StoneWorks Benefits

09/24/2025

Updates from Jan - AEP, Options and Scammers, - Take a Look! -

I do not like how early it gets dark. Sure, I can see the sidewalk when I take my early morning walks, but twilight at 5:45pm? A gorgeous sunset should happen around 7:30pm or later, just one of my (many) quirks.

09/08/2025

What are you doing Wednesday at 12pm? Want to learn a bit more about Medicare before Annual Enrollment, October 14 - December 7th? Here's what we will be talking about.

1. Medicare Basics - How it Works, Enrollment and Timelines

2. Alphabet Soup - Parts A, B, C, D + F, G and N

2. Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement/Medigap

Click here to sign up -

A fun, fast-paced look into Medicare — what it covers, how much it costs, timelines and what is the difference between a Supplement and Medicare Advantage. Perfect if you’re turning 65, still working or just confused (like everyone else).I prefer conversations to presentations so we'll have plen...

09/04/2025

Medicare 2026 - What to Expect - Fee Webinar with Jan Stone -

Still curious about Medicare? If so, I hope you can join me Wednesday, August 13th when I’ll be hosting my monthly live webinar called “Medicare, How Does It Work?” No pressure, no sales, just accurate, easy to understand information.

08/31/2025

News you can use! Starting January 1, 2026, Texas is one of 6 states participating in a Medicare program called WISeR - Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction. The purpose is to curb medical overuse and prevent fraud. This program will impact people who have a Medicare Supplement/Medigap policy. I'm not going to take a stand on it until I understand it a bit better and see how it plays out, today, I'm the messenger. Below is a list of the procedures and an article. Please leave a comment, let me know what you think.
Facet joint procedures for back pain

Nerve and muscle tests (electrodiagnostic testing)

TENS units and similar electrical stimulation devices

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Spinal cord stimulators

Deep brain stimulation (commonly for Parkinson’s)

Sacral neuromodulation (for urinary conditions)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Arthroscopic knee cleaning or debridement

Vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty for spine fractures

Epidural steroid injections

Non-emergency ambulance transport

https://www.resourcemedicare.com/post/new-medicare-changes-in-2026-prior-approval-required-for-these-17-services

Botox injections for medical issues

Negative pressure wound therapy pumps

Hernia repairs

Lumbar spinal fusion

Skin graft substitutes for chronic wounds

Starting Jan 1, 2026, Medicare will require prior authorization for 17 procedures in six states: Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington. The WISeR program aims to cut waste, reduce fraud, and improve patient safety, but could also cause delays and more paperwork.

08/27/2025

Updates from Jan: Thread Count, POA and Premiums

Believe or not, I did not start out in the healthcare business. I was in hotel management for several years, sales, of course. As a result, I’m admittedly a hotel snob - high thread count is critical, never take a room by the elevator.

08/08/2025

Free Webinar With Jan: How Does Medicare Work? -

Still curious about Medicare? If so, I hope you can join me Wednesday, August 13th when I’ll be hosting my monthly live webinar called “Medicare, How Does It Work?” No pressure, no sales, just accurate, easy to understand information.

07/21/2025

🚨 *Another Medicare “Too Good to Be True” Alert* 🚨
Today, I got a call from a gentleman who’d been told he qualified for a *new* Medicare Supplement plan that would *significantly* lower his rate—but only if he met in person, handed over his bank info on the spot, and acted immediately because it was a "one-time offer."

Thankfully, he checked with me first. Here's the truth:
✅ Yes, you *can* apply for a new supplement to lower your premium.
❌ No, there's no urgent deadline.
❌ No, you don't have to share your bank account before reviewing the plan.
❌ And no, it’s not a now-or-never opportunity.

I hear stories like this *all the time.* It’s unethical—and sadly, it often comes from large national brokerages, not just rogue agents.

Transparency matters. If something doesn’t feel right, *please* reach out. I’m always happy to walk you through what’s true and what’s not.

Medicare's annual open enrollment period began Oct. 15, allowing seniors to choose new plans. New rules this year are supposed to crack down on misleading marketing but buyers should still beware.

06/26/2025

I love being ahead of the curve. 2026 Medicare drug costs are out. The maximum out of pocket spend is going from $2,000 to $2,100. The deductible is inching up as well, from $590 to $615. If your drug doesn't have it's own TV commercial this may not hit you too hard. If you have questions, drop them here or get in touch.

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Final Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions (the Final CY 2026 Program Instructions) concurrently with the Announcement of CY 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Poli...

06/23/2025

When I launched my agency, I shared that this work really started 5 years ago when I became a Board Certified Patient Advocate. I’ve kept up that certification because the values behind it—things like health literacy, patient empowerment, and keeping a close eye on billing—aren’t just theoretical. They’re tools I use every day in my Medicare work. It’s an extra layer of support I bring to every client. I made this video five years ago, and honestly, the mission hasn’t changed: help people have a better experience with the healthcare system. If I can help you on our Medicare journey, let's chat - https://stoneworksbenefits.com/schedule-a-consult/

06/18/2025

Big news! I’ve opened my own Medicare insurance agency—StoneWorks Benefits. If you know me, you know I’m passionate about helping people make Medicare decisions with clarity and confidence—and I’m sticking with you well after enrollment. If we haven’t met yet, I’d love for you to follow along. And if you ever want to chat, here’s where to find me:

Austin based Patient Advocate will help you make the most of your medical billing, health insurance issues, and assist you to better manage your healthcare

05/10/2022

What you need to know about a hospital patient advocates? There is one sentence in here you need to remember - and I'm paraphrasing -THEY WORK FOR THE HOSPITAL so the hospital won't get sued.

Can they help you, sure, are you their primary concern, not really. So, if you find yourself experiencing any of the scenarios listed in the article, please keep in mind there are advocates such as Stoneworks here to help you, just you. In my experience, no one regrets the money they spent on advocacy during a medical, physical or financial, crisis.

Just about every hospital has someone on the staff whose job it is to be a neutral facilitator between the patient, the health care team and the hospital. These representatives can help you with a variety of issues.

11/14/2021

Hi all, the leaves are changing, everything smells like pumpkin and cinnamon, Christmas decorations are everywhere 🤷‍♀️, and it’s time to review your Marketplace and Medicare Supplment options for 2022. If you do nothing, great, your still covered. But if you take some time to review the options you could save yourself $$$ or find something much more appropriate for your current situation. Yes, it’s confusing and boring. Here’s an article that may help, or shoot me a note, I’m sure i can help.

Even as the ninth annual Open Enrollment period gets underway, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces continue to evolve and important changes are expected. This issue brief discusses what chan…