Medicare Makeover

When one hears the phrase “fixer upper,” it’s easy to think only of homes or physical spaces. But did you know an important part of one of America’s most popular health insurance programs is about to get an overhaul? 

That’s right! Medicare Part D, which is used for prescription drug coverage, is getting a complete makeover in 2025. That means fall is the ideal time to examine your current health coverage and make sure you have the right plan in place for your life stage. 

How this will better serve seniors in Saline County is the question of the day, and April Davis, owner of Natural State Insurance Resource—a subject matter expert—has the answers. April has lived in Saline County since 2008. 

Her heart for the senior population extends well into her early years. “I have fond memories of my Daddy and I visiting folks in the nursing home and homebound individuals in the community on a regular basis. I learned how important it is to care for others through basics like checking on them and talking with them. And that is the root of how I conduct business today.”

When asked what April loves most about doing business in Saline County, she is very quick to respond. “The people. My clients are some of the kindest, most genuine individuals I’ve ever met. They feel like home, and I’m so very thankful.”

A graduate of Henderson State University with a BA in Sociology and an emphasis in Gerontology, April has worked in various roles within insurance since that time. With a heart geared towards relationships, she is a natural with her clients.

“In 2014, I obtained my life and health insurance license and got into the sales space and absolutely loved it,” said April. “For several years I worked as a Sales Executive training agents statewide on Medicare products but began to get burnt out. It seemed that the more I worked my way up the corporate ladder, I was getting farther and farther away from where my heart was, and that was working directly with the senior population.

“In 2021, I stepped away from the corporate world and started my own insurance agency,” said April. “This decision has been a blessing in so many ways. I can spend time with my clients and get to know them on a personal level. From visiting about current events or trips they’ve taken, even down to showing me pictures of grandkids, it’s the absolute best! And there aren’t many professions out there that allow such human connection. In addition to getting to know them, I educate them on the basics of Medicare, how and when to sign up, and then we discuss extra layers of coverage to go along with Medicare, such as Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug Plans. My goal is to make insurance the least of their concerns when it comes to their health care.”

According to April, the Medicare Part D makeover taking place this year is important for Medicare customers to understand. “Medicare Part D is your Prescription Drug Plan,” said April. “For many Medicare beneficiaries, prescription drugs can be the most expensive element of healthcare costs. In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law, and it included several provisions to lower drug costs for individuals on Medicare. One provision scheduled to take effect in 2025 will cap the out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000. That’s quite substantial considering this year’s out-of-pocket amount is about $3,500!”

In addition to that, April said, “The coverage gap (aka donut hole) will be eliminated in 2025. Beneficiaries will also be able to opt into the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P). This program allows them to spread their drug costs out equally over 12 months. This will help alleviate the financial burden of going into the coverage gap, like years past. Think of it like levelized billing, but for your prescription drug costs.” 

When asked her opinion on these changes, April said, “I think these are positive changes for individuals who go into the coverage gap, and it could potentially save them over a thousand dollars each year. While I think there could be growing pains in implementation of the M3P, the benefits should far outweigh the potential headache of getting started.”   

The Annual Election Period runs from October 15th–December 7th each year. April is available via text or phone call at 501-304-5399 to schedule a plan review. “I’m local and there is never a fee for my services. Whether you become my client or not, I am here to help,” said April. She is an independent insurance agent, licensed in Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. When it comes down to it, this fall is the perfect time for Saline County residents to conduct a Medicare “Makeover” to ensure plans are well-suited for individual needs.

I may not offer every plan available in your area. Currently I represent six Medicare Advantage Organizations that offer sixty different plan options in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options. 

April Davis is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage (HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP, and PFFS) organizations (and stand-alone prescription drug plans). Each of the organizations she represents has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. April Davis is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.