Author: Matt McColm

How do Medicare Advantage Plans pick what areas to work in?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Medicare Advantage Seniors enjoying trail

When someone shops Medicare plans sometimes the question comes up asking why isn’t a specific plan that they saw on television or the internet is offered in Chelan or Okanogan County?

appointment with Suzie

Imagine Medicare Advantage plans are like ice cream trucks. They want to visit neighborhoods where they know people love ice cream. But, they can’t go everywhere – they have to pick and choose based on a few things:

  1. Map Check: They look at a map and say, “Hmm, can we drive our truck easily in this county? Are there enough roads (hospitals and doctors) for us to serve ice cream (healthcare)?” It’s why you may have one plan in Chelan and not in Douglas County.
  2. Rules of the Road: They also have to follow the traffic rules. Medicare is like the traffic police, saying, “You can drive here, but not there.”
  3. Neighborly Advice: They think about the neighbors (that’s you!). They ask, “Do the lovely folks here like our flavor of ice cream (healthcare services)?”
  4. Counting Coins: They check their piggy banks and see if visiting a neighborhood makes sense. No point in going if the ice cream melts (costs are too high) before they can sell it!
  5. Competition: If there are too many ice cream trucks on the same street, it might be tough to find a good spot. They look for streets with just enough room for them.
  6. Permission Slip: Before they start the engine, they need a permission slip from Medicare. It’s like a golden ticket to drive into your county.

So, every year, these ice cream trucks (Medicare Advantage plans) figure out which neighborhoods (counties) they’ll visit. They want to make sure they can bring you the tastiest and most affordable ice cream (healthcare) with a smile! 🍦🚚

appointment with Suzie
Insurance Bundle

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 16 organizations which offer 62 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

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Do I need a surety bond in Washington state?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Unleashing the Power of Surety Bonds: The Unsung Heroes of Guarantee

Welcome to the quirky world of surety bonds, where the unsung heroes of business and construction come to shine! Surety bonds might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to exciting topics, but they play a crucial role in ensuring projects and professional services go off without a hitch. Here’s a lighthearted look at who can use a surety bond and why you might consider becoming their biggest fan!

Link to get Bond

The Fearless Contractor

Imagine hiring someone to build your dream house, only to find out they’ve mistakenly included a moat around your home. Enter the surety bond! These bonds act as a promise that the contractor will not only complete the job but will adhere to certain standards. No moats—unless you specifically ask for one, of course.

Contractor needing a surety bond for L and I

The Daring Business Owner

Opening a new business can be as nerve-wracking as performing a tightrope walk over a bustling city intersection. Surety bonds guarantee that the business will comply with local laws and regulations, ensuring that the business owner doesn’t accidentally turn their new bakery into an all-night rave (unless, again, that’s the plan).

The Adventurous Importer

Ever wonder how exotic goods make their way to your local market without turning into an episode of “When Imports Go Wrong”? Surety bonds are there to ensure that importers comply with government regulations, helping to prevent those chocolate bars from being nothing more than cleverly disguised, inedible replicas.

The Courageous Notary Public

Notaries public might not wield swords or wear capes, but their stamps wield a lot of power. A surety bond for a notary ensures that they handle your documents properly and don’t accidentally certify your cat as the next legal heir to your estate—unless, of course, that’s your wish.

Why You Might Love Surety Bonds

Surety bonds provide peace of mind in a chaotic world. They make sure everyone sticks to their promises and that professional standards are met. Plus, they prevent potentially hilarious yet undesirable outcomes from becoming a reality in your personal and professional projects.

fast access to a surety bond

So next time you embark on a business venture, sign a contract with a contractor, or deal with a notary, remember the surety bond—your invisible hero ensuring that everything goes exactly as planned. Just remember, they can’t actually make you fly or turn invisible; they’re magical, but only in the metaphorical sense!

Set appointment for Shayla

Surety bonds might not be the topic of blockbuster movies or bestselling novels, but in the world of business and legal affairs, they’re absolutely crucial. Who knew something so serious could also be a little bit fun?

Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Business, Chelan, Grant, Notary, Contractor, Painter, Bond, Surety, Independent Agency, Washington,

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Fight inflation by changing Medigap plans outside of fall enrollment in Washington

Posted on by Matt McColm

Changing Medicare Medigap plan is not restricted to the specific annual enrollment period like some other parts of Medicare (Plan D), but certain considerations and rules affect when and how you can change your plan:

Usually, in spring rates change, if you find your rates inflating then talk to Suzie and see if you can change plans in Washington State. Suzie has in person, video, or phone appointments available in Washington State.

Suzie McColm with Washington State award for new individual health and medicare insurance, Medigap

Medigap plans are standardized so price shopping can fight inflation.

Guaranteed Issue Rights: Certain situations, known as “guaranteed issue rights,” allow you to enroll or change Medigap policies without medical underwriting. You have this right during your initial enrollment period. You also have this if you are switching from a Medigap plan to a Medigap plan if you have held coverage for at least three months.

Set appointment with Suzie

Trial Rights occur when you join a Medicare Advantage Plan when you were first eligible for Medicare Part A at 65, or if you dropped a Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time. These rights allow you to switch to a Medigap policy within the first year of joining. This is a free look that prevents buyer’s remorse.

Important Plan D Note:

Reminder your Medigap plan will not cover prescriptions. Prescription Medication is covered by a Medicare Plan D. These plans are restricted to changes that can be made during the annual enrollment period.

Setting appointment for Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7th. Yes, it is good to review your plan every year during this annual enrollment period, so no surprises occur the following year. It is not required as you will receive documentation of changes from the insurance company, it is however highly recommended.

Set appointment for Oct 15 through Dec 7th.

Set Appointment Oct 15 through Dec 7th

Dropping a Medigap Policy: Do not just stop paying for your old plan. Take the proper steps with your advisor to have a new plan in place before the old one is dropped. This prevents coverage gaps from occurring.

Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to consult with an assistor who is trained and certified to work with Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updates the rules every year to protect consumers.  

Our Wenatchee Insurance Agency is led by Suzie McColm who has the added background of being a pharmacy technician for twenty-plus years.

We love our senior insurance customers
Why be boring, life is short.
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Can my tribal affiliation affect Healthcare?

Posted on by Matt McColm

If you are an American Indian or Alaska Native, then healthcare was improved by the Affordable Care Act with it’s permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.  It took Matt nearly three years to find the first person that qualified with a tribal affiliation.

appointment with Suzie

The Top Four:

 Here are the top four ways the Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefits Native Americans:

  1. No Cost-Sharing: Native Americans with certain income levels are exempt from co-pays and deductibles when they buy insurance through the ACA Marketplace. We like to print this out because it is radically different than most people are used to.
  2. Special Enrollment Privileges: Native Americans can enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace any time of the year, not just during the standard open enrollment period. If you enroll before the 15th then your plan starts on the 1st of the following month.
  3. Access to More Services: The ACA provides additional funding to the Indian Health Service, improving and expanding available healthcare services.
  4. Coverage for Preventive Services: The ACA ensures coverage for various preventive services without additional costs, which is crucial for maintaining good health.

For the Affordable Care Act (ACA), proof of tribal affiliation typically involves demonstrating membership or eligibility for services from a federally recognized tribe. This can be as simple as uploading your Tribal Membership Card or Tribal Enrollment Records.

The no cost sharing plans mean your only responsibility is paying the premium. There are zero co-pays and zero-deductibles on these plans. If you run into network issues then they can be changed the following month with ease.

appointment with Suzie

Suzie and Matt assist people in understanding and enrolling in health plans without charging any fees. For six years, they ran the Enrollment Center in Wenatchee. They continue a similar effort with Wenatchee Insurance supporting more insurance products.

Topics

Topics: Tribal Health, Enrollment, Healthcare, Wenatchee Insurance, NCW Insurance, Native American, ACA, Healthplanfinder

#medicare, #health #wenatcheeinsurance #thesuzie #enrollment

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The springs winds are around the corner is your insurance ready?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Ah, Washington! Land of coffee, rain, and the occasional trampoline taking flight like a misguided UFO during a windstorm. So, let’s talk about wind damage coverage.

talk with Shayla
trampoline and homeowner insurance lability in Grant County

First off, most homeowner policies here are pretty solid. They’ve got your back when the wind decides to redecorate your yard or play bowling with your roof shingles. But, remember, it’s not just about the ‘whooosh’; it’s also about what the ‘whooosh’ brings along. We’re talking trees that suddenly believe they can walk, and yes, the legendary flying trampolines.

Now, if a trampoline decides to audition for the role of ‘Mary Poppins’ and lands on your roof, your policy usually steps in. It’s like, ‘Don’t worry, we’ve seen this episode before.’ They cover the damage to your house, maybe even the fence it crushed on its way down.

But here’s the kicker – if your own trampoline decides to go on an adventure and damages someone else’s property, you might need to check the liability part of your insurance. Because, let’s face it, nobody wants a neighborly dispute over a rogue trampoline.

And let’s not forget the ‘Wind-Driven Rain Ensemble’. This is when the wind plays maestro and directs rain to places it’s not supposed to be, like inside your house. Coverage here can get a bit tricky, but generally, if the rain’s invited in by wind damage, you’re covered.

Wind trampoline damage insurance wenatchee

One more thing – deductibles. In some cases, you might have a separate ‘wind deductible’. Think of it as the entry fee for the ‘wind damage club’. It’s often a percentage of your home’s value. So, if your home is worth a lot, maybe start a ‘wind deductible’ piggy bank.

In summary, yes, wind damage, including the acrobatic acts of trampolines, is generally covered. But policies vary, and it’s always a good idea to chat with your agent – especially if you own a trampoline. They might just have a frequent flier program!”

talk with Shayla

Always check the specifics of your policy and talk to your insurance agent for personalized advice, especially if your backyard has a trampoline with a mind of its own!

Trampolines are one of the risks that we like to chat about so that our clients better understand their policy.

simple process for insurance
Wenatchee Insurance simple process

topics:

#home #renters #deductible #wenatcheeinsurance

Topics: Home Insurance, Renter Insurance, Trampoline, Wenatchee Insurance, Washington, Wind Coverage, wind deductible, backyard, liability, shingles

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Who can enroll in health insurance outside of fall’s Open Enrollment?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Sometimes it helps to remember things when put to a simple rhyme. We are going to consult the Bard about health insurance.

talk with Suzie

If you missed open enrollment, don’t despair,
Here’s a rhyme for situations quite rare:

When life throws a curve, like a baby’s new cry,
Or marriage bells chime under the sky,
That’s a time when you can apply.

If you move your abode, a new place to dwell,
Or lose your old coverage, as records can tell,
These events open the gate, so all can be well.

A citizenship change, a status update,
Or if Medicaid says, “Sorry, you’re late,”
These too swing wide the special enrollment fate.

But remember, my friend, in this healthcare quest,
Timing is key to getting the best,
Typically 60 days post-event, no jest!

So if life changes course, be it merry or tense,
You’ve got a chance for insurance hence,
In this rhyme, I hope, it all makes sense!

The bottom line:

If you do not have health insurance then we want to see you ASAP to see if you qualify. Special Events can also occur and you could be qualified and not even know it for a plan cheaper than you expected.

This was the first year that we could assist with insuring Washington state residents that did not have citizenship like DACA or dreamers.

We do our best to make insurance understandable and usable. Wenatchee Insurance doesn’t charge fees and answers questions throughout the year. Suzie was a pharmacy technician and is incredibly usefully.

appointment with Suzie

Topics: Chelan, Dental, Health, Independent Insurance Agency, Life, Mission, SEP, Special Enrollment Suzie, Wenatchee,

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What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Not the Annual Enrollment Period!

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place every year from October 15th through December 7th. Every year Medicare Eligible people can enroll or change plans that start January 1st.

This runs January 1st through March 31st

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change for whatever reason. Maybe you changed during the enrollment period and the new plan isn’t working. Maybe you missed changing your Medicare Advantage Plan during the AEP.

Set Appointment with Suzie

Talk with Suzie Today

Imagine Medicare as a big, bustling supermarket of health care plans. Now, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is like this special three-month-long festival in the supermarket, starting January 1st and ending on March 31st, where you can swap your shopping cart (your current Medicare Advantage plan) for a different one.

  1. Switching Carts (Plans): Let’s say you’re wheeling around a cart (your current Medicare Advantage plan) and you spot another cart that looks sleeker, has better wheels (better benefits), or maybe even a built-in cup holder (extra perks). You can ditch your old cart and grab the new one! Just make sure it’s still in the Medicare Advantage aisle.
  2. Back to Basics with a Handbasket (Original Medicare): Maybe you’re tired of pushing around these fancy carts. You miss the good old days of a simple handbasket (Original Medicare). Well, you can swap your cart for a handbasket during this festival. And if you miss having a place to put your soda (prescription drugs), you can always grab one of those trendy little clip-on cup holders (Medicare Prescription Drug Plan).
  3. Adding a Cup Holder (Prescription Drug Plan): If you switch to your handbasket and suddenly realize, “Oh no, where will I put my soda?” (prescription drugs), you can pick up one of those nifty cup holders (join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan) to clip onto your basket.

Remember, this festival is only for folks who already have a shopping cart (are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan). If you’re still contemplating the merits of a basket or a cart (if you’re on Original Medicare), this isn’t your festival, but don’t worry, your time will come during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7)!

So, during this special festival, feel free to peruse the aisles, compare the carts, and make sure you’re wheeling around the one that fits your shopping list (healthcare needs) the best! Just don’t try to check out with more than one cart, or you might set off the security alarms (confuse the system)! 🛒😄

Medicare has a bunch of Enrollment Periods, from Initial Enrollment Period, General Enrollment Period, Special Enrollment Period, in addition to the Annual Enrollment Period and the Open Enrollment Period. If you have questions then let us know as we are always glad to lend a hand at Wenatchee Insurance.

Topics: Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, Prescription Drug Plan, Open Enrollment Period, Local Insurance Broker, Wenatchee Insurance

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Local insurance agents helps out in Central Washington

Posted on by Matt McColm

We have a lot of fun around Wenatchee insurance. Let’s add a humorous twist to the importance of a local independent insurance agent from Chelan County:

  1. Knows Your Neighbors Better Than You Do: Your Wenatchee insurance agent is like the neighborhood gossip guru but for insurance. They know everyone’s business – in a good way! Need to know if Mrs. Johnson’s cat really did cause that tree to fall? They’re on it.
  2. Weather Wizard: They have an uncanny ability to predict local weather risks. It’s like they have a sixth sense for when the next big hailstorm will hit Wenatchee, saving you from the dreaded ‘hail-dented car’ look.
  3. Apple Insurance Expert: In Wenatchee, the apple capital of the world, they’re not just insurance experts; they’re apple insurance connoisseurs. They’ll insure your apples, apple trees, and even your apple pies!
insurance agents can help you find coverage

4. Mountain Man/Woman Vibes: Living in the gateway to the Cascades, they know all about insuring your hiking gear, bear-proofing your camping insurance, and making sure your mountain bike is covered, even if you’re just riding it to the local coffee shop.

5. Coffee-Spilling Coverages: They understand the local habit of sipping coffee non-stop. Spilled coffee on your laptop? They’ve got a policy for that.

6. Personalized Service with a Smile (and Maybe a Pie): They’re so friendly that every policy discussion could end with a smile and a shared recipe for the best apple pie in Wenatchee.

7. Bigfoot Coverage?: Only in Wenatchee would your insurance agent seriously discuss coverage options for a Bigfoot sighting on your property. Just in case, right?

In short, a local independent insurance agent from Wenatchee isn’t just an expert in policies; they’re an integral, quirky part of the community fabric, blending local charm with professional expertise – and possibly holding the secret recipe to the perfect apple pie! 🍎🥧

Topic: Wenatchee Insurance, Lake Wenatchee, Entiat, Chelan, local agent,

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Can Renters Insurance cover a wild senior party in NCW?

Posted on by Matt McColm
renters insurance for your new home

Renters insurance typically provides coverage for certain risks or perils like theft, fire, or water damage. It is affordable and handy coverage to have when you rent an apartment or home. However, the coverage for incidents arising from a Senior’s party blowout can vary depending on the specific terms of the policy and the nature of the damage or liability involved.

talk with Shayla

Renters Insurance Example:

If you do not have event insurance, here’s how renters’ insurance might (or might not) cover a the shenanigans of a party that has gone overboard:

  1. Property Damage: If your crazy party turns a bit too wild and results in accidental damage to your rented property, renters insurance might come to the rescue. Imagine a scenario where someone enthusiastically demonstrates their dance moves and accidentally crashes into a wall, creating a cartoon-like human-shaped hole. Your renters insurance may cover the cost of repairing the wall after the deductible.
  2. Liability Coverage: Suppose a guest at your wild party decides to reenact a scene from a superhero movie and ends up injuring another guest. If you’re held liable for the guest’s medical expenses, your liability coverage in your renters insurance could help cover the costs. Just don’t expect it to cover any attempts at actual superhero landings.
  3. Personal Property: If during the chaos of the party, your expensive sound system is accidentally damaged or stolen, renters insurance could help replace or repair it. However, it won’t cover the emotional trauma of not being able to play the party’s theme song on repeat.
  4. Additional Living Expenses: In a very extreme scenario, if your party results in damages making your rental uninhabitable (like an impromptu indoor fireworks show gone wrong), your policy might cover temporary living expenses. But it won’t cover the cost of continuing the party at a five-star hotel.

Not all things are covered:

Remember, insurance policies have exclusions. Damage caused by intentional acts or gross negligence (like deciding it’s a good idea to indoor-ski down the staircase) typically isn’t covered. Also, the insurer might not see the humor in the situation like we do! Always walk through your insurance plan with your independent agent.

talk with Shayla

Topics: Renters Insurance, Party Insurance, Event Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Liability, Property Damage,

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Is your Homeowners Insurance Deductible a percentage?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Deductible on your home insurance can be a big difference

In tough times, not everyone has a pile of cash lying about to cover an unexpected loss. How much do you want to pay for your deductible before the insurance company starts paying?

talk with Shayla

Example:  You are doing good and own a lovely $400,000 home. One day, to your surprise, you find that water has decided to throw a pool party in your basement without your permission. Oh no, it’s a water backup loss! But fear not, you have water backup insurance coverage with a 1% deductible.

Here’s how the deductible plays out in a simple way:

The 1% Rule: Your insurance says, “We’ll help, but remember the 1% rule!” This means you’re responsible for 1% of your home’s value before the insurance kicks in. In your case, 1% of $400,000 is $4,000. So, you’re like a bank for the first $4,000.

The Water Backup Bill: Let’s say repairing all the water damage and evicting the unwanted pool costs $10,000. You might gasp, but hold on!

Your Share vs. Insurance Share: You pay the first $4,000 (because of the 1% rule). The insurance company, wearing a superhero cape, swoops in to pay the remaining $6,000.

Note if you have a $1000 deductible then you would only pay $1000 and the insurance company would pay the remaining $9,000!

The End Result:

Your basement is saved, and your wallet is lighter. You’ve learned a valuable lesson about water backups and probably consider buying a lifejacket for your basement.

In short, with a 1% deductible on a $400,000 home, you cover the first $4,000 of any damage, and then your insurance covers the rest, up to the policy limit. It’s like going to a fancy restaurant and paying for the appetizer, while insurance pays for the main course and dessert.

For many people in Central Washington, it is easier to find $1000 to pay for a deductible rather than 1%. At Wenatchee Insurance, focus on usable and affordable.

talk with Shayla

Topics: Water Damage, Home Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Deductible, NCW, Central Washington, Chelan County, Sewer backup, Allstate, travelers, Hartford,

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