Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. - Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. - Philippians 2:3-4
Read October's newsletter to see why this enrollment season is important, why using an agent during open enrollment can make a difference, and more!
October 2026 Newsletter | Crawford Benefits
OCTOBER 2026
NEWSLETTER
EDUCATE. | EMPOWER. | PROTECT.
IMPORTANT DATES
to Remember
OCTOBER 15
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15–December 7
NOVEMBER 1
Marketplace Open Enrollment begins
NOVEMBER 26–27
Crawford Benefits Office Closed for Thanksgiving
★★★★★
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Michelle Crawford and her team at Crawford Benefits was amazing to work with. They helped me so much navigate the issues and questions involved with Medicare, Medicare supplements and social security. Made my decisions a lot simpler and clearer. Thank you and Highly Recommend!!
— Mark B.
We’re Here to Help
Give our office a call before your enrollment season ends.
For many people, these enrollment periods are the main opportunity to review or change health coverage for 2027.
For clients under age 65:
If you miss Open Enrollment, you generally must wait until the next enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Some short-term and other non-Marketplace plans use medical underwriting, so your health history may affect whether those options are available. Taking action during Open Enrollment can help you avoid an unexpected gap in coverage.
For Medicare clients:
The plan that works well for you this year may not be the best fit for 2027. Premiums, prescription-drug coverage, provider networks, copays, and additional benefits can change. Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, and December 7 is the last day to join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan for coverage beginning January 1.
Schedule Your 2027 Review Start early so there is time to compare your coverage options.
2
Having Medicare and Marketplace Insurance
At the Same Time
If you have Marketplace coverage and are approaching age 65, the move to Medicare requires careful timing. You may be able to keep an existing Marketplace plan after Medicare begins, but it is not a Medicare Supplement, and you generally lose Marketplace premium assistance once you qualify for premium-free Part A.
Marketplace coverage does not end automatically. Confirm your Medicare start date, update your Marketplace application, and end coverage only for the person moving to Medicare. A spouse or other eligible family member may be able to remain enrolled.
This month’s blog explains how to coordinate your coverage, avoid gaps or late-enrollment penalties, and understand how the transition may affect your household.
Read This Month’s Blog Learn how to coordinate your coverage and avoid costly enrollment mistakes.
3
Enrollment Dates to Remember
4
Why Using a Medicare Agent During Open Enrollment
Can Make a Difference
Medicare Open Enrollment can leave you wondering whether to keep your current coverage or make a change. A licensed Medicare insurance agent can help explain the plans they represent and compare the details that matter most—including your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacy options, premiums, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs.
Even when your current plan is continuing, its coverage and costs may change for the coming year. Reviewing your Annual Notice of Change and starting early gives you time to ask questions, verify providers and medications, and compare your options without rushing as the December deadline approaches.
A coverage review does not automatically mean switching plans. The goal is to understand how your current coverage will work in 2027 and make an informed decision based on your individual needs.
In this month’s blog, we explain what to review, what to bring to your appointment, and how working with an agent may help you make the most of Medicare Open Enrollment.
Read This Month’s Blog Learn what to review before deciding whether to stay or switch.
5
Important Updates
Things to Know This Month
✓Client Appreciation Day A big THANK YOU
to all of our amazing clients who joined us for Client Appreciation Day! We are so grateful for your trust, support, and continued partnership. We truly appreciate you!
✓Congratulations to Our Giveaway Winners!
From Client Appreciation Day: ✓LuAnn Craighton
was the winner of a $50 gift card. ✓Debbie Jackson
was the winner of the pickleball set. ✓Gene Hartin
was the winner of the yoga mat.
From Our Social Media Blitz: ✓David Minkanic
was the winner of a $50 gift card.
From Our Q3 Google Reviews: ✓Art Barry was the winner of a $50 gift card.
✓Prepare for Your Consultation We created a short video to help you prepare for your upcoming consultation and understand what to have ready before your appointment. Watch the Video.
Seasonal Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
For the wet ingredients:
•
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree •
2 eggs •
1¼ cups milk of choice •
⅓ cup coconut sugar—or substitute brown sugar •
¼ cup pure maple syrup •
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the dry ingredients:
•
2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten-free if desired •
2 teaspoons baking powder •
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice •
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional mix-ins:
•
½ cup chopped pecans—optional, but recommended
Optional cream cheese glaze:
•
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese •
2 tablespoons powdered sugar •
½ teaspoon vanilla extract •
1–2 teaspoons milk of choice, to thin the glaze
Preparation Method
1.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-9-inch pan and set aside.
2.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, milk, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined.
3.
Add the oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined, then fold in the chopped pecans, if using.
4.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown and the center is set. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes while preparing the optional cream cheese glaze.
5.
In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the baked oatmeal and top with additional chopped pecans, if desired. Cut into slices and enjoy.
