One of the most meaningful ways to care for your loved ones — even after you’re gone — is by creating a thoughtful estate plan. An estate plan ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, reduces potential conflict among heirs, and provides clarity during an emotional time. But with so many moving parts, it’s easy to overlook important details. To help you get started, here’s a checklist that covers the key components of a well-rounded estate plan. 1. Do you have a will? A will is the cornerstone of most estate plans. It allows you to specify who will inherit your property and other assets, and who will serve as guardian for any minor children. Without a will, state laws decide how your assets are distributed — which may not reflect your preferences. Make sure your will is up to date, signed according to state law, and safely stored where your executor can easily access it. 2. Do you have health care directives in place? Health care documents spell out your medical wishes if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. They also authorize a trusted person to act on your behalf. Common documents include: Living Will: Outlines your preferences for medical treatment and life-sustaining care. Health Care Power of Attorney (or Health Care Proxy): Designates someone to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: Ensures that authorization remains valid if you become unable to make decisions long term. These documents protect both you and your loved ones by ensuring your medical care aligns with your values and preferences. 3. Do you have financial powers of attorney or trusts? Financial documents ensure your finances can be managed smoothly if you’re unable to handle them yourself. A durable financial power of attorney authorizes someone you trust to manage your financial affairs — paying bills, managing investments, or filing taxes. Joint ownership or a living trust can also help transfer assets efficiently and avoid probate. Consult with a financial or legal professional to determine which approach best suits your situation. 4. Have you designated beneficiaries? Naming beneficiaries on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts is one of the simplest and most effective estate planning steps you can take. These designations override what’s written in your will, so it’s important to review them regularly — especially after life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. In some cases, you may need to complete a specific “Payable on Death” (POD) form for certain accounts. 5. Do you have the right amount and type of life insurance? Life insurance can help provide your loved ones with financial security by replacing income, covering debts, or funding future expenses. Revisit your policy periodically to ensure your coverage amount still meets your family’s needs. Factors such as age, health, income, and debt can influence the right level of protection. Keep in mind that life insurance policies have costs and potential tax implications. Before making changes, consider speaking with a licensed professional who can help you evaluate your options. 6. Have you considered estate taxes? For most families, federal estate taxes are not an issue. However, if you and your spouse have a large estate (for 2026, over $30 million in combined assets), it’s wise to discuss tax-minimization strategies with a financial or estate planning professional. Proper planning can help preserve more of your estate for your heirs. 7. Have you planned for your business? If you own a business, a succession plan ensures your enterprise continues to operate smoothly. This may include identifying a successor, outlining transition steps, or setting up a buy-sell agreement if you share ownership. A thoughtful plan protects both your legacy and your employees. 8. Have you created a letter of instruction? A letter of instruction is a non-legal document that outlines your personal wishes — from funeral preferences to contact information and passwords. It can save your family significant time and stress as they carry out your estate plan. 9. Will your heirs know where to find everything? Even the best estate plan is only helpful if your loved ones can locate the right documents. Keep your important records — including wills, trusts, life insurance policies, deeds, financial account information, and debt statements — in a secure but accessible place. Tell your executor or a trusted family member how to find them.  Final Thoughts Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most loving and practical gifts you can leave your family. By taking time to organize your affairs and communicate your wishes, you ensure your legacy is protected — and your loved ones are cared for. Note: Power of attorney laws vary by state. Estate strategies involving trusts or tax planning may be complex. Consider consulting with qualified estate planning and financial professionals before implementing any strategy.

Find out why your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is so important! This document, sent by September 30, outlines all the changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for 2026—from premiums and drug coverage to provider networks. Review it carefully before the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) to ma

Get ready for Medicare AEP 2026! Learn what the Annual Enrollment Period is, key dates to remember, and how to prepare now to review and change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for the coming year.

Optimize your Medicare plan during the Annual Enrollment Period! Learn how to avoid 6 common mistakes—like ignoring your ANOC or skipping drug reviews—to make sure your coverage meets your needs and budget in 2025.

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If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and have recently logged into your Medicare.gov account, you may have been surprised — or even alarmed — to see what appears to be a “monthly termination date” listed for your coverage. The good news? This is a known technical quirk of the Medicare.gov system and does not reflect an actual cancellation of your coverage. Your Medigap plan is still active as long as you continue paying your premiums. What’s Causing the Confusion? This issue was first identified in an April 2025 column in The Reporter of Hamilton County, Indiana. The article noted that the monthly termination date is a reflection of how Medigap plans are billed — month to month — not an indication that coverage is ending ( The Reporter, April 5, 2025 ). As of July 2025, no public updates or fixes have been announced by Medicare.gov, meaning the issue is ongoing and may continue to cause confusion for Medigap users reviewing their online accounts. Why Medigap Plans Still Offer Reliable, Ongoing Coverage One of the most important features of Medigap policies is that they are guaranteed renewable . That means: Your plan cannot be canceled as long as you pay your premiums on time. You are protected even if your insurer stops offering the plan to new customers. Coverage renews automatically each year unless there’s a valid reason for termination, such as non-payment or fraud. Medigap plans are offered by private insurers to help pay for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. They also allow you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, offering flexibility and peace of mind. Reasons Medigap Coverage Could Actually End Although the Medicare.gov display issue is harmless, it’s good to be aware of the real reasons a Medigap policy could end. Your insurer can terminate your plan only if: You stopped paying your monthly premium. You provided false information when applying. The insurer becomes insolvent or exits the Medigap market entirely. In this situation, you would be able to select a Medigap plan from another insurer (called “guaranteed issue” rights). Otherwise, your policy is yours to keep — even if you develop a serious medical condition or require long-term treatment. If You’re Still Concerned If you’re unsure whether your policy is in good standing or think you may have missed a payment, the best thing to do is contact your Medigap insurance provider — or reach out to your trusted insurance agent for assistance. We can help you confirm your current status and provide documentation if needed. While the Medicare.gov system may not display this information perfectly, your insurer's records are the true source of coverage status. Bottom Line The display of a “monthly termination date” on Medicare.gov for Medigap plans is a technical display issue — not a cause for alarm. As long as you’ve been paying your premiums, your coverage continues uninterrupted. Still, if you’re ever uncertain, it’s smart to double-check directly with your insurance company.  This minor glitch has been acknowledged by experts and is still present as of mid-2025. We’ll continue to monitor for updates — and as always, we’re here to help clarify your Medicare options and ensure your peace of mind.

Imagine getting a call in the middle of the night from someone claiming to be your grandchild, panicked and in trouble. They say they’ve been in an accident or arrested—and they desperately need money. Your heart races. You’d do anything to help. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently issued a warning about a rise in what's known as the “grandparent scam” —a sneaky and heartless scheme targeting older adults with urgent, emotional phone calls meant to trick them into sending money. What Is the Grandparent Scam? These scams usually start with a phone call from someone pretending to be your grandchild (or another close relative). They’ll say they’re in trouble—maybe stuck in jail or in a hospital—and they need money fast for bail, legal fees, or emergency expenses. To make things even more convincing, they may hand the phone off to someone pretending to be a lawyer or a police officer. And they’ll likely ask you not to tell anyone—saying it’s a “private” or “sensitive” situation. That sense of urgency is key to the scam. It’s meant to bypass your instinct to double-check and make you act fast—before you have time to think it through or talk to someone else. Why It Works—and Why It’s Dangerous These calls often come late at night or early in the morning, when you’re more likely to be caught off guard. The scammer might not even say who they are—just “Grandma, it’s me”—and hope you fill in the blank for them. From there, they use that information to sound more convincing. Some victims have been asked to send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or even in cash via courier—all methods that are difficult or impossible to trace or reverse. According to the FCC, scammers using this method have stolen tens of millions of dollars from seniors across the U.S. Watch for These Warning Signs If you or someone you love receives a call like this, here are some red flags that it could be a scam: High pressure and urgency – You’re told to act immediately Vague or strange details – They may not identify themselves clearly, or hope you’ll say the grandchild’s name for them Unverifiable location or story – They say they’re in jail overseas or in a place where you can’t easily check on them Unusual payment requests – Gift cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers, or cash deliveries Calls at odd hours – Scammers try to catch you when you’re less alert What To Do If You Get a Suspicious Call If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Here’s what you can do to stay safe: ✅ Hang up and verify – Call your grandchild or their parent using a phone number you know is theirs ✅ Talk to someone you trust – A second opinion from a friend or family member can make all the difference ✅ Don’t rely on caller ID – Scammers often “spoof” numbers to make it look like someone you know is calling ✅ Block the number – Use your phone’s settings to block suspicious calls ✅ Report the scam – Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 and file a complaint with the FCC What If You’ve Already Sent Money? First of all, don’t panic—and know that you’re not alone. Scammers are incredibly convincing, and even smart, cautious people have been tricked. Here’s what to do: Call your bank or payment service right away – They may be able to stop or reverse the transaction if it's recent Report it – Contact the FCC, your local police, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov Let your family know – They can help protect you and others from future attempts Help Protect Others, Too The more people know about this scam, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed. Please share this information with friends, neighbors, and especially your older loved ones. A quick conversation now could prevent a heartache later. And remember—if you ever get a call like this and aren’t sure what to do, don’t rush. Take a breath, hang up, and check in with someone you trust. Real family emergencies don’t come with secret demands or payments via gift cards.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-awaited international adventure, setting off on a trip is always exciting—but can also be unpredictable. That’s why preparing for the unexpected, especially when it comes to your health, is essential. Knowing what your medical coverage includes (and doesn’t) while traveling can help you stay healthy, avoid costly surprises, and soak up the unforgettable moments on your journey. Let’s walk through some proactive steps you can take before packing your bags—from vaccinations and insurance to emergency planning and fraud protection. 1. Know What Your Health Plan Covers—And Where Medical surprises aren’t on anyone’s itinerary—but it’s best to be prepared. Start by knowing how your insurance policy covers (or doesn’t) the region you’re traveling to. Individual health policyholders, review your insurer’s network coverage. Some plans only cover in-network or state-specific services, while others offer broader emergency coverage or travel-specific riders. Consult your insurance agent to get help reviewing your policy. Medicare beneficiaries, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) typically doesn’t cover medical care outside the U.S., except in limited circumstances. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, it may include emergency and urgent coverage abroad, but this varies by provider. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage or speak to your plan representative before traveling. 2. Consider Supplemental Insurance If you're a frequent traveler or heading abroad, look into some options to help cover you. Some options include: Travel Medical Insurance : Plans offer emergency coverage during trips outside the U.S. and tend to be affordable. Evacuation Insurance : This covers transport to a qualified medical facility if the nearest care is inadequate. An evacuation clause is often, but not always, included in a travel insurance plan. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) : Some Medigap policies cover emergency care abroad, typically up to plan limits and with a deductible. Critical Illness Insurance : A lump-sum payout can provide financial flexibility in case you’re diagnosed with a covered condition like a heart attack or stroke during travel. Be sure to read the fine print—some policies require you to be under a certain age, and preexisting conditions may not be covered. Your licensed insurance agent can help talk you through your options. 3. Keep Your Medical Info Handy Consider using a secure health app or digital wallet to access all your health records quickly. But just in case your phone is inaccessible, bring physical copies of these important documents as well: Your insurance or Medicare cards Emergency contact numbers (include the country code +1 if you’re traveling abroad) A medication list with dosages Allergy and medical condition alerts Pack all essential paperwork together in a waterproof sleeve in your luggage, and leave a second copy with someone back home. 4. Schedule Preventive Care Before Departure Most insurance plans cover preventive care services like wellness visits, vaccinations, and screenings. Before your trip, check these tasks off your list: Get vaccinated : Make sure you’re up to date on your flu, COVID-19, and tetanus shots. If traveling internationally, check the CDC recommendations for the region you’re visiting, which may include Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, or yellow fever vaccinations.