In this episode of *Insurance Matchmaking*, Matt Libby tackles a question he hears all the time: *"What do I do about health insurance if I retire early or lose coverage before I turn 65?"*

Matt walks through the real options available — starting with **staying on employer coverage** as long as possible, then weighing **COBRA** (convenient but usually expensive) against the **ACA Marketplace** (where the tax subsidy is what makes it actually affordable). He shares a practical tip most people don't know: *accept COBRA but don't pay it yet* — it keeps the door open while you shop alternatives, and you can always walk away before the first payment is due.

He also covers the growing world of **supplemental and fixed benefit plans**, including accident plans (guaranteed issue, very affordable), cancer and heart attack/stroke plans, hospital indemnity plans, and the **Affordable Choice fixed benefit plan** — a flexible, no-enrollment-period option that works well for people who don't qualify for marketplace plans or want day-to-day coverage without the high cost.

Matt shares an important **Big News Alert for Cigna marketplace plan holders**: **Cigna Healthcare will NOT be available on the ACA Marketplace in 2027.** If you have a Cigna plan, you'll need a new plan for next year. He also previews what marketplace options will likely remain in Tennessee, including Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, and potentially Oscar.

He warns against the most common mistakes: choosing a plan based only on premium, picking the **Blue Cross E Network** without realizing how limited the provider network is, and — most sobering — a real story about a young man who went uninsured for *two weeks* between jobs and was hit by a drunk driver, suffering a traumatic brain injury with no coverage.

Bottom line: **never go without insurance**, even temporarily — and let Matt help you find the right fit at no cost to you.



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In this episode of *Insurance Matchmaking*, Matt Libby flips the script on how most people think about Medicare — instead of asking *"which plan is best?"*, he argues the real question is *"what strategy works best for you?"*

Matt breaks down the key difference between **health insurance** (covering catastrophic risk) and **health care** (paying for day-to-day doctor visits) — and why confusing the two leads to poor coverage decisions.

He dives deep into the **High Deductible Plan G** strategy, explaining why it's quickly becoming one of his top recommendations as traditional Plan G and Plan N premiums see double-digit rate increases. With monthly premiums as low as $61 compared to nearly $190 for traditional Plan G, the savings are substantial — even with a maximum out-of-pocket of roughly $3,000. He walks through why most people won't hit that cap in a given year, and what to do when they might.

The real power move? **Pairing High Deductible Plan G with a Hospital Indemnity Plan (HIP) and a Cancer/Heart Attack/Stroke (CHAS) plan.** Matt explains how this "copay protection" combination mimics the security of traditional Plan G at a fraction of the cost — with rate-locked supplemental premiums that don't spike as you age. He covers how hospitalization benefits reset annually, how outpatient surgery benefits are designed around real-life scenarios like cataract surgery and knee replacements, and how to qualify even with pre-existing conditions.

Matt also explains **when to lock in these plans** — new Medicare enrollees have a six-month guaranteed issue window — and how hospital indemnity plans can even be written for younger spouses on ACA plans, ready to pair with Medicare Advantage when they turn 65.


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In this episode of *Insurance Matchmaking*, Matt Libby walks through several real-life situations from his week — clients who lost health coverage, lost their tax credits, or ended up on the wrong plan — and explains exactly how he helped them get back on track.

Matt covers the **Blue Cross E Network vs. S Network** confusion that's trapping people in plans their doctors won't accept, and how a simple income amendment may qualify you for a **Special Enrollment Period** to switch to the right plan. He also shares a cautionary tale about a retired couple in Knoxville whose marketplace tax credit was canceled after missing a 90-day income verification window — and how they were able to get reinstated with a June 1 start date.

He explains the **TennCare transition trap**: when TennCare ends mid-month, marketplace coverage can't start until the first of the *following* month — leaving a coverage gap. Matt's workaround: always list the last day of the prior month as the loss-of-coverage date.

For those who **no longer qualify for a marketplace subsidy** or want more day-to-day coverage, Matt breaks down the **Affordable Choice fixed benefit plan** — a flexible, year-round option (no enrollment period!) that pays set amounts for doctor visits, surgery, hospitalization, and prescriptions. He explains how pairing it with a low-cost short-term catastrophic plan creates solid coverage at a fraction of what a traditional plan costs — and who qualifies (and who doesn't) based on health conditions.

Finally, Matt shares his philosophy on underwriting life insurance and health plans — always apply at standard level so clients get a pleasant surprise when approved, not a sticker shock.



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In this episode of *Insurance Matchmaking*, Matt Libby covers some of the hottest topics in Medicare and health insurance right now — starting with the buzz around **GLP-1 weight loss medications** like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.

Medicare currently **does not cover GLP-1s for weight loss** — only for diabetes or certain heart disease risks. But Matt breaks down the **CMS pilot program launching July 1**, which will run for 15 months to evaluate broader Medicare coverage. If approved, full coverage could roll out in 2028. He also explains why the **$2,100 Part D out-of-pocket cap does NOT apply** to unapproved prescriptions — meaning those $900–$1,300/month costs are entirely on you unless your plan's formulary covers it.

Matt also spotlights the **Canadian Med Store** (canadianmedstore.com) as a legitimate option for saving money on prescriptions — including GLP-1s — with tips on planning ahead since medications ship from outside the country and require a 90-day supply order.

He then dives into **fall enrollment prep**, including how his office uses the **RetireFlow app** to streamline drug plan reviews before the December 7 deadline — and why he wants all reviews done by October so clients aren't rushing.

Finally, Matt makes a strong case for the **High Deductible Plan G** Medicare supplement — a smart alternative as standard Medigap rates see double-digit increases. With a max out-of-pocket around $3,000 and savings of roughly $100/month compared to regular Plan G, he explains why pairing it with umbrella coverage may be the best move for many clients.


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Think Medicare has you fully covered? Think again. In this episode of *Insurance Matchmaking*, Matt Libby breaks down the real gaps in Original Medicare that most people don't discover until they get a bill they weren't expecting.

Matt covers the **2026 Part A hospital deductible** ($1,736 — and why it's *not* an annual deductible), the **Part B premium and deductible**, and why that 20% coinsurance can add up fast without a supplement in place. He explains the critical difference between being **admitted** vs. being held in **observation status** — and how five days in the hospital under observation can disqualify you from skilled nursing facility coverage.

He also tackles the **"100-Day Myth"** around Medicare and skilled nursing facilities, the truth about **prescription drug formularies** and the $2,100 out-of-pocket cap, the **IRMAA income look-back** that can raise your Part B premium, and why **travel coverage** matters if you're a snowbird or living the RV life.

Matt explains why he *never* recommends a Medicare Advantage plan without umbrella coverage — and shares his own personal experience using his Medicare Advantage dental benefit to save over $1,500 on crowns.


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In this episode of Insurance Matchmaking, Matt Libby continues his deep dive into "umbrella plans"—a layered approach to covering the gaps Medicare leaves behind. He explains how even with Medicare and Medigap, significant expenses remain, especially for long-term care, home health, and non-medical needs.

Matt breaks down how combining plans like cancer (CHAS), hospital indemnity, and recovery care can create a stronger financial safety net. He highlights the reality that 70% of people over 65 will need some form of long-term care, yet Medicare provides very limited coverage—often leaving families to cover costs out of pocket or spend down assets.

The episode also explores flexible recovery care plans that can pay for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing facilities, often with simple underwriting and benefits paid directly to you. Matt emphasizes that these strategies aren't just for seniors—locking in coverage earlier can provide long-term protection and affordability.

The key takeaway: smart planning today can protect your savings, preserve your independence, and ensure you get the care you need—without relying solely on Medicare or Medicaid.

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