Big Medicare plan changes this fall
'We care and we want to help in any way we can'
By Scott Thoma
One of the more stressful times for a senior in recent years is trying to figure out the complicated Medicare Advantage plans and the seemingly continual yearly changes.
Donovan Kuehl and his staff at Health Insurance Services, Inc. of Willmar wants to help clients alleviate those problems so they can be assured they are getting the best quality health insurance coverage that fits their budget.
“This fall could be one of the biggest changes to Medicare Advantage that I’ve seen in all my years working in the insurance business,” Donovan said. “We want to be a service center for the community where people can come with their questions or problems. We care and we want to help in any way we can.”
Medicare Advantage plans are pulling out of some Minnesota counties. If your county happens to be included in that group, you will need to choose new coverage for January 1. Also new this fall are a higher Part D drug cap and deductible, and a brand-new Medigap open enrollment window.
“Seventy percent of our clients are seniors and we know how hard it is to understand all of these plans and changes,” Donovan said. “We want our clients to feel more confident in their health coverage choices.”
Don Kuehl Agency has been around since 1952, including the last 59 years in Willmar, when it was owned and operated by Donovan’s father, Don. From the beginning, the company has built a positive reputation within the community and the surrounding area. When Don brought his family and business to Willmar, his reputation and the office continued to grow exponentially, and he renamed the company to Health Insurance Services, Inc. To accommodate for the increased business, HIS moved the office four times — most recently to the Skylark Shopping Center in Willmar.
Donovan purchased the company from his father in 2000.
The HIS motto is direct: “Let’s keep this simple. We want to help people.”
“Many people think that if they do nothing, that their insurance will just roll over like it has done each year. But for many people, their insurance is being cancelled.” said HIS Office Manager David Kuehl. “It’s vitally important to get help understanding all of these changes and we would be happy to help if you want to give us a call. We want our clients to be confident in their coverage choices.”
David is Donovan’s son and the third-generation Kuehl with HIS. He has been with the company for the past 10 years. Like his father and grandfather, David has built a solid reputation as someone who is dedicated to helping people understand the various Medicare Advantage plans.
“I spent some time visiting with David about my upcoming Medicare health insurance. He was very well informed and talked me through every step of this process, and what my options were. He was extremely knowledgeable, and listened to every one of my concerns. He also knew the answers to any questions that I had,” said Bob E.
“David was very well informed on the options for our Medicare needs. His presentation to us on our different options was clear and concise. We were able to choose our plan and get it taken care of today. We would both highly recommend David and his office,” said Gregory W.
Every October, Health Insurance Services is the sponsor for a county wide event called The Kandiyohi Medicare Expo, held at The Willmar Conference Center at 240 23rd St SE, Willmar. They hold several Question-and-Answer Sessions on Tuesday & Wednesday, October 13th & 14th, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
“There are two parts to the Expo. We rent out the entire Conference Center and give insurance companies an opportunity to come set up a booth on one side,” Donovan said. “On the other side, I’ll give a brief talk about the legislative changes coming up that affect Medicare and then open it up to a question-and-answer format,” Donovan said. “This will be our 22nd annual event held for the public. Senior Citizens always tell us how valuable the event is and how it helped them. It just gives people a chance to pick an insurance agent’s brain and hear other people’s opinions & experiences.” Refreshments are served all day.
“This is a fun day for us. The public is invited, there is cake, cookies & coffee and tables to sit at,” Donovan said. “Normally, we give away around $2,000 in door prizes, but because this year is so important that people come to hear about the changes, we have doubled it and are giving away around $4,000 in door prizes across the 6 Q&As.”
Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period is from Oct. 15th – Dec 7th, 2026. It is during these dates that you can change your insurance plan. There are also a few special enrollment periods, including one for Non Renewing Plans. If your Medicare Advantage plan is cancelling, you have a special enrollment period from Dec. 8th – Feb. 28th.
“There are going to be a lot of changes with new options available,” said David. “It’s imperative that you come in and find out the best options to meet your needs.”
Donovan noted that 90 percent of the HIS business comes from referrals from current clients, employers, nurses and doctors.
“We’re here to help not just our clients, but anyone who needs help,” he said. “We know navigating the “Medicare Maze” is a confusing task. We would be happy to sit down with you, in person, at our Willmar office and go over everything to make it as easy as possible for you.”
Their service is 100 percent free.
“One of the most common questions we get is ‘What is the best plan out there?’ and we tell them that there is no best plan. People have different needs. Part of our job is to find the most appropriate coverage that suits that person,” said David. “It’s not uncommon for husband and wife to have different plans because they have different prescriptions or other needs.”
This is how HIS works:
· Medicare begins: They will help you sign up and get started with Medicare.
· Decide on a plan: They represent several insurance carriers and find the right plan for you.
· Enroll in a plan: They make it easy to enroll in a plan of your choosing.
· Policy service: They have multiple team members ready to service your claims, bills, or questions.
To understand Medicare:
Part A is hospital coverage: This covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A, because you or your spouse already paid into it through payroll taxes while working.
Part B is medical coverage: This covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, preventive screenings, and equipment like walkers or oxygen. Part B has a monthly premium, which for most people comes straight out of the Social Security check.
Enrollment when turning 65: This is the seven-month enrollment period which includes the three months before your birthday month, that month, and the three months after. You can enroll in any of the seven months — signing up in the first three is what usually gets your coverage started the first day of your birthday month.
“David helped navigate both my husband’s and mine applications for social security and Medicare supplements. David is extremely knowledgeable about both processes. I have been using their agency for many years for my private health insurance as I was self-employed for 32 years,” said Chris R.
The HIS staff can make signing up for Medicare and Social Security less stressful and hassle-free. They will assist you through the application process and help you create an account online, so you don’t have to. They are also a MNsure Broker Enrollment Center, one of only 22 in the state.
“We try to represent everyone — Medicare beneficiaries, individuals under 65, and employer small groups,” said Donovan.
“Looking back, service has always been the thread connecting my life. I grew up working the farm, served overseas in the Korean War, and spent decades active in the Lions Club and our local church. Seeing my son and grandson step up to carry on that legacy—guiding our neighbors through complex insurance decisions—fills my heart with pride.” said Don Kuehl.
Health Insurance Services, Inc. also has agents in Bellingham, Mountain Lake and Worthington, with the home office located at 1604 1st St. South, Suite 260 in Willmar.
Call them with any questions or to schedule an appointment at 320-235-2500 or visit them on their website at www.healthinsuranceservices.com, or on Facebook. They are happy to help in any way they can.
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