Imagine walking into an all-you-can-eat buffet, but instead of food, it’s filled with different types of home insurance coverages. That’s right, folks, it’s time to feast your eyes on the delectable options that Wenatchee Insurance serves up in a standard home insurance policy.
The Main Course: Dwelling Coverage This is the meat and potatoes of your policy, the coverage that ensures your home is protected from disasters like fires, lightning strikes, and those rare but pesky incidents involving rampaging alpacas.
The Side Dishes: Personal Property Coverage Your stuff matters too! Whether it’s your collection of rare, autographed rubber duckies or your high-tech espresso machine, personal property coverage ensures your belongings are covered. Watch out for limitations as they are like raisins in the potatoe salad and can restrict what you are claiming.
The Gravy: Liability Protection Ever had a guest slip on a banana peel in your kitchen? Liability protection has you covered for those unfortunate and highly embarrassing moments. Say goodbye to potential lawsuits from banana-related accidents! If you like parties, have a pool, or a tiger in your back yard then you want extra gravy.
The Dessert: Additional Living Expenses Imagine your house is under repair because of an unexpected waterbed explosion. Where will you live? Who will feed you? Fear not! Additional living expenses cover your hotel stays and meals while you wait for your home to be restored. We have seen homes take over a year to be rebuilt after wildfires so do not go short.
So, why wait? Dive into this home insurance buffet with Wenatchee Insurance and make sure every corner of your home and life is covered!
If you have a homeowner’s insurance policy from Wenatchee Insurance, it’s important to understand how your deductible works, especially when it comes to insurance claims.
Here’s what you need to know about a 2% deductible simply and funnily:
What’s a Deductible?
The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of your pocket before the insurance policy kicks in to cover the rest. Think of it as the entry fee to a really expensive concert where Taylor Swift is the headlining act. It is going to be expensive but it is a really big show.
Understanding the 2% Deductible
Let’s say your house is worth $300,000. With a 2% deductible, you need to pay 2% of your home’s value before the insurance company pays anything.
2% of $300,000 = $6,000
So, if a sinkhole decides to turn your living room into an underground swimming pool, you’d need to cough up $6,000 before the insurance company starts to help.
Imagine your house is a giant chocolate bar worth $300,000. If a sinkhole takes a big bite out of your chocolate bar, you’d have to pay for the first $6,000 worth of chocolate to fill the hole. Only after that will the insurance company start giving you more chocolate to patch up the rest.
Why It Matters
Knowing your deductible helps you be prepared for unexpected costs. So, if you have a 2% deductible, make sure you have some money saved up for those just-in-case moments, like when your lawn suddenly wants to become a cave.
Quick Tips
Save Up: Have enough savings to cover your deductible.
Know Your Policy: Read your policy details to understand what’s covered.
Stay Prepared: Keep an emergency fund for surprises like sinkholes.
Remember, Wenatchee Insurance is there to help, but you need to do your part too. Stay chocolatey and be prepared!
The cost of health insurance in Washington state varies depending on the plan tier, the insurer, the individual’s age and the household income level (if you want a subsidy to lower your cost).
Suzie and Matt have been educating and enrolling people in Health Insurance since the beginning of the Affordable Care Act and ran the Enrollment Center in Wenatchee for about six years. They have never added a fee and have added products along the way to assist our clients’ insurance needs.
The cheapest Silver plan is the Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Silver, costing around $394 per month.
For Bronze plans, the most affordable option is Ambetter Essential Care 1 at $282 per month.
Factors Influencing Costs:
Age is a significant factor. For example, a 60-year-old will pay about 85% more than a 40-year-old for the same coverage
Location within Washington can also affect premiums due to regional cost differences. We work throughout the state thanks to video conferencing and a phone system. There are differences between King County and Chelan / Douglas counties.
For personalized quotes, we use the Washington Healthplanfinder to compare different plans and check for eligibility for subsidies or cost-sharing reductions based on your income level first. There are times that we go off-exchange for availability as we want our clients to have the ability to choose.
Wenatchee Insurance, we work with a variety of companies to find which plan works best for the client. Some have waiting periods which is why we like to review plans with clients before they buy them.
Dental insurance works kind of like having a quirky best friend who sometimes covers your tab and other times makes you pay your own way. Let’s break it down:
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Description: Imagine you have a favorite pizza place, but you sometimes cheat with other pizzerias. PPOs let you see any dentist, but you save more if you stick with the plan’s favorite pizza… er, dentist.
Pros: More freedom to cheat on your dentist.
Cons: Your wallet might feel the betrayal if you go out-of-network.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Description: This is like having a strict diet plan where you can only eat at certain places. HMOs make you stay within the network, or else!
Pros: Your wallet stays on a strict diet.
Cons: Less freedom to indulge in dental decadence.
Coverage Categories
Dental insurance likes to categorize things because, apparently, it’s very organized. Here’s the scoop:
Preventive Care
Examples: Routine exams, cleanings, X-rays.
Coverage: 100% covered because who doesn’t like free stuff?
Coverage: They’ll cover 70-80%, which means you’re still paying a bit, but hey, it’s better than footing the whole bill.
Major Procedures
Examples: Crowns, bridges, dentures.
Coverage: Only 50%, because apparently major procedures are the fancy, designer shoes of the dental world.
Key Features
Premiums
Description: The monthly or annual fee you pay just to be part of this exclusive dental club. Think of it as your ticket to the show.
Deductibles
Description: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance says, “Okay, now I’ll help.” It’s like having to eat your veggies before getting dessert.
Copayments and Coinsurance
Description: Your share of the costs for covered services. It’s like going Dutch on a date – you both chip in.
Annual Maximum
Description: The max amount the insurance will pay in a year. Once you hit that, it’s like the insurance saying, “I’m tapped out, buddy. You’re on your own.”
Waiting Periods
Description: The time you have to wait before certain procedures are covered. It’s like a countdown to Christmas, but less exciting.
Network Restrictions
Description: Some plans require you to use specific dentists. It’s like only being allowed to shop at one store for all your dental goodies.
100/80/50 coverage (the friend who’s sometimes generous).
And a $1,500 annual maximum (the friend who’s great until they run out of cash).
For a routine cleaning:
Cost: $100
You pay: $0 (because preventive care is like the free bread at a restaurant).
For a filling:
Cost: $200
You pay: $40 (20% coinsurance after the deductible, like tipping the waiter).
For a crown:
Cost: $1,000
You pay: $500 (50% coinsurance, because crowns are fancy).
So, there you have it. Dental insurance is like having a sometimes generous, sometimes stingy friend who helps you out with dental bills but also makes you chip in and follow some quirky rules. Enjoy the ride, and may your teeth be ever shiny!
So, you want to get full coverage car insurance without having to sell your firstborn? If we aren’t crying, then we are laughing. Buckle up because we’re about to take a joyride of cost-saving tips sprinkled with a bit of humor. Let’s hit the gas!
1. Shop Around Like a Bargain Hunter on Black Friday
What is the hottest Christmas toy that you can remember? Think of car insurance like that. Prices are all over the place depending on where you look. Don’t just settle for the first quote you get—channel your inner bargain hunter and shop around. We shop multiple companies to find a good fit.
Insurance companies love bundling as much as you love a BOGO pizza deal. Combining your car insurance with other policies can save you a pretty penny. We have some companies that you get a discount if we hold one other policy of any type which makes shopping easier.
3. Raise Your Deductible Like You’re Raising the Roof
The higher your deductible, the lower your premium. It’s like saying, “Don’t sweat the little stuff”. I just want you around when things get heavy. Just make sure you can afford that deductible if you ever need to file a claim. There are way too many Gofundmes out there that don’t make it.
4. Drive Like Your Grandma Is Watching
Safe driving pays off. Insurance companies love slow, smooth, steady daylight driver. Avoid accidents and traffic violations, and you’ll be rewarded with lower rates. Plus, your grandma will be so proud of you. Who doesn’t want a proud granny?
Sometimes it is the car.
5. Good Grades = Good Savings
Most insurance companies offer discounts for good grades. Who knew working on your future could help right now? So, next time you’re cramming for that calculus exam, remember it’s not just your GPA on the line—it’s your insurance payments too.
6. Ask for Discounts Like You’re at a Flea Market
Never be shy to ask about discounts. There are discounts for everything from being a loyal customer to simply being a responsible adult who pays bills on time. Channel your inner flea market haggler and see what you can score.
7. Drive a Sensible Car (Sorry, No Kias or Hyundais can be tough)
Insurance companies look at your car and determine how likely it is to be stolen or involved in an accident. The more that you see a car in a video on YouTube being stolen, the harder it is to insure. Look for a car that makes Mayo look spicy. Your insurance premium will thank you.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting the cheapest full coverage car insurance without having to resort to drastic measures. Remember, the road to savings is paved with smart choices—and maybe a little bit of humor along the way.
Matt and Suzie have been helping people find health insurance that they can understand, use and afford. We are already seeing the challenges start to build with the changes to cost for next year.
Yes, every year the rates are put out for public comment for the following year. They are not the final numbers. These remind me of the 2019 increases which means people will be shopping. Select your appointment now.
When to enroll in Health Insurance
Healthcare Open Enrollment starts October 1st runs to December 15th for plans starting January 1st.
If you have a major income adjustment then you want to select from December 1st through 15th.
If you select a healthcare plan from December 16 through January 15th then it will start February 1st.
At Wenatchee Insurance, we enroll year round as people qualify for special enrollments. Plus we also take care of property insurance like cars, homes, and businesses alongside the Health, Medicare and Life Insurances.
Claims are driving up costs to insurance companies, who have to pass it on to consumers. Make your comments known. The more subsidy that you receive then the lower amount since the benchmark plan (second lowest cost silver plan available) will shift. There will be a lot of people shopping, select your appointment early as Suzie and Matt will run out of space available.
Not Covered: Sorry, but if a sinkhole swallows your house, your standard policy just says, “Good luck!”
Add-On Coverage:
Possible Option: You might be able to add sinkhole coverage as an endorsement. Think of it as adding sprinkles to your ice cream – it costs extra, but it’s worth it when your house decides to play hide and seek with the earth.
Earthquake Insurance:
Separate Policy: Earthquake insurance covers when the ground gets all shook up. But for sinkholes, you need a different kind of party invite. Make sure you’ve got the right one!
What Might Be Covered
Structural Damage: If your house takes a dive, this coverage helps put Humpty Dumpty back together again.
Personal Property: Your stuff inside might be covered, so you won’t lose your favorite couch to the abyss.
Living Expenses: If you need a temporary crash pad while your home gets fixed, you might get coverage for that too – so you can avoid moving in with your in-laws.
Steps to Take to cover sinkholes
Review Your Policy: Dust off that policy and see if it mentions sinkholes – spoiler alert: it probably doesn’t.
Contact Wenatchee Insurance: Give them a call and ask about adding sinkhole coverage. “Hey, can I get the sinkhole special, please?”
Consider Earthquake Insurance: It’s a good backup if the ground decides to get jiggy with it, but remember, it’s not the same as sinkhole insurance.
Examples of Insurance Types for sinkholes
Homeowners Insurance: The basic “keep your house covered unless it falls into the earth” policy.
Earthquake Insurance: For when the ground plays maracas.
Sinkhole Insurance (Add-On): Optional coverage for when your house wants to star in a sinkhole documentary.
Talk to your Wenatchee Insurance agent to get the scoop on what’s covered and what’s not. Because nobody wants to wake up to a house that’s decided to dig its own basement!
There is original Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical insurance). Do you know about Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage? It is another way for people eligible for Medicare to receive their healthcare coverage. They are not for everybody however they make up about half the Medicare Enrollments.
They are plans offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans are not available in every county of Washington state. Every year, we undergo rigorous training by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the insurance companies to understand the rules better. They are required by law to cover all medically necessary services that original medicare covers.
One way to look at it is the original Medicare is a General Contractor. The Medicare Advantage company acts like a subcontractor. When you select one of those MA plans original Medicare moves to the background and the Medicare Advantage plan takes care of the healthcare instead.
Comprehensive Coverage: Medicare Advantage plans typically bundle Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug) coverages. They may also offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as hearing, vision, and dental.
Network Restrictions: These plans usually have network restrictions, meaning you may need to use healthcare providers who are part of the plan’s network. These are often Health Maintenance Organizations or HMO networks. Some plans also have Point of Service plans which benefit clients who travel. Reviewing networks is an important part of the Annual Enrollment Period!
Out-of-Pocket Costs: While Medicare Advantage plans can have lower premium costs, they may have different out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare. They usually have co-pays for services like a traditional healthcare plan.
Additional Benefits: Many plans offer extras such as gym memberships or fitness clubs, transportation to medical appointments, and wellness programs. These are incentives or perks on top of the medical coverage that can be very attractive to clients.
Annual Enrollment: Beneficiaries can choose or switch Medicare Advantage plans during the annual enrollment periods.
From October 1st to October 14th is the review period where you can see the changes for the upcoming enrollment year.
October 15th through December 7th is the Annual Enrollment Period. This allows you to review and make changes to your Medicare plans.
Medicare Advantage plans vary greatly in terms of costs, benefits, and restrictions, so clients should compare different plans to find one that best meets their health needs.
Suzie McColm at Wenatchee Insurance has been assisting people to understand and select plans for over ten years. She also has held a pharmacy technician’s license for over twenty years which is valuable in understanding the prescription side of coverage.
When we talk about “full coverage” car insurance at Wenatchee Insurance, we mean a bundle of insurance types that provides greater protection for your car.
Liability Insurance: This is a must-have. It pays for any damage or injuries you cause to others if you’re responsible for an accident. Washington State requires a minimal amount so you may want more to be safe.
Collision Insurance: This part covers damage to your car if you get into an accident, no matter who caused it. It’s usually required by the bank if you still owe money on your car because it helps fix or replace it. Pay attention to any deductible.
Comprehensive Insurance: This covers other types of damage to your car not caused by an accident. Mean people, dumb animals and acts God. For example: If your neighbors’ pitbull chews off your tire then you have coverage. Pay attention to any deductible.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection: This helps cover costs if another driver causes an accident and doesn’t have enough insurance (or any at all) to pay for the damage to you or your car. With 1 in 5 drivers in Washington state not having insurance, this can be incredibly handy.
Additional full coverage information:
Banks and other places that lend money for cars often require you to have all these types of insurance. They do this to protect their investment in your car while you’re still paying it off. It makes sure your car stays in good shape and keeps its value as long as you owe money on it. This setup keeps both you and the lender secure until you finish paying for your car.
If you are expecting your transmission to be repaired when breaks down, your laptop replaced after being stolen from your trunk, or your after-market parts replaced when not listed on your policy then you are going to be upset because those require other than full coverage. Let’s talk.
When going through the interwebs, I saw the question of someone asking what people ‘prefer a PPO or an HDHP when it came to a health insurance plan from work’. While they are using the alphabet it is looking at different attributes of a health plan in a chocolate cake with apple pie comparison.
When choosing between a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), it’s helpful to consider advice from experts like those at Wenatchee Insurance Agency. Here’s what you might hear from them, along with some examples to make it clearer:
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Flexibility: PPO plans are great if you want the freedom to select a doctor that accepts insurance. For instance, if you have a preferred pediatrician at Confluence, a Cardiologist at Samaritan, and another specialist in Spokane, this plan might be best because you can visit them without needing a referral.
Costs: Wenatchee Insurance Agency might point out that while PPOs have higher monthly costs, they cover more from the start. With the wide networks, look to see if they have co-pays that occur before deductible.
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
In the old days, we called these MEC plans or Minimum Essential Coverage. These were designed to cheaply cover the ten essential coverages that every plan was required to have to avoid paying a tax penalty. The tax penalty went away on the Federal level in 2019.
Saving Money: If you’re looking to save on monthly premiums and you don’t often need medical care, an HDHP could be a better choice. For example, if you’re generally healthy and mainly need coverage in case of emergencies, the lower monthly cost could benefit you.
You take the difference between the money you would spend on an expensive plan and putting it into a savings account for later.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Wenatchee Insurance Agency would also highlight the advantage of an HSA with an HDHP if it qualifies. This is a way to save money tax-free for health expenses. Say you put $50 into your HSA each month; this money can be used for medical expenses. Some of these accounts have investment options like a 401K.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Imagine a family where one member has a chronic condition requiring multiple specialist visits. A PPO might be better for them because it reduces the hassle of getting referrals and handles more costs upfront.
Example 2: Consider a young, single person who rarely goes to the doctor. An HDHP with lower monthly payments and an HSA might be more cost-effective. This person can save money in an HSA for future needs while enjoying lower premiums.
Advice from Wenatchee Insurance Agency
Wenatchee Insurance Agency would advise looking at your current health needs and financial situation. If your family has ongoing medical needs or prefers the flexibility of seeing various specialists without barriers, a PPO might be the way to go. However, if your primary concern is budget and you are in good health, an HDHP could be more appropriate.
In summary, choosing between a PPO and an HDHP involves balancing your health care needs with your financial capabilities. Wenatchee Insurance Agency suggests that by understanding these differences and considering your personal circumstances, you can make a choice that best suits your needs and budget.
Reviewing and reading insurance plans is critical. Having an adviser that you trust is an important step.
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.
