Wow—what an interesting year we’re having in the Medicare world. It feels like every few weeks brings a new surprise. Between fewer available Part D plan options, the elimination of commissions on many Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, and larger-than-normal premium increases for Medicare Supplements, the industry is shifting rapidly.
A combination of pent-up demand for medical services post-COVID, higher-than-average medical inflation, and tightening federal funding has created a perfect storm of rising costs across the system.
So, what are we doing about it at OHB? We’re tightening our belts a little—and getting bigger, better, and smarter. We’re bringing exceptional new team members on board, licensing and training them faster than ever. We’re staying plugged into every industry change, adapting creatively, and most importantly—we’re doubling down on our commitment to you, our clients.
The most common thing we hear from people we meet with is just how confusing Medicare and health insurance can be. With all the recent changes, it’s even more overwhelming. That’s why we remain focused on providing you with accurate, reliable, and unbiased advice to help you choose the right insurance product.
We know you may be getting inundated with phone calls urging you to change plans. National call centers have gained a reputation for their relentless and misleading tactics—hounding people with nonstop calls and exaggerating plan details to lure them into switching. This pattern of deception and bad faith is exactly why CMS stepped in with strict rules, including the requirement that agents record and store every phone call for ten years. These regulations weren’t designed for reputable agencies like ours—they were put in place to curb the damage caused by call centers that put profits above people.
Let me be clear: At OHB, we will never reach out just to try and sell you something. But we will reach out when something important affects your current plan. That may be a phone call or a letter—please don’t ignore our outreach. Major plan changes are already on the horizon for 2026, and we’ve begun contacting clients who may be impacted.
CMS has strict rules about what we’re allowed to say—and when we’re allowed to say it. That means we may know something big is coming to your plan, but we’re not allowed to tell you the details until October 1. If you hear from us before then, it’s because we need to talk—so please take the call! We will be calling many of you!
Thank you, as always, for the trust you place in me and our entire team. We continue to receive rave reviews, and we celebrate our team each week with our “Top Banana Awards” for outstanding service.
And a huge thank-you for the many referrals you send our way! We’d much rather grow through word-of-mouth than spend big on advertising. As you talk to friends and family this fall about Medicare changes, please have them give us a call at 330-633-7713. While other agents may get overwhelmed, our team is ready, growing, and laser-focused on serving you.
