2026 MedicarePlan Information is Live |
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October 1st has finally arrived! That means new information for 2026 Medicare plans is now being released. Over the next several days, I will be carefully reviewing all of the updated plan details and sending out email communications with further updates on specific changes—especially those impacting Medicare Advantage plans.
 Need a Medicare 101 Refresher?  Video Link Here
This is a very busy time of year, and I’m almost always in back-to-back appointments. The best way to connect with me to review your coverage is by booking an appointment using one of my scheduling links (outlined later in this communication).
Because there is so much happening this year, I’ve broken down the most important details you need to pay attention to—based on the type of coverage you have.
 Key Dates to Know
- October 1st: All 2026 plan information will be available.
- October 1st–4th: I’ll be carefully reviewing all of the new 2026 plan information to assess changes. During this time, I may not be able to respond to phone calls and emails as quickly as usual, since I’ll be “locking myself away” to study and sort through the large amount of information that comes out all at once.
- October 5th - 14th: I will be sending out further communications with specific plan details—especially related to Medicare Advantage plans.
- October 15 – December 7: This is the window when changes and new enrollments can be made.
- December 31: If your plan is exiting, you have until this date to select new coverage. Please don’t wait that long—schedule your appointment right away to secure a time with me.
- January 1st: New coverage begins.
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Medicare Supplement (Medigap) + Prescription Drug Plan |
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This section is specifically for those of you who have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policy (Plans F, G, N, etc.) along with a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). |
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Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policies
 No AEP Restrictions – You can keep your current Medigap plan. These policies are not tied to the AEP and generally stay with you for life unless you want to switch to Medicare Advantage.
 Rate Increases – Premiums (especially for Plans F and G) have been rising at record levels, averaging 10–22% increases. Unfortunately, this trend is expected to continue.
 Switching Medigap Plans – You can apply to move to a different Medigap policy at any time of year, but you must pass full medical underwriting to be approved.
 Trial Right Option – If your Medigap premiums are becoming unmanageable and you’ve never tried a Medicare Advantage plan, you have a one-time “trial right.” You can try a Medicare Advantage plan for up to one year, and if you don’t like it, you can return to your original Medigap policy without underwriting.
 Important Clarification: You can move to a Medicare Advantage plan even if you’ve already used your one-time trial right. However, if you later decide you want to return to a Medigap plan, you would need to go through full health underwriting—and there’s no guarantee you’d be approved.
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Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) Even if you’re happy with your Medigap policy, it’s very important to review your prescription drug plan this year.
 AEP Dates: October 15 – December 7 (the only time to change your drug plan).
 What’s Changing in 2026?
- Catastrophic maximum out-of-pocket: $2,100 (the most you’ll pay in a year for covered prescriptions)
- Tier 1 & 2 Deductibles: Some plans may now require meeting the deductible even for Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs.
- Reduced Formularies: If a medication you’ve been filling through your drug plan will not be covered in 2026, your plan must send you a letter. Be sure to read these notices closely so there are no surprises.
 Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): These notices are already hitting mailboxes; if you haven’t received yours yet, you should receive it any day. Review changes to premium, deductible, and formulary. Be sure to check your email in case you've signed up for electronic delivery of plan communications.
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 My Role & How I Can Help
- Enrollment Limitations: Most drug plans are no longer contracting with or compensating agents. Because of this, my liability insurance does not allow me to assist with the actual enrollment. I will help you identify the best plan; you may then self-enroll directly with the carrier or through Medicare.gov.
- 15-Minute PDP Reviews (Phone): Due to high demand, all drug plan reviews are 15-minute phone appointments.
- Anthem Ranch Residents: I offer in-person, 15-minute PDP reviews on Thursdays at Anthem Ranch. If you can’t find a Thursday time that works, feel free to book any of my 15-minute phone appointments.
- Helpful Resource: I’ve created a short video showing how to review your prescription drug coverage on Medicare.gov in case you'd like to review this on your own and if needed enroll in a new plan. Please note, by enrolling in a new drug plan, that will automatically cancel out your old drug plan as of December 31st.
 Video Tutorial
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Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C) |
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This section is for those of you that have a Medicare Advantage Plan - or Part C, or are considering moving to this type of coverage. |
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 Major 2026 Network Changes, Plan Exits & Market Changes
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 Network Updates for 2026
- UCHealth: Out of network with Devoted Health and Cigna.
- CommonSpirit: Still out of network with Humana.
- Kaiser: Now in network with CommonSpirit and Boulder Community Health.
- Ongoing Changes: Contracts are renegotiated regularly and networks change.
 What a network change means for you:
You will either need to find a new plan where your doctors are in network, or you will need to find new providers.
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 Plan Exits 
- UnitedHealthcare PPOs: The majority of UHC PPO plans are being pulled from Colorado.
- Aetna: PPOs in Broomfield County are exiting, as well as many HMOs in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, and several other counties.
- Cigna (HealthSprings): Cigna has rebranded to HealthSprings, and many of these plans are being treated as exits. Members will need to be rewritten into a new plan.
- Other Carriers: Additional exits are happening statewide.
 What a plan exit means for you:
If your plan is exiting, you will receive a letter from Medicare & your Insurance Carrier within the next week (via mail or email if you elected e-delivery).
Keep these letters. They may create a guaranteed issue (GI) window allowing you to return to Original Medicare with a Medigap policy + stand-alone drug plan if that’s the best fit for your needs.
 If you’re experiencing a plan exit, it’s imperative you watch my 27-minute video so you fully understand your options before our appointment. Video Link
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 Important Note on PPOs
- Medicare Advantage is moving strongly toward an HMO-based model. While a few PPOs may still be available in Colorado in 2026, they may not be an option in the future.
- If you need out-of-network coverage, your realistic path will be either:
- Moving to Medigap during a guaranteed issue situation (such as a plan exit), or
- Passing full health underwriting to move to Medigap at another time.
- PPO plans are becoming unfavorable and increasingly difficult for carriers to sustain. Carriers are no longer contracting with or compensating agents for many of these plans, which means I am unable to enroll clients in them since my liability insurance does not cover plans I’m not compensated for. This is a sign that carriers are trying to suppress enrollments in these products and are likely preparing to phase them out of the market.
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 TRICARE for Life + MA-Only PPO Clients
If you have TRICARE for Life with a Medicare Advantage PPO, moving to a Medigap policy does not make sense since TRICARE already works like Medigap.
- It usually makes the most sense to stay on a PPO plan if possible. A few PPO options will remain in 2026.
- Otherwise, your choices are to:
- Move to an HMO plan (no out-of-network flexibility), or
- Drop Medicare Advantage and keep Original Medicare + TRICARE only, giving up extra MA benefits (Part B giveback, dental, vision, hearing, fitness, allowances).
 You do not need to watch the plan exit video—I’ll review your options with you directly.
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 If Your Plan Is Not Exiting & your Network is Not Affected
If your plan is continuing into 2026 and you receive your ANOC, review the changes carefully.
- If you feel your coverage is still adequate, no appointment is needed. Your plan will automatically roll over into the new year.
- If you’re unsure or want to explore other options, please schedule an appointment.
- Considering Medigap? If you’re not in a plan exit but are thinking of leaving Medicare Advantage and moving to Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement policy, please understand:
- You will need to pass full health underwriting to qualify.
- Medigap premiums are increasing at 10–22% annually, and are becoming quite expensive. You must also add on a stand alone drug plan and dental/vision/hearing if those things are important to you. There are additional premiums for all of these policies.
- If you can pass underwriting and this option interests you, we can discuss it at our appointment.
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 Plan Design Changes & Networks
 Higher Costs Across the Board: Most carriers are raising co-pays, maximum out-of-pockets, and in many cases, reducing benefits.
 Carrier Variety: Even if your current plan isn’t favorable for 2026, many carriers have multiple plan options and we have a variety of carriers to choose from. You may be able to stay with the same carrier but switch to a plan that better fits your needs.
 Hospital Indemnity & Cancer Coverage: If higher co-pays and rising max out-of-pockets are a concern for you, it may be worth considering a hospital indemnity and/or cancer policy to help minimize costs. I have a great, affordable product available and will be writing these policies after the first of the year. If this interests you, I’ll follow up in January to explore this option with you. Here is a short 2 1/2 minute video that explains how this product works.  Video Link
 Supplemental Benefits (food, utilities, etc.): These are now being tied directly to chronic illness such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, COPD, and other CMS-defined chronic illnesses.
To access them, you may need to: - Attest to your chronic condition, or
- Provide written documentation from your medical provider to submit to the carrier.
 New Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs):
- Available for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and COPD.
- May lower co-pays and add extra benefits.
- Require attestation and a statement from your doctor.
 Note: These plans often have narrower provider networks
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 Don’t Forget to Use Your Benefits!
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to use any over-the-counter credits or other benefits you may have before December 31st—they will not carry over into the new year.
Remember, everything resets on January 1st: deductibles, premiums, co-pays, and coinsurance all start fresh. |
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 What You Should Do Next
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1. Check Your Mail / Email Look for your ANOC and, if applicable, your plan exit letter from both your carrier and Medicare.
2. If Your Plan Is Exiting: Schedule your appointment right away and watch the video linked above before we meet so you are informed about the choices available to you.
3. If Your Plan Is Continuing: Review your ANOC carefully. If you’re satisfied with the changes, no action is needed—your plan will automatically carry into 2026.
4. Schedule Early: My availability during AEP is very limited. Please use my scheduling link below to book your time.
 During AEP, I’m in back-to-back appointments daily, so phone calls and emails may not be returned until late evening and potentially not in the same day. Using my scheduling link is the fastest way to get on my calendar.
 If your insurance carrier calls you directly about changing your plan, please remember that if you switch through them, I will no longer be your agent of record and won’t be able to assist you going forward. To keep me as your agent and ensure my continued support, please schedule with me directly.
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 Scheduling & Availability
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 Important Scheduling Note
Because so many clients are affected by plan exits, appointments will be condensed and focused. I’ll only have time for one appointment per person this year (couples can book a single joint appointment). Please arrive on time and come prepared so we can make the most of our meeting. We can always plan to catch up more personally after the New Year.
 Which Appointment Should You Book?
Annual Enrollment Plan Review (45 minutes) For individuals/couples already on Medicare who want to review their current Medicare Advantage or Supplement coverage. October 15th - Dec 7th, unless your plan is exiting and then you will have until December 31st to make a plan change.
Prescription Drug Plan Review (15 minutes – Phone Only) For clients staying on their Medicare Supplement and needing only a drug plan review. Please note: many carriers are no longer contracting with or compensating agents. I cannot enroll you in every plan, but I will help you identify the most suitable option moving forward.
Anthem Ranch Residents If you live at Anthem Ranch, please book one of the designated Anthem Ranch appointments on Thursdays. Alternatively you are also welcome to book an appointment at my office or via phone or virtually through my other scheduling link.
New to Medicare (1 hour) For those enrolling in Medicare for the first time or that have newly moved to Colorado. We’ll review your options and get you set up with coverage. Please watch this important video before your appointment so we can make the most of our time together - Video Link
Quick Phone Consult (15 minutes) For general questions or simple clarifications.
 Full Scheduling Link
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 Before Your Appointment: Required Updated Survey & Scope of Appointment (CMS)
Once you schedule your appointment, you’ll receive a survey from me a few days later (unless you've completed one already in the last 8 months). This will collect your updated medications, providers, and the required Scope of Appointment form from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).
- This form must be completed at least 48 hours prior to our meeting.
- If you can’t find a doctor or a prescription, don’t worry—we’ll review quickly together & I can edit in our appointment.
- Completing it ahead of time will help us use our appointment time efficiently.
- I'm required to get a new survey every year per CMS (Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services).
 At Your Appointment: Come Prepared
- Bring your Medicare Card (the Red, White & Blue one), along with your current plan card.
- Bring your banking information - some plans may have premiums and require banking information (routing & account number).
- Plan Exits - if your plan is exiting, bring the letter you received from CMS &/or your carrier. Be sure you've watched the video so you understand your choices -
 Video Link .
- Come on time. If you are late for or miss your appointment, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to accommodate you.
 New Office Location
Remember that I have moved! My office is now located inside the Colorado Tech Center in Louisville, right off of Dillon and South Pierce.
 740 South Pierce Avenue, Suite 5, Louisville, CO
Directions: • From 96th & Dillon, head east on Dillon, cross the tracks, then left on S Pierce. • From eastbound Dillon, turn right on S Pierce before the tracks. • Take an immediate right into the parking lot, then another right. My office is #5, next to Koda CrossFit & in the building that has the sign "Smart Windows | T-Dog Door Manufacturing".
 View on Google Maps
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Introducing Elle - My Niece& Admin Assistant |
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I’m excited to introduce my niece, Elle Johnson, who has joined me this fall as my administrative assistant during the busy Annual Enrollment Period. You may hear from Elle if she’s following up on missing items or helping keep things organized behind the scenes.
Elle is from Pueblo, Colorado, and is currently a sophomore at CU Boulder in the Leeds School of Business. She graduated in the top 20 of her high school class in 2024 and was active in DECA, a business club, for three years. Outside of school and work, Elle is a self-taught pianist and enjoys going to the gym (though she jokes she’s not quite as dedicated as I am!). She’s eager to learn more about Medicare and excited to support our clients—and I’m so grateful to have her energy and attention to detail on my team! |
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Culinary Delights & Delicious Bites |
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  Brett's Lasagna Roll Ups
During the Annual Enrollment Period, I’m working such long hours that my husband takes over the kitchen—along with just about everything else at home! As much as I’d love to claim this recipe as my own, it’s actually one he found years ago online. It’s become one of his trusty go-tos, and let’s just say… I don’t mind one bit when he’s the chef in charge. PREP TIME: 25 Minutes COOK TIME: 35 Minutes SERVES: 6 |
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INGREDIENTS:
Cheese filling: 15 oz. ricotta, 1 egg, 2 cups mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp each basil, parsley & salt, ¼ tsp pepper
Meat sauce: 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 onion (diced), ½ lb ground beef, ½ lb Italian sausage, 3 garlic cloves, ½ cup chicken broth, 32 oz marinara, optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire + 1 tsp hot sauce
Other: 12 lasagna noodles, 1½ cups mozzarella
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 375° & bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles until just tender; drain and lay flat.
2. Mix ricotta, egg, cheeses, and seasonings for filling.
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3. In a skillet, sauté onion in oil, then add beef + sausage. Cook through, add garlic, drain grease. Stir in broth, marinara, and seasonings. Simmer a few minutes.
4. Spread ricotta mix over each noodle, top with a little sauce, then roll up. Place seam-side down in a 9x13 dish.
5. Cover with remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover with foil (sprayed to prevent sticking).
6. Bake 35 minutes. Optional: broil briefly to brown the cheese. Garnish with parsley.
  Serve with Garlic bread!
Credit: the Cozy Cook, March 2022. Full Recipe Details here - Link.
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 Upcoming Events
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It has been a busy event season! In 2025, I’ve hosted nearly 20 Medicare educational seminars and attended many community events. As I move into the Annual Enrollment Period, those activities are winding down, and I’m already starting to look ahead to 2026.
There’s still one more great event this season that I’ll be participating in—at the Louisville Senior Center this coming Friday. (More details below!) After that, I’ll be gearing up for a brand-new series of educational events in 2026, including Retirement-Ready: Understanding Social Security and Medicare, designed to bring all your retirement planning needs together in one helpful session. |
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 Louisville Senior Services Wellness & Resource Fair
October 3 | 9:00–11:00 AM  Louisville Recreation & Senior Center – Main Lobby
Free Event A great opportunity to connect with wellness providers, caregivers, and community resources focused on older adults and healthy aging.
 Aging Well Seminar – Virtual
February 25 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM  Virtual - Zoom Link Coming Soon
Free Event A professional networking event for referral partners focused on supporting older adults and their families with clarity and confidence.
 Feel Good Festival – Louisville Chamber of Commerce
February 28 | 10:00AM-3:00PM  Relish Food Hall & Pickleball
550 McCaslin Blvd Unit B, Louisville, CO 80027 Free Event Join me at this vibrant community event focused on health, wellness, and active living! I’ll be there as a Gold Sponsor, leading a Medicare changes breakout session. And don’t miss the Pickleball Tournament with all seven Northwest Chamber Alliance members!  Learn more
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|  |   Retirement-Ready: Understanding Social Security and Medicare
In 2026, I’ll be launching a brand-new seminar series: Retirement-Ready: Understanding Social Security and Medicare. These sessions will run about 90 minutes and bring together two of your most important benefits in one program.
I’ll cover the essentials of Medicare—when and how to enroll, your coverage options, and how to avoid costly mistakes. I’ll also be joined by a Certified Financial Planner who is a Nationally Certified Social Security Advisor, making this seminar especially valuable since Medicare and Social Security are so closely tied together. This addition reflects one of the most common requests I’ve received from past attendees.
We already have confirmed dates at Anthem Ranch and are working on securing dates with the Louisville Library, Erie Library, and Superior Community Center for early 2026. Stay tuned—more details to come!
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 New events are being added all the time! I’m always looking for more ways to connect with and support our community. Keep an eye on future newsletters or follow me on social media for updates!
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Tickle Your Funny Bone: This Month's Comic Relief |
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Finally, I want to thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey—not just as your Medicare resource, but as someone you trust with something as personal and important as your health coverage. I’m truly grateful for the relationships we’ve built.
If you find this newsletter helpful, please feel free to forward it to a friend, neighbor, or family member here in Colorado who may benefit from having someone in their corner. Your referrals mean the world to me—they’re truly the highest compliment I can receive. |
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Our Spanish daughter, Laia, visiting us in CO this past August.  |
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