Alcorn & Associates is pleased to welcome William Lyons of Wynantskill to our Eastern New York team of licensed health insurance agents.
With more than 10 years of experience helping people navigate Medicare, Will has had the opportunity to assist hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries throughout the greater Capital Region, including Schoharie, Montgomery, Fulton, Rensselaer, Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Columbia, and Greene counties, as well as communities throughout Upstate New York. His Medicare career includes sales and leadership roles with CDPHP and Fidelis Care/Wellcare. Will enjoys taking the time to explain Medicare in simple, easy-to-understand terms and helping each person find coverage that fits their individual needs.
Will has been preparing for the 2027 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period by researching, contracting and completing required certification with six Medicare Advantage / Medicare Supplement companies serving Upstate New York. We look forward to Will joining our team of agents in continuing to serve the local community and helping Medicare beneficiaries feel confident in their healthcare decisions.
You can reach Will at (838) 295-8160 or send him a quick note using our online inquiry form below:
Each September, Medicare beneficiaries receive by mail the official US government Medicare handbook for the upcoming year.
A Medicare beneficiary should read the official Medicare & You 2027 handbook to navigate significant shifts in out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug rules, and benefit flexibilities taking effect for the 2027 plan year.
For example… Prescription Drug Cost Caps: The handbook, on pages 85 and 87, outlines the updated Part D annual out-of-pocket prescription drug spending cap, which rises to $2,400 for 2027, alongside details on how to use the ongoing Medicare Prescription Payment Plan to spread costs over the year.
New Coverage and Care Options: Page 92 includes details on newly expanded access criteria for specific weight-management medications (like GLP-1 drugs)
IRMAA: Medicare uses the modified adjusted gross income reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago to determine if you’ll pay an extra charge, called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). For 2027, if your modified adjusted gross income for 2025 was above $111,000 if you file individually or $222,000 if you’re married and file jointly, then you may pay an IRMAA. Check out page 86 for more details.
Section 11 is County Specific: This is where you will find listings of Part C Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plans offered in your county. for 2027.
Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage (MA)
MA plans are approved by Medicare and run by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare.
CMS (Medicare) pays these private insurers to manage your Medicare Parts A and B benefits and pay your claims on behalf of CMS.
MA plans must have the same or better benefits than Original Medicare.
Some plans may include additional supplemental benefits such as dental, eyewear, fitness and wellness coverage that go beyond what what Original Medicare offers. These additional benefits vary so please refer to the plan’s Summary of Benefits for details.
Many MA plans also include Part D prescription drug benefits. These are MAPD plans.
All MA plans contract with a network of providers, hospitals and vendors. Generally, your copay and cost sharing responsibility is lower when using an “in-network” provider when compared to one not contracted with your plan.
“Ask the Experts TV” asked about the Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G. Click and watch the video from the February 17 livestream interview here:
reason 1: Lower your MAXIMUM annual out-of-pocket
The annual maximum out-of-pocket is the amount you could potentially pay in medical co-pays after which your plan covers 100%.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include an annual maximum out-of-pocket amount for medical co-pays, ranging from $6,000 to $9,250. With a Medicare Supplement High Deductible plan, your maximum out-of-pocket is $2,950.
So, you would be lowering the amount you would pay before your plan covers 100% – reducing your potential exposure by thousands of dollars.
reason 2: Lower YOUR COMBINED annual premium and deductible costs
Let’s do some math:
Traditional Plan G:
$4800 annual premium (avg. $400/month) check your county + $283 Part B deductible
$5083
High Deductible G
$900 annual premium (avg $75/month) check your county +$2950 maximum (Parts A and B deductible and 20% cost share)
$3850
Smart Tip: Set aside $250 saved in monthly premium payment for the $2950 to cover the Parts A and B deductible and 20% share. Depending on your medical claims you should have money left over on December 31.
IS this Like with other deductibles and I pay the first $2,950 in medical bills?
No. After you pay the Parts A and B deductibles, Medicare pays its share of claims (usually 80%) and you pay the 20%. Once your deductible and 20% share reaches $2,950, then your supplement plan pays 100% for the rest of the year. Think of it as a $2,950 cap on your out of pocket costs.
2026
Part A deductible per period
$1,736
+ Part B deductible
$283
+ Part B co-share
20%
= Maximum Out of Pocket
$2,950
Will hospitals and doctors will accept my High Deductible plan?
Yes, if your provider participates in Original Medicare for your primary coverage, they will accept your Medigap supplemental coverage; including plans with deductibles like Plans G, N and High Deductible. This way you have access to the nationwide network of doctors and hospitals participating in Original Medicare.
How does a High Deductible compare to Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans include a limit on out-of-pocket costs; ranging from $6,000 to $9,250 per year for in-network medical services. (Up to $13,900 for in and out of network) Compare to a Medicare Supplement High Deductible plan with the annual maximum out-of-pocket cost capped at $2,950
Medicare Advantage plans manage your Medicare benefits through contracts with in-network providers and hospitals. As mentioned above, any provider accepting Original Medicare for your primary coverage will accept your supplement coverage – eliminating the “is my doctor in-network with my plan” questions.
Most Medicare Advantage plans, including those with a low monthly premium, include Part D prescription drug coverage. With Medicare Supplement, you will need to obtain separate creditable Part D drug coverage. during an Annual Enrollment, Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment Period. VA drug benefits are considered creditable coverage.
Many Medicare Advantage plans include features like dental allowance, fitness membership, eyewear and hearing aid benefits not available with Original Medicare.
Our agents are authorized to represent the Globe Life Insurance Company and Humana Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plans. Please call us at (518) 346-2115 or send any agent a quick note with your questions:
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