deductibles are top of mind.
- Flu season kicks off in the fall—most plans cover flu shots at $0 when you use in‑network providers. Ask us where to go and what your plan covers.
This is a solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an insurance agent or insurance company. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government entity or agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent organizations which offer products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.