U.S. News 2025-2026 Best Hospital Rankings
U.S. News just released its 2025-2026 Best Hospitals rankings! The annual “Honor Roll” highlights 20 top U.S. hospitals for outstanding care across many specialties. Over 4,400 hospitals were evaluated, with rankings focused on patient outcomes, safety, and nursing quality. Mayo Clinic remains the #1 ranked hospital for the 36th year in a row.
Protect Yourself from Rising Scams: Stay Informed and Safe
We hope this message finds you well. As your trusted insurance provider, your safety and financial well-being are our top priorities. We want to alert you to a growing number of scams targeting individuals across the country—and how you can protect yourself.
Here are some of the most common scams to watch for:
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Insurance & Financial Scams
• Phony Insurance Updates: Scammers may pose as insurance agents offering fake policy upgrades, discounts, or refunds. If you’re ever unsure, contact us directly using the number listed on our official website.
• Investment or Crypto Scams: Be wary of unsolicited investment tips or promises of “guaranteed returns.” These are often fraudulent.
Impersonation Scams
• Medicare Scams: Fraudsters may claim you need a new card or offer “free” supplies to steal your personal information. Contact Medicare directly with any concerns.
• USPS or Delivery Texts: Fake messages claim you owe delivery fees. Reputable carriers do not request personal information via text.
• Toll Fee Messages: Scammers may send texts about unpaid tolls with suspicious links. Real toll agencies don’t use threatening language or demand payment through unknown sites.
Post-Disaster & Repair Scams
• Fake Adjusters & Contractors: After disasters, scammers may offer quick repairs for upfront cash. Always verify credentials and never pay in full before the work begins.
Technology & Job-Related Scams
• Tech Support Calls: Unsolicited calls or pop-ups warning of a virus are scams. Never provide remote access or payment details.
• Fake Job Offers: Watch out for offers that promise high pay for little work—especially if they ask for your bank information or charge fees.
Emotional & Charity Scams
• Romance Scams: Online fraudsters may build emotional relationships to ask for money. Never send funds to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Charity Fraud: Scammers exploit generosity after disasters or during holidays. Only donate to verified, registered organizations.
Modern Tactics
• Social Media & Marketplace Scams: Be cautious of fake listings or impersonated profiles asking for payment in advance.
• QR Code Scams: Avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources. These can lead to malicious websites that steal your data.
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How to Stay Protected
• Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers, texters, or emailers.
• Be alert to pressure tactics, threats, or urgent requests—these are red flags.
• Verify suspicious messages by contacting the organization directly.
• If you suspect fraud, report it immediately:
• Medicare Scams: 1-800-MEDICARE or Medicare.gov
• Postal Scams: USPS Inspection Service
• Financial Scams: Your bank, credit card issuer, or local law enforcement
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Staying informed is your first line of defense.
March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day cheer!
March is here, and that means a whole lot of basketball—not to mention a little St. Patrick’s Day luck. Just wanted to check in, share some trivia, and let you know we have a bracket attached for you to join in on the fun! We even included a recipe here to help you step up your game-day snack lineup!
March Madness is wild because anything can happen—but let’s be real, teams don’t win on luck alone. They’ve got a solid game plan, and that’s what sets the champs apart.
📌 Cool tournament facts you should know:
🏀 The SEC just made history with 14 teams in the tournament—the most ever from one conference!
🏀 First-timers are making moves—schools like High Point, UC San Diego, SIU Edwardsville, and Omaha are making their big dance debuts. (UC San Diego even pulled this off in their first year of eligibility!)
🏀 The NCAA Tournament has been around since 1939, starting with just eight teams. Oregon won the first championship by beating Ohio State 46-33. Today, it has grown to 68 teams, making it one of the biggest sporting events of the year!
And hey, speaking of game plans, you can’t watch the madness on an empty stomach. So here’s a recipe to keep you fueled through the action:
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
How to make them:
1️⃣ Bake ‘em – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Poke a few holes in the potatoes, then bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
2️⃣ Mix it up – Let them cool, slice in half, and scoop out the insides. Mix with butter, sour cream, milk, ½ cup cheese, bacon, green onions (save some for garnish), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Bake again – Spoon the mixture back into the skins, top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and melty.
4️⃣ Enjoy – Garnish with extra bacon, green onions, or sour cream, then dig in while watching the games!
So whether you’re glued to the tournament or just here for the St. Paddy’s vibes, we hope you have a fantastic March filled with excitement and good fortune. And if you ever want to chat or need anything, just hit reply—I’d love to catch up!
Cheers to a month of madness, luck, and good eats!
Insure Your Love Month – Protecting Your Loved Ones
This February is Insure Your Love Month, and it’s a great time to reflect on what matters most: protecting your loved ones. One of the best ways to do this is by ensuring you have the right life insurance in place and feel comfortable with your life insurance needs.
Here are three simple steps you can take to make sure your loved ones are financially protected, depending on your situation:
- Determine if you have coverage. If you haven’t reviewed your life insurance policy recently — or don’t have one — now is the ideal time to start. Check with your employer to see if they offer coverage, but remember, employer-provided policies often fall short when it comes to fully protecting your family. It’s important to evaluate if additional coverage is needed to secure your loved one’s financial future.
- Determine if you have the right type of coverage. Not all life insurance policies are created equal. Whether it’s term, whole life, or another option, it’s important to evaluate which type best aligns with your family’s needs and your financial goals. I’m happy to walk you through the options to ensure you’re set up for success.
- Determine if you have the right amount of coverage. Life changes, and so do your needs. Whether you’ve welcomed new family members, changed jobs, or bought a home, the amount of coverage you require can shift. Let’s review your current policy to make sure it provides enough protection for the life you’ve built.
This February, give your family the ultimate gift — peace of mind. If you’d like to support reviewing your life insurance or discussing options, I’m here to help.
Reach out anytime.
Traveling Smart in 2025: Why Travel Insurance is Essential
Traveling the world is one of life’s greatest experiences, but it can also come with unexpected challenges. Having the right travel insurance is the key to a stress-free experience. This is especially true for those 65 and older on Medicare, whose health coverage does not extend internationally. With 2025 and spring break around the corner, travel insurance is a necessity for peace of mind and financial protection.
Why You Need Travel Insurance
- Medical Coverage: Many individual and group insurance plans lack international medical coverage. GeoBlue stands out by offering up to $1,000,000 in medical coverage, including emergency evacuation and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and some travel interruption coverage. Allianz offers extensive trip coverage, and also provides up to $50,000 in medical benefits along with support for medical transportation.
- Trip Cancellation and Protection: Life can be unpredictable. Illness, extreme weather, or unexpected family emergencies can disrupt travel plans. Allianz offers trip cancellation benefits up to the amount you choose to insure, along with trip interruption coverage.
- Lost or Delayed Luggage: Both Allianz and GeoBlue help with lost, damaged, or delayed luggage. From reimbursing essentials to covering damaged belongings, this protection is great during busy travel seasons.
- Emergency Evacuation: International medical evacuations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Both GeoBlue and Allianz include evacuation coverage, making sure you get the best care without financial strain.
- Hazardous Activities Coverage: GeoBlue offers up to $25,000 for claims related to activities like downhill skiing and scuba diving, helping thrill seekers travel with confidence.
GeoBlue and Allianz: A Perfect Partnership
We recommend combining both plans for the greatest coverage. Here’s why:
GeoBlue Highlights:
• Up to $1,000,000 in medical benefits with a $0 deductible.
• 24/7/365 assistance with unlimited telemedicine.
• Access to a global network of vetted doctors and facilities in 190+ countries.
• Direct billing with providers for seamless claims.
Allianz Highlights:
• Flexible trip cancellation protection up to $100,000.
• Enhanced coverage for delays and interruptions.
• SmartBenefits® for fixed payments without receipts after qualifying delays.
• Concierge services and additional upgrades like “Cancel for Any Reason.”
By combining the strengths of both GeoBlue and Allianz, you get great medical coverage and trip protection, making sure you’re prepared for the unexpected.
A Special Note for Seniors
For travelers 65 and older, it’s so important to acknowledge that Medicare and most supplemental plans don’t cover international travel. GeoBlue ensures global coverage for medical emergencies, so you’re never stranded without help. Allianz adds further protection with options specific to your travel preferences.
Planning for 2025
Travel smarter with the right insurance. Whether it’s a Viking cruise, a fishing trip, or a European getaway, let us help you find the perfect coverage plan for you and your family. As we continue to continue to offer travelers insurance, we have found that Allianz and GeoBlue offer the best coverage to millions of Americans in terms of coverage, cost, and their claims processes.
Get Started Today
Protect your travel investment and your health:
• Call us at (630)-885-8082
• Start your quote here
Reach out to Boettcher Insurance Agency today to learn more about GeoBlue, Allianz, and the perfect travel insurance solutions.
A Thanksgiving Gift That Lasts a Lifetime: Life Insurance for Your Loved Ones
By Boettcher Insurance Agency
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us reflect on the people who bring meaning and joy to our lives. This season of gratitude is the perfect time to think about how we can show our appreciation in meaningful ways. One impactful way to do so is by considering life insurance, a gesture of love and financial protection for the ones you’re most thankful for.
Why Life Insurance Matters
While it might not come wrapped in a bow, life insurance is a lasting way to provide security and peace of mind. Whether for a spouse, child, or grandchild, life insurance offers:
Financial Stability: A policy can help loved ones cover significant expenses, such as mortgages, education, or unexpected medical bills.
Peace of Mind: Alleviate financial burdens for your family during difficult times.
A Legacy of Care: Life insurance supports your loved ones long into the future, leaving a meaningful legacy.
Flexible Life Insurance Options
At Boettcher Insurance Agency, we specialize in finding the right policy for your unique needs. As independent brokers, we work with over 100 carriers to ensure you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the ways life insurance can work for you and your loved ones:
Designating a Beneficiary
The simplest way to provide financial security is by naming a loved one as the beneficiary of your policy. This guarantees they’ll receive the policy’s death benefit when it’s most needed.
Transferring Policy Ownership
For a larger impact, you can transfer ownership of an existing policy to the recipient, giving them full control while you continue paying premiums.
Purchasing a New Policy
Buying a new policy for a loved one—especially a younger family member—locks in their insurability at an early age. Some policies also accumulate cash value, helping them save for future milestones like college or buying a home.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the new year and think about the goals we want to achieve, now is the time to plan for the financial security of those closest to you. Unlike other gifts that lose value over time, life insurance grows in significance, providing long-term benefits to your family.
If you’re interested in exploring life insurance options, we’re here to help. At Boettcher Insurance Agency, we’ll work with you to design a plan tailored to your family’s needs.
Exploring Options to Manage Your Medicare Part D Prescription Costs
By Boettcher Insurance Agency
As healthcare costs rise, finding ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses is becoming more popular for Medicare beneficiaries. If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, you have options beyond standard drug coverage to help lower costs. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Explore Assistance Programs for Prescription Costs
If you’re finding it hard to afford your medications there are several programs that can help. GoodRx and Cost Plus Drugs are great resources for finding discounted medications. These programs don’t require Medicare enrollment, but many of our clients love the savings they offer on commonly prescribed medications. Shopping at stores like Costco can also provide significant savings, as they often offer lower prices on many prescription medications. You don’t even need a membership to access the pharmacy services. This means anyone can take advantage of Costco’s competitive pricing on basic medications.
2. Consider Generic Alternatives
Switching to generics or less expensive brand name alternatives can be a great way to save. Many medications have generic versions that are equally effective but significantly less costly. If you’re on a brand-name medication, ask your doctor if there are lower-cost alternatives available that would work just as well for you. To find more information about generic alternatives from the Food and Drug Administration, click here.
Another way to save is by choosing mail-order pharmacy options, which sometimes offer lower costs than retail pharmacies and can also be more convenient.
3. Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (Starting in 2025)
Beginning in 2025, Medicare will offer a new Prescription Payment Plan, a resource for beneficiaries who want to spread their medication costs over the year. This option doesn’t reduce drug costs but helps manage expenses by distributing payments monthly instead of paying for prescriptions up front.
With the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan you’ll still pay your regular plan premium and then you’ll receive a monthly bill from your drug plan to cover the medication costs. Participation comes at no extra cost. Contact your plan by calling the number on the back of your card to see if this payment option is right for you.
A Word on Shopping Around
Yes, this is redundant, but shopping around for your medications is more accessible than ever with options like GoodRx and Cost Plus Drugs. You can compare prices at local pharmacies and online. Even though you’re already on Medicare and a prescription plan, these services may offer better prices on certain prescriptions. It’s worth checking if you can get your meds for less!
Managing prescription costs doesn’t have to be stressful. With these strategies, you can take steps toward making your medication expenses more affordable. If you have any questions about your options or want to discuss how to make the most of your benefits, reach out to us we’re here to help!
Important Update for Illinois Residents on Short Term Limited Duration Health Insurance
By Boettcher Insurance Agency
Beginning January 1, 2025, short term limited duration health insurance policies will no longer be allowed in Illinois. Under Public Act 103-0649, insurance companies operating in Illinois are prohibited from selling or renewing short term limited duration policies to Illinois residents. This change means that if you’re currently on a short-term plan, your coverage will end by year’s end, and no extensions will be available.
What’s Affected?
• New short-term limited duration policies
• Renewals of existing short-term limited duration policies
This prohibition does not apply to certain “excepted benefit” policies, such as travel insurance or hospital indemnity insurance. If you rely on short-term insurance and are looking for new coverage options, now is the time to reach out to us.
Options Moving Forward
Our agency offers individual health insurance plans that provide continuous and comprehensive coverage. We also offer hospital indemnity insurance, which can help cover costs related to hospital stays and certain treatments. These plans are structured to be long term solutions, giving you peace of mind without the uncertainty that comes with short-term policies.
Why It Matters
Short-term insurance plans have traditionally been used to fill gaps between coverage, but they often lack key benefits. With the rising healthcare costs, securing a long term health plan can provide much-needed security. For example, studies show that individuals on comprehensive health plans experience better overall health outcomes, especially when compared to those relying on short term coverage.
Our team is here to help guide you through this transition. If you have questions about individual insurance or hospital indemnity plans, feel free to reach out. We can help you find a plan that fits your needs and keeps you covered well into the future.
Don’t Wait to See the Doctor Until the End of the Year
By Boettcher Insurance Agency
As the year winds down, many people are rushing to use their healthcare benefits before deductibles reset. Over 40% of patients wait until the last quarter to schedule routine care, trying to maximize their benefits before they expire for the year. This surge in demand typically leads to fully booked schedules in many doctor offices, especially in November, adding stress not only for patients but also for healthcare providers.
The result? Patients who wait until the end of the year often face delays or rushed care, with some even pushed into the following year for general appointments. In 2023, more than 30% of Americans reported being unable to get timely appointments due to high patient volumes at year-end. The increased exposure to germs and illness during the colder months can make fourth-quarter visits even more challenging as hospitals and waiting rooms are often filled with patients seeking care for seasonal illnesses.
Proactively scheduling healthcare appointments earlier in the year like the spring or summer, can help avoid this holiday rush, reduce exposure to illnesses, and ensure you receive the care you need in a timely manner. With rising healthcare costs and higher deductibles each year, planning ahead can prevent unnecessary stress and ensure you maximize your healthcare benefits.
November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month: Planning for a Secure Future
By Boettcher Insurance Agency
November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month, a perfect time to explore the essential role long-term care planning plays in retirement. Planning for long-term care should be a core part of any comprehensive retirement strategy.
What is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is the assistance needed by individuals over 65 with daily tasks such as feeding, bathing, and maintaining routine. This type of care is important for aging adults who develop disabilities or health issues that impact their independence. Current estimates suggest 56% of Americans turning 65 will require some form of long-term care. For many, the costs of such care will exceed their retirement savings.
Why Plan for Long-Term Care?
Without a solid plan, long-term care costs can threaten an individual’s financial security and create stress for their loved ones. According to recent research, 59% of Americans worry about not being able to afford long-term care. By including long-term care planning into retirement discussions, clients gain peace of mind by knowing they have a strategy to protect their financial independence.
The Emotional Toll of Long-Term Care
Long-term care planning isn’t just about finances. It also supports the emotional well-being of families. When my grandmother needed care, the absence of a long-term care plan put a heavy strain on our family, both emotionally and financially. If she had prepared a long-term care plan it would have lessened that burden considerably.
Overcoming Barriers to Planning
Many individuals avoid long-term care planning because they don’t believe they’ll need it or feel it’s unaffordable. But recent events, like the pandemic, have encouraged people to rethink the approach. According to recent data, 86% of Americans believe having a long-term care plan would boost their confidence in their financial future.
Looking Ahead
As the new year approaches, we’ll be conducting customer reviews to help clients evaluate their long-term care strategies and ensure they are prepared for the unexpected. Now is the time to start the conversation, don’t wait until a crisis arises. Let’s work together to prioritize long-term care planning and build a secure future for you and your family.
