We all have frustrations. Seems there is no way to avoid them. It could be as simple as a neighbor’s dog doing its duty in your yard and your neighbor refusing to clean it up, a fender-bender, an incorrect charge on a bill, or maybe it is something major like a cancer diagnosis.
Today my frustration is a jack hammer that is tearing up my shower floor looking for an underground leak. Yesterday it was a doctor’s bill that was already paid. Or I think it was. No doubt, you can relate with my frustration, maybe you’ve even experienced it.
Frustrations are real and usually unavoidable. It is how we deal with them that matters. For me, I pray. It helps me. Then I am able to approach the situation with a smile. No sense in getting angry. Challenges are going to happen.
I can’t imagine the frustration and challenges that insurance companies face. Think of the challenges that have been forced on them in recent years. There are several.
I just read an article about the challenges being forced on the Medicare plans. Here are a few:
- Elevated medical trends like behavioral health and emergency care
- Elevated drug costs
- Since the conclusion of Covid, increasing number of voluntary procedures. Medicare Supplements (Medigap plans) are getting pounded.
- Last year’s administration forced greater drug costs on the Medicare Advantage and Medicare drug plans while lowering the amount they pay these plans. FRUSTRATING!
- And one that I often see from my clients, rising costs due to providers using “aggressive” coding. Ever get a bill and wonder “what is this for?” I’m dealing with one right now. So I pray, smile and challenge the billing department.
I am glad that I am not an insurance company executive. Honestly, with all these hurdles and the government rules stating they must survive on 15% of monies they receive, I don’t know how insurance plans can afford to be in business. But they do, and I am glad they do. The past couple of years, our medical bills have exceeded $300,000. And because of our Medicare Advantage insurance, we’ve only had to pay about $3000.
Frustrating? Certainly! But boy am I glad they are there. If you need help sorting through the 2026 Medicare options, that information will be available beginning October 1. We are here to help you.
FYI, the neighbor with dog that preferred our yard has moved and the leak has been patched. Two more frustrations handled. Next up, the medical bill. 😊
If you want to schedule a review of 2026 plans this AEP, give us a call at 317-606-5426. We’ll help guide you to the best plan for you.