Author: Matt McColm

Help, My Job’s Health Insurance Is Too Expensive For My Family

Posted on by Matt McColm
Family Health Insurance

You probably haven’t heard about the “family glitch”. The “family glitch” is an old rule in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes health insurance too expensive. It was impacting about 5 million of Americans and made a lot of people mad.

Here’s how it worked: The ACA said that big employers have to offer health insurance that’s affordable for their full-time workers and their families.

But when it calculates affordability, they only look  at the cost for the worker, not the entire family. (This was 8.39% of the employee’s income for 2024.)

It was frustrating because it made getting health insurance hard.

Health Insurance Rule Change

This “family glitch” was impacting millions of American and was fixed by an IRS rules change. It is why a person now needs to know the lowest cost to cover the employee and the lowest cost to cover the entire family.

Check Family Glitch

If an employer now offers a plan that is unaffordable, for the family then the family members can get their health insurance with the marketplace and be eligible for advanced premium tax credits to lower their monthly cost of insurance.

The employee has access to affordable health insurance from their employer and the family has affordable insurance on the marketplace. It’s a win/win.

Free help understanding Health Insurance

Not everyone knows about this important change in health insurance and this is why Suzie and Matt like to go over applications as minor adjustments can mean the difference between having coverage and not. They ran the Enrollment Center in Wenatchee assisting people for years understanding and enrolling into insurance plans without charging fees.

chat with Suzie

Wenatchee Insurance is an independent agency that does not charge fees and have extensive experience working with the Washington Healthplanfinder, Apple Health and Medicare to provide usable options for our clients.

Insurance Bundle

Topics: WenatcheeInsurance, Enrollment, Suzie, Premera, Molina, Kaiser, Chelan, Ambetter, AppleHealth, Suzie, Washington, Healthplanfinder,

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Funny ways to save money on car insurance near me

Posted on by Matt McColm

Shopping for car insurance sucks. We know it and we do our best to do things differently at Wenatchee Insurance.

Car insurance by Wenatchee River Van

Saving money on car insurance doesn’t have to be a drag. Here are the top 5 humorous yet practical tips to keep your wallet happy:

chat with Shayla

Top 5


Battle of the Quotes: Treat insurance shopping like a reality TV show contest. Shayla enters the information into a rater and see which companies come out on top. May the best rate win!


Best of all no spam like from the some of the internet quote engines.


Deductible Daredevil: Boost your deductible to lower your premiums. It’s like a game of financial chicken—how high can you go without sweating bullets every time you drive?


Pro-tip: If you pay Deductible Daredevil put the amount into an interest bearing account so it is ready if you ever need it and you will be making a money from your stash.


Discount Detective: Turn into Sherlock Holmes and hunt down every discount possible. Safe driver? Check. Low mileage? Check. Anti-theft system? Triple check. Leave no stone unturned in your quest for the ultimate deal.


Bulk Buying Bonanza: Bundle your car insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance. It’s like buying in bulk at the grocery store but instead of toilet paper, you’re saving on peace of mind.


Credit Score Gymnastics: Boosting your credit score can lower your premiums. Think of it as financial gymnastics—flex those credit muscles and watch the rates tumble!

start quote


With these tips, you’ll hopefully not only save some cash but also have a chuckle along the way!

Car Insurance Summary

Shopping for insurance can be overwhelming. At Wenatchee Insurance, we work hard at making insurance understandable and usable. We only work in Washington State and do not sell your data across the planet because we are an independent local insurance agency.

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How do I get Health Insurance in Washington State during Special Enrollment?

Posted on by Matt McColm

We have found over the years that filling out an application as soon as possible can get many people Health Insurance earlier than waiting for Open Enrollment. (Open Enrollment runs Nov 15 through Jan 15th).

woman qualified for special health insurance enrollment

Suzie and Matt have been helping people with applications and answering questions for over a decade. They ran the Wenatchee Enrollment Center. They charge no fees.

chat with suzie

Special enrollment periods (SEPs) for health insurance allow people to enroll in a health insurance plan outside the usual open enrollment period. These periods are typically triggered by specific life events that involve changes in your family. Here are some common reasons you might qualify for a special enrollment period:

Annual SEPs:

Apple Health: It’s Washington State Medicaid aka “State Insurance”. It is income based. You can enroll year-round.

child qualify Apple Health Coordinated Care

American Indian/Alaska Native: If you are affiliated with a tribe then you have enrollment year-round.

Cascade Care Savings: If your income is less than 250% of the Federal Poverty level then you may be eligible. Additionally, if you are not enrolled in a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan then you could upgrade.

Short Special Enrollments:

Change in your family status: If you get married, divorced, have a birth or adopt a child, or the death of someone on your plan.

Loss of health coverage: When you lose coverage for turning 26 from your parent’s plan. Lose coverage from an employer plan or moving from Apple Health.

Change in residence: Moving to a new county, moving to the U.S. from a foreign country, or a student moving to or from the place they attend college.

man lost health insurance needing help

Changes in eligibility for financial help: Becoming newly eligible or ineligible for premium tax credits or having a change in eligibility for cost-sharing reductions can also trigger a SEP. (Yes, always file your taxes).

Other qualifying events: Certain events, like changes in your income that affect the coverage you qualify for, becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving jail, or AmeriCorps service.

Normally, you must provide documents of the qualifying event and apply within a certain timeframe, usually 60 days after the event. This allows you to access or change your health insurance coverage in response to changes in your life circumstances.

Summary

If you do not have health insurance then we want to work with you immediately to see if you qualify. If you need additional insurance types then Wenatchee Insurance is happy to lend a hand.

appointment with Suzie

Topics: Health, Healthcare, Applehealth, Medicare, 26, Premera, Molina, Ambetter, Dental, Suzie, Wenatchee Insurance,

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How do I get insurance for my vacant property in Chelan county?

Posted on by Matt McColm
appointment with Shayla

Insuring a vacant property can be riskier and more complicated than insuring one that’s occupied. Here are simplified risks and some examples:

  1. Vandalism and Theft: Vacant properties are often targets for vandalism, like graffiti or broken windows, and theft of things like copper pipes.

Example: How many times have you heard of farm equipment being stolen?

  1. Undetected Damage: Problems like water leaks or mold might not be noticed quickly in a vacant property, leading to worse damage.

Example: Your Airbnb cabin not renting for a few weeks? What happens if a pipe freezes and breaks, and it is not checked on in a few weeks?

  1. Fire Hazards: An empty property might be at higher risk for fires due to outdated wiring or even arson.

Example: An electrical fault in an abandoned building could start a fire.

  1. Liability Issues: If someone gets injured on the property, like a trespasser or a child playing, the owner might be responsible.

Example: A child trespassing to explore an empty house gets hurt, and the property owner is held liable. This includes the abandoned mines scattered about the hills.

  1. Weather Damage: Without regular upkeep, vacant properties are more vulnerable to damage from storms or cold weather.
  2. Insurance Challenges: It can be harder and more expensive to get insurance for a vacant property, and the coverage might be limited.
  3. Squatters: Empty properties might attract squatters, leading to legal issues.

Example: Someone might start living in an abandoned property illegally, and the owner has to go through a legal process to evict them.

In short, vacant properties face risks like damage, theft, and legal issues due to their lack of regular occupancy and maintenance. Owners should secure and check these properties regularly and ensure they have the right insurance coverage.

talk with Shayla
simple process for insurance
Wenatchee Insurance simple process

Topics: Vacant Property Insurance, squatters, liability, Chelan County, wenatchee insurance, Okanogan County, Mine, squatter, arson, independent insurance agent, Airbnb,

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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 for this program.

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.

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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