Keep It Simple

January 27, 2021

Feeling overwhelmed? The solution is to simplify. You may not have control over some daily stressors, but you can reprioritize and declutter the things you can control. Sometimes, the task of simplifying is anything but simple. It takes motivation and dedication to declutter life. But, we think you will find it has a great payoff. Try these steps to make life a little more simple:


1. Set monthly goals.

Set yourself 1-3 goals each month. Feel overwhelming? Okay, just start with one. Take it one day and one step at a time. By the end of the month, evaluate whether or not you met your goal and if you did, journal your accomplishment. If you were just shy of meeting, set it again for the following month. Goals in smaller, more manageable chunks of time are more achievable.


2. Carry a water bottle everywhere.

We all know staying hydrated is important, but it’s so much easier to do it if you keep a water bottle with you at all times. Fight brain fog with hydration!


3. Declutter your closet.

You know that feeling when you have too many clothes and nothing to wear? It's time to get honest, bite the bullet, and purge. If you haven't worn an item in the past 12 months, it is time to find that cute-but-never-worn top a new home - in someone else's closet. Donate your to a local charity.


4. Organize clothing by color.

Instead of organizing your clothing by type, try organizing by color. You'll find new outfit options with color combinations you didn't think of before.


5. Follow a quick morning routine.

Not everyone has time for an elaborate morning routine! Make things a little simpler and incorporate these quick and easy changes:

  • Drink one glass of water.
  • Keep your phone off (or at least away from your hand!).
  • MOVE. Don't have time for a workout? Give yourself 5 minutes to stretch, and if you have 
  • time, even just a 5 minute walk to the end of your street and back can help your body prepare for the day.
  • Make your bed before you brush your teeth.
  • Set an alarm 20 minutes before you need to leave home for work. This will alert you to tie up those last minute details.


6. Put the crock pot to good use.

Drag that crock pot out of storage and put it to use. You'll thank yourself at the end of a long workday. Another hack - take some time over the weekend to put uncooked crock pot meals into freezer bags. In the morning, just grab a bag and toss it in the slow cooker. Voila!


7. Unsubscribe from emails.

We know, there's a lot. Make it a small goal to unsubscribe from 3 email lists every time you check your inbox. Before long, you'll have a less cluttered email feed (and less temptation to clutter your closet right back up with impulse purchases).


8. Make your lunch the night before work.

If you make your lunches ahead of time, you’ll make healthier choices by avoiding eating out and you will save money. It's a win win.


9. Create a follow-up email folder.

Instead of letting read emails pile up in your inbox because you don’t know what to do with them, move them to a follow-up folder. Pick a day of the week and check your follow-up folder to make sure you don’t forget about things.


10. Keep healthy snacks at hand.

Keep a stash of healthy snacks at your desk or at home to perk yourself up, increase metabolism, and feel less defeated during the workday. (Remember to drink water, too!)


11. Set a social alarm.

Mindlessly scrolling in the evenings is sure to overload the brain and take up precious time. Instead, set an amount of time to spend checking in with friends and staying up today. Once the alarm sounds, put the phone away. Wrap up daily tasks, have a conversation with your spouse or a loved one, read a book, or write in your journal. Instead of taking 10 minutes to prepare your to-do list in the morning, write your list before bed. This way, those pesky to-dos will be out of your head, and you’ll have much a more peaceful sleep. You might be surprised how much these simple changes improves your mood and declutters your brain!

12. Slow down.

So many of us are rushing through life, trying to get a million things done at once while attempting to absorb as much information as we can at the same time. Take a few minutes to think about the areas of your life where you’ve been rushing, and come up with a plan to slow down and be a little more deliberate. 

How do you simplify life? Share with us on facebook!

How Life Events Can Qualify You for Special Enrollment

January 23, 2026
Health insurance enrollment is not always limited to a single time of year. While Open Enrollment is the most widely known opportunity to sign up for or change health coverage, many people are surprised to learn that certain life changes can allow them to enroll outside of that window. These opportunities are called Special Enrollment Periods, often referred to as SEPs. If you experience a qualifying life event, you may be able to enroll in a new health insurance plan or make changes to your existing coverage without waiting for Open Enrollment. Understanding how Special Enrollment works can help you avoid gaps in coverage, unexpected medical bills, and unnecessary stress during major life transitions. What Is a Special Enrollment Period? A Special Enrollment Period is a limited timeframe that allows you to enroll in or modify your health insurance coverage after experiencing a qualifying life event. For individual health insurance, this window lasts 60 days from the date of the event, although most group (employer) plans allow a shorter period of 30 days. During a Special Enrollment Period, you may be able to apply for a new health plan, switch plans, add or remove dependents, or adjust your coverage to better match your new circumstances. If you miss this window, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period to make changes, which could leave you uninsured or underinsured for months. Acting promptly is key. Common Life Events That Qualify for Special Enrollment Several major life changes can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. One of the most common qualifying events is loss of credible health coverage. This can include losing employer-sponsored insurance, aging off a parent’s plan at age 26, or losing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP. When coverage ends unexpectedly, a Special Enrollment Period allows you to replace it without waiting until Open Enrollment. Changes in household status are another common qualifying category. Events such as getting married, getting divorced, having a baby, adopting a child, or having a child placed in foster care can all trigger Special Enrollment. These life events often significantly change healthcare needs and costs, making it important to update your coverage as soon as possible. A change in residence can also qualify you for Special Enrollment, especially if the move gives you access to new health insurance plans. Moving to a new state or county, relocating for work or school, or returning to the U.S. after living abroad may all make you eligible. However, simply moving within the same area without access to new plans may not qualify, so it’s important to understand the details. Income Changes and Special Enrollment Income changes can also play a role in Special Enrollment eligibility, particularly for those who purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If your income decreases, you may become eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions that make coverage more affordable. In some cases, a significant income change can open a Special Enrollment Period. On the other hand, an increase in income may affect your current financial assistance and require plan updates to avoid owing money back at tax time. Reporting income changes promptly helps ensure you are enrolled in the correct plan and receiving the appropriate level of financial support. What Does Not Qualify as a Life Event? Not every change in your life qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period. Simply deciding whether you want a different health insurance plan or missing the Open Enrollment deadline does not trigger eligibility. Voluntarily canceling your coverage without another qualifying reason may also leave you uninsured until the next Open Enrollment period. Because Special Enrollment eligibility depends on specific criteria, understanding which events qualify and providing proper documentation is essential. Assuming eligibility without confirmation can lead to delays or denied applications. How to Use Your Special Enrollment Period If you experience a qualifying life event, the first step is to gather any required documentation. This may include proof of loss of coverage, a marriage certificate, birth or adoption records, or proof of a change in address. These documents are often required to verify your eligibility. Working with a licensed health insurance professional can simplify the process. An experienced advisor can help you understand your options, ensure deadlines are met, and guide you toward a plan that fits both your healthcare needs and your budget. Don’t Wait to Protect Your Coverage Life changes can happen quickly and unexpectedly but losing health insurance does not have to add to the stress. Knowing how Special Enrollment works gives you the confidence to take action when it matters most. If you believe you have experienced a qualifying life event, it is best to explore your options as soon as possible to avoid coverage gaps. Having the right health insurance at the right time provides peace of mind, financial protection, and access to the care you need. That peace of mind is something everyone deserves.

What’s Changing in 2026: Key Updates

October 10, 2025
Individual / ACA Marketplace Plans 1. Premiums Are Rising Sharply Insurers in many states are proposing increases in ACA marketplace premiums of 10–27% for 2026. Some preliminary data show a median premium increase around 18% nationwide. 2. Out-of-Pocket Maximums & Deductibles Increasing With healthcare costs and inflation, government rules are pushing up the limits: what you pay in deductibles, copays, and the most you’ll ever pay in a year is going up. For many ACA-compliant plans, the maximum out-of-pocket is moving significantly higher in 2026. 3. Subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) Might Shrink Enhanced premium tax credits that have helped many people afford marketplace plans are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless extended by Congress. When they expire, many people will see their net premiums (what you pay after subsidies) increase—possibly by a large margin. 4. Eligibility Rules and Participation Changes There may also be changes in who qualifies for what levels of help, and how much. Household income, size, and even your recent medical needs could affect the cost and availability of plans more than before. Medicare 1. Part B & Part D Premiums and Cost Sharing Are Increasing Medicare Part B monthly premiums and Part D premiums are projected to go up in 2026. For example, the base beneficiary premium for Part D is expected to increase about 6%, while Part B premium increases are more significant. 2. Out-of-Pocket Drug Caps Go Up The maximum out-of-pocket cost for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D will increase: from $2,000 in 2025 to $2,100 in 2026. 3. Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) Changes The MPPP, which helps you spread prescription drug costs across the year rather than paying full cost at the counter every time, will auto-renew unless you opt out. Also, plan sponsors must process opt-outs within three days. 4. Updates to Medicare Advantage (MA), Part D, Dual-Eligible Plans (D-SNPs), and Star Ratings CMS’s 2026 final rule introduces nuanced changes in how plans are rated, how prescription drug benefits are structured, and enhancements/modifications for Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans. Why These Changes Matter for You These are not just abstract policy shifts — they can affect your wallet, your coverage, your access to care, and how much protection you really have. Here’s why reviewing your coverage matters: • Costs Could Go Up Significantly With premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, and deductibles rising, what seemed affordable last year may look very different in 2026. If you rely on subsidies for ACA plans, those shrinking could be a big hit. • Your Health Situation May Have Changed If your health needs have changed (new medications, more frequent doctor visits, upcoming surgeries, etc.), the plan you had before may no longer serve you well. A plan that seemed adequate might now expose you to large costs. • Benefit Designs Differ Widely Even within Medicare Advantage, Part D, and ACA plans, plan features vary: prescription drug formularies, preferred providers, prior-authorization rules, network coverage, and perks are not uniform. A review helps you match plan features to your actual needs (doctors you use, medications, specialists, etc.). • Avoid Gaps, Surprises, & Administrative Issues Auto-renewals or changes might happen that you miss. For instance, with MPPP auto-renewing, you might stay in a plan whose new cost structure works less well for you. Provider directories may change. If you don’t check, you could discover after the fact that your usual doctor isn’t in-network. • Opportunity to Optimize With change comes opportunity. You may find a cheaper plan, more subsidy, or better coverage that suits your situation. You might re-evaluate whether a high-deductible plan with HSA works, or perhaps a more robust Part D plan is worth the premium. A consult helps you see those trade-offs and make an informed decision. What to Ask / Look at During Your Consult or Review When you sit down to review, whether with a licensed agent, broker, or counselor, here are items you’ll want to cover: Projected total costs: premiums + deductibles + drug costs + copays + out-of-pocket maximums Changes to subsidies / tax-credits for ACA plans Plan networks: are your doctors / hospitals included? Drug formularies: are your prescription drugs covered? Are there shifts in prior authorization? Extra benefits (vision, dental, hearing, wellness perks) and trade-offs for those extras Whether your Medicare Advantage plan or Original Medicare plus a supplement better serves you, given new MA changes Timing: open enrollment periods, deadlines, required paperwork for subsidies, verification of income, etc. Conclusion: Why You Should Act Now Given all the changes ahead in 2026, waiting to review can leave you exposed: to cost increases you didn’t anticipate, to being “locked in” to a plan that no longer fits, or missing out on new benefits. Booking a consult / review now gives you lead time to: Understand what changes will hit you Adjust your budget or savings to cover increases Shop smartly and compare alternatives before open enrollment ends Make sure paperwork is in order so you don’t lose subsidies or coverage Give us a call at 706-257-5073 to schedule your 2026 consult now!