Apple Health Dental changes can be scary if you don’t know.

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025 by Matt McColm

Apple Health or medicaid is free health insurance

Yes there has been a big change to Apple Health in regards to Dental Care. Yes, we write a lot of dental Insurance at Wenatchee Insurance. As part of the budget the Adult and children’s Apple Health (Medicaid) dental rates are being reduced effective July 1st, 2025.

In our area we have a select few dentists and orthodontists that accept Apple Health. When our son needed braces, every six weeks we would make the drive from Wenatchee to Ellensburg so that he would have his teeth worked on. It took a lot of coordination between his pediatric dentist and the orthodontist to get the approval.

Where to find Apple Health Dental care?

OK, have you been to the Dentist Link Set up by the Healthcare Authority? It provides an excellent search tool to find a dentist accepting Apple Health Dental in your area. You can also call or test a referral specialist 844-888-5465 from 8 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays.

Adult Apple Health covers a lot of different things.

What does Apple Health Dental cover for adults?

If you have Apple Health as an adult it covers more than people think. Yes, it really does take care of fillings, front teeth root canals and dentures. There are some things that it doesn’t cover by it’s self like Dental Implants and Adult Orthodontics.

How do I enroll?

Suzie and Matt have been assisting people enroll for over a decade into Apple Health plans. We have never charged a fee and do not get paid for enrolling people in these plans. We do it because people in our community use healthcare and it is expensive to go without. There are no enrollment periods with Apple Health and it is based on our income level.

Children have expanded access to Apple Health using the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Some will be zero cost or there will be a $20 or $30 monthly charge per child fee. We have a lot of families where the parents are on a paid health plan and the kids are on Apple Health. The important thing is that the family is being covered.

What happens if I am no longer eligible for Apple Health Dental

We have the conversation. We have access to several dental plans that a person can enroll year round. Some with waiting periods and some without. We even have plan that can assist adults with getting braces after a waiting period at Wenatchee Insurance. We make it as easy as possible to review your options.

set an appointment

Enrollment Periods

There are times when it get’s incredibly busy for healthcare so you may have to wait a little bit longer in the Fall.

For Medicare the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage plans is October 15th through December 7th.

For Medicare’s Initial Enrollment it is three months before you turn 65, the month of your birthday and three months after.

For Healthcare the Open Enrollment Period is November 1st through December 15th. (some states may have an extension so do not hesitate to ask).

Yes, people set appointments early in the year for fall appointments to insure that they are able to have a conversation about the changes to their health plan.

What Does No-fault Mean in Insurance Terms?

Posted on June 24, 2025June 24, 2025 by admin

The term "no-fault" in auto insurance can be confusing, especially if you’ve never had to file a claim. While it might sound like it removes responsibility, that’s not entirely accurate. Instead, no-fault insurance refers to how claims are handled after an accident, specifically, how medical bills and related expenses are paid, regardless of who caused the crash. Here’s an explanation from your insurance representative at Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA.

How No-Fault Insurance Works

In states that follow a no-fault system, each driver’s insurance policy covers their own policyholder’s medical expenses after an accident, up to a certain limit. This happens regardless of who was at fault. The primary goal of no-fault insurance is to reduce lawsuits related to minor accidents and ensure injured drivers receive treatment quickly.

Washington is not a traditional no-fault state, but drivers here have the option to add Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to their policies. PIP functions similarly to no-fault insurance, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services without waiting for a liability determination.

What No-Fault Insurance Does Not Cover

No-fault insurance does not cover damage to your vehicle or someone else’s property. These types of claims still require determining fault, with the at-fault driver’s liability coverage typically paying for repairs. Additionally, in serious accidents involving significant injuries, lawsuits may still be permitted—even in no-fault states—if damages exceed policy thresholds.

Know Your Options in Washington

Since no-fault insurance is optional in Washington, it’s important to review your policy and understand the level of protection you have. Adding PIP coverage can provide an extra layer of financial support if you’re injured, even if the other driver is uninsured. Your experienced local agent at Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving Wenatchee, WA, can help you determine if this coverage is right for you. Contact us today to learn more.

Immigrant Medicaid Data shared without consent.

Posted on June 17, 2025June 17, 2025 by Matt McColm

We have been talking about Immigrant Health in Washington state for years. Getting Dreamers Insurance. How to get Health Insurance with an ITIN. When the Immigrant Medicaid Data was shared with Department of Homeland Security, We were more than a little upset.

One of the first people that Suzie enrolled was a refugee from Central America. It was an incredibly dangerous journey and they were needing medical attention to recover. Without Apple Health, they would not have received the care that they needed.

During Trump 1.0, Matt had a mom refuse to complete an application for their children over fear of the father being deported. That is a monstrous choice that no mother should have to make that he witnessed first hand. It’s why we are very protective of data and who we hand it over to.

Yes, some very cruel individuals like to threaten folks with public charge with all programs. It is important to note: The public charge rule will not consider any other federal or state benefits. That includes SNAP, WIC, CHIP, school lunches, Medicaid, Section 8 housing benefits, food banks, shelters, COVID-related medical care, and many more. So sometimes even we can not overcome fears on what will be used against families.

We can say that we have a couple of the insurance nerds at the office that used to ran one of the enrollment centers so we are real familiar with the Healthplanfinder for immigrants and the data that goes back and forth there. They don’t exchange medical data. There is a couple of Federal Hubs that they verify data with however those require the SSN.

The information is used for enrollment and states right on the front page it will not be used for immigration enforcement.

Medicaid falls under the Healthcare Authority’s control. If you don’t have access then here is a better description on what was taken.

The following programs were impacted by the breach:

Alien Emergency Medical

Apple Health Expansion

Civil Transitions

Non-Citizen Pregnant Women

Medicaid Family Planning (Take Charge)

The Alien Emergency Medical is a catastrophic program like dying of Cancer level patients. It’s one that no one wants to be on but delivers care to the patient and funds to the providers.

The Apple Health Expansion was limited to 16,000 people low income people and got them healthcare. It was paid for using state funds. It was done on a first come first served basis.

We don’t work directly with Civil Transitions, Non-Citizen Pregnant Women and Medicaid Family Planning as there are some programs that are not common on the Healthplanfinder.

Undocumented Immigrants make up about 24% of the uninsured in Washington State. Which is a priority to gain coverage to reduce the uninsured rate in the state.

At the office level, data is kept encrypted and not sold or shared expect to enroll people into insurance plans. We do everything in our power to prevent data breeches at a local level.

It is going to take the Legislatures at the STATE level to do something to prevent data from being stolen again.

It is going to take the Legislatures at the Federal Level to do something about the stolen Information at the Federal Level.

immigrant health washington wenatchee insurance

Bonus: Privacy Notice

The Washington Healthplanfinder Privacy Notice talks about their commitment to Privacy and provides contact information if you would like further assistance. The Master Person Index (MPI) is administered by the Healthcare Authority. Here is their statement:

Do I need to file my taxes for my Healthplanfinder insurance policy?

Posted on June 6, 2025June 6, 2025 by Matt McColm

1095 form wenatchee insurance health
for Healthplanfinder — Healthplanfinder does send out 1095 forms for taxes

If you pay for your health insurance on the Washington Healthplanfinder then you must file your taxes every year. It is an IRS rule. Yes, regardless of your income level, you will always want to file your taxes. If your Uncle Fred says that you do not need to then look at what Uncle Sam has to say about the IRS rule.

During the first couple of weeks of the year a copy of a Form 1095-A is mailed out. If you can not find a your copy then let us know. Since the second year, we have been printing and email copies to our customers at no charge so that they could file their taxes.

(If you have Apple Health then you could receive a Form 1095-B. This form is not required to file your taxes and you can request a new copy from the Healthcare Authority. )

When you file your taxes, you take the information from your 1095-A and reconcile it using the IRS Form 8962. It involves comparing the amount of premium tax credits used with the eligible amount, based on final annual income. This is why you want your income on the Washington Healthplanfinder as accurate as possible and you can updated it during the year if your income changes.

The Advanced Premium Tax Credits are what is used to lower your monthly cost of health insurance. It is an advance so if you underestimate your income then you will be asked to pay back the portion that was advanced to you. The reverse is true if you over-estimate your income while you will pay more monthly for health insurance then you will also be paid back any unused tax credits.

Some reasons you could lose the Advanced Premium Tax Credits because:

You did not file taxes and reconcile tax credits from previous years.
Did not consent on application for the Washington Healthplanfinder to request updated tax information.
Customers who are married filing single instead of jointly on their tax return.

If you lose the Advanced Premium Tax Credits then suddenly what you are required to pay for health insurance can increase!

You could receive a letter you don’t understand otherwise known as the scary letter that looks like this:

If you get a scary letter an want help then give Suzie or Matt a call at Wenatchee Insurance. We can confirm what the situation is and how to correct it. This is insurance so it does take times to make changes and it is one of the reasons that we recommend filing taxes as early as possible to reduce problems with your advanced premium tax credits.

Open Enrollment for the Washington Healthplanfinder is November 1 through December 15.

set appointment with Suzie

Don’t Miss the Boat: Health Insurance & Medicare Enrollment Dates in Washington

Posted on June 5, 2025June 5, 2025 by Matt McColm

Medicare and Health Insurance has enrollment dates

Let’s talk about the least exciting calendar dates you’ll ever mark with a glitter pen—health insurance and Medicare enrollment deadlines. But just because they don’t come with cake or party hats doesn’t mean they’re not important. Miss the window, and you might end up paying more than your fair share (or going without coverage—yikes!). Luckily, Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance has your back, clipboard in hand, ready to keep you on track across North Central Washington.

Health Insurance Enrollment (AKA: Don’t Snooze, or You’ll Lose)

If you’re under 65 and buying your health insurance through the Washington Healthplanfinder, here’s what you need to know:

Open Enrollment:
November 1 – December 15
This is the biggie. You can sign up, switch plans, or renew your current coverage. Want to ring in the New Year without a health insurance hangover? Select an appointment early as this is the shortest enrollment ever in Washington State!
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP):
Life happens—marriages, babies, losing job-based insurance, moving, or even getting out of jail (yes, that’s a legit trigger). These events may qualify you for a 60-day SEP.

Suzie’s advice: “If you’re not sure whether your life change qualifies, give me a call. I love solving insurance mysteries more than I love huckleberry pie. And I really love huckleberry pie.”

Health insurance and Medicare has enrollment dates

Medicare Enrollment (It’s Like Health Insurance, But With More Acronyms)

If you or a loved one is turning 65, you’ve got your own enrollment clock ticking. Medicare has its own little maze of dates, but Suzie knows the shortcuts.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
Starts 3 months before you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and goes 3 months after. That’s a 7-month window to get into Medicare Part A and Part B.
Medicare Advantage & Drug Plans (Part C & D) Annual Enrollment:
October 15 – December 7
This is the time to change, drop, or add Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plans. Your changes kick in January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period:
January 1 – March 31
Didn’t love your Medicare Advantage plan after New Year’s? You get one switch during this time.

Suzie’s tip: “Don’t wait until December 6 to call me. I’ll be caffeinated, but it’s best to chat while we’re both relaxed and not trying to understand Medicare with Christmas music blasting in the background.”

Native American Health and Apple Health

These applications have year round enrollments. Apple Health is Washington State’s Medicaid program that we have a special information site set up for. If you have a Tribal Affiliation then yes, you can enroll every month of the year. It is why we run applications year round.

Why Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance Should Be Your First Call

Navigating enrollment periods in Washington state is like trying to find a parking spot at Pybus Market on a Saturday morning—possible, but easier with a little help. Suzie doesn’t just know the dates, she knows the plans, the fine print, and where to find extra savings or better networks across North Central Washington.

Call Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance before your deadline becomes a dead-end. She’ll make sure you’re covered, confident, and maybe even chuckling through the paperwork.

appointment Suzie

Health InPerson Matt

📞 509-295-9055
🌐 wenatcheeinsurance.com

Let Suzie put the fun back in functional insurance enrollment deadlines!

Home Health Medicare Car Dental Prescription insurance corndog

Someone Injured in Your Place of Business? Commercial Insurance to the Rescue!

Posted on May 30, 2025June 5, 2025 by admin

business insurance — Commercial Insurance can make a difference

Accidents happen. The rain falls, the wind blows, ice forms unexpectedly, or someone simply trips over their own feet. Regardless of the cause, someone was injured on your business premises, and they want you to cover their medical expenses. As a business owner, you have a “duty of care,” meaning you have a responsibility to ensure there is nothing on your property that could harm a potential customer. But as the saying goes, “stuff happens.” Fortunately, this is why you have Commercial Insurance.

What to Do if Someone Is Injured on Your Property

First and foremost, you must attend to the customer’s well-being. Call 911, describe the incident, follow the operator’s instructions, and wait for the paramedics to arrive. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to call an ambulance. Apply necessary first aid. If the customer refuses an ambulance or the injuries aren’t serious, at least provide them a quiet place to rest and offer ice or a glass of water. Then, you must address the hazard. Block it off if necessary. Document the scene with pictures before you alter anything. Do not admit or imply anyone is to blame. Complete an incident report with the time and date of the accident. Collect statements from witnesses and the injured customer. Save any surveillance footage you may have. Once all of this is covered, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Many types of Commercial Insurance

Commercial Insurance has been more than basic liability for years. Sometimes you need a business owners’ policy that can cover employee theft. Sometimes you need liquor liability, a bond, commercial auto, insuring your equipment on the job site for theft or completed goods. We like to have conversations so that if there is a claim that you understand your coverages better before you need them.

Contact Wenatchee Insurance Agency in Wenatchee, WA

If you are in the Wenatchee, WA area and need commercial insurance, please contact Wenatchee Insurance Agency. We’re here to help.

talk with Shayla

Big rate increases requested for Individual Health Plans for 2026

Posted on May 28, 2025May 28, 2025 by Matt McColm

health or medicare enrollment suzie makes it easier

Matt has been assisting people with Health Insurance since the first year of the ACA. Suzie and Matt ran the Enrollment Center for years in Wenatchee assisting people enroll in Health Insurance without adding fees. We work with Wenatchee Insurance which is an independent insurance agency.

It is that time of year when the Office of Insurance let’s people know what the health insurance rates could do for the following year. From our experience, we knew that big changes were going to occur for a couple of reasons.

The Enhanced tax credits from the Inflation Reduction act were scheduled to end in December of 2025 unless Congress was going to extend them.
The budget bill would be putting strain from additional 310,000 to 510,000 uninsured people being added with the loss of coverage from Medicaid.

Here are the health insurance raw numbers.

Asuris Northwest Health is requesting a 15.15%. With 964 people enrolled they lost $1.2 million with a claims of 85.81%. This is an off exchange plan that does not get additional help from premium tax credits. Here is where you comment.

Bridgespan Health Company is requesting a 18.38% increase. With 376 people enrolled they lost $1.1 million after the $2.2 million risk adjustment. Here is where you comment.

Community Health Plan of Washington is requesting a 27.57%. With 34,463 people enrolled they lost $16.9 million after a $44.2 million risk adjustment. They have eliminated broker commissions. Here is where you comment.

Coordinated Care Corporation is requesting a 21.95% With 107,649 people enrolled they lost $1.3 million after a risk adjustment loss of $68.1 million and a claims of 80.94%. They are maintaining broker commissions for customer service. Here is where you comment.

Kaiser Foundation Healthplan is requesting a 11.36%. With 7,000 people enrolled in Clark and Cowlitz the company made $5.5 million after the risk adjustment and a claims of 85.5%. Here is where you comment.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington is requesting a 19.18%. With 40,266 enrolled they lost $360,419 after a $3.1 million loss in risk adjustment however the claims were 88.88%. Here is where you comment.

Lifewise Health Healthplan of Washington is requesting a 14.43%. With 23,727 people enrolled in this non-grandfathered plan, they made $3.5 million after a $13.3 million risk adjustment loss. However their claims were 89.39%. Here is where you comment.

Lifewise Health Plan of Washington is requesting a 10.4%. They have 1843 people enrolled in their grandfathered plan and made $1.0 million with this closed book. Here is where you comment.

Molina Healthcare of Washington is requesting a 24.59%. They have 43,346 enrolled and made $6.6 million after a $40.1 million loss from risk adjustment. Their claims was 83.1%. Here is where you comment.

Premera Blue Cross is requesting a 18.79%. With 9,460 enrolled, they made $8.1 million after a risk adjustment of $41.5 million. They had 92.57% in claims. Here is where you comment.

Providence Health Plan is requesting a 10.59%. With 254 people served, the company made $558,805 after the risk adjustment. Here is where you comment.

Regence Bluecross Blueshield of Oregon is requesting a 24.93%. With 10,029 people served in Clark County they lost $6.5 million after a risk adjustment of $5.3 million. With claims coming in at 86.87%. Here is where you comment.

Regence Blueshield is requesting a 9.6%. With 21,878 enrolled, they lost $14.3 million after a risk adjustment loss of $31.8 million. They also have a claims of 86.41%. Here is where you comment.

United Healthcare of Oregon is requesting a 37.35%. With 6180 enrolled they lost $9.2 million after a $2.6 million loss from risk adjustment. They also had a claims of 86.20%. Here is where you comment .

How to prepare for fall enrollment

Open Enrollment for Health Insurance runs from November 1st through December 15th.

Set your appointment early.
If you are not connected to Matt or Suzie then here is a good way to update your account early.
Let people know how you feel about the rates.
Be prepared to shop plans as there big changes.

Set appointment with Suzie

Set appointment with Matt in person

Health Insurance Medicare Advantage Wenatchee Suzie

Weatherproofing Tips That Could Save Your Home from Damage

Posted on April 30, 2025May 5, 2025 by admin

When the seasons change, your home becomes the frontline defense against whatever Mother Nature has in store. From heavy rain and snow to high winds and sudden temperature drops, your property is constantly exposed to the elements. At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, serving the greater Wenatchee, WA area, we’ve observed how a few smart weatherproofing steps can prevent major headaches—and costly insurance claims—in the future.

Begin with Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof bears the brunt of most weather events, so maintaining it in good condition is crucial. Allocate time to inspect for loose or missing shingles and check the flashing around chimneys or vents. Clogged gutters might not seem like a significant issue, but when water backs up, it can damage your roof, siding, and even your foundation.

Seal the Gaps Before the Cold Sets In

Tiny gaps around windows and doors can let in cold air, moisture, and even pests. Weather stripping and caulk are inexpensive solutions that make a big difference. Not only do they help protect your home, but they also improve energy efficiency—something your heating bill will appreciate.

Don’t Overlook the Basement and Pipes

Basements are particularly susceptible to water intrusion, so ensure yours is properly sealed. During colder months, insulating your pipes can prevent them from freezing and bursting, which is one of the most common causes of winter home damage.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Protecting your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, proactive steps can make a huge difference. At Wenatchee Insurance Agency, proudly serving the community of Wenatchee, WA, we’re here to help you safeguard what matters most. Reach out today to discuss your home insurance options and how to weatherproof with confidence.

Can you buy insurance by yourself online?

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

I was asked years ago, if I could write an insurance policy myself then why would I use a another broker.

From the Washington Healthplanfinder, Neptune, Squaremouth, DeltaDental, etc there are a ton of places that I can buy insurance for myself. Why would I want another person?

1. I want their training. They get trained by the insurance companies on how the plans function. They have to keep up on their training and have an expertise that you don’t get casually. Your Aunt Betty who worked with insurance ten years ago may not have understand any updates to the industry.

2. They carry insurance on their decision that I don’t have. Professionals that advise people carry insurance. It provides an extra layer if things go wrong.

3. If the insurance company goes sideways then I have someone to assist me in filing a complaint. This is why I use someone contracted with multiple companies. I want my agent to be able to use options.

4. They would be able to tell you particulars about what is going on for a brand in an area. For example, they would know if there is any problems with the local clinic’s contract with Kaiser.

5. They do not fall into the brand trap. You may have had a particular dental plan for years. Folks around you use the same named company with great success. What happens if you grab the cheap version that doesn’t cover what you need?

6. There are differences that you should know.

In Washington State a Producer or agent is what most people will work with. They can be contracted with one or multiple companies.

For Health Insurance, you can work with a navigator who is unlicensed and can not advise you what plans that you can pick. You can also work with a broker, who is licensed, can advise you and fill in any gaps with additional coverage. Both are called in person assisters.

An Insurance Broker is commonly thought as someone who works with multiple companies. Some will have a Surplus Lines Broker to work with more exotic policies. Health Insurance Agents that work with the State Exchange are referred to as brokers. Since brokers don’t represent insurance companies, they can’t bind coverage on behalf of an insurer when purchasing insurance. They must hand over the account to an insurer or insurance agent to complete the transaction.

If you are not able to get a Health Insurance plan now because it is special enrollment then you would be in a better position November 1st when Open Enrollment begins.

An agent (producer) is a vital tool in assisting you shop for an insurance plan. They will have insight into plans from their training and experience. If you can have a conversation with them then you are off to a good start in finding a plan that suits your needs.

Renters Insurance After a Disaster: Getting Back on Your Feet

Posted on March 29, 2025April 2, 2025 by admin

Washington State experiences diverse weather conditions throughout the year, ranging from thunderstorms and tornadoes to earthquakes and wildfires. Renters in Wenatchee, WA, must equip themselves with protection against these disasters. Renters insurance is the sole insurance protection for tenants, but it comes with certain limitations.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?

The coverage depends on the type of natural disaster and the damage it inflicts. Renters’ insurance provides coverage for belongings and injuries within the rental space. It also offers temporary housing if the rental area is damaged. However, it does not cover structural damage to the rental area; that’s the landlord’s responsibility. It also doesn’t cover vehicle damage; your auto insurance covers that.

Renters insurance from Wenatchee Insurance Agency covers most natural disasters, but not all. These include:

Hail storms
Tornadoes
Cyclones
Wildfires
Blizzards
Fire and smoke
Lightning strike
Ceiling collapse

Renters insurance doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes, mudslides, landslides, and sinkholes. You need separate flood insurance for floods and earthquake insurance for earthquakes. Add-on riders may be available for the others.

Claiming Renters Insurance Compensation

Wenatchee Insurance Agency simplifies the process of filing a renters insurance claim. However, we require your photos, videos, and documentation of injuries, belongings, and property damage. Injuries indicate the amount you need in liability, personal belongings damage shows the amount you need to replace those items, and property damage suggests how much you need for temporary housing.

One of our adjusters will survey the area with you and document injuries, property damage, and damaged belongings. Then, find temporary housing and keep track of receipts. Also, keep track of medical bills for injuries and other important information. We will meet again to discuss and exchange the additional documentation. After verification, we send you a check for everything.

Damage after a natural disaster can disrupt your life, so you need a hassle-free, streamlined process to get you back on track. Renters’ insurance plays a crucial role in this. Visit our Wenatchee, WA office or call us for more information on what renters insurance can do for you.