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A Note from Jen:
Medicare & More
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It’s hard to believe summer is already winding down—it’s been a full and meaningful season, both personally and professionally!
One of the highlights was a special three-generation trip to the Big Island of Hawaii with my mom and daughter to celebrate my daughter’s 8th-grade graduation. And now—we’re gearing up for a brand-new chapter as she heads into high school this fall. (How is that even possible?!)
In June, I had the opportunity to travel to Salt Lake City with colleagues from our AIS offices across Colorado for a Medicare industry conference. These gatherings are always energizing and packed with valuable insights and updates.
We’ve also enjoyed peaceful weekends at our family cabin outside of Estes Park, and I’ve had the joy of reconnecting with several members of our international “family.” In May, we welcomed Mar, my Spanish sister, who lived with me during my senior year of high school. In August, we’ll be hosting our Spanish exchange daughter, Laia, (Mar's niece) who we welcomed into our home back in 2017. And just recently, my 86 year old host dad from New Zealand visited as well. He and I have remained close since my study abroad through CSU in 1999. These relationships mean the world to me and have truly been one of the biggest gifts in my life.
Professionally, I’m also honored to share that I’ve joined the Board of Directors for the Louisville Chamber of Commerce. I’m a proud member of the Louisville, Lafayette, and Superior Chambers, and it’s a privilege to work alongside an incredible group of people doing meaningful work for our local businesses and community.
In this month’s newsletter, I’ll be sharing:
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My new office location in Louisville and some fun facts!
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A spotlight on the new Relish Food Hall // Pickleball
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What to expect during Medicare Annual Enrollment
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A heads-up about scams targeting Medicare beneficiaries
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Info about Cigna’s rebrand to HealthSpring
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A refreshing summer recipe I love
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And a list of upcoming community events where you can find me
Thanks for reading—and as always, I’m here to support and guide you through whatever comes next.
Warmly,
Jen
| | 📍I've Moved - New Office Location as of August 1st!
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I’m excited to share that as of August 1st, I’ve officially moved into a new office space in Louisville! You can now find me at:
740 S Pierce Ave, Suite #5
Louisville, CO 80027
My new office is located at the southwest entrance of the Colorado Tech Center, right off Dillon and South Pierce. Even more fun - it's attached to my CrossFit gym, KODA CrossFit!
Here’s a fun fact: CrossFit is my sport of passion! I’m a Certified Level 2 CrossFit Coach and spent 8 years actively coaching and competing in CrossFit competitions. While I’ve officially “retired” from coaching and competing (for now!), it wouldn’t take much to twist my arm—my competitive spirit is still alive and well!
Even better—KODA CrossFit is a Premium Location in the Renew Active Fitness Program, which means if you have a UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan that includes Renew Active, you may be able to work out here at no cost. If you’ve been curious about CrossFit or want to explore a fun, functional way to stay active, this could be a great opportunity!
I’m so excited about this move and can’t wait to welcome you to my new space. If you’re in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by and say hello!
| | 🏓 Relish Food Hall // Pickleball: Louisville's New Community Hot Spot 🥒 | | |
I know many of you are already pickleball fanatics—and if you’re not yet, you might just become one! Louisville’s brand-new Relish Food Hall & Pickleball, which opened June 20, is a spectacular addition to our community. It features a whopping 21 pickleball courts—19 indoor and 2 outdoor—making it one of the largest facilities in the state.
But this place is about so much more than just pickleball. With eight unique food vendors - including Magic Food Bus, ArepasCO, Lenin’s Wood Fire Pizza, and Soupsmith—there’s something for everyone, from tacos and arepas to creative, fresh options. There are even vegan and gluten-free offerings, so no one is left out!
The interior is beautifully designed with cozy nooks to meet friends, work remotely, relax, or grab a drink, and the outdoor space is just as inviting—perfect for soaking up the Colorado sunshine while you eat, chat, or play.
Oh—and don’t be surprised if you bump into me over there. It’s just a few blocks from my house, and I’ve been popping in to practice. Be kind if you catch me on the court—I’m a total beginner and honestly kind of terrible… but I’m determined to improve and have some fun along the way!
Mark your calendar now for the upcoming Feel Good Festival on October 18th, hosted by the Louisville Chamber of Commerce. I’ll be there as a Gold Sponsor, leading a breakout session on the important Medicare changes coming in 2026. The festival will celebrate health, wellness, fitness, personal care, and healthy living, and—yes—you guessed it: there will be a Pickleball Tournament hosted by the Northwest Chamber Alliance, with all seven local Chambers participating. It's going to be a great day to connect, learn, play, and take care of yourself!
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📬 Medicare Annual Enrollment:
What to Expect and When
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It’s almost that time again—Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is just around the corner. There are a few key things to keep in mind as we head into this important season:
📨 Watch for Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan, your insurance carrier is required by law to send you a document called the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). These will be sent in late September and outline any important changes to your plan for the upcoming year—things like:
- Premiums
- Deductibles
- Copays and Coinsurance
- Covered services and prescription drug coverage
- Added value benefits such as dental, vision & hearing
⚠️ If you’ve opted for electronic delivery, keep an eye on your email inbox, you may not receive a paper copy.
⚠️ Pay close attention to this notice! It will also indicate if any medications you currently take will no longer be covered under your plan for 2026. This is something carriers are also required by law to disclose.
📅 Key Medicare Dates to Know
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October 1st: 2026 plan information is released and becomes available to review.
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October 1 - 7: I’ll be reviewing all plans, breaking down the changes, and preparing materials to help you understand what’s new and what it means for you.
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October 15 - December 7: Official Annual Enrollment Period. This is the window when you can make changes to your plan if needed.
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January 1, 2026 – Any new plans you’ve selected will go into effect.
I’ll be offering virtual group meetings and/or email video updates to help walk you through plan changes once we’re allowed to talk about specifics on October 1st.
✅ What You Need to Do Right Now
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Keep an eye out for your ANOC at the end of September (mail or email).
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Don’t stress—I’ll guide you through everything once the info becomes available.
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If your current plan is still a good fit and no major changes apply, it will automatically roll over into the new year—no action required unless we determine a better option is available.
Stay tuned for more in September—and don’t miss the next section below about Medicare scams and how to protect yourself this season!
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⚠️ Medicare Scams & Misleading Ads:
What to Watch Out For
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As we head into Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, the scam calls, flashy TV ads, and misleading promises will be ramping up. You’ve probably already seen or heard them—promising “free groceries,” “money back on your Social Security check,” or “coverage better than anything you’ve had before.”
Let me be clear: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
🛑 Be Especially Cautious About:
- Phone calls from unknown numbers claiming you're eligible for “food cards” or “free benefits”
- TV commercials that suggest everyone qualifies for extra perks (many of these offers are only available to people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid)
- High-pressure tactics urging you to switch plans immediately
What’s even more frustrating is that many of these calls originate offshore, which means they aren’t bound by the same rules and ethics that I, as a licensed Medicare broker, am legally required to follow. Unfortunately, that makes it harder for professionals like me to do the work we’re here to do—support you with clear, accurate, and personalized guidance.
💡 My Best Advice?
If you're ever unsure—hang up the phone or close the browser window. Then, call or email me directly. That’s what I’m here for!
Remember, Medicare is designed to provide essential medical coverage. Yes, some plans do offer additional benefits like dental, vision, gym memberships, over-the-counter allowances, or even rebates on your Part B premium. But those extras should never be the sole reason to make a plan change. There’s a lot more to consider, and that’s where I can help guide you through it all.
You're not alone in this—I’ll help you cut through the noise and make confident, informed decisions based on your unique needs.
| | Cigna is Now HealthSpring - What You Need to Konw | | |
If you’ve been on a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll be seeing a new name moving forward: HealthSpring. This is a rebranding effort by the company and may already be reflected on some of your plan materials or in your communications from the carrier.
Here’s what’s important to know:
This is a name change only—not a change to your benefits, premiums, or provider network.
Your current plan remains the same unless otherwise noted in your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which you’ll receive in late September.
You do not need to take any action at this time.
As always, if anything looks unclear or different in your plan documents, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll help you confirm whether any changes are simply cosmetic or if there’s something that actually impacts your coverage.
| | Culinary Delights & Delicious Bites | | |
🍉 Watermelon & Cucumber Salad with Feta
Looking for the perfect light and refreshing dish to enjoy during these warm summer days? This Watermelon & Cucumber Salad with Feta is one of my newest go-to recipes—super simple, beautiful on the table, and always a crowd-pleaser!
PREP TIME: 20 Minutes
SERVES: 8
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INGREDIENTS:
· 4 cups chopped watermelon (from 1
small watermelon)
· 3 cups sliced Persian cucumbers (from
6 cucumbers)
· 1 radish, thinly sliced (such as
watermelon radish)
· 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
· 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
· 1/4 tsp. Aleppo pepper or crushed red
pepper, plus more for garnish
· 2 oz. feta cheese, thinly sliced and
partly crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
· Extra-virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt,
and torn fresh mint leaves, for garnish
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PREPARATION:
1. Place watermelon, cucumbers, and radish in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinegar and add kosher salt and pepper; toss gently.
2. Transfer salad to a platter or large, shallow bowl. Top with feta; drizzle generously with oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and pepper. Garnish with mint leaves; serve immediately.
Credit: Real Simple Magazine, Summer 2025 Edition.
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🗓️ Upcoming Events - Come Say Hello!
| | I’m excited to be participating in a variety of local events this fall—whether I’m speaking, volunteering, or hosting a resource table, I’d love to see you there! | | |
🎤 The Art of Moving Forward: It’s Never Too Early to Begin
August 21 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍1333 W 120th Ave, Suite 120, Westminster, CO
Free Event
Join me and Trish Rice of All About Ease Organizing for an empowering conversation about making proactive life transitions.
Hosted by Shawn Ritter of CB Realty
🔗 Info & Registration
🏡 Alta Vita Assisted Living – Medicare Updates
September 10 | 4:30 - 5:30 PM
📍2310 9th Ave, Longmont, CO 80503
Free Event
I’ll be sharing key Medicare updates for 2026—perfect for residents and family members navigating coverage this fall.
🍺 Pints in the Park – Louisville Chamber of Commerce (21+ Event)
August 23 | VIP 1:00PM - GA 2:00PM
📍Community Park, Louisville
955 Bella Vista Dr, Louisville, CO 80027
Great beer, live music, and community fun! 🔗Learn more
Promo Code: Brewhaha
👥 4th Annual Older Adult Resource Fair – Lafayette Senior Center
September 19 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍Bob Burger Rec Center | 111 W Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026
Free Event
A one-stop shop for resources, programs, and support for older adults and caregivers.
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🌱 Aging Well Seminar – Boulder
October 1 | 4:00–5:00 PM
📍4909 Pearl East Circle, Boulder, CO
Free Event
A professional networking event for referral partners focused on supporting older adults and their families with clarity and confidence.
🔗 Info & Registration
💚 Louisville Senior Services Wellness & Resource Fair
October 3 | 9:00–11:00 AM
📍Louisville Recreation & Senior Center – Main Lobby
Free Event
A great opportunity to connect with wellness providers, caregivers, and community resources focused on older adults and healthy aging.
🏓 Feel Good Festival – Louisville Chamber of Commerce
October 18 | 10:00AM-3:00PM
📍Relish Food Hall & Pickleball
550 McCaslin Blvd Unit B, Louisville, CO 80027
Free Event
Join me at this vibrant community event focused on health, wellness, and active living! I’ll be there as a Gold Sponsor, leading a Medicare changes breakout session. And don’t miss the Pickleball Tournament with all seven Northwest Chamber Alliance members!
🔗 Learn more
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💬 New events are being added all the time! I’m always looking for more ways to connect with and support our community. Keep an eye on future newsletters or follow me on social media for updates!
| | Tickle Your Funny Bone: This Month's Comic Relief | | |
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Finally, I want to thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey—not just as your Medicare resource, but as someone you trust with something as personal and important as your health coverage. I’m truly grateful for the relationships we’ve built.
If you find this newsletter helpful, please feel free to forward it to a friend, neighbor, or family member here in Colorado who may benefit from having someone in their corner. Your referrals mean the world to me—they’re truly the highest compliment I can receive.
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🌲 Family dinner at our cabin while my Spanish sis Mar was visiting.
| | My host dad from New Zealand visiting. 🇳🇿 | | 🌺 Brooklyn, Mom & I in Hawaii. | | | | |