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What You Need to Know: Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Open Enrollment 2025

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Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) is here again, running October 15 – December 7, 2025, for the 2026 plan year. This year is especially complicated: some plans are disappearing, premiums are changing, and deductibles are shifting. If you (or a family member) rely on Medicare prescription drug coverage, here’s a roadmap to make sure you’re in the right plan for 2026.

Step 1: Go to Medicare.gov

The most reliable tool is right at your fingertips: Medicare.gov.

  • Click “Find Plans”
  • Enter your ZIP code, pharmacy, and your prescription drugs
  • Medicare’s tool will show you which plans cover your drugs, at what cost, and with which pharmacies.

This is critical — don’t guess. Plans differ dramatically in how they treat the same drug.

Step 2: Understand the Deductible Rules

For 2026, many California drug plans will come with a $615.00 deductible (that’s the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the plan starts sharing costs). But plans apply this deductible differently:

  • Some plans apply the deductible to all drug tiers (including generics).
  • Others apply it only to brand-name or higher-tier drugs.

Translation: If you mostly take Tier 1 or Tier 2 generics, you may find a plan where your deductible doesn’t apply — so you get co-pays right away.

Step 3: Compare Your Choices Before December 7

You must make your decision by December 7. After that, you’re locked in (or out) until the next Open Enrollment. Here’s what to look at when comparing plans:

  • Monthly premium (what you pay each month for the plan)
  • Deductible (what you pay before coverage kicks in)
  • Drug costs (your co-pay or coinsurance for each medication)
  • Pharmacy network (make sure your preferred pharmacy is covered)
  • Customer service reputation (some carriers are much easier to work with)

Step 4: Two Options Worth Highlighting in California

  • WellCare Value Script – This is typically the lowest-cost plan for many Californians. It offers low or $0 co-pays for Tier 1 and Tier 2 generics, which makes it attractive if you only take a few basic medications. $5.70 a month
  • HealthSpring (formerly CIGNA) Extra RX – likely the best bet for those with multiple drugs and access to some Teir 1 and Tier 2 drugs before the deductible. $70.60 a month
  • AARP MedicareRx Preferred – While more expensive, this plan usually has the broadest formulary (drug list) and better customer service. If you’re on multiple or brand-name medications, this plan may be worth the peace of mind. $165 a month

Step 5: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Every year, people put this off until December and end up rushing. Do yourself a favor:

  • Run your drugs on Medicare.gov now.
  • Select a plan and enroll online – or you can call the carrier directly to discuss access to a specific drug.
  • Enroll before December 7 to avoid surprises.

A Word About Agents

Unlike Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans, Part D prescription drug plans are not agent-driven products. That means licensed insurance agents can’t really “fix” or “customize” your drug plan. Think of agents like people patching flat tires — we can advise you, but the enrollment is really up to you, directly through Medicare.gov or the plan.

Bottom Line

For 2025, Medicare drug coverage in California is more complex than ever. Some plans are disappearing, prices are shifting, and deductibles are higher. The good news: if you take 30 minutes to use the Medicare Plan Finder tool, you can make sure you’re not overpaying and that your drugs are covered the way you need.

Deadline: December 7, 2024. Don’t miss it.

Year-End Health Insurance Planning: The Annual Rush Is Here

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Every year as we approach the end of the calendar, the health insurance world goes into overdrive. Employers, employees, retirees, and individuals alike are all swept into a narrow window where critical choices must be made.

This is the season where the industry feels like organized chaos — with deadlines stacked against holidays and big decisions that can’t wait.

Employers: Annual Open Enrollment Crunch

For almost every employer, the end of the year means annual open enrollment. This is the time to:

  1. Review company health plans and offerings for 2026
  2. Decide on cost-sharing strategies and benefits packages
  3. Communicate changes to employees
  4. Allow staff to choose from multiple health and voluntary plans

All of this has to be done in a compressed timeframe, often while HR teams are juggling other year-end priorities. One missed detail can ripple into a year’s worth of employee frustration or unexpected costs.

Medicare Beneficiaries: Critical Choices

For individuals eligible for Medicare, the end of the year also means a chance to reevaluate coverage. Two big areas are front and center:

  1. Medicare Advantage (HMO) plans – Reviewing networks, benefits, and costs and electing a plan for 2026
  2. Prescription Drug (Part D) plans – Facing radical pricing increases in 2026, with many plans being discontinued altogether and most will have to carefully review their choices and make a new election

This year is shaping up to be especially tumultuous, with plan cancellations and higher drug costs driving the need for proactive reviews. Doing nothing could leave beneficiaries exposed to higher out-of-pocket costs or potentially without adequate coverage.

Exchange / Covered California Enrollees: Rising Costs Ahead

For those insured through the Affordable Care Act exchanges (ObamaCare) or Covered California in California,, 2026 brings more uncertainty:

  1. Large premium increases in many markets
  2. Potential loss of subsidies if federal funding lapses, driving up net costs for families
  3. Shifting plan designs that may increase deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses

This means individuals and families need to move quickly, shop carefully, and understand how policy changes may affect their bottom line.

Why Action Is Urgent

The theme across all groups is clear: don’t wait. Whether you’re an employer setting strategy, a Medicare beneficiary evaluating drug coverage, or an individual buying through Covered California, the clock is ticking.

Complicating matters is the fact that this all collides with the holiday season — a time when people are distracted, offices are short-staffed, and advisors (like us) are managing a flood of client needs. Waiting until the last minute only adds stress and reduces your options.

How We Can Help

We’re here to help navigate this storm. Whether it’s clarifying plan options, running cost comparisons, or walking through Medicare drug plan changes, our team is on the front lines.

Our advice:

  1. Don’t delay — start your review now.
  2. Ask questions early.
  3. Make decisions with full information, not in a last-minute rush.

And remember: at CorpStrat, we’re managing a very high volume of requests, so reaching out sooner rather than later gives us the best chance to help you smoothly.

Bottom line: This year’s end-of-year planning season will be hectic, complex, and unforgiving of delays. Don’t risk being caught off guard. If you need guidance, reach out today — before the holidays and deadlines take over.

Will Your Term Life Insurance Policy Expire Before You Do?

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Term life insurance is one of the greatest financial tools ever created. For a very modest cost, it creates instant wealth for your family if the unthinkable happens too soon. If you die early, your family is protected and financially redeemed for the economic loss of you.

But here’s the truth most people don’t realize: the majority of term life policies never pay a death benefit. Why? Because most people live past the end of their term. That means the coverage you bought may quietly expire long before you do—leaving your family completely unprotected.

Why This Matters Right Now

If you’re reading this, you’re likely a client of our agency and already have a policy in place. That’s good you’ve taken a step many never do. But it would be foolish (and costly) not to review it. As you get older, your ability to replace coverage shrinks dramatically:

  • Premiums escalate significantly as age increases.
  • Health changes can make it impossible to qualify for new coverage.
  • Waiting even a few years can turn an affordable plan into something unattainable.

The biggest mistake people make is assuming their insurance will always be there. Life changes. Health changes. And options disappear faster than most expect.

What You Can Do About It

The good news is that you have options—but only if you act before your current coverage runs out.

  • Conversion: Many policies allow you to convert term insurance into permanent coverage, often without a medical exam.
  • Refinance/Extend: Depending on your situation, you may be able to rewrite or refinance your policy for longer-term coverage.
  • Hybrid Solutions: Today’s new policies can combine lifetime death benefits with long-term care protection—so your coverage pays whether you pass away or need care in life.

These strategies ensure that your insurance doesn’t expire before you do.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Things change in a heartbeat. One diagnosis. One birthday. One new underwriting rule—and your options could vanish. Nobody ever complained about having too much liquidity for their loved ones. But plenty of people regret letting coverage lapse.

That’s why we created The Life Insurance Audit™. It’s a no-nonsense, professional review of your current policy against today’s marketplace, so you know exactly where you stand and what adjustments, if any, you need to make.

Bottom line: Term insurance is incredible—but temporary. Make sure your policy is serving you, not silently setting you up for risk. The time to review is now!

Call or email us today at LifeAudit@CorpStrat.com to schedule a quick review. Let’s make sure your life insurance doesn’t expire before you do.

BeniComp Select: The Hidden Tax Strategy Most CPAs Overlook

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“Why didn’t my CPA tell me I could deduct that?”
That’s the reaction we hear all the time when business owners discover BeniComp Select — a little-known benefit that reimburses medical expenses traditional insurance won’t touch… and creates powerful tax savings.

Healthcare costs keep rising. KEY EXECUTIVES  are stuck paying out-of-pocket for things like dental, fertility, and LASIK. But there’s a smarter way to cover these costs without ballooning your premiums — and most advisors don’t even know it exists.

What Is BeniComp Select?

BeniComp Select is a fully insured supplemental medical reimbursement plan that reimburses expenses normally excluded from health insurance.

  • Covered items often include:
  • Deductibles and copays
  • Dental, vision, and orthodontia
  • Hearing aids, private nursing, and medical supplies
  • Fertility and weight-loss programs
  • LASIK and other elective but medically necessary procedures

If it qualifies under IRS Section 213, there’s a strong chance it qualifies under BeniComp Select.

Why CPAs Miss It

Most CPAs focus on compliance, not benefit design. Here’s why BeniComp Select stands out:

  • Tax Deductibility – Employers deduct reimbursements as a business expense.
  • Tax Efficiency – Employees get reimbursements tax-free.
  • Executive Benefit – Employers can selectively cover executives and key talent, creating a strong recruitment and retention tool.

This isn’t just another benefit—it’s a strategic compensation lever that lowers taxes, strengthens benefits, and boosts retention.

How It Works – to SELECTIVELY and DISCRIMINATELY take care of EXECUTIVES, OWNERS OF “S’ CORPS and HIGHLY COMPENSATED EXECS:

  1. Employer sets up the plan and selects covered employees.
  2. Employees submit claims for qualified, uncovered medical expenses.
  3. Employer reimburses through the BeniComp Select policy.
  4. Employer deducts costs. Employee receives tax-free benefits.

The Real-World Impact

  • Business Owners – Gain access to deductions that would normally be lost.
  • Key Employees – Get relief from real-world medical expenses.
  • The Company – Offers richer benefits without inflating salaries or paying for costly group plan riders.

It’s a win-win-win: employees are happier, the company saves money, and business owners unlock hidden tax savings.

Why Act Now

Healthcare costs aren’t slowing down. Employees expect more from their benefits, and forward-thinking companies are already leveraging solutions like BeniComp Select.

Waiting means another year of lost deductions and unhappy employees footing the bill.

Next Steps

At CorpStrat, we help business owners evaluate strategies like BeniComp Select to see if it’s the right fit.

Let’s talk — reach out today to explore how this overlooked strategy can protect your bottom line and give your team peace of mind.

Why You Deserve Better Employee Benefits

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Are your Employee Benefits bundled with one of the big payroll companies like Paychex, Gusto, ADP, or Zenefits? If so, there’s a good chance you’re not getting the service you deserve. These giants often push businesses into rolling their employee benefits with them, banking on the fact that most people aren’t fully aware of what they need or deserve. This approach boosts their profits but leaves you and your employees with subpar service.

The Downside of Big Payroll Companies

When it comes to Employee Benefits, big payroll companies typically don’t think outside the box. They struggle to design creative solutions tailored to your company’s unique needs. And when problems inevitably arise, you’re often left navigating a frustrating phone tree, rarely getting to speak with a real person who understands your account. With over 30 years in the business, we’ve seen this too often, and we know you deserve better.

Why CorpStrat is Different

At CorpStrat, we believe in providing top-notch service tailored to your specific needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Personalized Service: Whenever you call us, you’ll speak with a real person who knows the ins and outs of your account. No more frustrating phone trees.
  • Creative Solutions: We think outside the box to design employee benefits plans that fit your company’s unique requirements, whether you have a small team or a large workforce.
  • Commitment to Care: Our commitment to service is unparalleled. We treat our clients with the same dedication and care we would give to our own family members. Over time, our clients become friends and family to us.
  • Proven Expertise: As one of the top insurance brokers in California, we have the expertise and passion to deliver exceptional results.

If you’re unhappy with your current employee benefits provider, why not get a second opinion? At CorpStrat, we’re more than happy to review your current plan, no strings attached. We’d love the opportunity to discuss how we can improve your employee benefits experience.

Reach out to us today. Let’s have a conversation and explore how we can better meet your needs. Your employees deserve the best, and so do you. Choose CorpStrat for a benefits experience that truly cares.

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Health Plan

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Health insurance may be one of the most critical annual purchases since it impacts your physical, mental, and financial wellness. Unfortunately, selecting a health insurance plan can feel overwhelming. With so many options, it can also be easy to make a mistake when selecting coverage.

This article explores six common missteps related to selecting a health insurance plan. Once armed with this information, it’ll be easier to avoid these mistakes and choose the best plan coverage for your situation.

Mistake #1: Rushing Through Enrollment Options

Many people rush when buying their health insurance or only rely on recommendations from friends, family and co-workers. Others may simply re-enroll with last year’s choices. But health insurance provides personal coverage, so it’s important to research and find what will work best for your health needs and budget. Read our full blog post to learn what to look out for before you finalize your decisions.

When it comes time to enroll in a plan, compare different policies and understand their coverages and associated costs (e.g., premiums). One of the best ways to ensure the policy is right for your health needs is to consider your medical requirements and spending in the next year. Don’t forget to confirm in-network coverage to ensure that your preferred doctor, clinic, and pharmacy is connected in the new plan. Then, you can find the most suitable plan and coverage in an effort to simplify your health care and make it more affordable.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Policy Documents

A lot of people skip through or don’t thoroughly read the policy’s terms and conditions. But often this is the best way to know what to expect from your health plan and what the plan expects of you. Don’t forget to read the fine print on each plan you consider to avoid surprise bills later on. Reviewing the policy’s inclusions and exclusions will help you make an informed decision that’s right for you.

Mistake #3: Misunderstanding Costs

Plans typically have a deductible, copays and coinsurance. Here’s what those terms mean:

The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your health insurance starts to cover costs. A copay is a flat fee you pay upfront for doctor visits, prescriptions and other health care services. Coinsurance is the percentage you pay for covered health services after you’ve met your deductible.

When shopping for a plan, keep in mind that the deductible is tied to the premium. A low deductible plan may seem attractive until you understand that it generally comes with a higher premium—and vice versa. When shopping for a plan, look closely to see when you’ll have a copay and how much it will cost for various services.

Mistake #4: Concealing Your Medical History

It may be tempting to avoid sharing your medical history if you’re worried about being rejected or receiving higher premiums. However, it could hurt you in the long run when insurance claims are denied for existing conditions or undisclosed medical information.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Add-ons

Health insurance add-ons are often included separately and require an additional premium, which means many people don’t look at them. A standard health insurance plan may not cover certain situations, so reviewing all available options is essential. An insurance add-on could help bolster your overall health insurance coverage by offering extra protection.

Review the add-on covers offered with your health insurance policy and see if any would be helpful for you, your family or plans in the next year. Some common add-ons include critical illness insurance, maternity and newborn baby insurance, hospital daily expenses and emergency ambulance services.

Mistake #6: Selecting Insufficient Coverage

People may hold back on purchasing certain coverage to pay a lower premium. While that may seem advantageous in the short term, you’ll be on the hook for out-of-pocket costs when facing a medical emergency. This mistake may be accompanied by physical, mental and financial health consequences.

When selecting a plan, check that the policy provides adequate coverage for your medical needs and other essentials. The right health insurance can take care of yourself and ensure financial security.

Summary

Health insurance is an essential investment for you and your family. By avoiding common mistakes while buying health insurance, you’ll be better informed to enroll in a plan and other coverages.

As health care costs continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to carefully review available policies, consider your options and health needs, and, ultimately, select the best plan to protect your health and finances.

If you have more questions about health plans, contact your manager or HR.