Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027

Baltimore, MD - The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced a 3.6 percent benefit increase for 2027. Social Security benefits include Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by $75 per month.

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2027. Increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

“Social Security will implement this cost-of-living adjustment for 76 million Americans, giving them greater financial stability,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “Under President Donald J. Trump, Social Security is delivering better, faster, higher-quality service for the American people."

Individuals with personal my Social Security accounts can view their COLA notice online starting in late November—up to three weeks earlier than receiving a paper notice in the mail. Account holders can also choose to receive text or email alerts when a new message, including their COLA notice, is available in their personal my Social Security account’s Message Center. Individuals who do not have a personal account will need to create one and enroll in paperless notices by November 18 to see their COLA notice online. Create an account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Individuals who have not enrolled in paperless notices in my Social Security will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice, which uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of an individual’s new benefit amount and any deductions.

Information about Medicare changes for 2027 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Medicare enrollees, the 2027 premium amount will be available via my Social Security Message Center starting in late November. Individuals who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For additional information, visit www.ssa.gov/cola.

Prescription Drug Plan Carriers

Prescription Drug Plan carriers do not want us to enroll people in a standalone PDP plan, nor do they pay us if we help you. Therefore, we are providing a very good solution for you through HeyMOE. This platform was designed to save you money during the annual Open Enrollment period and is completely secure. Please use the link below:

HeyMoe link: https://app.heymoe.com/agent/AGTRS1SK  Referral Code: AGTRS1SK

HeyMOE is the only automatic Part D plan review & reminder service for Medicare Open Enrollment!

• It compares every Part D plan during Medicare Open Enrollment automatically using your medications,
• It automatically calculates your total cost at your preferred pharmacy PLUS up to twenty other local pharmacies,
• It automatically looks for alternatives for uncovered drugs by switching between brands vs. generics, tablets vs. capsules, etc., and
• It automatically identifies additional savings by using GoodRx®.
• It then reports to you exactly how much money you could save, allowing you to decide which changes you'll make!
• PLUS... Real Medicare experts (Not AI) work behind the scenes at HeyMOE to support you!

…All for just $30 per year!

 OR:

 Medicare.gov, click on Find Health and Drug Plans and follow the prompts.  You can either apply yourself, or, you can call Medicare.gov at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) and they can help you enroll in the PDP plan that provides the lowest total cost plan available based on the prescriptions you have entered.

Visit the link below to watch videos describing your options with Blue Cross and Blue Shield for 2027

MAPD Lake - https://bluecrossmn.widencollective.com/assets/share/asset/hkstybrxym 

MAPD Meadow – https://bluecrossmn.widencollective.com/assets/share/asset/jafqnwwyjh

MAPD Woodland – https://bluecrossmn.widencollective.com/assets/share/asset/d1lskxjton 

Platinum Blue (Cost) – https://bluecrossmn.widencollective.com/assets/share/asset/3ozrxchpcu 

Med Supp - https://bluecrossmn.widencollective.com/assets/share/asset/evi4d0azpp

If you know the plan you wish to apply for with BCBSMN, you can use the link below: 

Kathleen’s PURL for BCBSMN: https://my.destinationrx.com/hub/s/SDDCSTTCA

David’s PURL for BCBSMN: https://my.destinationrx.com/hub/s/S32QJ6KYA 

If you know the plan you wish to apply for with Medica, you can use the link below: 

Kathleen’s PURL for Medica:    https://my.destinationrx.com/hub/s/SDQVR37CA                

 David’s PURL for Medica: https://my.destinationrx.com/hub/s/SDK9NVWKA

Kyle Helms-Walker joined us in 2026

We are happy to announce that we have hired a new employee to our team.  Kyle Helms-Walker joined us in 2026 and is committed to serving the needs of our customers.  He is fully qualified and ready to help our clients.  Although he specializes in group benefits for our small employer groups, he is MNsure certified for the individual and family market as well.  Please reach out to him for your health, life, dental, vision, disability, hospital indemnity, and travel insurance needs.  Although he is new to the industry, he goes above and beyond to find solutions that best fit your needs. He is a welcome addition to Lamphere Insurance Group, LLC.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

From January 1 – March 31 each year, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan) once during this time. Note: You can only switch plans once during this period.

What can I do?

• If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).
• You can drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. You'll also be able to join a separate Medicare drug plan.