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Wenatchee Insurance Agency

413 N Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801

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Featured Insurance Blog

Author: Matt McColm

We work with all kinds of insurance in Washington State. From Health, Life, Auto, Home, Business and more. If you have an insurance question then let us know.

What are the alternatives to health insurance in North Central Washington?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Essential Oils make you feel better

While alternatives to traditional health insurance can offer cost savings and flexibility for some individuals, they also come with their own set of challenges and potential problems. It’s crucial to be aware of these issues before considering an alternative to health insurance.

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Limited Coverage:

Many alternatives provide limited coverage compared to comprehensive health insurance plans. They may not cover pre-existing conditions, essential health benefits, or preventive care, leaving you vulnerable to unexpected medical expenses.

Lack of Regulation:

Health insurance is heavily regulated to ensure consumer protection and guarantee certain standards of care. Some alternatives, such as health-sharing ministries and discount health plans, may not be subject to the same regulatory oversight, which can lead to less transparency and potential risks.

We have seen Health Share Ministries forced to leave the state over bad behavior. Despite some offering lucrative commissions offered by some of these companies, we want coverage access to all our clients with minimal fight when they utilize the product.

Pre-Existing Conditions:

Some alternatives may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or impose waiting periods before covering them. This can be a significant drawback if you have chronic health issues. If it has a waiting period then it is not a qualified health plan.

Qualified health plan can have low copays.

Limited Provider Networks:

Direct Medical Providers can be on a subscription or fee basis. They have a registry, and some people use it to supplement primary care availability. However most do not have access to major care such as surgery so be aware of limitations. Lupine Family Medical is one example in Wenatchee.

Alternative plans like short-term health insurance or discount health plans may have limited provider networks. Short-term plans have severe limitations in Washington State. We utilize the flexibility of the Special Enrollment periods to enroll and disenroll people into a qualified health plan for a few months.

Potential for High Out-of-Pocket Costs:

Catastrophic plans are limited to people under 30 or with a hardship exemption and are not available in all areas of the state. They also usually have a high deductible so in many cases a Cascade Care plan

Ineligibility:

Some alternatives, like Medicaid, Medicare, or health-sharing ministries, have specific eligibility criteria. If you don’t meet these criteria, you may not be able to enroll in these programs. Read the fine print.

Risk of Non-Payment:

In the case of health-sharing ministries, there is a risk that other members may not contribute their share, leaving you responsible for your medical bills. Be aware of any program that requires you to negotiate with the provider.

Before choosing an alternative to health insurance, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate your healthcare needs, budget, and risk tolerance. Consult with a financial advisor or insurance expert to determine which option is best suited to your individual circumstances. Additionally, staying informed about changes in healthcare laws and regulations can help you make informed decisions about your coverage.

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Topics: Health Insurance, Healthcare, Molina, Apple Health, Medicare, Obamacare, Mi Seguro, Seguro de Salud, Coordinated Care, Medicare, Health share, Health Ministry, short term medical, catastrophic health, Direct Medical, Washington State, Cascade Care,

When can immigrants sign up for health insurance in Washington State?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Health Insurance regardless of immigration Status
November 1st enrollment begins.

November 1st, 2023, Immigrants are eligible to sign up for health insurance regardless of residency status. Immigrants were blocked during the creation of the ACA from purchasing health insurance and they are one of the largest uninsured groups left. This includes over 800,000 Dreamers living in the United States. If your income level is under 250% of the poverty level, then you may reduce your cost with Cascade Care Credits.

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Note when Feds update DACA then DACA could see both Cascade Care Credits and Federal Credits to lower cost.

250% of the poverty level is about $36,000 a year for a single person.

Dreamers can purchase Health Insurance

The enrollment process involves a few steps:

Gather your Information: You will need to provide information such as names, birthdates, and income of the household. If your employers offer health insurance, then you will not be eligible for this program; however other household members may be. You may also need to provide your social security numbers, but you can still apply if you do not have one. You should also bring paystubs or tax returns for proof of income.

Identity Proof Document need one from List A

or Identity Proof Document need two from list B

Apply: The application process will ask for information about you and your household, and it usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. We recommend using an in-person assister. We have them available in Wenatchee.

Choose Your Health Plan: Washington Healthplanfinder offers many plans and ways to save. The plans you qualify for depend on your details and county. You can filter plans by premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, carrier, metal level, and more.

Stay Covered!: You will want to make the first payment. The insurance company will then send your card and welcome packet about two weeks later. Each year, we have open enrollment where you review and make changes to your plans.

If you enroll from November 1st to December 15th, then your plan will start on January 1st, 2024. If you enroll from December 16th to January 15th, then your plan will start on February 1st, 2024.

If your income is under 138% of the poverty level, starting from July 2024, you will be eligible for Apple Health on a first-come, first-served basis. This is about $20,000 per year.

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July 1st, 2024,  Apple Health plans for immigrants will start.

In-person assistance is recommended due to the inability to verify identity using the Federal Hub, necessitating a manual process with documentation. We work primarily with English in Wenatchee.

This is a massive project and there are web pages like https://micasadeseguromedico.com/ and facebook pages for people to get assistance.

Topics: Health Insurance, Healthcare, Molina, Apple Health, Obamacare, Mi Seguro, Seguro de Salud, Coordinated Care, Medicare, Immigrant Healthcare, DACA, Dreamers, Washington State, Independent Insurance Agent,

How do I Insure my license in Washington state for cheap?

Posted on by Matt McColm

When you drive in Washington state, you are required to have your liability covered. In most cases that means insurance.

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Some folks look to ensure their license in order to save money.  These policies have some restrictions that may not work for all conditions. For example, if your friend needs to borrow your truck to move a couch, they would be missing coverage since only you would be covered.

Broad form insurance, often referred to as “broad form auto insurance. Broad-form insurance typically covers more drivers and vehicles under a single policy, making it a convenient option for some individuals. However, it’s important to note that broad-form insurance may not be available with all insurance companies, and its availability and specific terms can vary from one insurance company to another.

Here are the key characteristics and features of broad-form insurance:

Multiple Drivers and Vehicles: Broad-form insurance allows you to cover multiple drivers and vehicles under a single policy. This can be beneficial for households with multiple drivers or individuals who frequently drive different cars.

Named Insured: In broad form insurance, the policy is usually issued in the name of the primary policyholder (the named insured).

Convenience: Broad-form insurance is convenient because it eliminates the need to purchase individual insurance policies for each driver and vehicle in the household. This can potentially save time and reduce administrative hassles.

Limitations and Restrictions

Limitations and Restrictions: While broad-form insurance offers convenience, it often comes with certain limitations and restrictions:

Coverage is typically limited to the named insured and listed drivers. Unlisted drivers may not be covered.

Coverage might not extend to rental cars or vehicles owned by others outside the household.

It may not provide the same level of coverage as traditional auto insurance, and coverage limits may be lower.

Affordability: Broad-form insurance may be more affordable than purchasing separate policies for each driver and vehicle because it combines coverage into a single policy.

Before considering broad-form insurance, it’s essential to carefully review the terms, limitations, and coverage options with your insurance agency. You should also assess whether it meets your specific needs and whether there are any gaps in coverage that you need to address, such as coverage for rental cars or additional liability protection.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Car Insurance, Auto Insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Health Insurance, Home Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Hyundai, Truck, Broad form, License Insurance, SR22, Cheap Car Insurance,

Can I get cheap car insurance for my Kia or Hyundai?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Young driver ready with insurance and keys
We insure all ages

We have been talking about the Kia and Hyundai problem for a few months. In February and in May.

If you have a Kia or a Hyundais then you may be experiencing a challenge in insuring them. You are not alone. There are more than eight million Hyundais and Kias from the model years 2011 to 2022. There are websites dedicated to the issue.

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There are websites for Kia owners and Hyundai owners to get more information about their specific vehicle.

The manufacturers have had a $200 million dollar settlement. As part of it owners can get a software upgrade and if software cannot be installed then get up to $300 to buy their choice of anti-theft devices. There is a resurgence of the ‘90s classic “Club” which is a steering wheel lock.

Steering wheel lock to slow down thieves

TikTok Challenge and Kia Boys

Instagram and TikTok have had multiple videos including some “challenge” videos about how easy they are to steal with a USB because of their lack of immobilizers. The popularity of the “Kia Boys” was enabled by social media as thieves began to steal them for their views and clout.

Due to the ease of the thefts and the sheer volume of thefts some insurance companies have stopped covering them. We have several companies that we work with that do cover them. There is also the option of insuring your license with a Broad Form if the vehicle is paid off.

What can we do?

While these are great little cars do not expect every insurance company to insure them cheaply. We run them through an exchange to see what companies are still writing them for the lowest cost.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Car Insurance, Auto Insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Health Insurance, Home Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Kia, Hyundai, TikTok, TikTok Challenge, Kia Challenge, Kia Boys, Instagram

How Do I Insure The Family Farm In North Central Washington?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Not everyone has the opportunity to grow up with chickens, hoeing weeds and running irrigation lines. It is important to protect farms for the next generation.

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When insuring a farm, it’s important to consider a range of coverages to protect your property, assets, and operations. The specific coverages you need can vary depending on the size and type of your farm, but here are some common types of insurance coverage to consider:

Farm Property Insurance: This provides coverage for damage to your farm’s physical structures, including barns, silos, equipment sheds, and your farmhouse. It can also cover the loss of farm equipment and machinery.

Crop Insurance: Not all crops can do this however for some crops like apples, pears, cherries, and wheat it can be to your benefit. If you are a crop farmer, crop insurance can protect against losses due to hail, disease, pests, and other factors that can damage or destroy your crops.

Livestock Insurance: This coverage protects your livestock (cattle, poultry, swine, etc.) from risks such as disease outbreaks, accidents, or theft.

Health Insurance: Farming is dangerous having health insurance so when people get sick or injured is critical for a sustained operation.

Liability Insurance: Farm liability insurance protects you in case someone is injured on your property or if your farming activities cause harm to others. It can also cover legal expenses if you are sued.

What about the Orchard Truck?

Farm Auto Insurance: If you have vehicles used for farming, such as tractors, trucks, or ATVs, you’ll need insurance to cover them. This can include coverage for accidents, theft, and liability.

Equipment Breakdown Insurance: This type of coverage helps repair or replace farm equipment that breaks down due to mechanical or electrical failures. If you have ever had a well pump go out in July or a harvester break down in the middle of harvest then you know how critical this coverage is.

Farmers’ Personal Property Insurance: This covers personal property items used in farming, such as tools and equipment, that may not be covered under your standard homeowner’s insurance.

Umbrella Insurance: This provides additional liability coverage that goes beyond the limits of your other policies. It can be valuable if you have significant assets to protect.

An Alpaca hobby or gentleman farm is a very different operation than a U-Pick Orchard with a Hayride. When you have fewer than 10 horses with no boarding or breeding then your ranch has more options. Barndominums are also making a surge as people combining the home with an agriculture lifestyle.

Farms and Ranch can be tricky and we like to have conversations to see if something is missed during the application. We can help you assess your risks and tailor a policy that provides the appropriate coverage for your specific farm operation. The specific coverage you need will depend on your farm’s size, location, and the type of crops or livestock you produce.

Whether you are running a Lavender Farm up the Methow, Black Angus out of Aeneas Valley, or putting in a vineyard in Chelan. We want to work with you to make sure that you are a success for years to come.

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Topics: Farm Insurance, Healthcare, Crop Insurance, Apple, Wheat, Mi Seguro, Seguro de Salud, Chelan, Okanogan, Ranch Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Independent Insurance Agent

Is it Cheaper to insure a trailer or a manufactured home in Washington State?

Posted on by Matt McColm

The cost of insuring a trailer (such as a travel trailer or camper) versus a manufactured home (also known as a mobile home) can vary significantly based on several factors.

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Here are some key considerations:

  1. Type of Coverage: The type of insurance coverage you need can impact the cost. Trailers are often insured with RV or travel trailer insurance, which typically covers liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for the trailer. Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are typically insured with a mobile home insurance policy that provides coverage for both the structure and its contents, similar to traditional home insurance.
  2. Value of the Property: Manufactured homes are usually larger and more valuable than trailers. The replacement cost of the structure and the value of your belongings will play a significant role in determining the premium. Generally, the higher the value, the higher the insurance cost.
  3. Location: Where you park or place your trailer or manufactured home can affect insurance rates. Locations in regions prone to natural disasters like wildfires may result in higher premiums due to increased risk. We have seen an increase in cost and availability in our more forested areas of Chelan and Okanogan Counties.
  4. Age and Condition: The age and condition of your trailer or manufactured home can also impact insurance costs. Older structures might have higher premiums because they could be more susceptible to damage and wear and tear.
  5. Safety Features: Safety features like smoke detectors, security systems, and fire-resistant materials can help reduce insurance costs for both trailers and manufactured homes.
  6. Usage: How you use your trailer or manufactured home can influence insurance rates. If you use your trailer for occasional vacations, it might have a lower premium compared to a manufactured home that serves as a primary residence.
  7. Discounts: Insurance providers often offer discounts. For example, bundling your trailer or manufactured home insurance with other policies, having a good claims history, or belonging to certain organizations may qualify you for discounts. We like to have conversations with our clients to look for discounts.
  8. Insurance Provider: Different insurance companies have varying rates and policies. It’s why we use as many insurance companies as we have access to shop for our clients.

In general, trailer insurance is often less expensive than manufactured home insurance due to the differences in size, value, and usage. However, the actual cost can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above. To determine which option is cheaper for you and to get an accurate insurance quote, it’s best to contact insurance providers and provide them with specific details about your trailer or manufactured home. This way, you can compare quotes and make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Trailer Insurance, Auto Insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Manufactured Home Insurance, Home Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Okanogan County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping

MI CASA DE SEGURO MÉDICO

Posted on by Matt McColm

Hace más de 11 años, cuando Matt comenzaron a trabajar con seguros médicos, preguntamos si los ITIN se considerarían como prueba de residencia para la Ley de Atención Médica Asequible. Teníamos muchos clientes y amigos con varios niveles de documentación y nuestro objetivo era asegurarnos de que todos tuvieran seguro médico.

Nos quitaron más cuando los Dreamers fueron considerados no elegibles en 2017. Ha sido una lucha y lucha para mejorar el acceso al seguro médico para los inmigrantes.

Finalmente, el 1 de noviembre de 2023 podremos comenzar a inscribir personas independientemente de su estatus migratorio en Washington Healthplanfinder. Las tarifas aún están por determinarse y no sabemos si utilizarán un ITIN como herramienta para la solicitud. A medida que haya más información disponible, se lo haremos saber. Lo que sí sabemos.

La inscripción se realizará del 1 de noviembre al 15 de enero. Tenemos dos oficinas,

Wenatchee Insurance. Esta es la dirección de 413 N Mission Street. Tiene horario extendido. El inglés es el idioma principal que se habla y su número de teléfono es 509-295-9055.

Programe sus citas con anticipación y si necesita cambiarlas, infórmenos lo antes posible. Hay 105.000 personas que han estado esperando acceso a la atención sanitaria.

My Health Insurance Home

Over 11 years ago when Matt started working with Health Insurance we asked if would ITINs be considered as proof of residency for the Affordable Care Act. We had a lot of clients and friends with various documentation levels and our goal was to make sure that everyone had health insurance.

We had more taken away when the Dreamers were deemed ineligible in 2017. It has been a fight and struggle to improve health insurance access for immigrants.

Finally, on November 1st, 2023 we can begin enrolling people regardless of immigration status onto the Washington Healthplanfinder.  The rates are yet to be determined and we do not know if they will use an ITIN as a tool for the application. As more information becomes available, we will let you know. What we do know.

Enrollment will run from November 1st through January 15th. We have two offices,

Wenatchee Insurance . This is the 413 N Mission Street Address.  It has extended hours. English is the primary language spoken and it’s phone number is 509-295-9055

Set your appointments early and if you need to change them then let us know as soon as possible. There are 105,000 people who have been waiting for access to healthcare.

Topics: Health Insurance, Healthcare, Molina, Apple Health, Obamacare, Mi Seguro, Seguro de Salud, Coordinated Care, Medicare

Free Services for LGBTQ+ Youth

Posted on by Matt McColm

Triple Point NCW provides free services for LGBTQ+ youth, their families and communities in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan Counties. The National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health paints a rough picture with 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considering suicide and fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth finding their homes being gender-affirming. A positive person can reduce the risk of children not making it to adulthood.

Triple Point is part of the Children’s Home Society of Washington. They have been around since 1896. They have seven locations around Washington State. Each with different support programs with Wenatchee identified as a Future Hub for a streamlined and cohesive support system for children and families.

If you would like to lend a hand contact Dylan Sprodling directly at dylan.spradling@chs-wa.org or call 509-802-1136.

With The Suzie @ Wenatchee Insurance, we created an outreach page called OUTNCW.ORG where people can find healthcare including mental health professionals. We have been committed to all of our neighbors living their lives and getting clear access to healthcare is part of it.

Medicare and Health Insurance Appointments

Posted on by Matt McColm
We have your insurance

October 15th through December 7th is the Annual Open Enrollment Period for Medicare. This allows people on Medicare plans to make an adjustment for plans that start the following year. If you had a big change in health or want to review plans then this is your chance to do so.

Book your appointment now

Medicare Appointment

Health is different. Health starts November 1st and runs until December 15th for plans that start January 1st. Then there is a bonus enrollment from December 16th through January 15th for plans that start February 1st.

Book Health or Medicare with Suzie in Wenatchee

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With our past enrollments we know that space is going to be limited. To give you a better understanding.

We have grown a lot!

We have sped up considerable. As the following is new policies that we have written for just 2023. This is not our full list as renewals grow every year for us.

We provide all of our clients with the opportunity to understand and change policies every year. This is why we request clients that want this opportunity to set their appointment ASAP. Yes, we have grown 241% since 2019. We run 7 days a week for most of the enrollment period.

PEBB and other retirement plans

If you want information about a PEBB Plan then you have to go to the Healthcare Authority. They do not contract with brokers and do not provide training for your plans. We recognize that they can use additional customer service but we can not answer your retirement plan questions during Enrollment Periods. Go here for PEBB & SEBB information and contact your state representative for more customer service for your retirement plan.

Apple Health at Wenatchee Insurance

The Apple Health Unwinding has a huge amount of people looking for insurance.

Apple Health started verifying their clients in April this year. This was after several years of pause due to the medical emergency. We set up a website and have been working hard at assisting everyone that we can in Central Washington keep their Apple Health or transfer into a plan that they can afford. Suzie and Matt work with Apple Health out of our office at 413 Mission in Wenatchee.

Healthcare Regardless of Immigration Status.

Matt at the Enrollment Center has been waiting for nearly a decade. November 1st we start Enrolling. A person can set their appointment now. Selection your appointment now and you can have a plan that starts January 1st 2024!

Suzie Appointment

An Home, Auto, or Business Policy in Wenatchee or start a quote on our Website.

Topics: Health Insurance, Medicare, Prescription, Plan D, Medicare Advantage, Enrollment Center, Wenatchee Insurance, Quincy, Immigrant Health Insurance, Medicaid, Apple Health, Unwinding, Molina, Community Health, Amerigroup,

Will skipping Home Insurance in Eastern Washington save me money?

Posted on by Matt McColm
home insurance is not something to skip
Home Insurance is safety net

With the national average of homeowners insurance rising 20% to $1400 more people are choosing to go without. Twelve percent are choosing to ‘go bareback’ without home insurance and about half of the uncovered homes have an income of $40,000.  We created Wenatchee Insurance to provide more people access to shopping an independent agency.

My grandmother instructed me to always pay the fire insurance after the mortgage as she saw too many people lose everything. In 2014  Central Washington had the Carlton Complex fire with 553 structures lost and nearly half were uninsured. Nine years later not everything has recovered.

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Home insurance is like a safety net for your house. It helps protect you in case something bad happens, like a fire, a big storm, or a robbery. If you’re thinking about not getting home insurance, here are some things to think about:

Rules from the Bank: If you have a loan for your house, the bank might say you have to get insurance. They want to make sure their investment is safe. In some cases, if you default then they will purchase coverage in their favor at your expense.

Fall liability insurance

Being Ready for Trouble: If something really bad happens to your house, like a big fire, having insurance could help you pay for fixing things. If you’re confident you could pay for repairs yourself, you might consider skipping insurance. Do you have the thousands in the bank to rebuild your losses?

Where You Live: If you live in a place where things like floods, earthquakes, or fires can happen, it’s riskier. Insurance could help you if these things damage your house. In the Pacific Northwest, some studies are pointing to dryer, warmer summers which lead to more wildfires.

Stuff You Have: If you have valuable things in your house, like expensive electronics or jewelry, insurance could help replace them if they’re stolen or destroyed.

Someone Gets Hurt: If someone comes to your house and gets hurt, insurance could help pay if they sue you. Liability is a big issue.

Remember, skipping insurance could be risky. If something bad happens, you might have a hard time paying for repairs or replacing your things. It’s a good idea to talk to someone who knows about money and insurance before deciding. Wenatchee Insurance Agency shops multiple companies to make sure our neighbors can rebuild from a loss.

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Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Insurance Quote, Home Insurance, Manufactured Home Insurance, Mobile home insurance, Wenatchee, Chelan, Fire Insurance, Okanogan, Douglas County, Independent Insurance Agency, Insurance Shopping, Wild Fire, Carlton Fire, BLM, Eastern Washington, Climate Change, Drought, Independent Insurance Agency,

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Health & Medicare

For nearly a decade we have assisted with Health & Medicare Solutions. We are proud to be selected by the Washington Healthplanfinder to be one of ten Enrollment Centers located in Washington State.

We work with all ages and charge no fees.

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