Leaks, Water Damage, and Mold are a big problem

Posted on January 30, 2026January 21, 2026 by admin

If you’re a property owner in Washington State, you know that it’s wise to protect your investment in that property by purchasing property insurance. If your property is in Central Washington, our team at the Wenatchee Insurance Agency invites you to meet with us and explore our wide range of property insurance options.

Leaks, Water Damage, and Mold

According to the Office of the Washington State Insurance Commissioner, water damage is one of the most frequent reasons for a property insurance claim. The same website reports that when and why your property is damaged will make an impact on whether your water damage or mold infestation is covered by your insurance. Although it’s typically easy for property owners to discover a sudden leak, gradual leaks are often overlooked or undiscovered until significant damage has occurred. If a storm makes a hole in your structure, you’ll want to get it repaired as soon as possible.

According to the Office of the Washington State Insurance Commissioner, although excess water buildup may be responsible for mold infestations, a standard property insurance policy will not typically cover mold damage, rust, or rot. In some cases, your insurance may cover those damages if you can show that it was caused by water damage. Some property insurance policies offer limited mold damage coverage. Talk to one of our insurance agents for more information.

Call Us for Your Appointment Today

Property owners can’t predict the future, but they can prepare for it. Our team at the Wenatchee Insurance Agency understands your need to be prepared for any eventuality. Property owners in or near Wenatchee, WA, have discovered that we provide excellent customer service. Call us about your appointment today, and let’s talk about insurance.

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Bundling Sage to drive away inflation insurance

Where to get a 1095 form to file taxes?

Posted on January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 by Matt McColm

1095 form as important for healthcare and we do print them at Wenatchee Insurance

Tax season is almost here and people start looking for their 1095 form. It runs from January 16^th through April 15^th of 2026. If you are receiving your healthcare from the Washington Healthplanfinder, you must file your taxes. It is how the Federal Government double checks if you are receiving all of the help that you are qualified for in the form of Advanced Premium Tax Credits that lower the monthly cost of insurance.

If you receive too much APTC then you will have to repay some or all the excess amount when you file your taxes.

If you receive too little APTC then it will increase your tax refund or lower the amount of taxes that you owe.

There are 3 types of 1095 form

1095-A form is made available usually in the last week of January on the Healthplanfinder and a copy is mailed out. This is for the people who were receiving tax credits that the reduce of the cost of healthcare. In our immediate area in Central Washington if you have Ambetter, Community Health (paid plan) or Lifewise then you will have one of these forms.

If you don’t have a printer and need a copy if you are a client and stop at Wenatchee Insurance on Mission Street, then we can print an additional copy for you.

1095-B form is for the people using Apple Health. It is provided by the Healthcare Authority. It is not mailed out. You can request a form directly from the Healthcare Authority’s page. Form 1095-B is not required when filing taxes.

1095-C form is from employer sponsored health insurance. It is not required for filing taxes.

The 1095-A Form is needed to fill out Form 8962 to reconcile. We saw clients in 2025 that failed to properly file this have problems with their tax credits and recommend filling on time with all forms to prevent the loss of tax credits.

Remember you can adjust your income through the year to better reflect your income so that you don’t have to pay back excess tax credits.

Suzie and Matt have been lending a hand for 13 years in better understanding Health Insurance and if you have questions or just want someone to double check your account it is easy to add a broker of record.

appointment with Suzie

Home Health Medicare Car Dental Prescription insurance corndog

What Coverage Is Included in Home Insurance?

Posted on December 31, 2025January 7, 2026 by admin

Purchasing a home is a significant milestone for many people. However, before finalizing your closing, it’s important to reserve time to choose the right home insurance policy. The team at Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA, is here to help you select the best coverage for your home and outdoor structures.

What Is Home Insurance?

Home insurance is a broad type of coverage that protects against damage, destruction, and loss to your home’s structure, personal assets and outdoor structures, like a shed, detached garage or fences. Most mortgage lenders require you to have enough property insurance to pay for all the structures that need to be rebuilt in the event of a disaster. Regarding your personal belongings, most home insurance policies offer worldwide coverage, including items in storage and in your vehicle.

Personal Liability Insurance Coverage Is Often Included

In addition to covering physical structures and belongings, your home insurance usually includes personal liability coverage. Liability coverage responds to claims resulting from bodily injury or property damage that you cause to others by paying for the injured person’s medical expenses and rehabilitation care, up to your policy’s liability limits. For example, if someone falls down and hurts themselves on your property, your home insurance would respond. It also covers legal fees and court-ordered awards up to the policy’s liability limit if you’re sued.

Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover Every Disaster

Property coverage reimburses policyholders for repairs and replacement costs for damage to attached and non-attached structures, such as your home, garage, and fences.

However, flooding, sewer backup, and earthquake damage are always excluded from standard property insurance. Some home policies exclude coverage for wildfire damage, especially if your home is located in a wildfire zone. To protect against these disasters, you’ll need to purchase separate coverage or add coverage to your existing home property policy.

Flood Insurance has separate policies and we have a portal set up if you want a fast quote.

Call Us for a Home Insurance Review

If you’re unsure whether property insurance is necessary, consult with an insurance specialist here at Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA. Our team can help you determine the type of property coverage you need to protect your home and other structures on your property. Contact us to learn more about your options.

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Do You Need Commercial Insurance for a Leased Office Space?

Posted on November 26, 2025November 17, 2025 by admin

Leasing an office space is common for new businesses that may not be able to (or may not want to) invest in an entire office building. However, this does raise some questions when you don’t actually own the building that you’re working out of. For example, are you going to need a commercial insurance policy when you lease an office space, or is that something that’s covered by the building owner themselves? Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about commercial insurance requirements when you’re renting an office space. Once you’re ready to find a commercial insurance policy, you can come to us here at Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA and surrounding areas.

Do You Need a Commercial Insurance Policy If You Lease an Office Space?

It can be easy to assume that you don’t need commercial insurance for a building you don’t own. After all, it’s highly likely that the owner of the building has their own insurance policy to cover any unforeseen disasters that might affect their investment. However, it’s very much like any other renter/landlord situation. The property owner’s insurance is designed only to protect them. If something should happen that results in the theft or damage of any of the furniture or electronics you own, or should a person slip and fall at your business and decide to sue you, the office owner’s insurance is not going to cover your business. Whether you own your office building or rent it, you’re going to need commercial insurance regardless.

Seek Out Your Commercial Insurance With Wenatchee Insurance Agency

Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA, is here to help you find commercial insurance that meets your unique business needs. Our team will help you find and compare policies so that you can be confident you’re making the right choice. Give us a call now and protect your business.

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If you bundle with Wenatchee Insurance then you can save

Making your payment during Open Enrollment

Posted on November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 by Matt McColm

We help a lot of people in Washington State with their enrollment and education about health insurance. If you are using the Washington Healthplanfinder during Open Enrollment then you have a pay now button feature to get the initial payment completed. We are brokers and don’t charge fees for our work.

When you log into the desktop version. You will see a row of buttons across the top. You want the one labeled Payments.

Healthplanfinder screenshot of tool bar.

During most of the year, the payment tab will list payment options. However during Open Enrollment, the Washington Healthplanfinder will list a pay now button for most companies. When you click on the pay now button for it will create a pop up which goes to a secure payment site for the company.

This first payment is important as it secures the insurance policy. Most companies wil then send the policy’s insurance cards and information booklet after this payment has been made. A few of the companies will allow you to schedule monthly payments using the popup while others you will have to set up with them at a later time. The booklets and cards usually arrive about two weeks after the payment.

At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, Matt and Suzie have been lending a hand to our community for over 13 years with Health Insurance. While our agency does a whole lot more, we get asked a lot of questions regarding Health because it is complicated.

Enrollment Center

Are Customized Snowmobiles and ATVs Covered by Standard Policies?

Posted on October 30, 2025October 30, 2025 by admin

We insure your ATV, Snowmobile and motorcycle at Wenatchee Insurance

When you purchase insurance for your ATV or snowmobile, you expect it to cover your vehicle. But there are always exceptions and exclusions in insurance policies. Doing your due diligence when seeking out insurance for snowmobiles and ATVs is of the utmost importance. For example, if you have a customized ATV or snowmobile, is it going to be covered by the basic insurance policy you plan on purchasing? Here’s what you need to know about the limits of standard insurance policies for snowmobiles and ATVs, and how the team here at Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA, can help you get the coverage you need.

Will a Standard Policy Cover Customized Snowmobiles and ATVs?

As is the case with most standard policies designed to cover various types of recreational and traditional vehicles, your standard policy isn’t going to offer the comprehensive coverage needed for customized snowmobiles or ATVs. This is because insurance is traditionally designed to cover the full value of the vehicle itself, not any aftermarket modifications that may bump up the value significantly. That being said, you don’t have to go without coverage or go without customizing your vehicle. Many insurance policy providers for snowmobiles and ATVs will offer policy add-ons so you can get the extra coverage you need for any modifications you make. Just remember to update your insurance company with these changes as they take place to avoid claim denials in the future.

Not all all snowmobiles are the same especially in North Central Washington. We have events like Snowfest in Leavenworth where we can meet other powersport fans. Or heading up the Methow and experiencing the trails around Winthrop. If you are dropping in a new can for a more aggressive sound or fine tuning your suspension to reduce body roll then you want those new parts covered.

Cover Your Snowmobile or ATV With Wenatchee Insurance Agency

Whether your snowmobile or ATV is modified or not, you can rely on us at Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA, to find the appropriate insurance policy for you. Start now, and compare quotes with us!

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Healthplanfinder first look at 2026 Rates

Posted on October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 by Matt McColm

The 2026 rates have been approved and are visible for the first time on the Washington Healthplanfinder. As I write this post the Silver plans were not loaded and you can not compare them side by side with your 2025 plans. All of the 2026 plans are listed on the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

2026 rates first look

This is off the main screen from the Washington Healthplanfinder. It is only an estimate. It can change depending on what Congress does regarding the enhanced tax credits and the Healthplanfinder. When the enhanced tax credits were introduced, the first month that they went into effect was June of 2021. It made quite a difference in keeping money in the pocket’s of American households.

Our household is no longer eligible for tax credits with the current plan from Congress. So we have to make the jump from a couple hundred dollars to approaching $1687 per month. As small business owners, we don’t have the luxury of a large group plan. It will be about 1/4 of our income for 2026 before we get into use.

The Health Open Enrollment Period is important to talk about. The plans have made some big shifts and if you are eligible for tax credits will be more manageable. It is important to talk with someone who has a greater understanding of insurance than “that Uncle” eight into a case at Thanksgiving.

November 1st through December 15 for health plans starting January 1st
December 16 through January 15th for health plans starting February 1st.

Medicare has it’s own enrollment periods and there are special enrollments. We run applications year round just in case we find a Special Enrollment that works or to prepare for the next open enrollment.

Every year it is important to look at your plan because of changes. There are times that plans do not automatically renew or need to be updated. If a plan leaves the area then you may have been moved over to a plan that doesn’t work as well.

At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, we like to review plans every year during the Open Enrollment Period. This is Matt’s 13th Open Enrollment. We walk through all the plans available. We do not charge broker fees and if any commission is available it comes from the insurance company.

appointment

Privacy is important to Matt and Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance

Washington State and the new Prior Authorizations for Medicare

Posted on September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 by Matt McColm

Prior authorizations in Washington state for original medicare

Beginning January 1st, 2026 some medical procedures under traditional Medicare will require Prior Authorization in six states before performing the service. Yes, Washington state has been selected. Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.

This updates individuals with Medigap plans such as Plan G or Plan N, if they are using traditional Medicare coverages. While common in health plans and Medicare Advantage Plans these are new for original Medicare.

This change is part of a trial program called WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction). It is designed to curb medical overuse and detect potential fraud.

What Procedures will require a Prior Authorization?

There were 17 types of procedures that were flagged to now need approval. Here is what made the list.

Facet joint procedures for back pain
Nerve and muscle tests (electrodiagnostic testing)
TENS units and similar electrical stimulation devices
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Spinal cord stimulators
Deep brain stimulation (commonly for Parkinson’s)
Sacral neuromodulation (for urinary conditions)
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Arthroscopic knee cleaning or debridement
Vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty for spine fractures
Epidural steroid injections
Non-emergency ambulance transport
Botox injections for medical issues
Negative pressure wound therapy pumps
Hernia repairs
Lumbar spinal fusion
Skin graft substitutes for chronic wounds

Physicians will be required to submit documentation before the service is performed. If approval is not granted, coverage can be denied requiring the patient to pay out of pocket.

Who made this decision for Prior Authorization?

This was a rules change with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Huma Services. Every administration picks there team to implement programs that they feel will have the biggest impact for consumers. They did a press release in June regarding this matter and it is estimating that they spent 25% of healthcare on services that had little to no clinical benefit. HHS Secretary Kennedy, CMS Administrator OZ pledge to fix Prior Authorization system.

At Wenatchee Insurance we do our best to lend a hand in understanding and enrolling in Medicare and insurance Programs. We are an independent insurance agency. If you are looking at supplemental policies then let us know and there are enrollment periods.

How does TrumpRX work and can it save me money?

Posted on September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 by Matt McColm

OK, Tariffs are playing an important role in what the administration is doing with drug pricing. TrumpRX appears to be using them to inflate the price on medication for companies that don’t participate with the administration.

Trump is imposing a 100% Tariffs. Effective October 1st, 2025 if a company reaches an agreement with the Administration then they will be immune to them. There is the common consensus that everyone participating in this deal will have customers paying inflated costs due to the tariffs.

Companies working with TrumpRX

Pfizer is one of the first companies to reach an agreement. They are one of the largest drug companies and Eliquis, Ibrance and the Covid vaccine are among the drugs that they manufacture. Eliquis was one of the drugs with the Medicare Negotiated price for 2026. Ibrance was selected for the Inflation Reduction Acts Medicare negotiated price for 2027. So thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act from the Biden administration,

It also sounds like Novo Nordisk and Bristol Myers Squibb have also signaled participation.

They will be doing a Direct to Consumer Model with a yet to be launched website. There is a marked page at TrumpRX.com but it is not functional as of publishing this blog.

It could be very similar in the direct to consumer model of AmericasMedicines.com from a Pharmaceutical trade group PhRMA where people can go directly to the manufacturers.

It sounds like a stepped up version of Mark Cuban’s CostPlus. Where they have a few drugs that they ship directly to the consumer.

Only time will tell if it has more savings than GoodRX.

Important Dates for Medicare and Health

Medicare Advantage and Prescription plans can be enrolled or changed October 15 through December 7th.

Healthcare Plans can be enrolled or changed November 1st through December 15th.

For Washington State select an appointment at the Wenatchee Insurance Agency.

Wenatchee Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency.

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Prepping Your Home for Storms: What to Do When a Flood is Likely

Posted on September 30, 2025October 19, 2025 by admin

Floods can develop quickly and cause severe damage to your property. Taking proactive steps before and during a storm can help protect your home, belongings, and family. Here’s how to prepare when flooding is expected.

Safeguard Important Documents

Store essential items, such as insurance policies, IDs, medical records, and financial paperwork, in waterproof containers. Additionally, save digital copies on a secure cloud service to ensure you can access them even if the originals are damaged or lost.

Protect Your Property

Move furniture, electronics, and valuables to higher floors whenever possible. Elevate appliances and utilities such as HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels to minimize the risk of costly flood damage. Use sandbags or flood barriers around doors and low entry points to help keep water out.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Pack essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies. Having a kit ready ensures your family can stay safe and comfortable if you lose power or need to evacuate quickly.

Plan for Evacuation

Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and create a plan for pets, family members, and vehicles. Fill your car with gas ahead of time and keep emergency contact information easily accessible.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Standard homeowners’ policies typically don’t cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, flood insurance is essential. Reviewing your policy before a storm strikes ensures you have the right protection in place when you need it most.

At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, We’re Proud to Serve Wenatchee, WA

Flood insurance can provide the security you need to feel confident that your home is protected. At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, we’re here to help you find the insurance products that make sense for your needs. Contact us today to learn more.