Simplifying Medicare and Health Insurance Decisions with ClearMatch

Healthcare coverage decisions can be complex — particularly as you approach Medicare eligibility or transition between employers. Understanding plan structures, provider networks, premiums, and out-of-pocket costs can feel overwhelming, especially when these decisions directly affect your retirement income and long-term financial plan.

At GDS Wealth Management, we believe healthcare planning should be considered alongside your broader financial strategy. While GDS does not provide insurance services, we aim to ensure our clients have access to third-party resources that can help them evaluate coverage options thoughtfully and confidently.

Through our custodian, Raymond James, ClearMatch is available to eligible clients of GDS Wealth Management as a complimentary resource. ClearMatch provides insurance services independently of GDS.

What Is ClearMatch?

ClearMatch connects individuals with licensed insurance agents who assist with Medicare and individual health insurance planning. The service provides access to agents licensed in all 50 states and offers access to a broad range of plan options across major insurance carriers, including Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and various Blue Cross plans.

ClearMatch agents work directly with individuals to:

• Review available Medicare coverage options
• Compare plan structures and costs
• Discuss prescription drug coverage
• Assist with enrollment, if appropriate

Insurance products and services are provided by ClearMatch and its licensed agents, not by GDS Wealth Management.

Understanding Medicare Coverage Options

Medicare decisions often involve evaluating several key components:

Medicare Parts A & B
Federal coverage for hospital and medical services.

Medicare Advantage Plans
Plans that may offer lower or $0 monthly premiums and often include prescription drug coverage, but may require the use of network providers and referrals.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Plans that generally have higher monthly premiums but may offer broader provider access and lower out-of-pocket costs for covered services.

Each structure involves trade-offs related to premiums, provider flexibility, deductibles, and cost-sharing. Selecting appropriate coverage depends on your individual healthcare needs and financial circumstances.

Support Before Medicare Eligibility

For individuals under age 65, including those retiring early or transitioning between employers, ClearMatch agents can also assist with evaluating individual health insurance options where permitted by state regulations. Plan availability varies by state and carrier.

How This Resource Fits Into Financial Planning

Healthcare costs are a meaningful component of retirement planning. While GDS Wealth Management does not recommend specific insurance products or provide insurance services, we can incorporate projected healthcare expenses into your financial plan.

Coordinating these discussions helps support your overall retirement strategy.

ClearMatch is available as a complimentary resource to eligible GDS Wealth Management clients through Raymond James. If you are currently a client and would like to be connected with a licensed ClearMatch agent, please contact your advisor.

If you are exploring a relationship with GDS Wealth Management and would like to learn more about the resources available to clients, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, legal, tax, or insurance advice. ClearMatch is made available to eligible GDS clients through Raymond James, GDS’s custodian. GDS pays Raymond James for custodial and platform services; clients do not pay a separate fee to access ClearMatch. Insurance products and services are offered solely through ClearMatch and its licensed agents, who operate independently of GDS. GDS does not provide insurance services, supervise ClearMatch agents, or receive insurance commissions unless otherwise disclosed. Clients are not required to use ClearMatch and may work with any insurance professional of their choosing. Insurance availability depends on individual eligibility, carrier participation, and state regulations. Outcomes will vary.