​The Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period runs from January 1st - March 31st which is beneficial to those clients who are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. They don't have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period in October to make changes to their plans if they're not satisfied with them.​​ They can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or even dis-enroll from their current Medicare Advantage Plan and return to original Medicare. If they choose to do so, they'll be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan as well (Part D).

​Things to consider if your client wants to make a switch:

• Are their doctors and providers in the new plan network?
• Are their prescription drugs on the plan formulary?
• How do the premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance stack up to their current MA plan?
• Does the new plan offer additional coverage such as Dental, Vision, and Hearing, fitness programs or OTC allowance?

​Remember, if your client enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during their Initial Enrollment Period, they can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare within the first three months they have Medicare.

​If your client switches to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or they choose to go back to original Medicare their new coverage will start the first day of the month after their new plan receives the request for coverage. An important detail to remember though, if your client decides to go back to original Medicare and they want to enroll in Medicare Supplement plan, they will have to go through underwriting.

​Keep in mind, the best time for your client to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during their six month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. During this time they can purchase ANY Medicare Supplement policy sold in their state, even if they have health issues. This period starts the first month they have enrolled in Medicare Part B and they're age 65 or older.

There are many details to consider, before assisting your client with new coverage. Creating a Pros & Cons list to review both plans' benefits is important before making any change.

By Carolyn Portanova

Cybercrime is serious business and it's important to have protections in place to ensure your information is as secure as possible. Below are some tips to help you and your clients stay safe online.

Email

• ​Use a reputable email provider (Gmail, Outlook, iCloud Mail)
• Have a separate business email account with your own business domain
• Enable encryption when emailing sensitive (personal, financial, health) information
• Be sure to report and use the block and junk features in your email app
• Do not forward chain emails as they often contain false information and viruses
• Be careful opening emails from senders you don’t know and do not open attachments, as they can contain malware

Passwords

• Always create complex alphanumeric passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts
• Consider using a password management tool (NordPass, DashLane, RoboForm, LastPass)
• Do not store your passwords on sticky notes or notepads
• Do not use the “Remember my password” feature on websites - always login each time
• Change passwords regularly

Internet

• Always log out of sites and clear your browser history before shutting down your computer
• Look for “https://” (SSL encryption) in your browser before entering personal or sensitive information
• Enable private browsing whenever possible and delete cookies regularly
• Set up multi-factor authentication to login to websites (Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator)
• Only use current, supported browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari, FireFox)
• Never click on links from unknown sources
• Do not allow websites to store your credit/debit card information​

Mobile Phones & Tablets

• Use the screen lock feature on your phone and choose a random passcode that isn’t your date of birth
• Use biometric tools (fingerprint or face ID) to login to your phone and apps
• Keep apps and operating systems up to date
• Regularly review permissions and info that apps can access and disable app tracking
• Review your privacy, location and password settings anytime you download a new app
• Wipe the data from your phone with the ‘Find My’ feature should your phone become lost or stolen
• Be careful scanning QR codes

Computers, Software & Apps

• Always log off shared or public computers and clear your browsing history
• Keep operating system and software up to date (security patches, etc.)
• Always keep your laptop with you when traveling
• Only download software and apps from trusted sites
• Backup your data regularly
• If possible, upgrade your computer every 3-5 years to keep up with technology

Website

• ​Install SSL certificate(s) on your business website for secure browsing
• Use a secure hosting provider
• Have your website backed-up regularly

Remember to always air on the side of caution. Being vigilant about the safety of your and your clients’ information is crucial in this digital world.

Virus Protection

• Install anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date on all devices (desktops, laptops, tablets and phones)
• Be wary of pop-ups that advertise your computer is “at risk or infected with a virus” - these are scams and if you click on them you will download malware​

Home & Business WiFi Networks

• Create one network for personal use and another for guests, clients and smart devices
• Turn on your router’s encryption and firewall protection
• Change your router’s name and password from the default
• Use a router that automatically updates its firmware​
  

Public WiFi & Hotspots

• Avoid using unsecured, public networks and turn off auto connect to non-preferred networks
• Be careful using AirDrop or QuickShare over public WiFi
• Use a VPN for a secure session (NordVPN, Surfshark, Norton) if you have to use public WiFi
• Never use public WiFi to enter personal credentials on a website (hackers can capture your keystrokes)

Social Engineering

• Confirm the identity of anyone requesting information about you or who wants access to your device
• Be aware of Deepfakes (videos or audio recordings that manipulate a person’s likeness)
• Be aware of fake text messages that trick you into downloading malware
• Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you have contacted the company directly

Social Media, Chat Groups & Message Boards

• Be careful about what you share on social media and keep personal accounts set to private
• Even if you delete or archive a post or comment, screenshots live on indefinitely
• Review privacy settings on social media accounts and enable dual factor authentication to login
• Do not share that you’re traveling or away on vacation until after you’ve returned
• Do not use personal information (pet’s name, high school name) to protect online accounts
• Be careful when entering chat groups and message boards. Protect your identity, be mindful of what you share and report suspicious behavior

Financial & Health

• Monitor your credit regularly
• Implement a credit freeze by contacting all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian andTransUnion
• Only access your health information through authentic, secure patient websites/apps
• Review your bills, health and financial statements thoroughly for any discrepancies
• Set up email or text alerts for financial institutions

Business

• Keep your business activities separate from personal
• Use a secure CRM to manage your clients and their health information
• Comply with HIPAA regulations to protect client information

By Carolyn Portanova

Over 4 million Medicare beneficiaries pay income-related adjustment amounts (IRMAA) for their monthly Part B and Part D premiums due to their higher income levels. Most beneficiaries don't pay Part A premiums because they (or their spouse) have worked for at least 10 years and have paid Medicare taxes. However, people who do buy Part A will pay a premium of either $285 or $518 each month in 2025 depending on how long they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.

The standard monthly Part B premium for 2025 will be $185, which is what most Medicare beneficiaries will pay. For higher earners, that amount will range from $259 - $628.90, depending on their income level.

​Part D surcharges next year will range from $13.70 to $85.80 (that’s in addition to any Prescription Drug Plan premium they may pay as well).

These surcharges are based on your clients' tax returns from two years prior - which may not accurately reflect their current financial situation. If your client has experienced any of the following they may be eligible to lower their IRMAA:

• Marrigage
• Divorce
• Death of a spouse
• Loss of income
• Employer settlement payment

If your clients' income has changed significantly, they can appeal those income-related adjustment amounts by visitng the Social Security Administration's Life Changing Event page and by providing proof that their income has changed, which can include:

• A more recent tax return
• A letter from their former employer stating they've retired
• Current pay stubs

Learn more by visiting www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs.

By Carolyn Portanova

​Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, also known as D-SNPs, are special Medicare Advantage plans for those who are receiving both Medicare AND Medicaid assistance. These plans extend their coverage and help coordinate care and benefits between Medicare and Medicaid. They can ultimately provide the most comprehensive, affordable coverage for these individuals.

​These plans cover the same health care services that traditional Medicare Advantage plans cover, including Medicare Parts A and B and they also include prescription drug coverage. Many D-SNPs also offer Dental, Vision and Hearing coverage, Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), tele-health options, fitness and gym memberships, OTC (Over the Counter) cards (with prepaid credit to buy health products and groceries) and even transportation assistance. Many of these plans offer $0 premiums making them highly attractive to those with limited incomes. 

​Individuals who are eligible for D-SNPs are a diverse group of people that can include those with multiple chronic conditions, physical disabilities, mental illnesses, cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities. It can also include individuals who are relatively healthy. These individuals typically require assistance managing their care, which is where the care coordination of these plans is hugely beneficial for them.
​
Who pays for what and how does it all work? With most Medicare Advantage plans, your client pays a portion of the plan cost out of pocket. With a D-SNP, Medicare and Medicaid pay most or all of the costs. Medicare is the primary payer for care services. State-run Medicaid then steps in by providing assistance with Medicare premiums and cost sharing and also covers some services that Medicare does not cover, such as Long-term care services.

If you have clients that are currently enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid programs, discuss the benefits of enrolling them in a D-SNP. There are a variety of D-SNPs available. Some are Health Maintenance Organizations programs and some are Preferred Provider Organizations programs. These plans vary by state and by insurance carrier, so it's important to research plans in your client's area thoroughly before enrolling them. Premiums, copayments, coinsurances, and deductibles also vary depending on the plan.

You can enroll clients during their Initial Enrollment Period, during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15th - December 7th), during the Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) or during a Special Enrollment period: January–March, April - June or July - September, if they have a qualifying event which allows them to do so. To learn more about the different enrollment periods, visit CMS.gov or Medicare.gov.

If you have questions about Dual Special Needs Plans or need help offering them, please reach out to us.

By Carolyn Portanova

If your clients have been through life changing events (divorce, loss of a spouse, loss of income) and are enduring financial hardships, you can help them lower their Medicare costs. There are numerous programs available to assist Medicare beneficiaries and we'll review them below.

There are four Medicare Savings Programs that can help offset your clients' costs:

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program is another way to help clients lower their costs. This program provides coverage of Parts A and B premiums and utilizes cost sharing to lower income beneficiaries.

The Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB) assists beneficiaries with their Part B premiums.

The Qualifying Individual Program (QI) helps beneficiaries pay for Part B premiums.

The Qualified Disabled Working Individual Program (QDWI) provides assistance for those under the age of 65 who are disabled and are no longer entitled to free Part A. These individuals have returned to work, have a lower income and are not eligible for Medicaid.

​Your clients can also request to have their IRMAA lowered - the amount they'll pay for Medicare Parts B and D. 

​Additionally, they can apply for the Medicare Part D Extra Help Program. This program helps those with lower incomes pay for their prescription drugs, deductibles and copays. Your clients can apply for the program online.

The Medicare Savings Program, available on the state level, provides assistance to Medicare beneficiaries with help paying their Part A and Part B premiums. If your clients qualifiy the program might also pay for their Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Get help with Medicaid and CHIP by selecting your clients' state.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) also provides help to Medicare beneficiaries and their families.

There is no shortage of resources and programs available to help offset the costs of Medicare. If your clients don't qualify for one program, they may for another. Be sure to utilize these tools to research the best options for your clients - and as always, if you need help, please reach out to us.

By Carolyn Portanova