#CMS – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

TEMPORARY SEP

December 1, 2025November 28, 2025Aris Herrera

Temporary SEP for year one of the Medicare Plan Finder MA Provider Directory For your awareness, CMS has a new Special Election Period (SEP) for 2026 – Code: DIR SEP. This SEP allows beneficiaries who enrolled directly through the Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) to make a plan change if the MPF Provider Directory included incorrect information and is only valid for 1/1/26-12/31/26 enrollments. The intent of this SEP is to allow an individual who relied on the MPF Provider Directory to make a change to their MA plan election to stay with their preferred providers. To use this SEP, beneficiaries must call 1-800-MEDICARE to have a representative confirm that their… Read More

Part D Premiums Are Decreasing for Many Stand-Alone Drug Plans

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025Aris Herrera

CMS has just released information about Medicare Part D plans for 2026, including plan availability and premiums for the coming year. As this year’s Medicare open enrollment period approaches, there’s some good news for Medicare Part D enrollees when it comes to monthly PDP premiums – lower on average, according to CMS – even as the total number of PDPs available drops yet again. The headline of CMS’s press release emphasized stability in the Part D marketplace, but a quick review of the data shows that the total number of stand-alone drug plans available in 2026 will fall for the third year in a row, as plan sponsors scale back their PDP offerings (for… Read More

Medicaid & CHIP Enrollment Extension!

October 3, 2023October 3, 2023Ed MacConnell

In a recent development, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Departments of Labor (DOL) and the Treasury have issued a letter urging employers, plan sponsors, and carriers to consider extending the enrollment period for employer-sponsored health plans. This extension is aimed at helping individuals who have lost their Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage due to the resumption of normal eligibility and enrollment procedures. Traditionally, Medicaid coverage requires annual renewal of eligibility. However, during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, these renewal requirements were temporarily halted to prevent members from losing their coverage. Unfortunately, this pause in eligibility rules came to an end on March… Read More

COBRA and Medicare: Complementary Health Insurance Explained

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023Ed MacConnell

In today’s rapidly changing job landscape, it’s not uncommon for individuals to find themselves eligible for both Medicare and COBRA simultaneously. This dual eligibility can be a bit bewildering, but understanding how these two crucial insurance options interact is vital to making informed decisions that could impact your finances and peace of mind. Let’s delve into the intricacies of how COBRA works with Medicare and explore the options available to you. COBRA Unveiled First, let’s demystify COBRA. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federal program designed to provide a safety net for workers and their families. It allows you to maintain the health coverage provided by your… Read More

Unlocking Medicare’s Potential: Top 3 Broker Benefits

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023Ed MacConnell

It’s that time of year again – the Annual Open Enrollment period for Medicare is almost here, and it’s a crucial opportunity you won’t want to miss. If you’re eligible for Medicare, this is your chance to make important decisions about your healthcare coverage. Here are some compelling reasons why you should take advantage of this opportunity: Expert Guidance: Navigating the world of Medicare can be a complex and overwhelming task. Fortunately, during the Annual Open Enrollment period, you can access personalized advice and guidance from experienced brokers who understand the ins and outs of Medicare. These professionals can help you make informed decisions tailored to your unique healthcare needs.… Read More

Navigating the 2024 CMS Final Rule: What You Need to Know

September 6, 2023September 6, 2023Ed MacConnell

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have set the stage for significant changes with their Final Rule provisions for 2024, slated to take effect on September 30, 2023. These updates will play a pivotal role as we gear up for the 2024 Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). The main points of the new rules Stay Informed: For more insights on these changes and additional updates, please visit the full 2024 CMS Final Rule here. As always if you have any questions or concerns about this bulleting please contact your Medicare health insurance experts at Total Benefit Solutions, Inc (215)-355-2121

Tag: #CMS

TEMPORARY SEP

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Part D Premiums Are Decreasing for Many Stand-Alone Drug Plans

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Medicaid & CHIP Enrollment Extension!

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COBRA and Medicare: Complementary Health Insurance Explained

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Unlocking Medicare’s Potential: Top 3 Broker Benefits

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Navigating the 2024 CMS Final Rule: What You Need to Know

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