# Personal Touch Ins. & Benefits, LLC

> Independent insurance agency in Boise, Idaho, founded in 2005 by CarrieAnne Kowalczyk. "Your one stop shop for all your healthcare needs" — honest, no-pressure comparisons of Medicare, ACA/marketplace, life, annuity, long-term care, disability, and travel insurance from 9 carriers. Serving all of Idaho, with deep roots in Ada, Canyon, and Boise counties. Phone: 208-350-9933. NPN #14562508.

Key facts:
- Independent agency: represents multiple carriers (Blue Cross of Idaho, Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, SelectHealth, PacificSource (Medicare Advantage and employer plans; not on Your Health Idaho for 2027), Molina, Aetna, Mutual of Omaha, Physicians Mutual, Manhattan Life) and works for the client, not any single insurer.
- CarrieAnne Kowalczyk is NABIP Treasure Valley Legislative Chair, NABIP Leading Producers Roundtable, AHIP and CMIP certified.
- Signature method: every comparison is broken into 6 clear comparison areas before a plan is chosen.
- Medicare disclosure (verbatim): "We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 300 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options."
- ACA enrollment in Idaho goes through Your Health Idaho, the state-based exchange (not HealthCare.gov).
- Mailing address: 6568 S Federal Way #213, Boise, ID 83716 (correspondence only; meetings are by appointment, held over Zoom or by phone). Hours Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Mountain.

## Main pages

- [Home](https://www.ptibidaho.com/): Agency overview, services, testimonials, and contact.
- [About](https://www.ptibidaho.com/about/): Agency story, team (CarrieAnne Kowalczyk, Sophia Orm-Clark, Patricia Staats), credentials, and the 6-area comparison method.
- [Contact](https://www.ptibidaho.com/contact/): Phone, email, office address, map, and free comparison request form.
- [Answers](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/): One question per page, answered in the first sentence, with the plan-year figure and the government source cited. Clusters: Medicare Basics, Enrollment and Timing, Costs and 2026 Numbers (2027 figures pending CMS),  Idaho Specifics, Working With an Agent.
- [When is open enrollment for Your Health Idaho for 2027 coverage?](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/when-is-open-enrollment-for-your-health-idaho-2027/)
- [Why work with Personal Touch instead of calling a big call center?](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/why-work-with-personal-touch-instead-of-a-call-center/)
- [Do I need to sign a Scope of Appointment before we talk about plans?](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/do-i-need-a-scope-of-appointment-before-we-talk-about-plans/)
- [Do you meet in person, or only by Zoom and phone?](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/do-you-meet-in-person-or-only-by-zoom-and-phone/)
- [Can Personal Touch help me if I don't have a computer?](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/can-personal-touch-help-me-if-i-dont-have-a-computer/)
- [How much does Xarelto cost with Medicare in Idaho in 2027?](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/how-much-does-xarelto-cost-with-medicare-in-idaho-2027/)
- [How much does Januvia cost with Medicare in Idaho in 2027?](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/how-much-does-januvia-cost-with-medicare-in-idaho-2027/)
- [How much does Farxiga cost with Medicare in Idaho in 2027?](https://www.ptibidaho.com/answers/how-much-does-farxiga-cost-with-medicare-in-idaho-2027/)
- [FAQ](https://www.ptibidaho.com/faq/): Answers on Medicare eligibility, enrollment windows, costs, and how the agency works.
- [Medicare Resources](https://www.ptibidaho.com/medicare-resources/): Video walkthroughs on working past 65 and on completing the new member survey, the official guides we hand to clients, Extra Help, and current Medicare cost figures.
- [Insurance Forms](https://www.ptibidaho.com/insurance-forms-and-resources/): Scope of Appointment form and pre-meeting paperwork.
- [Voluntary Insurance Products](https://www.ptibidaho.com/voluntary-insurance-products/): Accident, cancer, critical illness, and other voluntary benefits.
- [Webinars](https://www.ptibidaho.com/webinars/): Free small-group Medicare and long-term care education sessions.
- [Careers](https://www.ptibidaho.com/careers/): Join the Personal Touch team — mission, values, and what we offer agents.
- [Calculators](https://www.ptibidaho.com/calculators/): Ten free educational calculators — life insurance needs, Medicare late-enrollment penalties, IRMAA surcharges, Medigap Plan G vs. N cost comparison, Medicare enrollment window finder, ACA qualifying-event finder, long-term care costs, retirement income gap, Part A premium check, and final expense coverage.

## Learning Center

- [Learning Center](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/): Hub of plain-English guides by topic, reviewed by the Personal Touch Ins. & Benefits Data Desk, with year-labelled figures and official sources.
- [Who Is Eligible for Medicare? Age, Disability and Sign-Up Rules](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/medicare-eligibility/): Who qualifies at 65 or earlier, who is enrolled automatically, and who has to sign up.
- [Medicare Enrollment Periods: Every Window, Date and Deadline](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/medicare-enrollment-periods/): IEP, Open Enrollment, the MA Open Enrollment Period, GEP, SEPs and Medigap open enrollment.
- [Medicare Costs in 2026: Premiums, Deductibles and Coinsurance](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/medicare-costs/): The 2026 Part A and Part B numbers, and what they mean for your budget.
- [Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap in Idaho: How to Choose](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/medicare-advantage-vs-medigap-idaho/): Networks, costs, drug coverage, and Idaho’s 63-day Medigap birthday rule.
- [Medicare Part D Explained: Coverage, Costs and the Out-of-Pocket Cap](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/medicare-part-d/): The 2026 and 2027 deductible and cap, $35 insulin, and how to compare drug plans.
- [IRMAA Explained: Medicare’s Income-Related Premiums for 2026](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/irmaa/): The 2026 income brackets, what each adds to Part B and Part D, and how to appeal.
- [Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties: Part A, Part B and Part D](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/medicare-late-enrollment-penalties/): How each penalty is calculated, how long it lasts, and how to avoid it.
- [Turning 65 in Idaho: A Step-by-Step Medicare Checklist](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/turning-65-medicare-checklist/): What to do before, during and after your 65th-birthday month.
- [Working Past 65: How Medicare Works With Employer Coverage](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/working-past-65-medicare/): Who pays first, when delaying Part B is safe, HSAs, and the 8-month window.
- [Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help in Idaho](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/medicaid-medicare-savings-programs-extra-help/): The 2026 income and resource limits for help with Medicare and drug costs.
- [How to Check Your Doctors and Drugs Before Choosing a Medicare Plan](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/check-doctors-and-drugs-medicare-plan/): A practical method for networks, formularies, pharmacies and yearly cost.
- [The Health Insurance Marketplace in Idaho: How Your Health Idaho Works](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/health-insurance-marketplace-idaho/): Why Idahoans use Your Health Idaho, not HealthCare.gov, and the 2027 dates.
- [Premium Tax Credits in 2026 and 2027: Who Qualifies and How Much](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/premium-tax-credits/): The 400% limit, the 2026 and 2027 percentages, and year-end reconciliation.
- [Special Enrollment Periods: Getting Health Coverage Outside Open Enrollment](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/special-enrollment-periods/): Qualifying life events, the 60- and 90-day windows, and the documents to keep.
- [ACA Metal Levels Explained: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/aca-metal-levels/): What each tier pays, cost-sharing reductions on Silver, and the 2026–2027 caps.
- [Life Insurance Explained: Term, Whole Life and Indexed Universal Life](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/life-insurance-guide/): How each type works, what it costs over time, and how to size coverage.
- [Final Expense Insurance: How It Works and What to Check First](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/final-expense-insurance/): Simplified vs. guaranteed issue, graded benefits, and your Funeral Rule rights.
- [Annuities Explained: Types, Taxes and Surrender Charges](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/annuities-guide/): Fixed, indexed and income annuities, how they are taxed, and what to ask.
- [Long-Term Care Insurance Explained: Costs, Benefits and Who Needs It](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/long-term-care-insurance/): What care costs, what Medicare will not pay, and traditional vs. hybrid policies.
- [Disability Insurance Explained: Short-Term, Long-Term and Social Security](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/disability-insurance-guide/): How private disability coverage fits with SSDI, and the policy terms that matter.
- [Hospital Indemnity Insurance: How Fixed Cash Benefits Work](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/hospital-indemnity-insurance/): Fixed daily payouts, how they fit with health plans and Medicare, and the fine print.
- [Dental, Vision and Hearing Coverage: What Medicare and Health Plans Leave Out](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/dental-vision-hearing-insurance/): What Original Medicare excludes, how standalone plans work, and waiting periods.
- [Short-Term Health Insurance in Idaho: How It Differs From ACA Plans](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/short-term-health-insurance/): What short-term plans cover and exclude, Idaho rules, and when they make sense.
- [Travel Medical Insurance: Coverage Abroad for Medicare and Younger Travelers](https://www.ptibidaho.com/learn/travel-medical-insurance/): What Medicare and Medigap cover outside the U.S., and what a travel policy adds.

## Services

- [All Services](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/): Hub for all 16 product lines.
- [Medicare Advantage](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/medicare-advantage/): Part C plans in the Treasure Valley — networks, benefits, enrollment windows.
- [Medicare Supplement](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/medicare-supplement/): Medigap plans, Idaho's birthday-rule switching window, Plan G/N comparisons.
- [Medicare Part D](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/medicare-part-d/): Prescription drug plans, the 2027 $2,400 out-of-pocket cap ($2,100 in 2026), annual reviews.
- [ACA / Marketplace](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/aca-health-insurance/): Under-65 coverage through Your Health Idaho with premium tax credits.
- [Short-Term Medical](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/short-term-medical/): Gap coverage and Idaho enhanced short-term plans.
- [Dental, Vision & Hearing](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/dental-vision-hearing/): Standalone DVH plans for seniors.
- [Hospital Indemnity](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/hospital-indemnity/): Cash benefits that pair with Medicare Advantage.
- [Term Life Insurance](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/term-life-insurance/): Term coverage and how much protection families need.
- [Whole Life Insurance](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/whole-life-insurance/): Permanent coverage with level premiums.
- [Indexed Universal Life](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/indexed-universal-life/): IUL explained honestly — caps, floors, and fees.
- [Final Expense](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/final-expense-insurance/): Small whole-life policies for funeral and last costs.
- [Annuities](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/annuities/): Fixed and indexed annuities for retirement income.
- [Long-Term Care](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/long-term-care/): Traditional and hybrid LTC coverage; Idaho cost of care.
- [Disability Insurance](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/disability-insurance/): Income protection, short- and long-term.
- [Travel Insurance](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/travel-insurance/): Global travel medical, including coverage gaps for Medicare beneficiaries abroad.
- [LegalShield](https://www.ptibidaho.com/services/legal-shield/): Legal-services membership — Idaho attorneys on call for wills, document review, and everyday legal questions (not insurance).

## Locations

County guides carry real CMS figures, not estimates: plan counts, Part C premiums, in-network out-of-pocket maximums, Part D deductibles, CMS star ratings, Special Needs Plan splits with C-SNP condition types, and plan-level enrollment. Source files: CMS CY2027 Landscape (202610, with 2027 star ratings) and CMS CPSC monthly enrollment, October 2026. Chronic condition prevalence is CDC PLACES 2023.

- [Locations](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/): Service-area hub. All 44 Idaho counties, each with its own guide showing the Medicare Advantage plans CMS lists there for 2027.
- [Ada County](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/ada-county/): Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, Star. 19 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, 13 at a $0 Part C premium.
- [Canyon County](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/canyon-county/): Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton. Full 2027 plan, Special Needs Plan and Part D detail.
- [Boise County](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/boise-county/): Idaho City, Horseshoe Bend, Crouch. Home of the Idaho City office, in person by appointment. Full 2027 plan detail.
- [Medicare Plans in Boise, Idaho: 2027 Guide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/boise/): Every 2027 Medicare Advantage, SNP and Part D plan sold to Boise (Ada County) residents, with Census and CDC context.
- [Medicare Plans in Nampa, Idaho: 2027 Guide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/nampa/): Every 2027 Medicare plan sold to Nampa (Canyon County) residents, with Census and CDC context.
- [Medicare Plans in Meridian, Idaho: 2027 Guide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/meridian/): Ada County 2027 Medicare Advantage, Special Needs and Part D plans for Meridian, with Census, CDC and hospital context.
- [Medicare Plans in Caldwell, Idaho: 2027 Guide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/caldwell/): Canyon County 2027 Medicare plans for Caldwell, including plans for people with Medicare and Medicaid, with Census and CDC context.
- [Medicare Plans in Eagle, Idaho: 2027 Guide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/eagle/): Ada County 2027 Medicare plans for Eagle, the PPOs by out-of-pocket maximum, and Medigap rules.
- [Medicare Plans in Idaho City, Idaho: 2027 Guide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/idaho-city/): Every 2027 Medicare plan in Boise County, and our in-person Idaho City office by appointment.
- [Idaho Statewide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/locations/idaho/): Zoom and phone service across all 44 counties, with statewide CMS totals and all 8 standalone Part D plans for 2027.

## Blog (by CarrieAnne Kowalczyk)

- [Blog index](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/): Plain-spoken guides on Medicare, ACA, long-term care, and life insurance.
- [Turning 65 in Boise County, ID: Your 2027 Medicare Checklist](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/turning-65-boise-county-medicare-2027/): Enrollment dates, the 14 Boise County Medicare Advantage plans and the 2027 Part D numbers.
- [Medicare Advantage or Medigap in Boise County for 2027](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/medicare-advantage-or-medigap-boise-county-2027/): Boise County Advantage plans by out-of-pocket cap, plans that ended, and Idaho Medigap rules.
- [Helping a Parent Choose a 2027 Medicare Plan in Boise County](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/helping-parent-choose-medicare-boise-county/): A caregiver guide: 2027 plans that ended, Special Needs Plans, and what to gather before a review.
- [PacificSource Leaves Your Health Idaho in 2027: What to Do](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/pacificsource-leaving-your-health-idaho-2027/): What PacificSource marketplace members should do before December 15, 2026.
- [Your Annual Medicare Review With Personal Touch](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/annual-medicare-review-personal-touch/): How our 2027 annual review works and what changed in Idaho for 2027.
- [Medicare Part D in 2027 for Idaho: Costs and Plans](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/medicare-part-d-2027-idaho/): The $700 deductible, $2,400 cap, all 8 Idaho drug plans and the 15 negotiated drugs.
- [When What If Becomes What Now: Long-Term Care in Idaho](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/long-term-care-what-if-becomes-what-now/): The odds of needing care, what Medicare does not cover, and the Idaho Partnership Program.
- [Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement in Idaho](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/medicare-advantage-vs-medicare-supplement-idaho/)
- [Turning 65 in Idaho: Your Complete Medicare Checklist](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/turning-65-in-idaho-medicare-checklist/)
- [Medicare Enrollment Periods, Explained](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/medicare-enrollment-periods-explained/)
- [The Boise Guide to Medicare Advantage Plans](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/boise-medicare-advantage-guide/)
- [Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N in Idaho](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/medigap-plan-g-vs-plan-n-idaho/)
- [Medicare Part D in 2026](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/medicare-part-d-guide-2026/)
- [Your Health Idaho: The Complete ACA Guide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/your-health-idaho-aca-guide/)
- [Short-Term Health Insurance in Idaho](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/short-term-health-insurance-idaho/)
- [Long-Term Care Insurance in Idaho](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/long-term-care-insurance-idaho/)
- [Final Expense Insurance Guide](https://www.ptibidaho.com/blog/final-expense-insurance-guide/)

## Optional

- [Privacy Policy](https://www.ptibidaho.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Google Reviews](https://g.page/r/CVjygKE-ciS4EBM/review): Leave or read client reviews.

## Tools (agent-callable)

This site exposes WebMCP tools an AI agent can call directly, not just read.
Manifest: https://www.ptibidaho.com/.well-known/mcp.json
Endpoint: https://www.ptibidaho.com/mcp (JSON-RPC 2.0: initialize, tools/list, tools/call)

- `get_medicare_costs_2026`: published 2026 CMS figures (Part B premium and deductible, Part A hospital deductible, Part D out-of-pocket cap).
- `estimate_medicare_late_penalty`: Part B and Part D late enrollment penalty estimate.
- `get_county_medicare_plans`: The Medicare Advantage, Special Needs Plan and standalone Part D lineup CMS lists for any of the 44 Idaho counties for 2027: plan counts, Part C premiums, in-network out-of-pocket maximums, Part D deductibles, CMS star ratings, carriers and plan-level enrollment. Source: CMS CY2027 Landscape file (202610) and CMS October 2026 enrollment file.
- `get_idaho_county_health_profile`: CDC PLACES chronic condition prevalence and population for any of the 44 Idaho counties, versus the Idaho average.
- `find_medicare_enrollment_window`: which enrollment window applies to a situation, with dates and what it allows.
- `estimate_life_insurance_need`: rule-of-thumb life insurance face amount from income, debts, education and final expenses.
- `get_agency_info`: contact details, hours, licensed service area, product lines, and the CMS multi-plan disclosure.

Read and estimate only. No tool quotes, binds, or enrolls. Figures without a citable government source are reported as unavailable rather than guessed.

## Agent access

- MCP endpoint: https://www.ptibidaho.com/mcp (POST JSON-RPC 2.0: initialize, tools/list, tools/call; no authentication). GET returns a short discovery view.
- Manifest: https://www.ptibidaho.com/.well-known/mcp.json
- Server card: https://www.ptibidaho.com/.well-known/mcp/server-card.json
- Markdown: request any page with the header `Accept: text/markdown` to get its main content as markdown (no navigation, footer or scripts). Browsers get the normal HTML.
- Every HTML response carries a `Link` header pointing to this file, the MCP server card, the /mcp endpoint and the sitemap.
- Crawling: AI crawlers are allowed in robots.txt, with `Content-Signal: search=yes, ai-input=yes`. Sitemap: https://www.ptibidaho.com/sitemap.xml