What’s Changing for Prescription Drug Plans in 2026: Our plans for support and service

At Shepherd Insurance, our mission has always been to provide trusted guidance and personalized support to our clients. As we look ahead to the 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, we want to share an important update regarding our services for stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. 

What’s Changing? 

Due to new carrier changes and cost-sharing reforms under the Inflation Reduction Act, insurance carriers are now required to absorb a greater share of prescription drug costs. In response, many carriers have made the difficult decision to eliminate or significantly reduce the commissions paid to agents for enrolling clients in stand-alone Part D plans. 

As a result, Shepherd Insurance will no longer be able to evaluate or enroll clients in stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans during the upcoming enrollment season. 

Why This Decision Was Made 

This was not an easy decision. Our agents are deeply committed to helping clients navigate their Medicare insurance options. However, the financial model for supporting these plans has changed in a way that makes it unsustainable for us to continue offering this service at the level of quality and care you deserve. 

What You Can Expect 

While we will no longer enroll clients directly in stand-alone Part D plans, we are still here for you: 

• Educational Support: We will provide resources and step-by-step guidance to help you enroll in a Part D plan on your own.
• Agent Assistance: Your Shepherd Insurance agent will continue to be available to answer questions and help you understand your options. 
• Alternative Plan Options: If you’re interested in other plan types we can fully support, your agent can help you explore those options. 

Stay Informed 

We will be hosting educational seminars and webinars to walk you through the changes and show you how to enroll in a Part D plan independently. More information will be sent to you soon. 

We understand this is a change for many of our clients, and we remain committed to providing the highest level of service and support. If you have questions or would like to explore other options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your licensed agent.

You can reach out to your licensed agent directly, medicare@shepherdins.com, or 317.343.3215 for more information.