In my last column I alluded to the elimination of some Medicare Advantage plans for 2026. Although this situation is true and is happening, the numbers I reported to you were wrong. The actual number is closer to 50,000 statewide. As well as not everyone will be to meet with an agent. Telemarketers will not have access to all the members’ information. If a caller says they are calling from the carrier it may be the carrier or it may be an unscrupulous group misrepresenting themselves.
Actually, I am thrilled that the number is so much lower than I was led to believe and far fewer of you will be affected. I apologize for reporting the wrong number in the first place. As you know I always try to give you the best information and, in this case, I blew it. Apologies to all.
This error makes me realize that even after you’ve been on Medicare for a while it’s still a mystery every year as we go into the annual enrollment period. It’s like Christmas morning without the pretty wrapped packages to open. Medicare beneficiaries are bombarded with so much information that it makes reviewing much more important.
I always hope for a smooth year without any major upheavals. But unfortunately, that’s never the case. I’ve often wondered why it has to be sure an ordeal. Our team spends hundreds of hours getting ready for a 53-day period.
Trying to figure out what the future holds without being given any information until a few weeks before the AEP starts might seem crazy to you, but that’s what I have to do year after year. I start scouring my sources in the summer. Looking for anything that I can impart to you to make the decision process easier. Almost always my sources are correct but once in a while one slips through the creaks and needs to be adjusted like this numbers mistake.
My goal is to develop my educational Medicare seminars outlining the major changes we can anticipate so you don’t have to do it on your own.
Fortunately, I’ve been able to team up with several community partners to offer you an opportunity to hear what 2026 has to offer. The following seminars are strictly educational, open to the public free of charge and have no sales content.
In conjunction with the Grand Traverse Senior Network:
— Interlochen- Monday September 22, 2025 @ 10:45am
— Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1896 Rogers Rd, Grawn
— Kingsley- Wednesday September 24, 2025 @ 9:00am
— The Rock, 115 E. Blair St, Kingsley
— Fife Lake- September 25, 2025 @ 1:00pm
— Fife Lake Public Library 77 Lakecrest Ln
— TC Senior Center- Tuesday September 30, 2025 @ 3:00pm
— 801 Front Street, TC
— TC Senior Center- Tuesday October 2, 2025 @ 6:30pm
— 801 Front Street, TC
RSVP @ 231-922-4911 for Senior Network seminars
In conjunction with The Village of Bay Ridge:
— Bay Ridge West Thursday October 9, 2025 @11:00am
3850 Scenic Ridge, TC
— Bay Ridge-East Thursday October 9, 2025 @1:30am
3825 Scenic Ridge, TC
In conjunction with Village at LaFranier Woods:
— Friday October 10, 2025 @ 2:30pm
— 1463 Orchard Hill Parkway, TC
Someone asked me why I do these seminars every year. The answer is simple. I too get those unsolicited phone calls. But I don’t hang up. I listen to the whole spiel, and I ask questions. Sadly, nine times out of 10 I hear misinformation and quite frankly, outright lies.
Time after time I’ve had clients come back into the office asking for help undoing the mess they got into because they called that “800” number to see “if they are getting all the benefits they deserve.” Medicare is a very personal matter. One size does not fit all. That person on the other end of the phone has no connection to you.
I can’t emphasize enough that having an annual review with a local agent is so important. Yes, I’d love it to be me but if it’s not me then working with another local agent who is familiar with the doctors, hospitals and facilities is so important. That person in that call center hasn’t a clue and is reading off a script. Putting a square peg into a round hole isn’t how you want to pick your health insurance.