Occidental Petroleum Employees: Is It Time to Reevaluate Your Medicare Plan This Enrollment Season?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Occidental Petroleum Occidental Petroleum collaborates with Lyra Health to provide enhanced mental health benefits. This partnership offers employees access to cost-free mental and emotional healthcare, focusing on making effective services convenient and accessible. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs for employees at Occidental Petroleum are expected to rise significantly due to various market pressures. A recent forecast indicates an overall increase of approximately 8.5% in healthcare spending, driven by rising hospital and health system operating costs, along with increased demand for behavioral health services. Additionally, if enhanced federal premium subsidies for ACA marketplace plans are allowed to expire, many employees could face drastic hikes in their out-of-pocket costs. This scenario underscores the need for proactive planning and strategic adjustments in employee healthcare benefits amid a shifting economic landscape. Click here to learn more

'Occidental Petroleum employees should recognize that thoughtful Medicare decisions during annual enrollment can help align health care needs with long-term retirement goals, and taking the time to reassess options is essential,' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Occidental Petroleum employees who take the time to review their Medicare options during annual enrollment can better align their health care choices with their personal retirement goals,' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Key Medicare decisions that Occidental Petroleum employees and retirees face during annual enrollment.

2. Common reasons to review and change Medicare plans.

3. How The Retirement Group can assist with Medicare and retirement planning.

Navigate Medicare Annual Enrollment with Confidence

From October 15 to December 7, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) allows Occidental Petroleum employees to enroll in, change, or discontinue Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Any updates you make will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Because Medicare plans may adjust provider networks, prescription drug lists, costs, and coverage every year, Occidental Petroleum retirees should review their benefits during AEP.

Why Reviewing Your Medicare Plan Matters

You may hear recommendations from friends or see Medicare advertisements. What matters most is whether your plan:

• - Includes your preferred doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions

• - Fits your current health and financial needs

If your health situation has changed or costs have risen, it may be time to reassess your plan. AEP gives Occidental Petroleum retirees the opportunity to make adjustments if you are no longer satisfied with your plan.

Common Reasons to Update Medicare Coverage

Occidental Petroleum employees may consider changes if:

• - Your current plan has become too expensive

• - The plan does not support updated medical needs

• - Prescription drug costs have increased

• - Network doctors or specialists are hard to access

• - You want simpler coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan that may combine Parts A, B, and D

Review Annual Notices from Your Plan Provider

Each September, insurers send an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) outlining updates for the coming year, including changes to costs, provider networks, or prescription coverage. If your plan becomes more restrictive or expensive, consider exploring alternatives during AEP.

Medicare Plan Options

Helpful Medicare Reminders

• - Medicare Part B covers many preventive services, including screenings, vaccines, and yearly wellness visits.

• - Part A covers medically necessary hospital stays, although deductibles and coinsurance may apply.

• - Provider-ordered lab tests are covered by Part B with no cost sharing; Medicare Advantage plans may have plan-specific rules.

• - Medigap changes may require medical underwriting unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights.

  - Medicare provides individual coverage—there are no joint or family plans.

• - A lifetime Part D late enrollment penalty may apply if you go 63+ days without creditable prescription coverage.

• - If no action is taken during AEP, your current plan typically renews for the following year if it remains available.

Need Help Reviewing Your Options?

Making Medicare decisions each year is an important part of retirement planning for Occidental Petroleum employees. Reviewing your plan can help determine if it still supports your health care needs and financial situation.

The Retirement Group can help you review your Medicare and retirement options. Call us at  (800) 900-5867  for assistance.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Medicare & You 2026. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2025, pp. 62, 70–71, 79–81, 83–85. PDF file.

2. Pugh, Tony, et al.  “Medicare Open Enrollment: Compare Plans and Changes.”  AARP , updated 2025,  www.aarp.org/medicare/open-enrollment-action-plan/ .

3. Fidelity Viewpoints.  “Medicare Enrollment: Time to Change Plans?”  Fidelity Investments , 1 Oct. 2025,  www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/medicare-enrollment-plans .

4. National Council on Aging (NCOA).  “ Understanding Medicare's Late Enrollment Penalties .”  National Council on Aging , 10 Apr. 2025.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  “Adult Vaccination Insurance and Payment Resources.”  CDC , 9 Aug. 2024,  www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/hcp/adult-payment-insurance-resources/index.html .