Refuge Insurance Advisors

09/24/2026

The Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration is ending after 2026. This is a temporary federal program that helped stabilize premiums for some standalone Medicare Part D drug plans.

Does that mean your premium will automatically go up in 2027? Not necessarily. The impact will vary by plan, and total prescription costs depend on more than monthly premiums.

What should you do? Start by reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to see updates regarding your premium, coverage rules, out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy network.

Once you know what's changing, talk to us to compare your current plan with the Part D options available for 2027. We will evaluate:

• What your prescriptions will cost
• Whether your medications are still covered and any new rules to get them covered
• Any changes to your deductible
• Whether your usual pharmacy is still preferred or in-network

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15–December 7. Even if you're happy with your current plan, reviewing your ANOC and comparing your options can help you determine whether your coverage still fits your needs for the year ahead.

09/21/2026

Reminder for employers: if you offer prescription drug coverage, you're required to send Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage notices to Medicare-eligible employees and their dependents by October 15, ahead of Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period.

These notices let recipients know whether your plan's drug coverage is as good as or better than Medicare's, information they need to avoid a late enrollment penalty. We're here to help. Let's make sure your notices are ready to go out on time.

09/18/2026

💰 Could guaranteed income bring more predictability to your retirement plan?

Market ups and downs can be challenging when you’re relying on retirement savings for income. Certain annuities can provide guaranteed income for life, depending on the product and payout option, helping reduce reliance on short-term market performance.

An annuity may be worth exploring if you:

✅ Want more predictable retirement income
✅ Are concerned about outliving your savings
✅ Want to help cover essential expenses
✅ Are looking to balance growth opportunities with guaranteed income

Annuities aren’t right for everyone, and products can vary widely in costs, guarantees, surrender charges and withdrawal restrictions. We can help you understand the options and determine whether an annuity has a place in your overall retirement strategy.

09/16/2026

Driving, delivering, freelancing, consulting, creating. Millions of Americans work as independent contractors.

None of it comes with a benefits package.

If you work for yourself, you are your own HR department. Finding a health insurance plan is usually not the hardest part. It is that coverage decisions assume you know what you will earn this year, and gig income rarely cooperates. Estimate your income too low and you could owe money back at tax time. Estimate too high and you paid more every month than you needed to.

One more thing people forget. If you recently left a traditional job, you did not just lose the health plan. You likely lost dental, vision, disability coverage, and a life insurance policy you may not have known you had. For anyone whose income depends on being physically able to work, that disability piece matters.

Open enrollment for individual coverage opens in early November, so now is the time to sort it out. Want help comparing your options? Reach out. There is no cost to talk.

09/14/2026

Mark your calendar: Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period is coming up on October 15. Now is the time to start thinking about whether your current coverage still fits your needs. Get a head start and reach out today to schedule a free Medicare review session with us, starting October 1. Slots fill up fast!

09/11/2026

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders and all who served in the days that followed.

09/10/2026

🗓️ Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is almost here!

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, and now is the time to start getting ready.

✅ Review your current coverage and top providers
✅ Gather your medication list
✅ Watch for your Annual Notice of Changes in the mail this month. It outlines what's changing in your plan for 2027.

📝 The more organized you are now, the easier it is to make confident choices once enrollment opens.

Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s important to review it each year. Costs, drug formularies, provider networks, pharmacy networks and benefits can change.

🗓️ Schedule a review with our team starting October 15. Appointments fill quickly! Call us: 678-880-6743. Or visit our website: refugeadvisors.com

09/09/2026

The Essential Pre-Retirement Financial Checklist

Retiring soon? Review seven key financial decisions involving investments, Social Security, Medicare, RMDs and retirement income before you retire.

09/08/2026

⚠️ Still contributing to an HSA after age 65? Medicare enrollment could create an unexpected tax issue.

Simply turning 65 doesn’t automatically make you ineligible to contribute to an HSA. But once you’re enrolled in Medicare, you generally can’t make or receive HSA contributions, even if you’re still working and covered by an HSA-eligible employer health plan.

Here’s where it can get tricky: If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits when you become eligible for Medicare, you’re generally automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

And if you delay Medicare while working past 65, and then enroll later, premium-free Part A coverage may be retroactive for up to six months. HSA contributions made for months covered retroactively by Medicare could become excess contributions and may have tax consequences if not corrected.

If you plan to work past 65 and keep contributing to an HSA, it’s important to coordinate your HSA contributions with the timing of Medicare and Social Security.

A little planning can help prevent an unexpected tax headache.

Confused by this whole issue? We get it! Give us a call and we can help.

09/07/2026