Your 2026 Medicare Journey: Why a Local Agent Matters

Thinking about your Medicare coverage? It can feel like navigating a maze, but it doesn't have to be. For over 15 years, I've been helping folks right here in Missouri understand their options, building on my 33 years as an educator. My goal is simple: to teach you about Medicare so you can choose the best path for your unique needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics I’ve covered on my recent Tuesday Lives to help you prepare for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).

What is the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)?

Every year, if you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan, your plan provider is required to send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) by September 30th.

The ANOC is a critical document that outlines every change to your plan's benefits, coverage, costs, and service area for the upcoming year (e.g., 2026). This document explains what will change, what will stay the same, and how your plan will look starting January 1st. You must review your ANOC carefully, as even a small change to a copay or formulary (drug list) could significantly impact your healthcare costs.

The Value of a Local, Licensed Agent

We Know Missouri

When you call an insurance carrier's customer service line, you'll reach a wonderful person, but they often work in another state and don't have local knowledge. I live in Missouri, so I know the specific plans offered here and understand our local hospital systems. This local expertise is crucial for making a choice that truly serves you in your community.

Licensed Agents vs. Enrollers

It's important to know who you are working with. A licensed agent has gone through an intensive state and carrier-specific licensing process. For example, I've spent the last month and a half completing licensing and hours of carrier testing to be ready for AEP.

• Licensed Agents are here for the long haul. We're an ongoing resource for your questions and changes after enrollment.

• Enrollers may assist you with a single enrollment but are often not a licensed agent and are gone once you've signed up.

Compliance is Key

Medicare is complicated. To ensure you understand your options, compliance guidelines require us to spend time explaining your options before we discuss any specific plans. A good, compliant first meeting focused on education should take about an hour. As a former teacher, I am committed to making this complex topic clear and easy to understand.

Streamlining Your Search

If you try to compare coverage options on your own, you might have to contact 10 or more people to get all the information you need. A local agent can look at various options for you and streamline the process to fit your exact needs.

Understanding Medicare Plans

Here is a quick look at the major plan types:

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Coverage managed by the federal government.

• Medicare Advantage (Part C): A private health plan that includes Part A (Hospital) + Part B (Medical) + Part D (Prescription Drugs), which is why it's often called Part C.

• Part D: Stand-alone Prescription Drug Coverage.

• Medigap (Supplemental) Plan: Insurance sold by private companies to help pay some costs not covered by Original Medicare.

You can always explore your options yourself at www.medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Protect Yourself from Medicare Scams

Be aware of the high volume of spam calls during enrollment periods. My best advice: don't answer the phone if you don't recognize the number. Let it go to voicemail.

Quick Safety Tips:

• Never give out your Medicare ID, Social Security Number, bank information, or other personal data to an unsolicited caller.

• Hang up on anyone who pressures you to buy a plan immediately or who threatens to cancel your benefits.

• Legitimate agents will never show up at your house uninvited.

• If you're unsure if a call is legitimate, write down the caller's name and company, then call me back to verify.

Let's Connect

I am available for you! My phone is always on, and I check my email regularly. I am here to take the time to answer your questions and provide the local knowledge you deserve. There is no cost to you for my service; the carriers compensate me for the enrollment work.

• Phone: 1-573-578-5333 (I aim to answer within the first ring!)

• Email: tyinsure@gmail.com

• Find me on Facebook for future Live events!

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15th through December 7th—don't wait until the last minute to review your options!

This article is a fictional marketing communication for a Medicare insurance agent. The information within is for educational purposes and should not be considered an endorsement of any specific Medicare plan or carrier. Medicare plan availability and benefits can vary based on location and specific plan details. Always consult with a licensed insurance agent or Medicare directly to understand your specific options.