CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 14, 2025 — Safeguard Benefit Services, a leading Medicare agent in Charlotte, North Carolina, announced today a comprehensive readiness initiative aimed at helping local beneficiaries navigate the 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). With federal policymakers signaling some of the most significant Medicare updates in a decade—ranging from revised Medicare Advantage Plan benefits to lower out-of-pocket caps—the Charlotte-based agency is investing now to ensure seniors are educated, confident, and fully prepared when enrollment opens on October 15, 2025.
“Big changes are coming in 2026, and procrastination is the enemy of good coverage,” said Matt Corrigan, President of Safeguard Benefit Services. “We’re increasing our agent force, expanding office hours, and rolling out easy-to-use comparison tools so every Charlotte resident can lock in the best Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan for them.”
Key Elements of the 2026 Readiness Campaign
Expanded Local Agent Team – Safeguard will be hiring and training additional licensed Medicare agents in Charlotte, giving beneficiaries faster, one-on-one access to unbiased guidance.
Interactive Plan Comparison Portal – Launching this summer, the user-friendly portal will allow users to compare 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap policies, and Part D options side-by-side—filtering by premiums, doctor networks, and extra benefits. While allowing consumers to shop on their own time.
Free Educational Seminars – Monthly in-person and virtual workshops will decode CMS policy shifts, new Special Enrollment Period rules, and how the 5-Star Rating changes could impact plan quality in Charlotte and surrounding counties.
Community Partnerships – The agency is teaming with local pharmacies, senior centers, and faith-based organizations to provide on-site enrollment assistance and bilingual resources.
Why Early Preparation Matters
Preliminary CMS guidance indicates that 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans may feature:
Lower maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs—good news for seniors on fixed incomes.
Expanded preventive and chronic-care benefits, including telehealth enhancements and new dental allowances.
Network realignments as insurers adjust to reimbursement changes—meaning some Charlotte beneficiaries could discover their doctors have moved out-of-network if they don’t review plans early.
“Waiting until October to think about 2026 coverage is a mistake,” added Corrigan. “By consulting a Medicare agent in Charlotte, North Carolina now, seniors can track network shifts, understand revised prescription drug tiers, and avoid costly surprises.”
About Safeguard Benefit Services
Safeguard Benefit Services is an independent Medicare insurance agency headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Specializing in Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies, Part D prescription coverage, and retirement-focused health strategies, the firm combines local expertise with personalized service to help seniors maximize benefits and minimize costs.
Media Contact
Zach Rucker, Marketing Director
Safeguard Benefit Services
Phone: (704) 412-6989
Email: press@safeguardbenefitservices.com
Website: https://safeguardbenefitservices.com
Source: Prodigy.press
Release ID: 1519109
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