August 2026
| One of the most valuable services I provide is staying ahead of Medicare changes long before they affect your coverage. Several recent announcements point to continued changes in Medicare costs and plan offerings. While these changes won’t affect everyone the same way, they’re a reminder that reviewing your Medicare coverage each year is more important than ever. Here’s what I’m watching—and what it could mean for you. |
| Medicare’s Financial Outlook The recently released 2026 Medicare Trustees Report provides a long-term look at Medicare’s financial future and where healthcare costs may be headed. Here are a few highlights that caught my attention: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) *Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is projected to face funding challenges beginning in 2033 if Congress takes no action. *If no changes are made before then, payroll tax revenue would be sufficient to pay approximately 89% of scheduled Part A benefits. *The Trustees estimate that restoring long-term solvency would require significant changes, such as increasing payroll taxes or reducing Part A benefits.  Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) While Medicare Part B is expected to remain financially stable, healthcare costs continue to rise. Current projections estimate: Part B premium: approximately $360 per month by 2035 Part B deductible: approximately $503 per year by 2035 These are long-term projections—not changes taking effect today—but they reinforce why planning ahead for healthcare expenses remains an important part of retirement planning. |
|  Medicare Part D: Changes Ahead for 2027 A recent announcement confirmed that temporary federal subsidies supporting Medicare Part D prescription coverage are expected to end in 2027. As insurance companies assume a greater share of prescription drug costs, beneficiaries may see: *Higher monthly premiums *Higher copays and cost sharing *Changes to covered drug lists (formularies) *Changes in drug tier placement that affect prescription costs If you take prescription medications, reviewing your Part D coverage each year will become even more important. |
|  Annual Enrollment Period is Approaching October 15 – December 7 Significant Medicare plan changes are expected again this year. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage – premiums, prescription drug coverage, provider networks and extra benefits can all change from year to year. That’s why reviewing your options annually remains so important. WATCH your mailbox and email during September for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your current plan. It will outline what is changing in your coverage for 2027. CURRENT CLIENTS: Watch for your Annual Enrollment information packet from me shortly after Labor Day via mail and email. It will explain this year’s process and outline the next steps for reviewing your Medicare coverage. |
| Colorado PERACare Members If you’re enrolled in a PERACare Medicare plan, this year’s Annual Enrollment Period deserves special attention. 2027 brings important changes for PERACare participants. Insurance carriers and plan options are changing, making this an ideal time for participants to evaluate whether PERACare continues to be the best choice. For some retirees an individual Medicare plan may provide better value, broader provider access, or lower overall costs than remaining in PERACare. Plan details will be released October 1 PERA’s annual enrollment is October 19 – November 19 |
| Jenell’s Corner My clients occasionally tease me by calling me an “insurance nerd” – and honestly, they’re right. I actually enjoy reading the Medicare reports, carrier announcements and industry updates that most people would never choose to read. I sort through the details, separate the headlines from what really matters, and keep you informed so you can make confident Medicare decisions without getting lost in the fine print. That’s one of the ways I help make Medicare a little easier. |
| Thank you for reading Your Medicare KeyNote. I hope you found this update helpful. If you have questions about Medicare or your coverage, I’m always happy to help. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Jenell Sobas, FPQP® Agency Owner | Key2Medicare Insurance  [email protected] |  303-484-1763  key2medicare.com |