The Elie Ortiz Insurance Blog
Straight answers on Medicare, health, and life insurance in the Midwest
No jargon. No pressure. Just practical guidance from a licensed independent agent based in the Midwest.
Your AEP Checklist: 7 Things to Review Before Medicare Annual Enrollment Opens October 15
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15. Use this checklist to review your ANOC letter, prescriptions, doctors, and costs before the window opens.
Latest articles
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: The Decision to Revisit Every AEP
Should you stay with Medicare Advantage or look at a Medicare Supplement during AEP? A plain-English comparison of costs, networks, and trade-offs.
Part D Changes to Watch This AEP: Don't Let Your Drug Plan Auto-Renew
Formularies, tiers, and pharmacy networks change every January. Why auto-renewing your Part D plan is one of the most expensive Medicare mistakes.
The Most-Searched Health Insurance Topic This Week: Special Enrollment Periods Explained
Why special enrollment periods have been the top health insurance search this week, what life events trigger them, and how to use one before you miss your window.
Industry Update: What Midwest Families Should Expect Heading Into 2026 Open Enrollment
Premium trends, subsidy changes, Medicare Advantage plan shifts, and the deadlines to put on your calendar before open enrollment opens November 1.
HSA vs. FSA: Which Account Actually Saves Midwest Families More?
How health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts differ on eligibility, contribution limits, rollover rules, and taxes, plus how to pick the right one.
Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: A Side-by-Side Comparison for Midwest Families
A clear, no-pitch comparison of term and whole life insurance, including how each is priced, what they cover, and when each one actually makes sense.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement in the Midwest: Which Is Right for You?
A plain-English comparison of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans for Midwest beneficiaries, with the tradeoffs that actually matter.
Turning 65 in the Midwest: A Month-by-Month Medicare Checklist
Exactly what to do in the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday to enroll in Medicare without penalties.
Self-Employed Health Insurance in the Midwest: What You Actually Have
Freelancers, 1099 contractors, and small business owners in the Midwest have more options than the Marketplace. Here's the full menu.
Better Alternatives to COBRA for Midwest Families Losing Job-Based Coverage
COBRA can cost $700+ per month per person. Here are the real alternatives most Midwest residents qualify for after leaving a job.
Small Business Health Insurance in the Midwest: What Owners with 2-50 Employees Should Know
Group plans, QSEHRAs, ICHRAs, and level-funded options for Midwest small businesses — with the pros and cons of each.
Term vs. Whole Life Insurance for the Midwest Families: A Practical Breakdown
How to decide between term and permanent life insurance, with realistic examples of what each costs a Midwest family.
Medicare Annual Enrollment 2026: What the Midwest Beneficiaries Should Review
October 15 - December 7 is your annual chance to change Medicare plans. Here's what to check even if you're happy with your current plan.
ACA Subsidies in the Midwest for 2026: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?
Enhanced premium tax credits are still in effect for 2026. Here's how they work and who qualifies in the Midwest.
Understanding Medicare Part D in the Midwest: The Part Most People Get Wrong
How Part D prescription drug plans work, why the wrong plan can cost you thousands, and how to pick right.
The 12 Health Insurance Terms Every the Midwestn Should Know
Deductible, coinsurance, MOOP, HSA — a plain-English glossary so you can shop plans without getting lost in jargon.
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