Patricia Combs has been honored by the Health Insurance Marketplace® as a member of the 2025 Marketplace Circle of Champions for helping over 20 consumers gain qualified health coverage. 

This award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) emphasizes Patricia Combs success in actively enrolling consumers during this Open Enrollment Period. "We thank Patricia Combs for her dedication to providing exceptional service and helping consumers access coverage," said Peter Nelson, Deputy Administrator & Director at CMS. "Agents and brokers are important partners to CMS in our shared goal of helping expand access to coverage across the nation." 

Consumers who would like assistance applying for or enrolling in Marketplace coverage, or have questions about their existing coverage, can contact Patricia Combs at 704-564-8201 or patricia.combs8201@gmail.com. 

What is the Marketplace Circle of Champions? CMS created the Marketplace Circle of Champions program to commemorate the hard work and commitment of Marketplace-registered agents and brokers throughout America. This award recognizes agents and brokers who have actively enrolled 20 or more consumers. Each year, thousands of agents and brokers reach the Marketplace Circle of Champions

Medicare

Initial Enrollment Period. 

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can join a plan

During the 7-month period that:

1.   Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65
2.   Includes the month you turn 65
3.   Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

Open Enrollment Period. 

From October 15 - December 7 each year, you can join, switch, or drop a plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by December 7).

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. 

These dates and other Medicare information is found at www.medicare.gov

Individual/Family

Open Enrollment Period.

• November 1: Open Enrollment starts — first day you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans through the Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage can start as soon as January 1.
• December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.
• January 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15 and pay their first premium.
• January 15: Open Enrollment ends — last day to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans for the year. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
• February 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15 and pay their first premium.
•  

Special Enrollment Period - All year long

• If you have a life event like losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby