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MEDICARE 2026 YOUR OPTIONS YOUR CHOICE

When it comes to Medicare, you get to decide who supports your journey.

One of the best parts about being an adult is having the ability to make your own decisions. We all have that ability, but the chance to apply it to important aspects of your life—and then put those decisions into motion—is truly meaningful. 


Sometimes, we don’t even realize the choices available to us. One area where this matters is Medicare. Did you know you have options when it comes to enrolling? You can visit Medicare.gov 

or work with a licensed insurance agent who understands the process and can help guide you through it. In fact, you can choose someone right here in Northeast Ohio.


There are many paths you can take when looking for support. The best part is that you can decide who you’d like to help you navigate your Medicare decisions for 2026. Consider working with someone who dedicates their time to understanding Medicare changes year after year. Someone who is not affiliated with any specific plan or carrier, and someone who is a licensed insurance agent focused on helping you make informed choices based on your individual needs.


The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare runs from Wednesday, October 15, through Sunday, December 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can review and make changes to their healthcare coverage for 2026. This includes options such as Medicare Advantage plans, Prescription Drug Plans, and Original Medicare.


If you’re not sure whom to turn to, or where to begin, consider Scott McEvoy, a licensed insurance agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency.


“Everyone who participates in Medicare is free to make their own choices,” assures Scott. “Beneficiaries have the option to make their Medicare plan selections independently, or they can tap into the knowledge base of someone like me, who has spent part of the year reviewing the changes coming to Medicare in 2026. My focus for each person I support through the process is his or her individual needs. Even husbands and wives need to be treated as individuals, because no two situations are alike.”


“Getting help from someone who is focused on your particular situation is of such great value,” Scott adds. “Until you try to navigate all the details on your own, it’s hard to appreciate how important help can be.” 


Scott suggests calling his office to make an easy, informative appointment to meet with him or a member of his team. “That’s where many of my clients like to begin,” he says. “It can be overwhelming to sift through the many Medicare options available. When you schedule a time to meet with me or someone on my team, we’ll provide information about important changes and available plans to help you find coverage that best suits your needs.”


Medicare can be complex. Some individuals may feel confident navigating it on their own, while others may benefit from guidance. Meeting with a licensed insurance agent can help ensure your choices are based on your personal situation.


Scott says some people choose to review their options without his guidance because they’re afraid it’s going to cost them more to come to him, but that simply isn’t the case. “There is absolutely no cost for my help, and the comfort of reviewing options that make sense for you with support can be valuable,” he says. 


Being Local Matters

Having a local licensed insurance agent like Scott or a member of his team can be a helpful resource when reviewing your Medicare options. Because they’re located in Northeast Ohio, they may be familiar with local hospital systems, provider networks, and how plan choices could affect your access to care.


Scott and his team, including his wife Cathy, are available to discuss your individual needs and help you explore plan options. Personalized support from a licensed agent can offer clarity that automated systems may not provide.



FEATURED

Local support for ACA choices

By Scott McEvoy • December 12, 2025
Choosing a healthcare plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a personal decision, and your choice needs to reflect your unique situation. I offer one-on-one consultations and take the time to explain the different plan options to you. Open Enrollment for a plan under the ACA is now until Monday, December 15, for a January 1 effective date. With changes to the ACA happening every year, you might be wondering if your eligibility for a premium tax credit still exists, or you’re wondering about the right steps to take to apply your premium tax credit and any applicable deadlines. I can help you understand your eligibility and help you receive the financial support available to you. Premium tax credits can represent significant cost savings and you’ll want to make sure you can take advantage of any available opportunities. 2026 Changes Typically, the ACA market is host to an annual slew of changes, and 2026 is no exception. Here is a list of some of the changes (Source: cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/hhs-notice-benefit-and-payment-parameters-2026-final-rule) you might expect to see applied to your plan of choice: Monthly plan costs could increase due to changing market conditions and adjustments to premium tax credits. Annual income must be verified. Coverage must be renewed during Open Enrollment to keep any federal financial support. As always, my guidance is available at no cost to you. I look forward to hearing from you. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is located at 9551 Vista Way in Garfield Hts. To reach Scott McEvoy or a member of his team, call 216-480-1385 . Virtual, phone and office appointments are available. 

Do you remember December 1978?

By Scott McEvoy • December 12, 2025
If you attended high school in 1978, you are likely nearing age 65, the point when you will start making decisions about your Medicare options. To learn more about your options, give me a call to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation informational meeting. In the meantime, enjoy recalling these memories from December 1978: Top 5 Singles – December 16, 1978 #1 “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” – Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond #2 “Le Freak” – Chic #3 “Too Much Heaven” – The Bee Gees #4 “I Just Wanna Stop” – Gino Vannelli #5 “My Life” – Billy Joel Top-Grossing Movie Week of December 13 “Midnight Express” December 1978 Events The Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL), the first U.S. pro basketball league for women, played its first game. At Milwaukee Arena in Wisconsin, the Chicago Hustle defeated the Milwaukee Does, 92-87. The feature film “Superman,” directed by Richard Donner and featuring a relatively unknown actor, Christopher Reeve, in the title role, had its world premiere at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert,” the first full-length feature movie consisting of only stand-up comedy, was recorded during a single performance by the comedian at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California. The first Susan B. Anthony dollar in the U.S. was produced, being struck by the Philadelphia Mint. The coins would not be released until July 2 of the following year. The LaserDisc, the first commercial optical disc storage medium and a precursor to the DVD, went on sale. It was introduced at stores in Atlanta, and marketed in the U.S. under the name MCA DiscoVision, designed to play on the Magnavision videodisc player manufactured by the Magnavox company. Cleveland became the first major U.S. city to go into default on its financial obligations, as the December 15 deadline to arrange for payment of $15.5 million in loans expired without the City Council agreeing upon a means of paying on its debts to six Cleveland banks. The career of Ohio State University football coach Woody Hayes came to an end after 28 seasons and five NCAA national championships, when Hayes punched a player in the closing minutes of the 1978 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The game between Ohio State and Clemson University was televised across the United States. Hayes was fired the next day. —Source: Wikipedia

GO LOCAL

November 20, 2025
Local guidance available at no cost can be invaluable when it comes to selecting an ACA plan for 2026. 

WHAT DOES YOUR PLAN COVER?

November 20, 2025
Schedule your policy review with Scott McEvoy of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency .

DO YOU REMEMBER JULY 1978?

July 16, 2025
Call Scott McEvoy to discuss your Medicare options.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET INJURED?

July 16, 2025
In the event your are unable to work, how would you manage your expenses?

DO YOU REMEMBER JUNE 1978?

June 10, 2025
If you attended high school in 1978, you are likely nearing age 65, the point at which you will start making decisions about your Medicare options. To learn more about your options, give me a call to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation informational meeting. In the meantime, enjoy recalling these memories from June 1978: Top 5 Singles – June 17, 1978 #1 “Shadow Dancing” – Andy Gibb #2 “You’re the One That I Want” – John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John #3 “Baker Street” – Gerry Rafferty #4 “It’s a Heartache” – Bonnie Tyler #5 “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” – Johnny Mathis / Denise Williams Top-Grossing Movie Week of June 14 “Damien: Omen II” June 1978 Events • The CyberVision 2001 home computer was introduced, appearing in select Montgomery Ward department stores, and billed as being “programmed to talk...play games, teach math, or help with your tax return.” • “Piano Jazz,” the longest-running cultural program on the U.S. National Public Radio (NPR) network, was broadcast for the first time. • The Washington Bullets won the championship of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the U.S. state of Washington, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics, 105-99, in Game 7 of the best-of-7 series. • Affirmed held off Alydar to win the Belmont Stakes and would be the last horse to win the U.S. Triple Crown of Horse Racing (the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes) for 37 years, until 2015. • Baseball player Pete Rose singled against the Chicago Cubs to begin what became the longest hitting streak in National League history. The streak reached 44 games, becoming the first to challenge to Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak in 1941, before ending on
August 1. • “Grease,” starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, premiered in U.S. theaters before being shown worldwide. It went on to become the highest-grossing musical film of the year. • The comic strip “Garfield” went into nationwide syndication. • The musical “Evita,” written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, premiered in London’s West End at the Prince Edward Theatre. • The rainbow flag of the LGBT movement was flown for the first time, in its original form, at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. —Source: Wikipedia

TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

June 10, 2025
Picture this. You’re on a cruise ship heading to Alaska, enjoying the scenic views. You might assume your regular health insurance would cover any medical costs that arise. However, what you might not realize is that the ship had to cross through international waters, and technically you were out of the country. This could potentially affect whether your medical insurance will pay. That’s where travel health insurance comes in. And I’m not talking about the kind of insurance that will cover you if your luggage gets lost or your trip gets cancelled. I’m talking about a type of insurance that could help you avoid unexpected medical bills that might arise once you’ve left the U.S. Travel health insurance helps cover the cost of unexpected illnesses or injuries while traveling, including doctor visits, hospital stays and prescription medications. Plans may include coverage for emergency medical transportation.1 Some plans offer coverage for pre-existing conditions.1 A quick check with the U.S. embassy in the country you plan to visit will alert you to what your insurance will cover outside of the country. Travel insurance could help you with your medical needs while traveling. And, as always, my guidance is available at no cost to you.

DO YOU REMEMBER MAY 1978

By Scott McEvoy • May 5, 2025
If you attended high school in 1978, you are likely nearing age 65, the point at which you will start making decisions about your Medicare options. To learn more about your options, give me a call to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation informational meeting. In the meantime, enjoy recalling these memories from May 1978: Top 5 Singles – May 13, 1978 #1 “If I Can’t Have You” – Yvonne Elliman #2 “The Closer I Get to You” – Roberta Flack with Donny Hathaway #3 “With a Little Luck” – Wings #4 “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late” – Johnny Mathis / Denise Williams #5 “Night Fever” – The Bee Gees Top-Grossing Movie Week of May 10 “F.I.S.T.” May 1978 Events • The first use of an electronic messaging system to send an unsolicited message to a large number of recipients for the purpose of commercial advertising, now commonly called spamming, was made when a representative of Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), Gary Thuerk, sent the same message, simultaneously, to 393 users of ARPANET, the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network • Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, both natives of Merrick, New York, who had completed a correspondence course on ice cream making, opened an ice cream parlor in Burlington, Vermont, with an investment of $12,000, creating Ben & Jerry’s. • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. agency in charge of meteorology, announced it would end the practice of solely using female names for storms and hurricanes. After Tropical Storm “Aletta,” the next storm was identified as “Bud.” • Charlie Chaplin’s coffin was found buried 2 feet deep in a cornfield 9.3 miles from the Swiss cemetery from which it was stolen more than two months earlier. • At the age of 53, Mavis Hutchinson of South Africa, referred to in the press as “The Galloping Granny,” became the first woman to run across the continental United States as she arrived in front of New York City Hall. • The first legal gambling casino in the eastern United States opened at 10 a.m. in Atlantic City. • Al Unser won the Indianapolis 500, finishing eight seconds ahead of Tom Sneva. • The price of mailing a letter in the United States increased from 13 cents to 15 cents. —Source: Wikipedia

INSURANCE FOR THE SHORT TERM

By Scott McEvoy • May 5, 2025
Because life flows differently for everyone, there may be times when someone suddenly finds themselves without healthcare coverage. College students who have recently graduated or turned 26 and can no longer be covered under their parents’ plan, someone starting a new job who needs temporary coverage, a retiree with a part-time job who isn’t quite ready for Medicare, seasonal workers who need coverage during the off-season, and anyone who needs temporary coverage could be considered a candidate for a short-term medical plan. Short-term medical insurance can be applied for at any time it’s needed, and next-day coverage is typically available. With short-term medical insurance, people usually have access to a large, nationwide network of providers and there are a variety of cost options to fit a number of different needs. Many short-term plans offer customizable options to fit your specific needs. Additionally, you can enhance your coverage with optional supplemental plans. There are also a range of deductible amounts and no primary care providers or referrals required within the plan’s network. It’s important to note that short-term medical doesn’t typically cover preexisting conditions or pregnancy-related costs. If you’re at a place in life where you need answers to coverage concerns, I’m happy to help. Give me a call to discuss your individual situation and, as always, my guidance is available at no cost to you.