Shh… Can you keep a secret? Wenatchee Insurance has secret discounts that can save you big bucks on your home insurance. It doesn’t always have to be with the same company or type of insurance! Let’s embark on a treasure hunt to uncover these elusive savings.
The Safe Home Bonus Installing safety features in your home is like finding a hidden stash of gold coins. Smoke detectors, alarm systems, and deadbolt locks can earn you discounts. Your home becomes a fortress, and you fend off the inflation bandits for the year.
The Golden Parachute of Savings. Keep your receipts, if you have a roof that is less than ten years old then you could be entitled to some savings. Age plays a tremendous role for underwriters being able to cover your home.
The Bundling Bonanza Why stop at home insurance when you can bundle with auto insurance and save even more? It’s like finding a two-for-one deal at your favorite store. Bundle your policies with Wenatchee Insurance. Some companies allow us a discount if you have a Health or Medicare policy with us.
The Claim-Free Treasure Been a good sailor with no claims? Wenatchee Insurance rewards you for smooth sailing. The longer you go without filing a claim, the more you save. Boring is better when it comes to pleasing the underwriters.
The Loyalty Loot Sticking with Wenatchee Insurance pays off. Loyal customers often receive discounts just for being awesome and staying with the same insurer. It’s like getting a thank-you gift for being part of the family.
So, grab your treasure map and start hunting for those hidden discounts with Wenatchee Insurance. Your savings adventure awaits!
Greetings, Wenatchee Insurance aficionados from Mission Street! Today, Suzie is shining a light on the mystery of Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C. Think of these plans as the Renaissance Man of the Medicare world, combining various benefits into one convenient bundle.
Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans include all the benefits of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), and may also include Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). A Medicare Advantage plan is like a subcontractor. They come in and replace your Part A & B coverages and add different benefits.
While they have undergone changes through the years, Private plans have been around since the beginning of Medicare in 1966. Medicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare Covers.
Example Time!
Imagine Mary Jo retires and wants to simplify. Instead of juggling separate plans, she opts for a Medicare Advantage Plan that places everything in a convenient package. Mary Jo now has more time to enjoy gardening and less time digging through the different health insurance options.
Extra Perks: More Than Just Basics
Medicare Advantage Plans often offer additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as:
Vision care: Routine eye exams and glasses
Dental care: Cleanings, x-rays, and dentures
Hearing care: Hearing exams and hearing aids
Wellness programs: Gym memberships, fitness classes, and more
Medicare Advantage plans vary by company and some cases by zip code so it is important to review the benefits based on your address.
Example Time!
Meet Jimmy, an avid cyclist and fitness enthusiast. His Medicare Advantage Plan includes a fitness program, giving him access to numerous gyms and fitness classes at no extra cost. Jimmy’s cycling buddy Fred in a neighboring state has the same company but his plan does not include the fitness program. Jimmy learned about the fitness plan benefits by carefully reviewing the Medicare Advantage plan materials.
Choosing the Right Plan
Selecting the perfect Medicare Advantage Plan can feel like choosing the right flowers for your garden– so many options! Here are some factors to consider:
Network: Check if your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network.
Costs: Compare premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Coverage: Ensure the plan covers your medications and any extra benefits you need.
Ratings: Look at the plan’s star ratings to gauge its quality and performance.
Example Time!
Consider Jane, who needs regular medication for a chronic condition. She carefully reviews different Medicare Advantage Plans to find one that covers her prescriptions and includes her trusted healthcare providers. With Suzie @ Wenatchee Insurance’s help, Jane selects a plan that fits her needs.
Navigating the variety of Medicare Advantage Plans can be tricky, but that’s where Wenatchee Insurance can lend a hand. Our trained agents are here to guide you through the options, explain the benefits, and assist you in making an educated decision on which plan is right for you.
Remember, folks, understanding Medicare Advantage doesn’t have to be underwater basket weaving. You’ll find a great plan in no time with Wenatchee Insurance by your side. Stay tuned for more insights and tips!
When I saw smoke up the Number 2 Canyon, ‘Oh no get ready’ is the first thing that goes through my mind. Fire Season is upon North Central Washington, and I know we could be filing a claim soon at Wenatchee Insurance. Let’s talk about Claims.
The Great Filing a Claim Adventure
Grab your map and compass because we’re embarking on the Great Claim Filing Adventure with Wenatchee Insurance. Filing a claim might seem like a daunting quest, but with the right guide, you’ll navigate it like a pro.
Step 1: The Call to Action Your adventure begins with a phone call. Report your loss and provide all the necessary details. Think of it as the moment you receive your mission – exciting and full of possibilities!
Step 2: The Inspection Quest An adjuster will be dispatched to assess the damage. They’re like the Gandalf of home insurance, wise and thorough. They’ll document everything and help you understand the extent of your loss. Yes, sometimes they will find more damage than expected.
Step 3: The Paperwork Maze Fill out the required forms, provide receipts, and submit photos. It’s a bit like solving a riddle, but fear not, Wenatchee Insurance’s trusty agents are there to guide you through this labyrinth. Matt made a personal claim after January’s snowstorm that was a breeze.
Step 4: The Waiting Game Ah, the waiting period. Use this time to train (or binge-watch your favorite series). The supply chains have made them longer than we want. The processing time varies, but patience is key. Remember, good things come to those who wait – like a well-handled claim!
Step 5: The Victory Celebration Once your claim is approved, it’s time to receive your payout. Whether it’s repairing your home or replacing your lost treasures, the end of this adventure is always sweet. Celebrate your victory and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being well-insured.
We are guides along the way that do our best to smooth out a difficult time. If you ever have a question do not hesitate to call us at Wenatchee Insurance so that we can lend a hand.
Embark on your claim-filing adventure with Wenatchee Insurance and discover that even the most challenging quests can have happy endings.
Today, we’re tackling a question that’s as popular as free Costco Samples: “How do I enroll in Medicare?”
It doesn’t matter if you are turning 65 or qualifying through other means like a disability determination, Suzie with Wenatchee Insurance going to help you walk through the process with ease.
Suzie McColm has been assisting people pick plans in Wenatchee for over a decade. Before that, you may have encountered her when she was a Pharmacy Technician. Seeing the struggles first hand, she took on Medicare to improve the lives around her in our Valley and state.
We are going to talk about the basics first. Medicare enrollment typically happens in one of three ways:
Automatic Enrollment
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Automatic Enrollment: The Easy Street
If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. It’s like finding a surprise gift in your mailbox! You should receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday along with a ton of marketing materials.
Yes, you will get a forest of envelopes from Medicare salespeople trying to sell you their plan. Suzie is here to walk people through the choices to make an informed decision.
If you want Part D (prescription drug coverage) or a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to enroll separately.
Enrollment Medicare Example!
Imagine Mike, who has been receiving Social Security benefits for a couple of years. He doesn’t need to lift a finger – her Medicare card arrives just in time for her 65th birthday bash.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): The First-Time Fun
If you’re not automatically enrolled, don’t worry! The IEP is your chance to join the Medicare party. This period starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and extends three months after. That’s a seven-month window to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B.
Enrollment Medicare Example!
Picture Tom, who’s turning 65 in July. His IEP runs from April to October. Tom decides to sign up in June to avoid any last-minute rush. Smart move, Tom!
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): The Backup Plan
For those who miss the IEP or have specific circumstances, the SEP is a lifesaver. We see many folks with an employer health plan that can delay Medicare without penalty. Once your employment ends or you lose coverage, the SEP kicks in, giving you eight months to enroll in Parts A and B.
Meet Linda, who’s been happily working past 65 with employer-provided health insurance. When she retires at 68, she has an eight-month SEP to enroll in Medicare without facing late penalties.
In person: Visit your local Social Security office.
You will want to have a couple of things on hand before you start. Gather these documents before enrolling:
Social Security number
Birth certificate
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the previous year
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s automatic, during your IEP, or through a SEP, enrolling in Medicare is your ticket to comprehensive health coverage. Suzie with Wenatchee Insurance is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you understand your options and make the best choice for your health needs.
Remember, enrolling in Medicare doesn’t have to feel like Rocket Science. With Suzie and Wenatchee Insurance by your side, you will have guidance every step of the way to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for more helpful tips and friendly advice!
Welcome to “The Home Insurance Price Is Right!” where you don’t have to guess the price, but you do need to understand how it’s determined. Let’s dive into the thrilling world of replacement costs and actual cash value with Wenatchee Insurance.
They don’t teach us the difference between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash value in High School nor when you were home eating crackers and sipping tea. We like to go over it because we don’t like surprised clients.
Replacement Cost: The High Roller’s Choice Imagine winning a fabulous new dining room set on our show. Replacement cost coverage means you get a brand-new version of your old stuff. No depreciation here, folks! It’s all shiny and new, just like the day you bought it.
Actual Cash Value: The Bargain Hunter’s Delight For those who love a good deal, actual cash value coverage considers depreciation. It’s like buying a gently used couch from a thrift store – still great, but not quite brand new. Your payout reflects the current market value of your items.
Sometimes Actual Cash Value is the only option available. It is worth the conversation if you see this valuation on your home owner’s policy.
Spin the Wheel of Claims! When it’s time to file a claim, Wenatchee Insurance uses their magical wheel (or more likely, some sophisticated calculations) to determine the value of your home and belongings. Don’t worry, they’re experts at making sure you get the right amount.
So, come on down to Wenatchee Insurance and find out how much your home and personal property are worth. It’s always a win when you’re properly covered!
Mary, a resident of North Central Washington, was approaching her 65th birthday and wanted to select a Medicare Advantage plan. She was overwhelmed by the numerous options and unsure how to compare them. She decided to contact Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance for guidance.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, offer an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are provided by private insurance companies and often include additional benefits like vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage. Each plan is rated based on preventive care, management of chronic conditions, member experiences, and customer service.
Mary’s Experience
When Mary contacted Wenatchee Insurance, an Suzie helped her understand the different plans available in her area. They discussed the star ratings of various plans and compared their benefits. Mary learned about the top-rated plans and how they cater to specific healthcare needs.
Choosing the Right Plan
With the Suzie’s help, Mary selected a Medicare Advantage plan that was highly rated and included comprehensive benefits suited to her health requirements. Wenatchee Insurance made the process straightforward by providing clear comparisons and expert advice.
Mary was relieved to have found a plan that offered excellent coverage and fit her budget, thanks to the assistance from Wenatchee Insurance.
Let’s look at coverages in a light hearted manner.Imagine your home insurance policy as a superhero squad, each member ready to tackle different villains. Wenatchee Insurance brings together a team of coverage options to protect you from the most dastardly natural disasters.
The Disaster Superhero Squad
Wildfire-Woman She’s fierce, she’s fiery, and she’s here to save your home from going up in flames. Wildfire coverage ensures that if a firestorm hits, you won’t be left in the ashes.
Flood-Fella He’s always in his waders, ready to combat rising waters. With flood coverage, your home will stay dry even when Mother Nature tries to turn your neighborhood into a lake.
Every year, some Medicare Advantage plans may leave the Medicare program by Dec. 31. You should receive a letter from the plan by Oct. 2 explaining your options. It is always a shock.
Suzie has been around long enough that she worked with Soundpath Health Medicare Advantage Customers when that Insurance Plan left in 2019. Suzie has worked with various insurance companies from around the state and we built out action plans over the years to make these transitions as easy as possible.
When can I join a new Medicare Advantage plan?
The three most common Medicare Advantage plan enrollment periods are the:
Initial Coverage Enrollment Period when you first join Medicare Parts A and B usually around your 65th birthday.
The Annual Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 – Dec. 7.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, Jan. 1 – March 31 each year if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan then you can change to another plan.
In addition to these three enrollment periods, because your plan is leaving Medicare, you also get a Special Enrollment Period in which you have two options:
Join a different Medicare Advantage plan from Dec. 8 to the last day of February.
or
Join a new Medicare Part D stand-alone plan from Dec. 8 to the last day of February (this automatically enrolls you in Original Medicare). This also allows you to enroll in a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan within 63 days after your Medicare Advantage plan ends.
The company offering the Medigap plan must take you if you choose a B-N plan and you don’t have to take a health screen.
Note: If you’re under age 65 on Medicare due to disability, you might not be able to get a Medigap.
Whichever option you choose, your new plan starts the first day of the month after you switch. To avoid a coverage gap you should sign up with a new plan before Dec. 31.
Whenever Suzie sees a large shift Medicare Shift, we recommend setting an appointment as early as possible. We have seen people miss the deadlines and it makes for a tough year. For the appointment, you will need:
Bring any doctor’s names or medications that you would like for us to look up
If you enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period in a Medicare Advantage Plan and discover that it is not a good fit then we change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment which runs January 1st through March 31st. Yes, you have options prior to the next Annual Enrollment Period
Hello again, fabulous followers of Wenatchee Insurance’s Medicare blog! Today, we’re diving into the alphabet soup that is Medicare. Grab your spoons, and let’s ladle out some knowledge on the different parts of Medicare: A, B, C, and D!
Let’s start with Part A, also known as Hospital Insurance. Picture it as the bedrock of your Medicare coverage. It helps cover:
Inpatient hospital stays: If you’re admitted to the hospital, Part A swoops in to help with the costs.
Skilled nursing facility care: After a hospital stay, you might need some time in a skilled nursing facility to recover. Part A has your back.
Hospice care: For those with terminal illnesses, Part A ensures you receive compassionate end-of-life care.
Home health care: If you need health services at home, Part A can help cover those too.
Example Time!
Imagine Grandpa Joe, who had a nasty fall while trying to fix the roof (don’t ask why). He ends up in the hospital for a week and then spends another month in a skilled nursing facility to regain his strength. Part A helps cover these costs, giving Grandpa Joe peace of mind and more time to perfect his roof-fixing skills (hopefully from the ground this time).
Part B: The Everyday Medicare Hero
Next up is Part B, or Medical Insurance. This is your go-to for everyday health care needs. It covers:
Doctor visits: Routine check-ups, specialists, and outpatient care.
Preventive services: Vaccinations, screenings, and annual wellness visits to keep you in tip-top shape.
Durable medical equipment: Things like wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment you might need.
Mental health care: Outpatient mental health services.
Example Time!
Take Aunt Clara. She’s a sprightly 70-year-old who loves gardening. She visits her doctor for regular check-ups and gets her flu shot every year. Part B helps cover these visits, ensuring Aunt Clara stays healthy enough to grow those prize-winning roses.
Part C: The All-In-One Plan
Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. These plans are offered by private companies and bundle together Part A and Part B, often with additional benefits. Some even include:
Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
Vision, dental, and hearing services
Wellness programs
Example Time!
Consider Cousin Sally, who prefers simplicity. She opts for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage and vision care. Now she doesn’t need separate plans for her glasses and medications – it’s all in one neat package.
Part D: The Rx Solution
Finally, we have Part D, the prescription drug coverage. This helps cover the cost of medications, ensuring you don’t break the bank when picking up your prescriptions.
Example Time!
Let’s look at Uncle Bob, who has a daily regimen of medications for his blood pressure and cholesterol. Part D helps cover the cost of these prescriptions, allowing Uncle Bob to focus on his favorite hobby – fishing – without worrying about his medication bills.
Wenatchee Insurance to the Rescue!
At Wenatchee Insurance, Suzie understands that Medicare can feel like a jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing. But fear not! We’re here to help you fit all the pieces together seamlessly. Whether it’s explaining the different parts or assisting with enrollment, we’ve got your back.
Remember, understanding Medicare doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With Wenatchee Insurance guiding you, you’ll be navigating the Medicare maze like a pro. Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and delightful Medicare insights!
Mary, concerned about out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare, was exploring Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans. She needed help understanding the costs and benefits of these plans. Mary sought advice from Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance.
Medigap plans help cover costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that Original Medicare does not cover. Plan G is among the most popular Medigap plans, offering extensive coverage but varying in premium costs by state.
Mary’s Consultation
Mary met with a Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance who explained the different Medigap plans and their costs. They reviewed the benefits of Plan G and other available options, taking into account Mary’s healthcare needs and budget.
Making an Informed Medigap Plan choice
With detailed information from Wenatchee Insurance, Mary chose a Medigap Plan G that provided comprehensive coverage at a reasonable premium. The agent also helped her understand how to manage her monthly premiums effectively.
Mary felt confident in her decision, knowing she had chosen a plan that would protect her from high out-of-pocket expenses, all thanks to the expert guidance from Wenatchee Insurance.
Medicare Supplement plan can be selected year round
When the Medicare Supplement plan increased in cost, Mary was able to talk with Suzie and switch to a lower priced plan. This would reduce inflation for years to come.
Along with the Medigap Plan
Mary selected a Medicare Plan D to cover prescriptions. While she didn’t have many prescriptions now, this prevented a late enrollment penalty and could be changed during the Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15th through December 7th).
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.
