Missed the Medicare Annual Enrollment Deadline? Some Options May Still Be Available
December 7 marked the end of Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). If you missed the deadline and you didn't make any plan changes, you might still have opportunities to adjust your coverage. Depending on your situation, you may be able to make changes through the following enrollment periods:
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31): If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events—such as moving, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid or Extra Help—can trigger an SEP , allowing you to make plan changes outside the usual enrollment windows.
- Medigap (Supplement) Policies: You can apply for a Medigap policy at any time. However, unless you have a guaranteed issue right , you may be subject to medical underwriting.
- Prescription Drug Coverage Assistance: If you qualify for Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy), you may be able to enroll in or change your Part D plan at any time.
Not sure what applies to you? We’re here to help. Contact our licensed agents for personalized guidance.
Medicare for Snowbirds: Coverage in Two States
If you spend part of the year in one state and part in another, you may be what’s often called a “snowbird.” While this lifestyle offers plenty of advantages, it can create challenges when it comes to Medicare coverage. The good news is that with some planning, your benefits can travel with you.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is straightforward—it works nationwide with any provider who accepts Medicare. But things can get more complicated with Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug plans , and Medigap . Advantage plans usually have local networks that may not extend to your second home, and drug plans often limit which pharmacies you can use. Medigap tends to offer the most flexibility, covering you with any Medicare-participating provider in the U.S.
It’s also important to know that Medicare requires you to keep one “primary residence,” and this determines your eligibility for certain plans. And while Medicare always covers emergency and urgent care anywhere in the U.S., routine care may be treated differently depending on your plan. If you split your time between states, reach out to us—we can help you determine if your current Medicare coverage will work for you in both locations.
Bet You Didn't Know Your Life Insurance Policy Could Do That!
When you think about life insurance, chances are you picture the support that comes to loved ones after you're gone. But did you know that some types of life insurance can do much more? Depending on the policy, life insurance can provide living benefits and even help with long-term planning. Here are a few lesser-known ways it can work for you:
College Funding: Some permanent life insurance policies build cash value over time. In certain situations, you can borrow against this cash value to help cover big expenses, like a child’s college tuition. It’s not a replacement for dedicated education savings, but it can provide flexibility when extra resources are needed.
Hybrid Life & Long-Term Care Coverage: Newer policies sometimes combine life insurance with long-term care benefits. That means if you ever need extended in-home help or a nursing facility, the policy can help cover those costs. And if you never use the long-term coverage, the life insurance benefit is still there for your family later.
Cash Value: Permanent life insurance plans may also allow you to borrow against the policy’s cash value during your lifetime. This can be used for unforeseen expenses, supplementing retirement income, or other needs. Of course, it’s important to understand how drawing on cash value affects the policy before making any moves.
Reach out to us to learn which types of policies offer these features, and which options might be a fit for your needs.