Insurance Disclosures

An independent, private insurance agency

Bates Insurance Group is a private insurance agency, not a government agency. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, or any other government program.

We aim to help you compare options impartially among the carriers and products available through our agency. Our available selection is limited; we do not promise a comparison of every insurer or every plan in the market. Independent does not mean that we represent every carrier or guarantee the lowest price.

Products and policy limitations

Our services include group and individual health insurance; whole and term life insurance; dental and vision insurance; accident and disability insurance; cancer and critical illness insurance; medical bridge coverage; Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap; and Medicare prescription drug plans, also called Part D.

Benefits, costs, exclusions, waiting periods, underwriting, renewal terms, and availability vary by policy, carrier, state, and individual circumstances. For costs and complete details, ask an agent and review the carrier's current documents. Insurance is subject to carrier approval or acceptance, the stated effective date, required premium payment, and other applicable conditions.

Supplemental and limited-benefit insurance is not comprehensive major medical coverage. Accident, cancer, critical illness, and medical bridge products pay only the benefits described in their policies. They do not cover every illness or expense and are not a replacement for major medical insurance.

Medigap and Medicare prescription drug plans

Medicare Supplement insurance helps with certain out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare. It is different from a Medicare prescription drug plan. A Part D plan provides prescription drug coverage under its own formulary, pharmacy network, costs, and coverage rules. Confirm how any proposed policy works with your current coverage before enrolling.

The Medicare options available through our agency are limited and may not include every plan in your area. For information on all Medicare options, visit Medicare.gov at https://www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Medicare's annual Open Enrollment Period for changing health or drug coverage is October 15 through December 7. This is not an annual guaranteed-issue period for Medigap. The federal initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period is six months beginning the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Other enrollment or guaranteed-issue rights may apply depending on your situation and state. Ask an agent about your circumstances.

Individual health coverage enrollment

HealthCare.gov currently lists Open Enrollment for 2027 Marketplace coverage as November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. Enrollment by December 15 generally allows a January 1 start; enrollment from December 16 through January 15 generally allows a February 1 start, subject to required premium payment and eligibility. Outside Open Enrollment, a qualifying Special Enrollment Period may be needed.

Marketplace enrollment rules are different from Medicare enrollment rules and from an employer's group plan enrollment schedule. Verify current dates and eligibility at https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/ or with an agent.

Website inquiries and imagery

Website inquiries are requests for a response, not insurance applications or enrollments. An appointment request is not confirmed until the agency confirms it. Generic contact consent is not a Medicare Scope of Appointment.

Illustrative website images may use AI-generated models and do not portray actual Bates employees or clients. Verified original team photographs are used where actual staff are identified. An illustrative image is not a customer testimonial or a promise of coverage or results.

Contact the agency

Call Bates Insurance Group at 580-765-0177 or contact us at 3004 Turner Street, Ponca City, OK 74604 for current product details and questions about these disclosures.