Horton & DeLoach Insurance Brokerage LLC

02/13/2025

Do you know anyone whose Social Security benefits have been negatively impacted by the Government Pension Offset (GPO) or the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)? The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025, which repeals both provisions.

This change will mainly affect folks who have worked federal, state and municipal jobs (including teachers, firefighters, etc.) AND/OR the spouses and widows/widowers of such workers.

The financial impact for your monthly budget is potentially huge. If you have questions about this, feel free to call us or send a message, and we will walk you through the necessary steps to determine how you might benefit.

Send a message to learn more

12/23/2024

From our family to yours, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

11/11/2024

Sincerely indeed!

11/09/2024

As expected, CMS releases the 2025 increases after the election. Late on a Friday. Right before a 3-day (for some) weekend. Surely all coincidental...

The Medicare Part B premium is going to $185 from $174.70 as expected. This will pull $10.30 out of your 2.5% COLA increase on Social Security. Still a net financial gain.

The Part B deductible is increasing to $257 from $240.

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles?fbclid=IwY2xjawGbn7lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHY-viCqif5RisGzo-iQrPWGyu1OVFHdljQKnAcMBVAHiZc8SWzj6RGT8XA_aem_nUA6vTuFgdIgoRhKjeVfJg

On November 8, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2025 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. Medicare Part B Premium and DeductibleMedicare...

10/22/2024

More mainstream misinformation--

In an article dated October 22, 2024 (today), Clark Howard states incorrectly that "Once you are in an Advantage plan, it’s difficult to switch to regular Medicare. After your first 11 months, in most states, you can’t easily buy a supplement without passing a medical evaluation. And you likely will have trouble switching to a competitor’s Advantage plan if yours turns out to be a bad choice."

The first part of that statement CAN be true if a person is unhealthy. You must answer health questions to be approved for a traditional Medicare Supplement plan.

The second part of that statement is just blatantly false. Medicare Advantage plans have no underwriting questions and can be changed every year during Annual Enrollment, which is Oct 15-Dec 7. A person will NEVER have trouble switching from one Advantage plan to another.

Clark Howard touts himself as a consumer advocate and I have read some factual and handy advice from him. But for a person who reaches tens of thousands of readers, he needs to either educate himself better or stay in his lane. It is this abundant type of misinformation which adds to the confusion of Medicare and does people no favors.

Bottom line? Don't believe everything you read or hear. If you wonder about something, don't hesitate to give us a call for clarification.

I have linked the article in comments.

Call now to connect with business.

10/14/2024

The 2025 Part D drug plans are official tomorrow, October 15. Several changes are taking place, and some of them don't make much sense.

-- Your current drug plan may be terminated or combined with another plan for 2025. Most drug plan premiums are increasing for 2025.

-- If you are taking mainly generic meds, or no meds at all, make sure you are not on a plan with a new high premium. There is typically no need for you to pay for such a plan.

-- If you are taking any high-cost meds, be sure to look at the advantage you might get with an enhanced Part D drug plan. The maximum out-of-pocket for drug costs is capped at $2000 for 2025. There can be ways to get that even lower.

As always, we are here to answer any questions people have. Don't keep us a secret - there is no reason to waste money on unnecessary insurance costs.

10/11/2024

Here's a handy pharmacy locator tool for anyone recently affected by the hurricanes. Pass it along if you know anyone it could help.

https://winknews.com/2024/10/10/rxopen-tool-open-pharmacies-hurricane-milton/?fbclid=IwY2xjawF2YmhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdSchrZwUE_LxdN_E1k5O74pT6hK13sonwT91R8z91hpSpx9ZgqNSAkFPQ_aem_X9BZFyWK8BOI66cKTzWioQ

RxOpen has been activated in Florida following Hurricane Milton. This website is a mapping tool which helps patients and their providers locate open pharmacies in areas affected by natural disasters like Milton.

09/23/2024

We've posted this before but the warning never goes out of style. Sadly.

We caution folks about this every month in our workshops. Do NOT give out any Personally Identifiable Information over the phone! Medicare will not call you, the IRS will not call you, Social Security (with very rare exceptions) will not call you.
Be aware, be suspicious and don't fall for a scam. It's sad that's the way it is, but... that's the way it is.

08/26/2024

**Important Update on Group Health Insurance and Medicare for 2025**

Heads up, folks! There’s been a recent development regarding group health insurance that could impact many of us. Due to the Inflation Reduction Act, group health insurance may no longer be considered "creditable" coverage starting in 2025. This could mean significant changes for those relying on group plans, particularly regarding Medicare.

If you or someone you know is approaching Medicare eligibility or is already Medicare-eligible and staying on an employer's group plan, this could have serious implications for avoiding late enrollment penalties. Make sure to keep informed as we approach 2025.

If you have any questions about these recent changes, feel free to give us a call. We will help you understand your options and what makes the most sense for your situation.

12/22/2023

To our many friends, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and an outstanding New Year! We are happy to know you all.

11/11/2023

Sincerely indeed.

10/12/2023

The 2024 numbers have just been released--

The Social Security COLA increase will be 3.2%.

The Medicare Part B premium will increase from $164.90 to $174.70.

The Medicare Part B deductible will increase from $226 to $240.

Obviously, we would have preferred a higher COLA increase but even at 3.2% virtually every Social Security beneficiary will realize a positive gain.

Feel free to reach out with any questions - we're happy to help you figure out how to keep as many dollars in your pocket as possible.