Healthcare Webinar Recap
October 7, 2025 / Market Updates, Quarterly Webinar Series, Uncategorized
We recently hosted our quarterly webinar with a focus specifically on healthcare and upcoming changes in 2026. We were joined by our long-term partner, Sandra Juetten, from the Schatz Benefit Group. Sandra works with a large team including pre-Medicare specialist Nikky Fauth and Medicare expert Paul Chacos. Below is a brief overview of our conversation.
COBRA versus Individual Marketplace plans
We discussed what to consider when choosing a plan, including premiums, deductibles, and out of pocket maximums. It is critical to also consider your specific medical needs, your provider network, and what options you may have for financial assistance.
On average, a single COBRA premium is about $850. For a family, this jumps to $2,500. On the open market, your deductible largely influences your premium.
With an individual policy, you have three options: bronze, silver, and gold. This does not reflect the level of care you will receive, but rather the level of coverage you will receive. Premiums are based on your age and whether you use tobacco.
The proposed average rate increases for 2026 individual plans are sharp. Below are the Minnesota-specific rate proposals:
Medicare and Beyond
Medicare has a few moving parts, and it helps to think of them in simple terms. Part A covers hospital stays and hospice—usually at no cost. Part B takes care of doctor visits, surgeries, and lab work for about $185 a month.
From there, you can choose between Part C (Advantage Plans), which may include extras like dental, vision, and hearing with costs ranging from $0 to $300+, or a Medigap policy, which helps with out-of-pocket costs and works in any state, but typically runs $280+ and doesn’t include dental, vision, or prescriptions. Finally, Part D covers prescriptions, with premiums starting as low as $1 and going up from there.
If your income is above a certain level, Medicare adds an extra charge called IRMAA to your Part B and Part D premiums. In short, higher income means you may pay a bit more each month. One important detail—Medicare bases this on your income from two years ago, not your current year.
In short, Medicare gives you options—it’s just about finding the right mix for your needs and budget. The Schatz Group is an excellent resource to help determine what plan is right for you. Below is their contact information. If you need coverage outside of Minnesota, please reach out to your advisor to help connect you to another team.