January has a way of inviting reflection—preferably with coffee and fewer deadlines. As we officially close the door on another busy enrollment season, this is the perfect moment to pause, regroup, and make sure everything is working the way it should.

First, a sincere thank you.

Thank you for trusting me through plan changes, rate increases, paperwork, and the general maze that modern health insurance has become. That trust is never assumed and always appreciated. Being your long-term resource is something I value deeply.

With most 2026 coverage now in place, January is less about reacting and more about confirming, reviewing, and planning ahead.


About Those Rate Increases

If your premium went up this year, you’re not imagining things—and you’re not alone.

Across ACA plans, Medicare Advantage, and group coverage, higher premiums, higher deductibles, and higher out-of-pocket limits have become the norm. Even when a plan looks nearly identical on paper, small tweaks can have a meaningful impact once you actually need care.

January is an ideal time to do a quick coverage check-in to:

  • make sure your new plan is active;
  • confirm prescriptions and doctors are covered;
  • watch for ID cards and first bills; and
  • ask questions early (before small issues turn into expensive ones).

If anything feels off, it’s much easier to fix now than later.


Why January Is a Smart Time to Look Beyond Health Insurance

Because health plans now place more financial responsibility on the front end, many people are choosing to protect themselves in additional ways.

This is where extra coverage like life insurance, disability income protection, long-term care planning, and supplemental plans that help with high deductibles can make a meaningful difference

Health insurance covers medical care. These other insurance plans help protect your income, your family, and your savings when life takes an unexpected turn.

January is often the best time to review these options because:

  • there’s no open enrollment rush;
  • conversations can happen calmly and thoughtfully; and
  • many plans are easier to qualify for when you’re healthy.

In short: better timing, better decisions.


Filling the Gaps of High Deductibles

With deductibles and out-of-pocket limits climbing, some clients are choosing simple supplemental coverage that pays cash benefits when something happens.

These plans can help offset costs related to hospital stays, accidents, or serious illnesses.

They’re not designed to replace health insurance, but they can soften the financial blow during a tough medical moment without requiring you to change your main plan.

Think of them as shock absorbers for your budget.


Looking Ahead to 2026

My goal for this year is simple:

Fewer surprises. Better planning. More peace of mind.

Reach out or schedule time on my calendar if you’d like to:

  • double-check your new coverage;
  • talk about protecting your income or family; or
  • explore ways to reduce risk without overcomplicating things.

Planning is always easier when it’s proactive—and far less stressful when it’s done before something goes wrong.

Thank you again for trusting me to help you navigate this. I’m here whenever you need me.

Currently licensed in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia.  I am happy to look into needs for states not listed.