Medicare in Stonington, Connecticut — Complete 2025 Guide

Stonington, Connecticut sits in the southeastern corner of New London County — a coastal community that includes distinct neighborhoods like Stonington Borough, Mystic, Pawcatuck, and Lords Point, spanning ZIP codes 06378 and 06355. With approximately 4,200 residents aged 65 and older, Medicare is one of the most consequential financial and healthcare decisions facing Stonington’s senior population. This guide covers every Medicare option available to Stonington residents in 2025, including real costs, Connecticut-specific rules, local hospital and pharmacy coverage, and step-by-step enrollment instructions.

Whether you are turning 65 and enrolling for the first time, reassessing your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period, or simply wondering whether your current plan is still the right fit, this resource was written to give you clear, direct answers grounded in how Medicare actually works here in Stonington.

What Is Medicare? (Stonington Context)

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with qualifying disabilities or end-stage renal disease. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and funded through a combination of payroll taxes, premiums, and general federal revenue.

For Stonington residents specifically, Medicare matters for several reasons that go beyond the national average. Stonington carries a cost of living index of 118 — 18 percent above the national average — which means out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, transportation to specialists, and supplemental coverage premiums all tend to run higher than they would in lower-cost regions. With a median home price of $425,000, many Stonington retirees are asset-rich but may be managing healthcare costs carefully on a fixed income. Choosing the wrong Medicare plan can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year in unnecessary costs.

Additionally, the specific geography of Stonington matters. Residents in Pawcatuck are close to the Rhode Island border and may use Westerly Hospital regularly. Residents in Mystic or Stonington Borough may rely more heavily on Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, which is part of the Yale New Haven Health system. Different Medicare plans carry different network rules, and what works for a resident in Lords Point may not be the ideal choice for someone in Mystic. Understanding Medicare in a local context is not optional — it is the difference between coverage that works and coverage that falls short when you need it most.

Types of Medicare Available in Stonington

Medicare is not a single product. It is a framework of coverage options that residents of Stonington can combine or choose between depending on their needs, health status, and financial circumstances. Here is a breakdown of every major Medicare product type available in the Stonington area.

Original Medicare: Part A and Part B

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, hospice, and limited home health care. Most people who worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) receive Part A with no premium. For those who do not qualify for premium-free Part A, the cost can reach $505 per month in 2025.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and most medical procedures. The standard Part B premium in 2025 is $185.00 per month, though higher-income beneficiaries pay more under Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). Part B carries a $257 annual deductible in 2025, after which Medicare typically covers 80 percent of approved costs — leaving a 20 percent coinsurance with no out-of-pocket cap.

Original Medicare alone is accepted by nearly every physician and hospital in the country, including Westerly Hospital and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. However, the absence of an out-of-pocket maximum means that a serious illness or surgery can expose Stonington residents to significant financial risk without supplemental coverage.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance carriers approved by CMS. These plans replace Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and typically bundle Part D drug coverage as well. They must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but may add benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.

Most Medicare Advantage plans are structured as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). HMOs generally require you to use in-network providers, while PPOs offer more flexibility at a higher cost-sharing level. In Stonington’s case, network adequacy matters: residents near the Rhode Island border will want to verify whether their preferred plan includes Westerly Hospital in its network before enrolling.

Many Medicare Advantage plans available in New London County carry $0 monthly premiums, though this does not mean the coverage is free — you still pay your Part B premium, and you may face copays, coinsurance, and an out-of-pocket maximum that can range from $3,500 to $8,850 depending on the plan.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans A–N

Medicare Supplement insurance, commonly called Medigap, works alongside Original Medicare to cover cost-sharing gaps — deductibles, coinsurance, and copays — that Original Medicare leaves behind. Medigap plans are sold by private insurers and are standardized by letter: Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N are available to new enrollees in 2025 (Plans C and F are no longer available to those who became Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020).

Plan G is currently the most comprehensive Medigap option for new enrollees, covering all out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible. Plan N covers similar gaps but requires small copays for office visits and emergency room visits. In a high-cost-of-living area like Stonington, Medigap plans provide particularly strong protection because they eliminate the uncertainty of uncapped coinsurance under Original Medicare.

Medigap plans work with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide — including both Westerly Hospital and Lawrence + Memorial — which makes them attractive to residents who travel frequently or want provider flexibility.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Part D plans cover prescription medications and are offered by private insurers approved by CMS. If you are enrolled in Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you need a standalone Part D plan. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage (MA-PD), you are already covered.

Part D plans vary significantly by premium, deductible, copay tiers, and formulary. The pharmacies you use matter: CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and Stop & Shop Pharmacy all serve the Stonington area, and not every Part D plan includes every retail pharmacy in its preferred network. Using a non-preferred pharmacy can meaningfully increase your out-of-pocket drug costs, so it is important to verify pharmacy coverage before selecting a plan.

Medicare Coverage Comparison Table

How Much Does Medicare Cost in Stonington?

Cost is one of the most common concerns for Stonington residents approaching Medicare, and it is where local context matters most. With a cost of living index of 118 and a median home price of $425,000, Stonington sits in the category of moderately high-cost Connecticut communities — not as expensive as Fairfield County, but meaningfully above the national average.

Standard Medicare Costs in 2025

The baseline costs most Stonington residents can expect:

• Part A premium: $0 for most residents (with sufficient work history); up to $505/month if you have fewer than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered work
• Part B premium: $185.00/month standard; higher for individuals earning over $106,000 (single) or $212,000 (married filing jointly)
• Part B deductible: $257/year
• Part A hospital deductible: $1,676 per benefit period in 2025
• Part B coinsurance: 20% of approved costs after the deductible, with no cap under Original Medicare alone

Medicare Advantage Costs in Stonington

Medicare Advantage plans available in New London County typically range from $0 to $80 per month in additional premium, on top of your Part B premium. However, these plans come with copays, coinsurance, and an out-of-pocket maximum. In 2025, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Advantage plans is $9,350 for in-network services. Most plans set their actual limits lower — commonly between $3,500 and $7,500 — but this is still a meaningful exposure for Stonington retirees managing fixed incomes against a high cost-of-living environment.

Medigap Costs in Connecticut

Medigap premiums in Connecticut vary by carrier, plan letter, age, and tobacco use. Stonington residents enrolled in Plan G can typically expect monthly premiums ranging from approximately $120 to $250 or more, depending on age at enrollment. Plan N premiums generally run $75 to $180 per month. These premiums are higher than the national average in many cases, consistent with Connecticut’s elevated cost of living.

Because Connecticut has strong consumer protections for Medigap buyers (discussed below), shopping between carriers for the same standardized plan is a particularly effective cost-saving strategy here. Two carriers offering Plan G must cover exactly the same benefits — the only variable is price.

Part D Drug Plan Costs

Standalone Part D premiums in New London County typically range from around $12 to $100 or more per month, depending on the formulary and preferred pharmacy network. In 2025, the standard Part D deductible is $590, though many plans waive or reduce this deductible for lower-tier drugs. Residents who use CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, or Stop & Shop Pharmacy should verify preferred pharmacy status before enrolling to ensure they receive the lowest possible copays.

Connecticut-Specific Rules for Medicare

Medicare is a federal program, but Connecticut layers additional consumer protections on top of the federal framework that directly benefit Stonington residents. Understanding these state-level rules can save you money and prevent costly enrollment mistakes.

Connecticut Medigap Protections

Under federal law, you have a guaranteed-issue right to purchase any Medigap plan during your six-month Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which begins the month you are both 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions. Connecticut extends additional protections: state law provides certain Medigap guaranteed-issue rights that go beyond the federal minimum, offering meaningful protection for residents who change plans or lose employer coverage outside of their initial OEP.

The Connecticut Insurance Department (ct.gov/cid) regulates all Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans sold in the state. If you have a dispute with an insurer or want to verify that a carrier is licensed to sell Medicare products in Connecticut, the CID is the appropriate regulatory authority.

CT SHIP: Free Medicare Counseling

The Connecticut State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling to all Connecticut residents. You can reach CT SHIP at 1-800-994-9422. SHIP counselors are not insurance agents and do not sell plans — they can help you understand your options, review plan details, and identify potential eligibility for cost-saving programs.

Access Health CT

While Medicare enrollment happens through the Social Security Administration and Medicare.gov — not through Connecticut’s state exchange — residents who are approaching Medicare age and currently enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan through Access Health CT (accesshealthct.com) need to be aware of coordination timing. Failing to enroll in Medicare Part B on time when you become eligible can result in permanent late enrollment penalties, even if you had marketplace coverage.

Connecticut Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association

The CT Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association provides a backstop for policyholders if a licensed insurance company becomes insolvent. This protection applies to Medigap and Medicare Advantage policies. While carrier insolvency is rare, this association provides an additional layer of security for Stonington residents choosing private Medicare plans from state-licensed carriers.

Dual Eligibility: Medicare and Medicaid in Connecticut

Some Stonington residents qualify for both Medicare and Connecticut Medicaid (known as HUSKY Health for certain populations). Dual-eligible individuals — sometimes called “dual eligibles” — may have access to Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), which are Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed for this population. D-SNPs often carry richer benefits and lower cost-sharing, and Connecticut has several D-SNP options available through carriers serving New London County. If you are near the income and asset thresholds for Medicaid, it is worth having a benefits review to determine whether you qualify for additional assistance.

Connecticut has no statewide Medicare Advantage mandates

It is worth noting that, unlike some states, Connecticut does not impose additional mandated benefits on Medicare Advantage plans beyond federal CMS requirements. Plan benefits are determined by carriers within CMS guidelines, which means comparison shopping remains essential — the range of benefits and costs between competing MA plans in New London County can be significant.

Stonington Healthcare Landscape and Its Impact on Your Medicare

One of the most practical aspects of Medicare selection is making sure your coverage actually works with the healthcare providers you use or are likely to need. Stonington’s healthcare geography is shaped by its coastal, relatively rural character and its proximity to both New London County healthcare systems and Rhode Island.

Westerly Hospital

Westerly Hospital, located just across the Connecticut-Rhode Island state line in Westerly, RI, serves a significant portion of Stonington’s population — particularly residents in Pawcatuck and the southern portions of town. Westerly Hospital is an important consideration for Medicare Advantage plan selection: because it is located in Rhode Island, not Connecticut, some Medicare Advantage HMO plans based in Connecticut may not include it in their in-network coverage.

Residents who regularly use Westerly Hospital should specifically verify that any Medicare Advantage plan they consider includes it as an in-network facility — or choose a PPO plan or Original Medicare with Medigap, both of which would cover care at any Medicare-participating hospital regardless of state.

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (Yale New Haven Health)

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London is Stonington’s primary regional hospital for inpatient care and specialty services. It is part of the Yale New Haven Health system, one of Connecticut’s dominant healthcare networks. Most Medicare Advantage plans active in New London County include Lawrence + Memorial in their networks, but coverage depth — particularly for specialist referrals within the Yale New Haven system — varies by plan type. Residents who have established care relationships with Yale New Haven Health specialists should confirm network access before switching or enrolling in a new plan.

Pharmacies in Stonington

Three major pharmacy chains serve the Stonington area: CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and Stop & Shop Pharmacy. All three participate in many Part D plan networks, but “preferred pharmacy” status — which determines your out-of-pocket drug costs — differs between plans. A Part D plan that lists CVS as a preferred pharmacy may charge significantly less for the same medication than a plan that lists Walgreens as standard. Before finalizing your Part D selection, run a drug cost comparison using Medicare’s Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov, entering the specific ZIP code (06378 or 06355) and your preferred pharmacy.

Proximity to Groton and Westerly

Stonington’s neighboring cities — Groton, Westerly, North Stonington, and Ledyard — each have their own healthcare resources, and many Stonington residents access specialists or urgent care in these communities. Medicare Advantage network adequacy in a relatively rural, multi-community area like southeastern Connecticut can vary meaningfully between carriers, which is another reason why local broker guidance adds value that a national website comparison cannot replicate.

How to Get Medicare in Stonington: Step-by-Step

Enrollment in Medicare follows a defined timeline with meaningful penalties for missing key windows. Here is a step-by-step guide for Stonington residents approaching Medicare eligibility or facing an enrollment decision.

Step 1: Determine Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window: three months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month itself, and three months after. Enrolling during the first three months ensures your coverage begins on the first day of your birthday month. Enrolling in months four, five, six, or seven results in delayed coverage start dates.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits at 65, you may be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B — watch for your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail approximately three months before your birthday.

Step 2: Decide Whether to Defer Part B

If you or your spouse are still actively working and covered by an employer group health plan with 20 or more employees, you can defer Part B enrollment without penalty. When that employer coverage ends, you enter a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — typically eight months — during which you can enroll in Part B without a late penalty. Enrolling outside of an IEP or SEP without qualifying coverage results in a permanent Part B late enrollment penalty of 10% for every 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

• Social Security card or number
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
• Current prescription list (drug names, dosages, frequency)
• List of current healthcare providers and preferred pharmacies
• Evidence of creditable coverage if deferring enrollment (employer coverage letter)
• Most recent tax return if you believe IRMAA income surcharges apply

Step 4: Enroll in Original Medicare

Enroll in Parts A and B at ssa.gov, by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting the Social Security office serving New London County in person. Enrollment is also available at medicare.gov.

Step 5: Choose Supplemental Coverage

Once you have Parts A and B, decide between two paths:

1. Original Medicare + Medigap + standalone Part D — Maximum provider flexibility, predictable costs, higher monthly premiums
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C) — Bundled coverage often with $0 premium, network restrictions, out-of-pocket maximum applies

Your healthcare usage patterns, preferred Stonington-area providers, and financial situation should drive this decision. A local broker can run a side-by-side comparison at no cost.

Step 6: Enroll in Your Chosen Plan

Enroll in a Medigap plan by contacting an insurer or licensed broker. Enroll in Medicare Advantage or Part D plans through medicare.gov/plan-compare or through a licensed broker. Enrollment must occur within your IEP, or during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7 each year).

Step 7: Annual Review During AEP

Each year, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7. During this window, Stonington residents can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, add or change Part D coverage, or drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. Changes take effect January 1. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) allows one additional plan switch for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Comparing Medicare Providers in Stonington

Several major carriers offer Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in New London County. The following comparison reflects carriers generally available in the Stonington ZIP codes (06378 and 06355) as of 2025; specific plan availability and benefits should be verified for the current plan year.

Importantly, no single carrier is objectively best for every Stonington resident. A resident in Mystic who uses Lawrence + Memorial regularly and prefers predictable costs may find Anthem Medigap Plan G to be the strongest value. A resident in Pawcatuck on multiple medications who uses Westerly Hospital may find a Humana PPO with a comprehensive formulary more practical. The right answer is always specific to the individual — which is precisely why independent broker advice, rather than carrier-direct marketing, tends to produce better outcomes for consumers.

For Medigap specifically, because all carriers must cover the same benefits within a standardized plan letter, premium is the primary differentiator. Connecticut residents have the right to compare premiums between licensed carriers for the same plan letter — and the savings can be substantial. A Plan G from one carrier might cost $40 to $80 per month more than an identical Plan G from another carrier serving the same Stonington ZIP codes.

Stonington Neighborhoods and ZIP Code Coverage

Medicare plan availability and network adequacy can differ within Stonington depending on your specific neighborhood and ZIP code. Stonington is served by two primary ZIP codes: 06378 (Stonington Borough, Pawcatuck, and surrounding areas) and 06355 (Mystic and portions of the eastern part of town).

Stonington Borough and Pawcatuck (06378)

Stonington Borough is the historic coastal village at the southern tip of the town. Pawcatuck is the commercial and residential area bordering Westerly, Rhode Island. Residents in this ZIP code are geographically closest to Westerly Hospital and may have established care relationships across the Connecticut-Rhode Island state line. Medicare Advantage enrollees in 06378 should pay particular attention to cross-state network coverage, as HMO plans in particular may not cover routine care at Rhode Island facilities without a referral or emergency exception.

Mystic (06355)

Mystic is a widely recognized historic village and tourist destination that also hosts a significant year-round resident population, including a growing number of retirees. Residents in the 06355 ZIP code are generally better positioned for access to Connecticut-based healthcare systems, including Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and the Yale New Haven Health network. Medicare Advantage plans that align with the Yale New Haven network are often a strong consideration for Mystic residents with established specialist relationships.

Lords Point

Lords Point is a seasonal and year-round waterfront community within Stonington. Residents here should confirm that their Medicare plan adequately covers non-emergency transportation and telehealth services, as the more rural character of the area may make provider access logistics a consideration — particularly for specialist appointments that require travel to New London or beyond.

Proximity to Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington, and Westerly

Many Stonington residents regularly travel to neighboring communities — Groton for the Pfizer healthcare campus and regional specialists, North Stonington and Ledyard for rural healthcare services, and Westerly for hospital and urgent care. A Medicare plan that reflects this multi-community usage pattern is particularly valuable. PPO plans and Original Medicare with Medigap offer the greatest flexibility for residents who access care across Stonington’s broader regional geography.

Frequently Asked Questions — Medicare in Stonington

What is the best Medicare plan for Stonington, Connecticut residents?

There is no single “best” Medicare plan for Stonington — the right plan depends on your healthcare providers, prescription drugs, budget, and preferred pharmacies. Residents who want maximum flexibility and predictable costs often benefit most from Original Medicare paired with a Medigap Plan G and a standalone Part D plan. Residents who are generally healthy, have lower medication costs, and prefer a lower monthly premium may find Medicare Advantage a better fit — particularly a PPO plan that allows access to both Connecticut and Rhode Island providers. A free review with a local licensed broker is the most reliable way to find the best option for your individual situation.

When can I enroll in Medicare in Stonington?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) opens three months before the month you turn 65 and closes three months after your birthday month. If you miss your IEP without creditable coverage, you will face permanent late enrollment penalties for Part B (10% per uncovered year) and Part D (1% per uncovered month). You can also make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, with changes taking effect January 1.

Does Medicare cover Westerly Hospital for Stonington residents?

Original Medicare covers Westerly Hospital because it is a Medicare-participating facility, regardless of its location in Rhode Island. However, Medicare Advantage plans may or may not include Westerly Hospital as an in-network provider, particularly if the plan is a Connecticut-based HMO. Stonington residents who use Westerly Hospital should verify in-network status before enrolling in any Medicare Advantage plan, or consider a PPO or Original Medicare with Medigap to ensure cross-state coverage without network restrictions.

What is the CT SHIP program and how do I contact them?

CT SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is a free, state-funded counseling program that provides unbiased Medicare guidance to Connecticut residents. SHIP counselors are not insurance agents and do not sell plans — they help you understand your options, review plan comparisons, and identify cost-saving programs. You can reach CT SHIP at 1-800-994-9422. Services are available at no cost to all Stonington-area Medicare beneficiaries.

What are the late enrollment penalties for Medicare in Connecticut?

Late enrollment penalties are federal, not state-specific, but they apply fully to Stonington residents. The Part B penalty is a permanent 10% premium increase for each 12-month period you were eligible for but did not enroll in Part B without creditable employer coverage. The Part D penalty is 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each month you went without creditable drug coverage. These penalties last as long as you have Medicare, and in a high-cost-of-living area like Stonington, they represent real long-term costs. Avoid them by enrolling on time or ensuring any employer coverage qualifies as creditable.

What is the Annual Enrollment Period and does it apply in Stonington?

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7 every year and applies to Medicare beneficiaries nationwide, including all Stonington residents. During AEP, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, add or change Part D coverage, drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare, or enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time if you were already enrolled in Original Medicare. Changes made during AEP take effect January 1 of the following year. There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31, during which existing Medicare Advantage enrollees can make one plan change.

Can I use both Medicare and Medicaid in Stonington?

Yes. Stonington residents who qualify for both Medicare and Connecticut Medicaid are considered “dual eligible” and may have access to additional financial protections and plan options. Medicaid can help cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing for qualifying individuals. Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed for dual-eligible beneficiaries and are available through several carriers in New London County. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on income and asset levels; the Connecticut Department of Social Services administers the state’s Medicaid program.

How do I compare Part D drug plans for my Stonington ZIP code?

The most accurate way to compare Part D plans is through Medicare’s official Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Enter your ZIP code (06378 or 06355), your specific medications with dosages, and your preferred pharmacy — CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, or Stop & Shop Pharmacy in the Stonington area. The tool will calculate your estimated annual out-of-pocket drug costs for each available plan, factoring in premiums, deductibles, and copays at your preferred pharmacy. This comparison should be run every year during AEP because formularies and pharmacy preferred tiers change annually.

What is Medigap and is it available in Stonington, Connecticut?

Medigap (Medicare Supplement insurance) is private insurance that fills the cost-sharing gaps left by Original Medicare — including deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. It is fully available to Stonington residents through multiple licensed carriers. In Connecticut, Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N), and state law provides guaranteed-issue protections during your Open Enrollment Period, as well as additional protections beyond the federal minimum. Because Medigap works with any Medicare-participating provider nationwide, it offers broad flexibility for Stonington residents who use providers in both Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Medicare decisions are among the most consequential financial choices Stonington residents will make, and the right answer is different for each household. If you live in Stonington, Mystic, Pawcatuck, or anywhere in the surrounding New London County area and have questions about your Medicare options, Joseph Antonucci at We Find Your Insurance offers free, no-pressure consultations for Medicare beneficiaries. Joseph is a Connecticut-licensed independent insurance broker (CT License #21658409), licensed since 2019, with specific experience helping southeastern Connecticut residents navigate Medicare plan selection. Call (860) 351-0514 to schedule your consultation. There is no cost and no obligation — just straightforward guidance from a local professional who knows the Stonington healthcare market.