Medicare Annual Enrollment
isn’t here yet – but it’s coming! Are you ready?
Lately, many of my clients have been receiving phone calls and mailers that make it sound like the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is already underway. It’s not. In reality, AEP doesn’t begin for another month and a half.
What’s happening?
Right now, Medicare Advantage and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan providers are just starting to receive final approval for their 2026 plans. Once that’s done, plan materials still need to be printed and mailed to members. So yes — we’ve still got some time!
Here’s what that means for you: Don’t let call centers or early marketing tactics pressure you — it’s not time to make changes yet. Instead, now is the perfect time to evaluate your current coverage and consider your needs going into 2026.
Ask yourself:
• Is my current monthly premium still manageable?
• Are my copays affordable?
• Am I happy with my dental, vision, or hearing coverage?
• Have I heard about other plans I want to explore during AEP?
In other words: it’s time to start your Medicare Game Plan. Take this time to jot down what’s working and what’s not — and the benefits you’d like to have next year.
Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
Jay Looft Owner/Agent
Plan smart now, enroll wisely later. Let’s make this season a win for your healthcare.
About The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period:
Medicare Advantage and StandAlone Prescription Drug Plans’ Annual Notice of Changes to clients should be in mailboxes by late-September. The time to make changes for 2026 coverage is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from October 15, 2025 - December 7th, 2025. Your selections made during the AEP will become effective January 1st, 2026.
The Medicare AEP is for Medicare Advantage Plans and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans only. Medicare Supplements are not affected by the AEP and may be changed throughout the calendar year, barring any health underwriting requirements.
PROVIDED
When AEP does arrive, you’ll be ready to work with your insurance agent to find the best plan for your needs — whether that’s a Medicare Advantage plan, a Supplement, or a Stand-Alone Drug Plan.
If you’d like to sit down with a Medicare Insurance Agent from SeniorSource this fall and find the best plan for your needs, give us a call today at (770) 913-6464 or contact us through our website at www. SeniorSourceMedicare.com/contactseniorsource.
How being a bad golfer can be hazardous to your health
Brought to you by –
Premier Dermatology
I recently had a conversation with a patient about tick-borne illnesses, and our discussion reminded me of an interesting study that I Iearned about in medical school – a tale that ended with the warning “don’t go into the rough.” If you haven’t heard of it, ehrlichiosisis is one of numerous diseases that ticks carry and that humans can catch when ticks bite them, but this disease was not always so well known.
The year is 1993, and four men who lived in a golf-oriented retirement community in Tennessee were hospitalized with fever, headache, vomiting and abdominal pain. Blood tests revealed abnormally low white blood cell counts, low platelets, as well as inflammation of the liver. Two of these men ended up in the intensive care unit. An astute physician ordered a test for ehrlichiosis, and all four men tested positive for this illness.
This outbreak prompted the physician to assign several residents and medical students (aka “underlings”) to tramp through the woods and go door to door in this golf community gathering information about other people who might be infected. People were asked for blood samples and patients admitted to the local hospital with fever of unknown origin also had their blood tested. An “environmental survey” was conducted of local animals to identify ticks and the
diseases that they carried.
As the results came in, a picture began to emerge. Most of the patients were golfers. There was a trend towards higher rates of infection in people who golfed more often. But, compellingly, it was only the bad golfers – those who averaged high scores – who seemed to be getting infected.
What could be causing the bad golfers to be infected while the good golfers remained healthy? Were their immune systems, like their golf swings, simply superior to those of the bad golfers? Is charisma a factor?
No, it turned out that the single factor that was most strongly associated with ehrlichiosis infection was retrieving a golf ball that was hit off the golf course instead of using a new ball. And bad golfers hit the golf ball in the rough or in the woods more often than the good golfers. In fact, golfers who retrieved their balls from the woods were 270% more likely to be infected than those who simply used a new ball. The case was cracked, and the lesson was clear – don’t go into the rough. Or, if you do, use a lot of insect repellant.
This tick season, remember to protect yourself. If you know a golfer, warn him or her about ehrlichiosis. And if you or a loved one has a spot worrisome for skin cancer or any other dermatologic complaint, please consider Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C of Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta for your skin care needs.
Insist on the BEST
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Importance of skin checks for mature skin
Brought to you by - Dr.
Kehinde Olumesi of Epiphany Dermatology - Brookhaven
As skin matures, it undergoes various changes that necessitate regular skin checks to ensure overall skin health. Differentiating between age spots, healthy moles and potential skin cancers is crucial. Age spots, often appearing as flat, brown, or black spots on sun-exposed areas, are generally harmless but can be mistaken for more serious conditions. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, routine skin examinations are essential for mature skin to maintain health and catch any issues early.
Addressing
skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures
Dermatologists can assist with a variety of skin conditions and rejuvenation procedures for mature skin. Common issues such as dryness, age-related pigmentation and conditions like rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, which can persist or develop with age, are also addressed with specialized care plans.
In addition to treating conditions, dermatologists offer rejuvenating procedures to enhance the appearance and health of mature skin. Treatments such as chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote collagen production. These procedures not only rejuvenate the skin but also boost confidence and overall well-being. Establishing a relationship with a dermatologist ensures that your skin receives comprehensive care tailored to its evolving needs, promoting long-term skin health and vitality.
What does ‘home’ mean?
When the nest feels quieter and life slows to a more intentional pace, many discover it’s the perfect time to rethink what “home” means. In Ellijay, Georgia, that next chapter begins with the beauty of the mountains and a welcoming community that makes every day feel like a retreat.
At The Summit at Ellijay, thoughtfully designed craftsman-style homes pair modern features with timeless charm. Spacious kitchens, open gathering areas, and private owner’s suites create the ideal setting for hosting family visits while still offering the peace and quiet you now cherish. With flexible floor -
plans, including additional bedrooms or basement options, these homes adapt easily to your lifestyle today and tomorrow.
Beyond your front door, Ellijay invites you to explore apple orchards, local wineries, and miles of scenic trails. Spend your afternoons strolling through historic downtown, where boutique shops and cafés add a touch of smalltown warmth. Community amenities, like a pool, clubhouse, and firepit, make it easy to connect with neighbors who value both comfort and connection.
Whether you’re seeking a second home, a weekend escape, or a full-time residence, The Summit at Ellijay offers a chance to live with less responsibility and more possibility.
Your Local Broker for Medicare Insurance Needs
•
•
• Annual Plan Updates, Including Upcoming
• No Cost to Use Our Services
•
Medicare Annual Enrollment isn’t here yet – but it’s coming! Are you ready?
Brought to you by – SeniorSource Medicare Solutions
Lately, many of my clients have been receiving phone calls and mailers that make it sound like the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is already underway. It’s not. In reality, AEP doesn’t begin for another month and a half.
What’s happening?
Right now, Medicare Advantage and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plan providers are just starting to receive final approval for their 2026 plans. Once that’s done, plan materials still need to be printed and mailed to members. So yes — we’ve still got some time!
Here’s what that means for you: Don’t let call centers or early marketing tactics pressure you — it’s not time to make changes yet. Instead, now is the perfect time to evaluate your current coverage and consider your needs going into 2026.
Ask yourself:
• Is my current monthly premium still manageable?
• Are my copays affordable?
• Am I happy with my dental, vision, or hearing coverage?
• Have I heard about other plans I want to explore during AEP?
In other words: it’s time to start your Medicare Game Plan.
Take this time to jot down what’s working and what’s not — and the benefits you’d like to have next year. When
AEP does arrive, you’ll be ready to work with your insurance agent to find the best plan for your needs — whether that’s a Medicare Advantage plan, a Supplement, or a Stand-Alone Drug Plan.
Plan smart now, enroll wisely later. Let’s make this season a win for your healthcare.
About The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period:
Medicare Advantage and StandAlone Prescription Drug Plans’ Annual Notice of Changes to clients should be in mailboxes by late-September. The time to make changes for 2026 coverage is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period from October 15, 2025 - December 7th, 2025. Your selections made during the AEP will become effective January 1st, 2026.
The Medicare AEP is for Medicare Advantage Plans and Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans only. Medicare Supplements are not affected by the AEP and may be changed throughout the calendar year, barring any health underwriting requirements.
If you’d like to sit down with a Medicare Insurance Agent from SeniorSource this fall and find the best plan for your needs, give us a call today at (770) 315 8145 or contact us through our website at www.SeniorSourceMedicare.com/contact-seniorsource.
Paige Gorman Agent
