J. Stephens Insurance Agency

⏳ Where did July go?

It feels like summer just started, but August is already here and that means one of the most important times of the Medicare year is right around the corner.

📬 Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters will begin arriving next month. These letters explain any changes to your current Medicare plan for 2027, including:

✔️ Monthly premiums
✔️ Copays and deductibles
✔️ Prescription drug coverage
✔️ Provider networks
✔️ Extra benefits

Many people wait until October to schedule their Medicare review, but by then calendars fill up quickly.

📅 It's never too early to reserve your personal Medicare plan review. We'll review your current coverage, discuss any changes, and make sure you're prepared before Annual Enrollment begins.

📞 Call or text: 314-501-9596
🌐 www.jstephensinsurance.com

I'm here to help you make informed Medicare decisions with confidence.

—
Jason Stephens
J. Stephens Insurance Agency, LLC

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. Calling does not obligate you to enroll in a plan.

📊 Medicare Advantage keeps growing—but the pace is changing.

Some interesting takeaways from a new KFF analysis:

✅ More than half of all Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
✅ Enrollment continues to grow, but not as fast as in previous years.
✅ Some insurance companies reduced benefits or exited certain markets in 2026, leading many beneficiaries to review their coverage more carefully.
✅ This is a good reminder that the plan you chose last year may not be the best fit next year.

As an independent Medicare broker, I review plans from multiple carriers each year because networks, drug coverage, copays, and extra benefits can all change.

Question: Have you ever reviewed your Medicare plan and found something had changed that surprised you?

📖 Read the KFF report here:
Medicare Advantage in 2026: Enrollment Update and Key Trends
https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-in-2026-enrollment-update-and-key-trends/

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

Big news for Medicare beneficiaries!

Medicare is expanding coverage for certain weight-loss medications; but not everyone will qualify.

Coverage depends on why the medication is prescribed, your medical conditions, and whether your Medicare plan covers the specific drug.

If you've been wondering whether medications like Wegovy or Zepbound might be covered, now is a good time to learn how the rules are changing.

Every Medicare plan is different, so don't assume what your neighbor's plan covers is the same as yours.

📖 Learn more directly from Medicare here:
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/weight-loss-drugs

Have questions about your Medicare coverage? Feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help explain your options.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. Information is for educational purposes only.

💡 Medicare Tip: A Hospital Bill Doesn't Always Mean You Have to Pay the Full Amount

One of the most overlooked resources available to many Medicare beneficiaries is a hospital's Financial Assistance Program (sometimes called Charity Care).

Many nonprofit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance to qualifying patients based on household size and income. In some cases, hospital bills can be significantly reduced or even eliminated.

I recently learned that many people don't know these programs exist until after they've struggled with a bill, set up a payment plan, or even been contacted by collections.

A few things to know:

✅ This is separate from Medicaid.
✅ You can often apply before, during, or after receiving care.
✅ Many hospitals allow applications months after the first bill arrives.
✅ Eligibility is based on the hospital's guidelines and your financial situation.
✅ The hospital makes the final determination.

If you receive a hospital bill that causes concern, don't assume you have to handle it alone. Ask the hospital whether they offer a Financial Assistance Program and what the qualification requirements are.

If you're not sure where to start, give me a call or contact our office. We'll be happy to help you find the hospital's Financial Assistance Program and guide you through the first steps of contacting the hospital to see what assistance may be available.

Helping clients navigate Medicare is important, but helping them find resources that save them money when life happens is just as important.

If you have questions about a hospital bill or don't know where to start, feel free to reach out.

📞 314-501-9596
🌐 www.jstephensinsurance.com

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only. Financial Assistance Program eligibility, benefits, and application requirements vary by hospital and are subject to change. J. Stephens Insurance Agency does not determine eligibility or approval. All eligibility and financial assistance decisions are made by the hospital or healthcare provider.

🚢 Planning a Cruise? Here's Something Many Medicare Beneficiaries Don't Know...

Medicare generally does NOT follow you around the world.

In fact, once your cruise ship is more than 6 hours from a U.S. port, Original Medicare may no longer cover medical services you receive onboard. That surprise can leave travelers facing significant out-of-pocket costs if an illness or emergency occurs at sea.

Before your next cruise, it's worth reviewing:
✔ Your Medicare coverage
✔ Any Medicare Supplement (Medigap) benefits
✔ Medicare Advantage travel benefits
✔ Travel insurance options

A little planning before departure can help prevent unexpected medical bills while you're trying to enjoy your vacation.

If you're planning to travel in 2026 and want to understand how your Medicare coverage works away from home, I'm happy to help.

📞 314-501-9596
🌐 www.jstephensinsurance.com

— Jason Stephens
J. Stephens Insurance Agency, LLC
Independent Insurance Agent specializing in Medicare

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Federal Medicare program.

☀️ June Medicare Update from J. Stephens Insurance Agency

Summer is here, and it's a great time to take a fresh look at your Medicare coverage.

Many people assume they can only review their Medicare options during the Annual Enrollment Period, but certain life events may allow you to make changes throughout the year. It's also never too early to start preparing for upcoming Medicare decisions if you're turning 65 or planning to retire in the next several months.

As an independent broker, I work with multiple Medicare carriers to help clients compare plans based on their doctors, prescriptions, benefits, and budget. Every person's situation is different, and what worked last year may not be the best fit moving forward.

Whether you're:
✅ Turning 65 soon
✅ Approaching retirement
✅ Curious about Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement plans
✅ Looking for help with prescription drug costs or Extra Help (LIS) programs
✅ Simply wanting a second opinion on your current coverage

I'm here to help.

Thank you to all of my clients, friends, and referral partners for your continued trust and support. It is a privilege to help individuals and families navigate Medicare with confidence.

📞 314-501-9596
🌐 www.jstephensinsurance.com

Just Call J.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Benefits, premiums, provider networks, and availability vary by plan and county.

As May comes to a close, I want to take a moment to say thank you.

Thank you to my clients, referral partners, healthcare providers, friends, family, and everyone who has trusted J. Stephens Insurance Agency with their Medicare and health insurance needs.

Every day, I have the opportunity to help people navigate important healthcare decisions, and I don't take that responsibility lightly.

Whether you're approaching Medicare, reviewing your current coverage, helping a loved one, or simply looking for guidance, I'm grateful for the chance to be a resource for our community.

As we head into June, my commitment remains the same:

✔ Educate first
✔ Put clients' needs first
✔ Provide year-round service and support
✔ Help people make informed healthcare decisions

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

— Jason Stephens
J. Stephens Insurance Agency, LLC

📞 314-501-9596
🌐 www.jstephensinsurance.com

What has been the highlight of your May?

In observance of Memorial Day, J. Stephens Insurance Agency, LLC will be closed on Monday as we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

Today, we remember those who served and gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Memorial Day also holds deep meaning for our family, as we honor relatives who proudly served our nation through World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. Their service, sacrifice, and dedication to this country will never be forgotten.

We wish everyone a safe, meaningful, and reflective Memorial Day weekend.

🇺🇸 Veterans: Don’t Assume the VA Covers Everything

Many veterans are surprised to learn that VA benefits and Medicare are two separate systems. Having both can give you more flexibility, shorter wait times, and access to doctors and hospitals outside the VA system.

A Medicare Advantage plan built with veterans in mind may help with:
• Lower out-of-pocket costs
• Dental, vision & hearing benefits
• Gym memberships
• Part B premium giveback options
• Access to civilian providers when needed

The biggest mistake veterans make? Waiting too long to enroll in Medicare Part B and getting hit with a lifetime penalty.

If you’re a veteran using:
✔ VA Benefits
✔ TRICARE
✔ CHAMPVA

…it’s worth reviewing how your coverage works alongside Medicare for 2026.

As an independent broker, I can help compare plans available in your area and explain how they coordinate with your current benefits.

📞 Let’s review your options before AEP.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
Benefits, premiums, provider networks and formularies may change on January 1, 2027.
For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 314-501-9596 (TTY: 711).
By calling this number, you may be directed to a licensed insurance agent.

People ask me all the time…

“Why use a Medicare agent when I can just enroll online?”

Because Medicare isn’t just about signing up for a plan.

It’s:
• Making sure your doctors are in-network
• Checking prescription coverage
• Understanding prior authorizations
• Avoiding costly mistakes
• Knowing what happens if you need rehab, home health, or specialists
• Having someone local to call when issues come up

A website can enroll you.

A local agent helps you navigate Medicare before AND after enrollment.

That’s the difference.

At J. Stephens Insurance Agency, we help clients throughout Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan understand their options and stay supported all year long.

If you’re turning 65, retiring, losing employer coverage, or just want a Medicare review, I’m here to help.

📞 314-501-9596
🌐 www.jstephensinsurance.com

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the government or federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent multiple organizations which offer multiple products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program for information on all your options.