Protection Season Is Just Around The Corner

Whether you are an employee, business owner or retired, over the next few months, you will have to make decisions that are directly connected to your financial strength. Insurance is designed as protection for you or your loved ones against the full weight of the risks that are out there hiding in the shadows, trying to knock you off course. During this “Protection Season” it is important to understand the risks you face and take actions to improve your financial strength.

Life Insurance Awareness Month

September is dedicated to raising awareness about life insurance and how it is essential to a strong financial plan. Whether you already have life insurance or are learning about it for the first time, it is a great time to make sure that you are protecting the ones you love. We believe that it’s important to review your overall financial situation at least annually and reviewing your insurance coverage should be part of that review. Helpful resources can be found on USAA.com/Life

Health Literacy Month

October is focused on promoting the importance of understandable health information. There is a strong connection between your health and your wealth. Health care costs are the number one contributor to Americans filing bankruptcy. Being proactive is key to maintaining good health, which can save you money on future health care costs. Preventative actions like using wellness programs that you have access to may be able to improve your overall bottom line.

Important Changes to Medicare Supplement Plans

• Some Medicare Supplement Plans will no longer be offered - Medicare Supplement Plans F and C will no longer be available options for new enrollees to Medicare beginning January 1, 2020. If you are currently on Plan F or Plan C you can keep your plan. Visit Medicare.gov for more information on plan types and enrollment periods.

Changes to Dental and Vision Plans for Military Retirees and Active Duty Families

Military retirees currently receiving dental coverage from the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TDRP) will need to look for alternative dental coverage plans. With the plan set to end December 31, 2018, current enrollees must take action during the 2018 open enrollment period to have coverage in 2019.

Retirees and active duty families will also have the ability to purchase vision insurance. Dental and vision coverage can be invaluable when it comes to protecting your budget and finances. It is important to review plan types, benefit amounts and costs to make sure you are getting the right plan for your needs.

Enrollment Windows

• The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans begins October 15 and runs through December 7^th, 2018. First day of plan coverage will begin January 1, 2019.
• Health Insurance Open Enrollment begins November 1 and runs through December 15, 2018. Unless stated otherwise by your plan, first day of plan coverage will begin January 1, 2019.

USAA is here to help. Insurance decisions are key to a strong financial plan. For questions, visit USAA.com/Life, USAA.com/Healthsolutions or speak to an advisor at 1-800-292-USAA.

Sean Scaturro, CFP®

Director of Life and Health Insurance Advice

"USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Financial advice provided by USAA Financial Advisors, Inc. (FAI), a registered broker-dealer, USAA Investment Management Company (IMCO), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, and for insurance, USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc. (known as USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California, License # OE36312). Investment products and services offered by IMCO and FAI. Life insurance and annuities provided by USAA Life Insurance Co., San Antonio, TX, and in NY by USAA Life Insurance Co of New York, Highland falls, NY. Other life and health insurance from select companies offered through USAA Life General Agency, Inc. (known in CA (license #0782231) and in NY as USAA Health and Life Insurance Agency). Banking products offered by USAA Federal Savings Bank and USAA Savings Bank, both FDIC insured. Trust services provided by USAA Federal Savings Bank.

"Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the United States, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements."

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