Dennis Copland Health Insurance

On Medicare? 👓, Listen Up 👂, and Smile 😷

Did you know original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care? It’s important to know your options! If you have a Medicare Plan find out about standalone dental/vision/hearing policies to get the coverage you need. If you have questions, we can help!

Planning an international trip? Don’t forget to check your health insurance coverage. ✈️

Many domestic health insurance plans provide limited or no coverage outside the United States. That means a medical emergency overseas could result in significant out-of-pocket costs. Travel medical insurance can help fill that gap.

🌍 Depending on the plan, it may cover:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays and physician visits
• Urgent care services
• Prescription medications
• Emergency medical evacuation

Many plans also include 24/7 global assistance, helping travelers locate medical facilities and coordinate care in unfamiliar countries. Don’t get stuck on your own out there! Travel coverage can be the difference between a major trip disaster and a good story you can tell when you get back home.

Talk to us to learn about your options.

Long-term care planning isn’t one-size-fits-all — and it’s not just about nursing homes.

When people plan ahead for potential long-term care costs, three common insurance or investment-based options often come up:

🔹 Annuities with long-term care riders

Typically funded with a lump sum. These are often the most efficient way to create long-term care dollars, especially for retirees who want a simple, “set it and forget it” approach.

🔹 Hybrid life insurance with long-term care benefits

Combines long-term care protection with a guaranteed death benefit. If care is needed, benefits help pay for it. If not, heirs may receive a tax-efficient payout. This option appeals to those who want guarantees and a legacy.

🔹 Indexed Universal Life (IUL) with a long-term care rider

A more flexible option that can serve multiple purposes — long-term care, legacy planning, and sometimes supplemental income — but usually requires ongoing funding and active management.

The “right” choice depends on:

✔ How much money you have available today
✔ Whether long-term care is the primary goal or one of several goals
✔ How important flexibility, guarantees, and legacy are to you

There’s no single best solution — only the one that best fits your financial picture and priorities.

Does Medicare cover assisted living or long-term care?

Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare’s coverage is very limited.

👉 What Medicare Covers (short-term, medical):
> Skilled Nursing Facility care (up to 100 days with hospital stay & doctor’s order)
> Home health services (if homebound, ordered by a physician, and needed in addition to skilled services)
> Medical services while in assisted living (doctor visits, tests, equipment)
> Hospice care (if terminally ill)

👉 What Medicare Does NOT Cover:
> Custodial care (help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, etc.)
> Room & board in assisted living or memory care
> Long-term nursing home stays for daily living needs only
> Assisted living as a skilled care setting

✅ Planning Ahead
Medicare is health insurance—not long-term care insurance. Options like private long-term care insurance, hybrid life policies, annuities, Medicaid, or personal savings can help cover costs. Planning early means more options and peace of mind.

The best time to plan is NOW—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

💊 Medicare drug cost rules changed in 2026. To recap:

✔️ Part D now has a $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap.
✔️ The maximum deductible is $615 (many plans charge less).
✔️ Insulin costs are capped at $35 or less per month for covered products.
✔️ Medicare negotiated lower prices on 10 high-cost drugs, including Eliquis, Jardiance, Xarelto, Januvia, Farxiga, Entresto, Enbrel, Stelara, Imbruvica, and certain insulin products.
✔️ Many adult vaccines remain $0 under Part D.

Your actual cost still depends on your plan’s structure, pharmacy network, and drug tier placement. If you’re taking prescriptions, especially any one of the negotiated drugs, it’s worth reviewing your coverage. That's what we're here for!