A new year often brings resolutions about health, finances, and peace of mind. For many seniors, January is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make sure their Medicare or health insurance coverage is truly working for them, not just on paper, but in real life.

At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, the focus at the beginning of the year isn’t about making changes or rushing decisions. It’s about understanding, clarity, and confidence.

Why January Is a Smart Time to Review Your Coverage

Even if you’re happy with your current plan, many people discover they don’t fully understand how their benefits work until they need them. January is ideal for:

• Reviewing how your plan covers doctor visits, specialists, and preventive care
• Making sure your prescriptions are still affordable and covered as expected
• Understanding out-of-pocket costs before the year progresses
• Planning ahead for potential health needs or lifestyle changes

When you know what your plan does—and how to use it—you’re far less likely to be surprised by unexpected costs later in the year.

Many Benefits Go Unused Every Year

One of the most common issues Medicare beneficiaries face isn’t lack of coverage—it’s unused coverage. Many people don’t realize they may already have access to:

• Preventive screenings and wellness visits
• Cost-saving opportunities for prescriptions
• Additional benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing services (depending on the plan)
• Support programs that help coordinate care and simplify healthcare decisions

Understanding these benefits can improve both your health and your financial well-being.

Medicare Can Be Confusing—You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone

Insurance language, notices in the mail, and medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where having a trusted, local advocate makes a difference.

Deborah Hilgerman works with clients year-round to:

• Answer Medicare and health insurance questions as they arise
• Review bills, notices, and plan documents
• Explain coverage in clear, plain language
• Provide guidance when health needs or circumstances change

Sometimes peace of mind comes from knowing you have someone to call when something doesn’t make sense.

A Confident, Healthier Year Starts With Understanding

The start of a new year is about setting yourself up for success—not just physically, but financially and emotionally as well. Whether you want reassurance that you’re on the right path or simply want to better understand how your coverage works, a conversation can make all the difference.

If you have questions about your Medicare or health insurance coverage, Hilgerman Insurance Solutions is here to help—without pressure and without obligation.

Make 2026 the year you feel informed, supported, and confident in your healthcare decisions.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
www.HilgermanIns.com

Review your Medicare coverage before December 7 to ensure it still meets your healthcare and budget needs. Confirm any plan changes for 2026, update your list of providers and prescriptions, check eligibility for savings programs, and get personalized support from a trusted local Medicare advisor like Hilgerman Insurance Solutions in Camarillo, California.

Why a Year-End Medicare Review Matters

As we approach the end of open enrollment on December 7, Medicare beneficiaries have a limited window of time to make crucial decisions about their healthcare coverage. Whether you’re already enrolled or approaching eligibility, completing a year-end Medicare checklist can help ensure that your plan still aligns with your medical needs and financial goals.

We specialize in guiding Camarillo residents through Medicare with confidence, clarity, and compassion. With over a decade of dedicated experience, we help individuals understand their options, avoid costly mistakes, and secure the right coverage for the year ahead.

Your Medicare Year-End Checklist for 2026

Use this checklist to prepare for a smooth transition into the new year:

1. Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

Each fall, your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan sends out an Annual Notice of Change outlining any changes in costs, coverage, or provider networks. Carefully compare these updates with your healthcare usage and prescription needs. If your plan no longer suits you, now is the time to explore alternatives.

2. Compare 2026 Medicare Plans

Medicare plans can change annually. What worked for you in 2025 may not be your best option for 2026. Using a local Medicare specialist can make comparing plans faster and easier. At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we provide clear, unbiased comparisons tailored to your needs—at no cost to you.

3. Verify Your Doctors and Pharmacies Are Still In-Network

Networks shift from year to year. Confirm that your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred pharmacy are still part of your plan’s network. Staying in-network ensures the highest level of coverage and helps you avoid unexpected bills.

4. Update Your Prescription Drug List

Drug formularies change, and new medications may have been added or removed from coverage. Review your prescriptions and cross-reference them with your plan’s 2026 drug list. This step can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs.

5. Check Eligibility for Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs

If your income or financial situation has changed, you may now qualify for assistance with premiums, deductibles, or prescription drug costs. These programs can reduce your overall healthcare expenses. A local expert can help determine your eligibility and assist with enrollment.

6. Schedule an Annual Medicare Review Appointment

The best way to ensure you’re fully prepared is by meeting with a licensed, local Medicare advisor. At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we offer personalized reviews to help you optimize your coverage, address changes in your health, and avoid costly oversights.

Why Work with Hilgerman Insurance Solutions?

Located right here in Camarillo, Hilgerman Insurance Solutions has earned the trust of seniors and families across Ventura County. We bring:

• Experience: Over 10 years helping individuals navigate Medicare confidently.
• Expertise: Deep understanding of plan options, enrollment periods, and cost-saving strategies.
• Authority: Recognized locally for clear guidance and trusted support.
• Trust: A community-focused approach that puts your well-being first.

Our commitment is not just to insurance, but to empowering you to make informed healthcare decisions that provide peace of mind throughout the year.

Important 2026 Medicare Deadlines to Keep in Mind

• Medicare Open Enrollment Period: October 15 – December 7, 2025
• Coverage Changes Take Effect: January 1, 2026
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31, 2026 (for changes to existing Advantage plans)

Ready to Plan Ahead?

If you’re unsure about your current Medicare plan or just want a second opinion from a licensed local expert, Hilgerman Insurance Solutions is here to help. We offer free Medicare consultations, by phone or in-person, to make sure you’re ready for 2026.

Contact Hilgerman Insurance Solutions in Camarillo today to schedule your Medicare Year-End Review and step into 2026 with confidence.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
www.HilgermanIns.com

Every fall, Medicare beneficiaries have a limited window of time to review and make changes to their coverage. This period—known as Medicare Annual Enrollment (AEP)—is open now through December 7th. It’s the one time of year when you can make sure your plan still fits your healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle for the coming year.

As the December 7th deadline approaches, now is the time to take a close look at your options—and make informed decisions that could save you money and ensure better coverage for 2026.

Why Reviewing Your Medicare Plan Matters

Even if you’re happy with your current plan, it’s worth reviewing your coverage every year. Insurance companies frequently make changes to their premiums, copays, drug formularies, and provider networks. That means a plan that worked well for you this year might not fit as well next year.

You might also have new prescriptions, a recent diagnosis, or changes in how often you see your doctor—all factors that can impact which plan gives you the best value.

By taking the time now to review your plan, you can avoid unexpected costs and ensure your coverage continues to meet your health needs.

Your Options During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period

During AEP, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Join, drop, or switch a Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations. For example, some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra coverage—like vision, dental, or hearing benefits—that Original Medicare doesn’t include. Others may lower your out-of-pocket costs or provide better access to your preferred doctors and pharmacies.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

A common mistake people make is waiting until the last minute to make changes—or assuming their current plan will automatically stay the same.

By starting early, you have time to compare plans, review the details, and ask questions. Rushing decisions or missing the deadline could leave you locked into a plan that doesn’t serve your best interests for another year.

How Hilgerman Insurance Solutions Can Help

At Hilgerman Insurance Solutions, we know how confusing Medicare can be. With so many plan options and fine print, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why Deborah Hilgerman, a trusted local Medicare specialist, takes the time to understand your unique healthcare needs and help you compare your choices—side by side, in plain language.

We’ll help you:

• Understand how your prescriptions and doctors fit within each plan
• Compare plan benefits, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs
• Identify potential savings opportunities
• Enroll in a plan that provides the best coverage for your needs in 2026

Our goal is to make Medicare simple, personal, and stress-free—so you can make confident decisions before the December 7th deadline.

Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Medicare Review Today

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period only comes once a year, and the deadline to make changes is December 7th. If you haven’t reviewed your plan yet, now’s the time.

Contact Hilgerman Insurance Solutions today to schedule your free Medicare review. Let’s make sure your plan fits your needs, your health, and your budget for the year ahead.

Hilgerman Insurance Solutions
www.HilgermanIns.com

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