Blood Cancer Awareness Month
September 10, 2025
September is recognized as Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time when individuals, families, organizations, and communities come together to shine a light on a disease that affects so many lives. At Crawford Benefits, this cause is especially close to our hearts. We know firsthand how important awareness and education can be, and this September we are showing our support by turning things a little orange, the color that symbolizes blood cancer awareness. Wearing or displaying orange may seem small, but it is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. By dedicating a month to this cause, we hope to encourage early detection, raise critical support for patients and their families, and inspire action within our community.
Blood cancers are unique because they affect the very lifeline of the body, the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Unlike many other cancers that form solid tumors, blood cancers circulate through the body, making them harder to detect in their early stages. That is why awareness is so vital. When people understand what symptoms to watch for and when to speak up, lives can be saved. Some of the most common signs of blood cancers include persistent fatigue or weakness, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. Unfortunately, these symptoms can often be mistaken for other, less serious conditions, which can delay diagnosis. The more we talk about these warning signs, the better chance people have at recognizing when something might be wrong and getting help as early as possible.
For many families, a blood cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. It often brings uncertainty, countless medical appointments, and emotional and financial strain. Yet, in the midst of this challenge, stories of resilience, community support, and groundbreaking medical advances provide hope. Treatments such as bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy are improving outcomes for patients every day. Continued progress in research is possible because of awareness months like this one, which raise funding and spark conversations that keep blood cancer in the spotlight.
At Crawford Benefits, our commitment goes beyond simply acknowledging Blood Cancer Awareness Month. We want to encourage real action. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to get involved is to donate blood. Cancer patients often rely on blood transfusions as part of their treatment, and every donation truly makes a difference. Another powerful step is to register as a bone marrow donor. Many patients with blood cancer depend on bone marrow or stem cell transplants to survive, but finding a matching donor can be difficult. By joining the registry, you could one day give someone the gift of life.
Supporting research organizations and patient advocacy groups is also a meaningful way to contribute. Donations help fund groundbreaking studies, provide patient services, and support families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Even if financial giving is not possible, simply sharing information with friends and family helps spread awareness. Wearing orange, posting about Blood Cancer Awareness Month on social media, or participating in a local fundraising event are small actions that create a ripple effect of education and support.
As we reflect on this month, it is important to remember that awareness is not just about statistics or facts, it is about people. It is about honoring those who have lost their lives, supporting those currently in the fight, and standing with caregivers who give so much of themselves. It is also about building hope for the future, where better treatments and maybe even cures become a reality. Awareness months like this remind us that we are not powerless in the face of cancer. Each of us has something to contribute, whether it is time, resources, or simply compassion.
We encourage everyone to take a moment this September to learn more about blood cancers and what you can do to help. Check in on loved ones, talk about the signs and symptoms, and look for ways to get involved. Together, as a community, we can raise our voices for a cause that matters deeply to so many. When we unite under the color orange, we send a message of strength, resilience, and unwavering support to those impacted by blood cancer.
This September, let us remember that awareness leads to action, and action leads to hope. By donating blood, registering as a bone marrow donor, supporting organizations, and sharing information, we all have the power to make a difference. We stand with the blood cancer community this month and every month, and we invite you to join us in spreading awareness and fostering change. Together, we can turn compassion into action and bring hope to those who need it most.
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.
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!