Every year, Medicare gives you a limited window of opportunity to review your coverage and make adjustments. That time is Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15th through December 7th. For residents of Ventura County, this is the perfect chance to ensure your health insurance truly meets your needs. At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we specialize in helping individuals and families navigate their options so they can make informed decisions with confidence.

Why Open Enrollment Matters

Your health needs change over time—and so do Medicare plans. Open Enrollment is the one time each year when you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan (or vice versa).
• Change your Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Enroll in or change a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Failing to review your plan could mean higher out-of-pocket costs, gaps in coverage, or missing out on benefits better suited to your lifestyle. With so many options available, it pays to work with a trusted Medicare insurance broker in Ventura County who understands the details.

What’s New for 2026 Medicare Plans

The upcoming year brings some changes to Medicare benefits and coverage. While updates may seem small, they can impact your monthly premiums, prescription drug costs, or available providers. At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we stay up-to-date on Medicare plan changes for 2026 so you don’t have to. Our team reviews the fine print and helps you compare plans side by side, ensuring you choose the right fit for your health and your budget.

Personalized Help in Ventura County

Choosing the right plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a local Medicare insurance broker in Ventura County, Deborah Hilgerman provides one-on-one support to help you understand your options. Unlike calling a national hotline, working with Hilgerman Insurance Solutions means you’ll receive personal guidance from someone who knows the local providers, pharmacies, and coverage details that matter most to you.

Don’t Miss the Deadline

The Open Enrollment period ends on December 7th, and any changes you make will take effect on January 1, 2026. Missing this window means you’ll likely be locked into your current plan for another year. Don’t take that risk—now is the time to act.

Get Expert Guidance Today

At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, our goal is to simplify Medicare and make sure you have the coverage you need. Whether you’re reviewing your current plan, comparing new options, or enrolling for the first time, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact Hilgerman Insurance Solutions today to schedule your Medicare open enrollment consultation in Ventura County and secure the right coverage for 2026.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
www.HilgermanIns.com

Every fall, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan members receive a document called the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). This important letter details updates to your plan that will take effect in the coming year. If you’re currently enrolled in Medicare, reviewing your ANOC carefully is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your coverage still meets your needs.

At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions in Camarillo, we know that Medicare paperwork can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you understand what to look for in your 2025 ANOC—and how changes might affect your coverage into 2026.

How to Read the Annual Notice of Change

Your ANOC is mailed by the end of September each year. Inside, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of your current year’s benefits with what’s coming in the following year. As you read, pay close attention to:

• Premiums and Monthly Costs – Check if your monthly premium, deductible, or maximum out-of-pocket costs are going up or down. Even small increases can add up over the year.
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Review your medication list to see if drugs have moved to a higher tier, if copays are changing, or if new prior authorization requirements are being added.
• Provider Network – Make sure your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals will still be covered under your plan.
• Extra Benefits – Look at changes to vision, dental, hearing, and wellness perks. Some may be added, removed, or adjusted.

Taking the time to compare these sections helps you avoid surprises when the new year begins.

What’s Changing for 2026

Looking beyond 2025, there are upcoming Medicare changes in 2026 that current plan holders should keep in mind:

• Drug Cost Reductions – The Medicare Part D $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs goes into full effect in 2026, a major relief for seniors with high medication expenses.
• Expanded Preventive Benefits – Plans are expected to broaden wellness services and chronic care management programs.
• Network Adjustments – As insurers adapt to new rules, some provider networks may narrow or restructure, making it even more important to double-check your doctors remain in-network.

These changes make it especially important to evaluate your plan now so you’re positioned well for 2026.

When to Consider Switching Plans

Not every change means you need to switch, but certain red flags in your ANOC should trigger a review of other options:

• Your premiums or copays are increasing beyond your budget.
• A medication you take regularly is moving to a more expensive tier or dropping from the formulary.
• Your preferred doctor or hospital is no longer in the network.
• Benefits you rely on (like dental or vision) are being reduced or eliminated.
• You find that another plan in your area offers the same coverage at a better cost.

Even if your ANOC looks fine, it’s always wise to compare your plan to others available in Ventura County during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7).

Get a No Obligation ANOC Review with Hilgerman Insurance Solutions

Understanding your Medicare Annual Notice of Change can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, Deborah Hilgerman offers a No Obligation ANOC review consultation to help you interpret your 2025 notice, identify how upcoming 2026 changes may impact you, and explore whether switching plans could save you money or improve your coverage.

Call Deborah today to schedule your No Obligation consultation and make sure your Medicare plan works for you—not against you.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
www.HilgermanIns.com

For many seniors, summer means travel—whether it’s a cross-country road trip, visiting family in another state, or jetting off to a dream vacation abroad. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand how your Medicare coverage works when you’re away from home.

Medicare Coverage Across State Lines

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) travels with you across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Whether you’re at home in Arizona or visiting grandkids in Florida, you can still see any provider who accepts Medicare. However, keep in mind that some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may have network restrictions. Be sure to check with your plan to see how coverage works outside your local area.

Going Abroad? Here’s What You Should Know

Medicare generally does not cover health care outside the United States. There are exceptions, such as when you’re on a cruise or if a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. facility during an emergency. To bridge this gap, many travelers opt for a Medigap plan—specifically those that offer foreign travel emergency coverage (like Plan G or Plan N).

Emergency Care On the Go

Emergencies happen—even on vacation. Original Medicare covers emergency room visits anywhere in the U.S., and some Medigap policies or Medicare Advantage plans offer additional support for urgent care and ambulance services. Be sure to carry your Medicare card and a list of your medications while traveling.

Before You Hit the Road…

Planning ahead can give you peace of mind while you’re on the move. For personalized advice and help reviewing your Medicare coverage, contact Deborah Hilgerman at Hilgerman Insurance Solutions. She’ll help you make sure you’re covered—wherever your summer takes you.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
www.HilgermanIns.com

Staying healthy isn’t just about feeling good—it’s one of the smartest ways to protect your finances as you age. Fortunately, Medicare makes it easier than ever to prioritize wellness through a wide range of preventive services. From annual checkups to important screenings, these services are designed to catch potential health issues early, helping you stay healthier and avoid costly treatments down the road.

Here’s what you need to know about what’s covered and how to take full advantage of these benefits.

Annual Wellness Visits: Your Yearly Health Roadmap

Once you’ve had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months, you’re eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit at no cost to you (as long as your doctor accepts Medicare assignment). This isn’t a physical exam—it’s a conversation-based visit that helps you and your provider create or update a personalized prevention plan.

During the visit, you’ll review:

• Your medical history
• Current medications
• Risk factors for diseases
• Cognitive health
• Lifestyle habits

You’ll also work with your doctor to schedule any necessary screenings and vaccinations based on your age and risk profile. It’s a proactive step that sets the tone for your overall health strategy each year.

Screenings: Catching Issues Before They Become Problems

Medicare covers a long list of preventive screenings that are critical for detecting diseases early when they’re most treatable. Many of these are covered annually or at intervals based on risk factors.

Some common screenings include:

• Mammograms for breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer screenings (including colonoscopies)
• Diabetes screenings
• Cardiovascular disease screenings
• Prostate cancer screenings
• Bone mass measurements for osteoporosis

Most of these screenings are covered at no cost when provided by a doctor who accepts Medicare. Skipping these could mean missing a chance to catch something serious early, so staying on schedule is key.

Chronic Care Management: Support for Ongoing Conditions

If you’re living with one or more chronic conditions—such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis—Medicare may cover Chronic Care Management (CCM) services. These are coordinated care services provided outside of regular office visits to help you manage your health more effectively.

Benefits of CCM include:

• Regular check-ins with your care team
• Help with medication management
• Coordinated communication between your doctors
• Personalized care plans and goal setting

This service can help you stay on top of your condition and prevent complications that lead to hospitalizations or emergency care.

The Value of Staying Healthy to Avoid Larger Costs

Preventive care isn’t just good for your body—it’s good for your wallet. Treating advanced illnesses or managing serious complications can be costly and stressful. But by taking advantage of what Medicare offers—at no or low cost—you’re making a smart investment in your future health and independence.

At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we’re here to make sure you understand your Medicare benefits and how to use them to your full advantage. If you have questions about what’s covered, or need help scheduling services, we’re just a call away.

Take Action Today

• Schedule your Annual Wellness Visit
• Ask your doctor about upcoming screenings
• Explore Chronic Care Management if you have ongoing conditions

Your health is your most valuable asset—use your Medicare benefits to protect it.

Need help navigating Medicare? Contact Hilgerman Insurance Solutions for personalized guidance.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
www.HilgermanIns.com