Total Benefit Solutions, Inc

09/23/2026

Pennsylvania consumers and small employers: the Pennsylvania Insurance Department finalized 2027 ACA rates on September 18, 2026. The new rates take effect January 1, 2027.

Individual market: approved average increase of 15.97%, down from the 17.14% insurers requested.

Small group market: approved average increase of 10.28%, down from the 11.49% requested.

PID also denied $94.7 million in unjustified premium increases.

Three carriers were approved for increases higher than requested:
Health Partners Plans Inc.: 18.3% approved vs. 15.9% requested
Keystone Health Plan East: 16.0% approved vs. 14.7% requested
QCC Insurance Company: 21.3% approved vs. 19.9% requested

These are market averages, not predictions for any individual or business. Actual changes vary by plan, carrier, region, age, location, household income, family size, and competition.

The biggest lever when rates move this much is NOT auto-renewing. Re-shop and compare:

Update your Pennie application.
Read your auto-renewal notice.
Compare plans instead of automatically renewing.
Verify doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions before switching.

Pennie Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2026. Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage. The state window continues through January 15, 2027, for February 1 starts.

Total Benefit Solutions offers independent, zero-cost advocacy to help you review options, verify networks and formularies, and find the best available value. We Never Accept No when advocating for your benefits.

Call (215) 355-2121 or visit www.totalbenefits.net for a complimentary consultation.

Educational information only. Rates, eligibility, and assistance vary. This is not individualized insurance advice.

09/23/2026

Pennsylvania Approves a 15.97% Average Increase for 2027 Pennie Plans: What It Costs You and How to Fight Back

Pennsylvania regulators approved an average 15.97% increase for 2027 individual-market health insurance plans, including coverage purchased through Pennie....

Pennsylvania regulators approved an average 15.97% increase for 2027 individual-market health insurance plans, including coverage purchased through Pennie. Small businesses will see an average appr…

09/23/2026

Is your small or mid-sized business ready for the next generation of employee benefits?

Fertility and family-building support is becoming an important 2026–2027 benefits trend: especially for younger talent and recent graduates. It can help with recruitment and retention while reflecting the diverse ways families are built.

These benefits may include:
• IVF, IUI, and fertility medications
• Egg, s***m, or embryo freezing
• Genetic testing support
• Adoption or surrogacy assistance

But fertility benefits are more than a headline perk. Intentional plan design can help employers provide meaningful support while managing an emerging area of healthcare costs.

During your plan review, ask:
• Which services are covered: and which are excluded?
• Is integrated medical coverage best, or would a specialized fertility vendor or carve-out provide better value?
• Are there strong provider networks or Centers of Excellence?
• Are prices negotiated through bundled or case-rate arrangements?
• What state mandates and privacy protections apply to sensitive health information?
• Can employees easily understand how to access the benefit?

The right strategy balances cost management with compassionate, clearly communicated support.

Total Benefit Solutions provides personalized, zero-cost consulting and advocacy for employers. We help you evaluate the details, ask the difficult questions, and Never Accept No when seeking the right benefits for your team.

Call 215-355-2121 or visit www.totalbenefits.net for a complimentary consultation.

09/23/2026

BREAKING: The Pennsylvania Insurance Department approved 2027 rates for the individual health insurance market sold through Pennie.

The approved statewide average aggregate weighted increase is 15.97%, reduced from the 17.14% insurers requested. Rates vary widely by carrier, from Oscar Health Plan of PA at 1.4% to Ambetter Health of Pennsylvania at 35.1%.

CRITICAL: An approved increase is NOT necessarily what you will pay. Premium tax credits may reduce your net cost, but 2027 assistance is changing. Verify your eligibility through Pennie; do NOT assume this year’s subsidy carries forward.

Do NOT auto-renew. Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026–January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage, or by January 15 for February 1 coverage.

Review doctors and hospitals, prescription formularies and tiers, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and total annual cost, not just the premium. Check Pennie notices and update household and income information. An unaffordable rate or incorrect notice is NOT the final word; options and appeal rights may exist.

Total Benefit Solutions Inc offers consulting and advocacy at no cost. We Never Accept No. For a complimentary consultation, call 215-355-2121 or visit www.totalbenefits.net.

Educational information only. Rates and financial assistance vary. Official Pennie and Pennsylvania Insurance Department information governs.

09/22/2026

Do you know who’s enrolled in your company’s group health plan: and whether each dependent still meets the plan’s eligibility requirements?

A dependent eligibility audit is not about targeting employees. Done consistently and thoughtfully, it can help reduce administrative errors and unexpected claims issues.

Employers should:
• Review the plan document and carrier requirements
• Confirm relationship and age rules
• Check student or disabled-dependent provisions, where applicable
• Account for coverage changes after qualifying events
• Protect sensitive employee and dependent information
• Provide proper notice before removing anyone from coverage

Before taking action, coordinate with a qualified benefits professional. An orderly, privacy-conscious process helps protect both your employees and your organization.

Total Benefit Solutions provides complimentary health insurance advocacy and consulting services. We believe in radical honesty, protecting your best interests, and we Never Accept No when navigating benefits challenges.

Call 215-355-2121 or visit www.totalbenefits.net for a complimentary consultation.

Educational information only: not legal advice.

09/22/2026

Did your 2026 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) renewal increase by 15% or more? You may have options: but timing matters.

Many carriers are raising premiums 10–20% or more due to:
• Medical inflation, averaging roughly 5–7% annually since 2020
• Higher utilization following the COVID-related care backlog
• Aging policy blocks generating more claims
• Regional adjustments tied to hospital rates and provider shortages

If your renewal shows any meaningful increase, shop around. Medigap rates can vary widely by carrier, plan, and location.

Important: Outside your initial enrollment period, switching generally requires medical underwriting. You may need to answer health questions or provide medical records, and approval depends on the carrier and your health status. That’s why it is wise to compare options while you are healthy: not after a major diagnosis or hospitalization.

Carriers commonly file rate changes in January or at your policy anniversary. Review your renewal notice promptly, compare quotes from multiple carriers, verify underwriting requirements, and understand the new policy before canceling your current coverage. Once approved, you generally move into the new carrier’s pricing structure, which may save significantly over time: but future increases can still occur.

A premium increase deserves a closer look. Never Accept No when there may be a better path forward.

Total Benefit Solutions provides complimentary consultations and independent advocacy. Call 215-355-2121 or visit www.totalbenefits.net.

09/22/2026

The “Group of One” Opportunity: How Ameristead MEWA Coverage Opens New Doors for the Self-Employed

If you are self-employed, finding health coverage can feel like an unavoidable compromise. You may need to choose between an ACA individual plan, a high-deductible option with significant out-of-pocket exposure, or going without the type of network and plan structure you want....

If you are self-employed, finding health coverage can feel like an unavoidable compromise. You may need to choose between an ACA individual plan, a high-deductible option with significant out-of-po…

09/22/2026

What’s changing for Medicare Part D in 2027: and how should you prepare?

The finalized 2027 standard Part D deductible increases to $700, up from $615 in 2026. The standard annual out-of-pocket spending cap increases to $2,400, up from $2,100 in 2026.

During the October 15–December 7 Annual Enrollment Period:

• Review every prescription you take, including dosage and frequency.
• Confirm your medications are covered on the plan’s formulary.
• Check whether your preferred pharmacy is in-network and offers competitive pricing.
• Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and total estimated annual costs: not just the monthly premium.
• Revisit your plan even if your medications have not changed. Formularies, pharmacies and costs can change for 2027.

You do not have to navigate this Medicare “Rubik’s Cube” alone. Total Benefit Solutions can serve as your Personal Navigator and Insurance Translator, helping you understand your options with radical honesty.

Our complimentary consulting and advocacy services are provided at zero cost to you. We never accept no when fighting for your rights and benefits.

Call Total Benefit Solutions Inc at 215-355-2121 or visit www.totalbenefits.net for your complimentary consultation.

Educational information only. Plan details, costs and coverage vary.

09/21/2026

Premium Tax Credit Changes for 2027: What Pennsylvania Pennie Enrollees Need to Know Now

If you receive health coverage through Pennie and are lawfully present in the United States, you may receive an important notice about your 2027 financial assistance....

If you receive health coverage through Pennie and are lawfully present in the United States, you may receive an important notice about your 2027 financial assistance. Due to a new federal law, seve…

09/21/2026

Medicare AEP: Oct 15–Dec 7. Don’t auto-renew: review Annual Notice, premiums, providers, Rx & OOP. Never Accept No. Total Benefit Solutions 215-355-2121 | www.totalbenefits.net. Info only.