Hoover Group Consulting

10/13/2026

You CAN enroll in Medicare or purchase health insurance without a broker.

You can also cut your own hair, do your own taxes, and diagnose your car problems with Google. But just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD!

I’ve been a licensed health insurance broker since 2002, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 24 years, it’s that what you DON’T know about health insurance CAN cost you!

Medicare and health insurance aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your doctors, prescriptions, coverage needs, and budget all matter.

At Hoover Group Consulting, I’m not just here to sell you a policy. I’m here to educate you, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions. And the best part? Working with me generally doesn’t cost you anything extra!

Open Enrollment begins October 15th for coverage effective January 1, 2027!

I’m licensed in Idaho, California, and Oregon and ready to help you navigate your options.

Schedule your appointment directly through our website:
www.hoovergroupconsulting.com

Because a bad haircut grows back. A bad insurance decision can cost you a whole lot more!

10/01/2026

Today is the day it all begins!

Year 24 in the health insurance world, and somehow I still get excited for annual review season. Either I really love my clients… or I’ve officially been doing this too long.

This year is bringing new plan designs, new ancillary options, new technology, and plenty of ACA rule changes to keep things interesting. Because apparently health insurance needed more plot twists.

Shopping opens today, and applications can begin being processed 10/15 for 2027 coverage.

My calendar gets crazy fast, so book early and let’s get ahead of the chaos. I truly love seeing my clients each year, catching up, and making sure your coverage still makes sense for you.

Ready or not… enrollment season is here.

11/13/2025

Parents of Working Adult Children: It’s Time to Take a Second Look at Health Insurance

If you have an adult child working 30+ hours a week and still on your health insurance, it may be time to review their options.
Under current rules, adult children can stay on a parent’s plan until age 26. Because of that, many never stop to ask, “What does my employer offer?” It’s simply not on their radar.

However, with rising premiums and employers reducing what they contribute toward spouses and dependents, “auto-pilot” can get expensive.

If your adult child is working full-time or close to it, have them look into:

Employee-only coverage (often the most heavily subsidized)

Ancillary benefits like dental, vision, EAP, life insurance, disability, gym memberships, HSA/FSA options, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement

Your spouse’s employer plan, which may offer stronger contributions or better networks

Low-cost group life, AD&D, and disability that can be hard to replace later

One size does not fit all. Sometimes it makes sense to stay on a parent’s plan. Other times, splitting coverage between employers (or combining employer coverage with an individual plan) can significantly reduce your total out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re not sure what makes the most sense for your family, reach out to a licensed agent—or contact James or Nicole at Hoover Group Consulting for a complimentary review of your insurance options. Sometimes a 30-minute conversation can uncover savings you didn’t know you had.

Contact our coverage experts for suitable healthcare plans to match your individual or business needs!

11/01/2025

🩺 Health Coverage in 2026: What You Need to Know

The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted the growing complexity of Affordable Care Act plans heading into 2026 — less subsidy, higher premiums and yes… more confusion. (Article in comments)

That’s why working with a qualified health insurance broker isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. A licensed broker can help you:
✅ Compare plan networks and benefits
✅ Understand subsidies and tax credits
✅ Avoid costly enrollment mistakes
✅ Choose coverage that truly fits your family’s needs

If you’re located in Idaho, California, or Oregon, Hoover Group Consulting can help you navigate your 2026 insurance options with confidence and clarity.

📞 Contact us today — before open enrollment overwhelms you!

🌐 https://www.HooverGroupConsulting.com
📍 Serving Idaho | California | Oregon

Contact our coverage experts for suitable healthcare plans to match your individual or business needs!

01/31/2025

Medicare Part B Announcement:
Each year, the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates are determined according to provisions of the Social Security Act. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees is $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024

Send a message to learn more

01/11/2025

Medicare Clients:

🚨 Heads Up! If you have your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan premiums automatically taken out of your Social Security check, here’s something you need to know:

💡 There’s been a delay this year!
Social Security is still pulling premium amounts based on 2024 plans instead of the 2025 updates. That means some people are seeing the wrong amounts taken out of their checks.

💰 The Good News?
Social Security knows about the issue and is already working to fix it. They’ve said it could take up to 90 days to sort everything out and refund any extra payments that were taken.

📞 What Should You Do?
For now, there’s no action needed on your end—just keep an eye on your statements and reach out if you have any questions.

💬 Need Help?
Contact me at:
Nicole Hoover, Owner/Agent
208-900-8990
[email protected]

12/15/2024

🚨 Final Day for Open Enrollment with Your Health Idaho! 🚨

If you need health coverage for 2025, TODAY is the deadline! Applications must be submitted by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, but don’t worry—your first premium doesn’t need to be issued until 12/31/2024.

📢 A few important things to know:
✔️ No Fees for My Services: I don’t charge a fee to help you navigate the enrollment process. Insurance carriers pay me a commission, so my support is completely free to you!
✔️ Higher Income Brackets for 2025: The federal poverty level has increased, meaning more households qualify for subsidies to lower their premiums.
✔️ Native American Benefits: If you’re Native American, you may qualify for 100% coverage, with no deductible, copay, or coinsurance—and premiums as low as $0 for these plans!
✔️ Employer Plan Qualifying Event: If your employer plan renews outside the calendar year and is deemed unaffordable, you can enroll in an individual plan, qualify for a subsidy, and cancel your employer plan.

💬 Got questions? Don’t be shy!
I’ve helped many clients this year who assumed they couldn’t get coverage and were shocked to learn how affordable it can be. Don’t miss out—reach out ASAP!

📧 Email me or 📞 call me today to secure your coverage for 2025. Let’s get you taken care of!
[email protected]
208-900-8990

Contact our coverage experts for suitable healthcare plans to match your individual or business needs!

11/22/2024

Avoid Costly Medicare Mistakes: Understanding the Late Enrollment Penalty for Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to make costly mistakes—one of the most common being the Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) for not having prescription drug coverage when you’re first eligible.

I’ve worked with several seniors who now pay $50–$100 a month out of their Social Security checks because they missed this important step. Let me break it down so you can avoid the same fate:

1️⃣ Prescription Drug Coverage is Required
Medicare mandates that you have creditable prescription drug coverage (coverage that meets Medicare’s minimum standards). If you go 63 or more consecutive days without it after becoming eligible, you’ll face a penalty.

2️⃣ What is the Late Enrollment Penalty?
The LEP isn’t a fee charged by your plan—it’s a Medicare-imposed penalty. It applies if you enroll in:
• A standalone Medicare Part D plan.
• A Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage (MAPD).

3️⃣ What Happens If You Skip Drug Coverage?
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan without drug coverage, the LEP won’t be charged at that time. But, if you decide to add drug coverage later, the penalty will kick in—and it stays with you for life (unless you qualify for an exception).

💡 How Is the Penalty Calculated?
The LEP is 1% of the national base premium ($34.70 in 2024) for every month you went without coverage. For example, 24 months without coverage = 24% of $34.70, or about $8.30 per month. Medicare rounds this amount to the nearest $0.10, and the penalty is added to your premium.

👉 Key Takeaway: Enrolling in prescription drug coverage when you’re first eligible can save you thousands over the long term. If you’re unsure about your options or need help, feel free to reach out—I’m here to guide you through Medicare with confidence!

Let’s make sure you’re covered and avoid any unexpected penalties. 💙

11/11/2024

Updates on Medicare Premiums are now available, here are the updated premium and deductible amounts for Part A and Part B:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Most people qualify for premium-free Part A. However, if you’ve worked less than 10 years (or 40 quarters), you may pay:
• Up to $278 per month if you have between 30 and 39 quarters of work.
• Up to $506 per month if you have fewer than 30 quarters of work.

The Part A deductible, which applies for each benefit period, is increasing to $1,742. Coinsurance costs for extended hospital stays beyond 60 days will also rise, including $435 per day for days 61-90 and $838 per day when using lifetime reserve days.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
The standard monthly premium for Part B will be $185, up from $174.70 in 2024. Those with higher incomes may pay more. The Part B deductible is also increasing to $257. After meeting the deductible, Medicare typically covers 80% of the costs for covered services, with beneficiaries responsible for the remaining 20% in coinsurance.

For further information and to see income-related adjustments, visit the official Medicare site.

AEP ends on Dec 6th and there’s lots of changes, so make sure you have the right coverage for 2025. Reach out to your Broker or call me for questions.

www.hoovergroupconsulting.com

On November 8, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2025 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts. Medicare Part B Premium and DeductibleMedicare...

10/09/2024

Open Enrollment for Individual and Family Health Coverage is just around the corner! Starting October 15th through December 15th, you can secure your health plan for 2025, with an effective date of January 1st, 2025.

💡 If you’re looking for a health insurance quote or wondering if you qualify for a subsidy, I’m here to help! I offer no-obligation quotes and can assist you in navigating the options that best fit your needs.

🏢 Visit me at Hoover Group Consulting located at 320 E Main St, Middleton, ID 83644 – walk-ins are welcome! I specialize in Medicare, Individual, and Small Group Health Insurance, with over 25 years of experience and licenses in 15 states, including Idaho and California.

🌍 Website: www.hoovergroupconsulting.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Office: 208-900-8990

Contact our coverage experts for suitable healthcare plans to match your individual or business needs!