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413 N Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801

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Featured Insurance Blog

Month: October 2023

What does event insurance cover?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Event insurance is important for several reasons, providing protection and peace of mind for both event organizers and attendees. Here are some of the primary reasons why event insurance is considered crucial:

  1. Protection Against Financial Loss: Organizing an event often involves significant costs such as venue rental, equipment hire, catering, entertainment, and advertising. If the event is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, event insurance can cover the non-refundable expenses and financial losses incurred.
  2. Liability Coverage: Accidents can happen at any event, whether it’s someone slipping on a wet floor, food poisoning from catered meals, or equipment malfunctioning. Liability insurance protects the event organizer from potential lawsuits and claims arising from bodily injuries or property damage that might occur during the event.
  3. Venue Requirement: Many venues require event organizers to have liability insurance as a condition for renting their space. This is a common request from companies renting space for events. We just have to know who has to be listed on the Certificate of Insurance.
  4. Protects Against Non-Appearance: If a key speaker, performer, or celebrity fails to attend, this could lead to significant losses, especially if ticket sales were dependent on their appearance. Certain insurance policies can cover losses in these situations.
  5. Coverage for Vendors: If a vendor fails to deliver, goes out of business, or does not meet contractual obligations, the event organizer could face additional unexpected costs. Insurance can provide compensation in these situations.
  6. Property Damage: Insurance can cover damage to or theft of property rented or owned by the event organizer, such as audio-visual equipment, tents, or decorations.
  7. Liquor Liability: If alcohol is served at an event, liquor liability insurance protects the event organizer if attendees cause harm or damage after consuming alcohol provided at the event.
  8. Tailored Coverage: Event insurance can be tailored to the specific needs of an event. Whether it’s a small party, a corporate seminar, a large festival, or a wedding, policies can be adjusted to suit the particular risks and scale of the event.

In essence, while no one wants to think about the things that could go wrong during an event, it’s prudent to be prepared. Event insurance offers that layer of protection and ensures that unforeseen circumstances do not lead to crippling financial losses.

Topics: Event Insurance, Liability, Vendors, Liquor Liability, Property Damage, Host, Food Poisoning, Chelan, Host, Wenatchee Insurance, Cashmere, Mercantile, New Years Party, Christmas

How much does Medicare Cost

Posted on by Matt McColm
Senior Citizen enjoying being covered by Medicare

Yes, there is a misbelief out there that Medicare is free.  A couple of times a month a person will exclaim, ‘I thought Medicare was free.’  This is a Mandela effect as a large segment of the population recalls something different than what has occurred.

appointment with Suzie

Medicare, the United States Federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD), was signed into law on July 30, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

From its inception, Medicare was divided into two main parts:

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. For most beneficiaries, there is no premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working in the U.S. However, there is a deductible and copayments for some services.

Medicare Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. There is a monthly premium for Part B, which has been adjusted over the years. Beneficiaries also pay a deductible and coinsurance for many Part B services.

From the very beginning, beneficiaries of Medicare Part B have been charged premiums. Over the years, additional parts of Medicare, like Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug coverage), have been added, each with its own cost structure. So, while some parts of Medicare have free premiums based on previous tax contributions, there have always been charges associated with various components of the Medicare program since its introduction.

appointment with Suzie

It is always good to consult your local independent agent, to see what cost is associated with Medicare. There are coverages that if you miss enrollment then you can accrue a permanent penalty.

Medicare from in person assistors is a different experience than online.

Topics: Health Insurance, Medicare, Wenatchee Insurance, Enrollment Center, Healthplanfinder, Affordable Care Act, ACA, Obamacare, Prescription Drugs, Medicare Advantage Plan, Medigap, Health Alliance, Wenatchee, Washington State

What does a health insurance plan cover in Washington State?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Wenatchee Insurance is an inclusive insurance agency

We get a lot of questions from non-professionals seeking what their plan covers. Questions are great as prior to the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance there were a ton of problems from unjustified rate hikes, lifetime limits, and infamously pre-existing conditions. The ACA standardized health insurance.

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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance plans to cover 10 essential health benefits:

  1. Ambulatory Services: Outpatient care without hospital admission.
  2. Emergency Services: Care in emergency rooms.
  3. Hospitalization: Surgeries and overnight hospital stays.
  4. Maternity & Newborn Care: Care before, during, and after childbirth.
  5. Mental Health & Substance Use: Counseling and substance abuse treatments.
  6. Prescription Drugs: Medications.
  7. Rehab & Habilitation Services: Recovery therapies for injuries or conditions.
  8. Lab Services: Tests to diagnose/treat illnesses.
  9. Prevention & Wellness: Vaccinations, screenings, and chronic disease management.
  10. Pediatric Services: Dental and vision care for children.

These are the core services health plans need to cover under the ACA. A health plan will have elements of these covered to various degrees. It is important for whoever you get your plan from to walk you through the coverages.

The annual open enrollment period runs from November 1st through December 15th. Some states that run a state exchange like Washington can make a decision on extending enrollment periods. If you don’t have insurance set an appointment or call immediately so that we can see if there are any special enrollments that would speed your start date.

appointment with Suzie

We have been providing this service since the Washington Healthplanfinder Opened on October 1, 2013. We have been part of the Enrollment Center located in Wenatchee and serve the entire state. If you ever have a question about a plan do not hesitate to talk to Wenatchee Insurance or Suzie Health Solutions.

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Topics: Health Insurance, Medicare, Wenatchee Insurance, Enrollment Center, Healthplanfinder, Affordable Care Act, ACA, Obamacare, Prescription Drugs, Emergency Room, Wenatchee, Washington State

What happens with insurance when I get in an accident with a deer in my truck?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Since the mid-1970s, Washington State DOT has removed a minimum of 5000 collisions with deer and 200 with elk every year. We have several areas in North Central Washington where wildlife collisions are frequent. Around Wenatchee, we have an abundance of Mule deer to the north and south of the city. Along the Methow and Okanogan River Valleys also have large impact numbers. We need to have a conversation about deer accidents.

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When an insurance policy covers a deer accident (or any other accident involving a collision with an animal), it’s typically under the “comprehensive” coverage portion of an auto insurance policy. Here’s a breakdown of how insurance might cover a deer accident:

Comprehensive Coverage:

Description: This covers damage to your vehicle that isn’t caused by a collision with another car. This includes theft, vandalism, natural disasters, falling objects, and, relevantly, collisions with animals like deer.

Deer Accident: If you hit a deer and have comprehensive coverage, the damage to your vehicle would typically be covered. You would be responsible for paying your deductible first, and then the insurance company would cover the remaining repair costs up to the value of the vehicle.

Liability Coverage:

Description: Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you cause to others. It doesn’t cover your own injuries or vehicle damage.

Deer Accident: This wouldn’t come into play if you only hit a deer. But, if hitting the deer caused you to then collide with another vehicle, your liability coverage might cover the damages or injuries you caused to other parties.

Collision Coverage:

Description: This covers damage to your vehicle when it collides with another vehicle or object.

Deer Accident: Generally, collisions with animals are covered under comprehensive, not collision. But if, for example, you swerved to avoid a deer and hit a tree or another car, then collision coverage would come into play for damages to your vehicle.

Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP):

Description: These are optional coverages in many states that can cover medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of who’s at fault. This is a good to have coverage.

Deer Accident: If you or a passenger were injured in the accident with the deer, MedPay or PIP could potentially cover medical expenses.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:

Description: This covers your injuries or property damage if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance.

Deer Accident: This coverage wouldn’t apply to a deer accident unless you were somehow involved in an additional accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist immediately afterward. Deer are animals and do not have liability insurance.

Important Notes:

The specific details of coverage can vary based on your insurance company, your policy, and local regulations.

If you live in an area with a high deer population or frequently travel through such areas, it’s wise to ensure you have comprehensive coverage to protect against potential deer collisions.

After a deer accident, it’s important to document the scene, report the accident to the police (if required), and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Remember to always check your specific policy details or consult with your insurance agent to understand exactly what’s covered.

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Topics: auto insurance, home insurance, independent insurance broker, deductible, Wenatchee Insurance, Okanogan, Methow Valley, Deer, Chelan County, Douglas County, liability, property

Bonus:

If you need a song. The following is done to 9 to 5 written by Dolly Parton.

 (Verse 1)

Woke up with the rooster, at the break of dawn,

Coffee brewin’, new day spawnin’, put my work boots on,

Drivin’ down the gravel path, radio playin’ tunes,

But what I didn’t see comin’ changed my plans real soon.

(Chorus)

From 9 to 5, I’m workin’, breakin’ my back,

But that deer in the middle, gave my truck a big ol’ smack,

Insurance on my mind, with each hour of the grind,

Oh, from 9 to 5, life can sure be unkind.

(Verse 2)

Pulled over to the side, under that mornin’ sun,

Thought of all the paperwork, oh man, ain’t this fun?

Checked my glove box quickly, for that policy of mine,

Sure hope comprehensive’s got me covered this time.

(Bridge)

Tumblin’ through the hours, on that ol’ office chair,

Thoughts of my truck, and that deer, oh life ain’t fair,

But with the right coverage, and a little bit of grace,

I’ll get through this day, at this relentless pace.

(Chorus)

From 9 to 5, it’s hustle, and life’s little dives,

Dealing with the unexpected, like deer jumps and archives,

But I’ll clock out with a smile, and a story to share,

Oh, from 9 to 5, gotta handle life with care.

(Verse 3)

Lunchtime in the break room, shared my tale with Sue,

She laughed and said, “Honey, same thing happened to Lou!”

Seems like we’re all in this, this 9 to 5 bind,

Dealin’ with the day-to-day, and what we might find.

(Outro)

So when the day’s endin’, and I’m headin’ to my door,

I’ll count my blessings, think of what’s in store,

From 9 to 5, or whatever hours we strive,

With a little bit of rhythm, we’ll keep that hope alive.

If you might be sick then let’s do a phone or video appointment

Posted on by Matt McColm

We have been dealing with COVID for a couple of years. From Masks to working through the first of the Covid Pandemic, and even mandates. It looks like the 2024 Enrollment Season will be no different this year.

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare runs from October 15th through December 7th. We have hundreds of people that enroll, get educated or change their Medicare Plan.

Suzie Medicare Appointment

The Open Enrollment Period for Healthcare runs from November 1st through January 15th. We have hundreds of people that enroll, get educated or change their Healthcare Plan. We were one of the Enrollment Centers for the Washington Healthplanfinder so we have a large impact in the area.

Suzie Healthcare Appointment

We see folks with various degrees of health. We want them to live long and prosperous lives. Currently Washington state is tracking three respiratory illnesses including COVID, If you suspect that you have an illness then let us work over the phone or with a video chat.

Tests and Masks cost money

We are a small business. When we are exposed:

  1. We have to wear a mask immediately and continue precautions for 10 days.
  2. On Day 6 we test and test a couple more times and if nothing shows up we can end our masks.

We are stocking KN95 Masks in our office. You want a N95 or KN95 level mask. They run $19 per 50 and if you see us wearing them then we are in the middle of our testing cycle as we have been exposed.

Where to find a COVID test near your location. You can also have tests mailed to your location which is helpful for Okanogan County.

They are next to the Hand Sanitizer station located by the front door.

Tested positive and have or had symptoms.

The Washington State Department of Health has a great calculator page on what you should do.

Vaccines

Yes, we did our round of vaccines prior to Annual Enrollment Period to minimize our downtime. The CDC put out their recommendation in September and we wanted maximum protection. You can find a vaccine near you at Vaccinate WA.

The Cost

If we are sick and lose our ability to work for two weeks then we can not see at least 86 families. Yes, our appointment spaces fill up and we work seven days a week taking care of people. Not only does that take away our household income for the year, it has the potential of taking away health insurance for families for the year.

appointment with Suzie

Topics: Enrollment Center, Chelan County, Okanogan County, Suzy Health Solutions, M95 Mask, Wenatchee Insurance, COVID, RSV, phone appointment,

Health Insurance FAQs

Posted on by admin
Suzie Appointment

Health insurance is a vital type of insurance. Without health insurance, you might not get the health care that you need. Finding the right health insurance can be difficult and having an insurance agent you trust can help. In Wenatchee, WA, our team at Wenatchee Insurance Agency is dedicated to helping get rid of the confusion surrounding health insurance and making sure all of our clients have the right coverage. 

What is an HMO?

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization, and it is the most restrictive type of managed care. With an HMO you usually cannot go outside the network for treatment except in the case of an extreme emergency. You must have a primary care physician who is responsible for your care and providing referrals if you need to go to a specialist. It is also usually the most affordable type of managed care. 

Should I get a high deductible policy?

Affordability is the most common reason for choosing a high deductible policy. It may also allows you to have an HSA  (healthcare savings account) which is exempt from tax in order to put aside money to pay for covered medical expenses. 

How do I make sure my doctor takes the health insurance?

The first option is to check the list of doctors who are in the plan network but if this isn’t helping you, call your doctor’s office, they should be able to help. 

Are my prescriptions covered? 

Every plan has a formulary which is a list of covered medications. They are listed in tiers; some tiers may be free, and others may have a copay and/or a deductible. You should be able to find this on the carrier website. 

Schedule A Consultation Today

Contact Wenatchee Insurance Agency in Wenatchee, WA when you need help with your health insurance needs. We are here to answer your call. 

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simple process for insurance
Wenatchee Insurance simple process

When a Car Crashes Into Your living room: Who Foots the Bill?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Car crashes into house

Every now and then, residents of Washington come across startling images on their Facebook feeds of cars or trucks colliding into homes. Naturally, the immediate question is: Who covers the repair costs? Imagine a Wenatchee homeowner relaxing with the latest Stranger Things episode when suddenly a sports car crashes into their living room. The flat screen goes flying, the cat freaks out and the night is ruined. The urgency to find out who’ll fix everything is real. The answer is straightforward with a couple of twists.

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Who’s Responsible?

Good News: The driver responsible for crashing into your home is liable for the damages, typically covered by the Property Damage section of their auto insurance liability. In a perfect world, they will be paying for everything. Sometimes perfection needs a hand.

Not-so-Good News:

There’s a catch. Roughly 20% of drivers in Washington State don’t have any auto insurance. In fact, the state ranks fifth in the number of uninsured drivers. This means if such a driver crashes into your home, you can’t claim any compensation from them.

Additionally, in Washington, the minimum Property Damage coverage for auto policies is $10,000. So, if repair costs exceed this amount, the insurance company will pay you up to this limit, leaving you to cover the rest. This underscores the importance of opting for more than just the minimum liability coverage.

Car in Kitchen, who makes the claim?

How Do I Cover the Repair Costs?

Bright Side: Your Home Insurance is likely your savior here. Central to your policy are ‘Perils’, essentially risks or incidents, your policy covers. Most home insurance policies offer coverage for damages from car crashes. Your dwelling coverage steps in to facilitate home repairs, while personal property coverage compensates for damaged items. However, remember your deductible. If the damages (or the amount left after the auto claim payout) are less than your deductible, claiming might not be beneficial. Thus, consulting your insurance agent is key.

Understanding your policy’s ins and outs is crucial. Working with a local independent insurance agency like Wenatchee Insurance can help you customize a policy best suited to your needs. With their representation of multiple companies, you’re assured optimal coverage. Reach out to our team today for a comprehensive understanding of your options.

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Topics: auto insurance, car insurance home insurance, independent insurance broker, deductible, Wenatchee Insurance, Chelan County, Douglas County, liability, property, local insurance,

What are four coverages that a restaurant needs in North Central Washington?

Posted on by Matt McColm

In North Central Washington, a restaurant should have several insurance coverages to protect its business, employees, and customers from various risks. Running a Pizza place in Wenatchee is going to have different risks than a Mexican Restaurant in Winthrop or a Café in Leavenworth. We quote every business is uniquely.

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Here are four essential insurance coverages for a restaurant:

  • General Liability Insurance: This insurance is essential for any business, including restaurants. It covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims that may arise from accidents or incidents on the restaurant premises. For example, if a customer slips or suffers food poisoning, general liability insurance can help cover legal expenses and settlements.
  • Property Insurance: Property insurance, sometimes known as commercial property insurance, protects a restaurant’s physical assets, including the building, equipment, inventory, and furnishings, from damage or loss due to events like fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It can also include coverage for business interruption, which can compensate for lost income if the restaurant needs to close temporarily due to covered damage. Business Interruption was a tremendous asset for the COVID shutdowns.
  • Liquor Liability Insurance: If your restaurant serves alcohol, liquor liability insurance is essential. It provides coverage for claims related to alcohol-related incidents, such as fights, accidents, or DUI incidents, that occur on or because of your premises. This coverage can protect your restaurant from costly lawsuits and damages.
  • Food Contamination or Spoilage Insurance: Restaurants rely on fresh ingredients and food products. Food contamination or spoilage insurance helps cover the costs of replacing spoiled or contaminated food due to power outages, equipment failures, or other unforeseen circumstances. This coverage ensures that you can maintain food safety standards and avoid financial losses.

Additional coverages

Additionally, depending on the specific circumstances and location of your restaurant, you may need other insurance coverages such as cybersecurity insurance, commercial auto insurance (if you have restaurant-owned vehicles), or employment practices liability insurance (for protection against employment-related lawsuits). There are cases where these can be bundled together in a Business Owner Policy.

If you are catering or hosting large events then Event Insurance is an affordable way for hosts to fill in coverage gaps.

It’s crucial to work with your local insurance agent to assess your restaurant’s unique needs and select the appropriate insurance coverage to provide comprehensive protection for your business.

Topics: Restaurant Insurance, BOP, Small Business Insurance, General Liability, Pizza, Café, Chelan Insurance, Event Insurance, Business Interruption, Liquor Liability, Wenatchee Insurance, Local Insurance Agent,

Are Health Share Ministries worth it?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Essential oils to make you feel better

We get asked about Health Share Ministries a lot being the Full Service Enrollment Center located in Wenatchee. We are going to talk about something that is not insurance.

Our first Podcast was on Health Share Ministries.

Health Share Ministries have some advantages, such as lower monthly costs and a sense of community among members who share similar beliefs. We have had companies offer us commissions to offer these plans and most have fallen short during the selection process.

Health Share Ministries have displayed some problems and limitations:

  1. Limited Coverage: Health share ministries often have more restricted coverage compared to traditional health insurance. They may not cover certain medical conditions, preventive care, or pre-existing conditions, which can leave members with significant healthcare expenses. We want our clients to have the freedom to treat all their medical conditions that can occur.
  2. Lack of Guarantees: Unlike traditional health insurance, health share ministries are not legally obligated to cover medical expenses. If you have ever gone to use something and it wasn’t there than the normal reaction is to get angry.  We don’t like angry customers. There’s no guarantee that your expenses will be shared, and coverage decisions are subject to the ministry’s guidelines.
  3. Eligibility Restrictions: To join a health share ministry, you may need to meet specific religious or ethical criteria. This can exclude individuals or families who don’t share the same beliefs. We run an inclusive office and don’t discriminate. Why would I want to have a product not suitable for more than half our neighbors?

4. Uncertain Future: Health share ministries are not as regulated or financially stable as traditional insurance companies. They may be vulnerable to financial difficulties or changes in their sharing policies, which can affect members’ coverage. We have seen several of these companies with legal action against them over the years.

5. No Consumer Protections: Health share ministries are not subject to the same state and federal regulations as health insurers. This means members have fewer protections and may have limited recourse if they encounter problems with the ministry. With insurance, we can go to the Office of Insurance and file a complaint.

6. Administrative Hassles: Members often need to handle medical billing and paperwork themselves, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when dealing with multiple providers and claims. Confluence Health is not known for negotiating pricing.

7. Non-Comprehensive Coverage: Health share ministries may not cover mental health services, maternity care, prescription drugs, or other essential healthcare needs that are typically covered by traditional insurance.

8. No Financial Assistance: Government subsidies or financial assistance, which are available for many with traditional health insurance through programs like the Affordable Care Act or Cascade Care, are not available for health share ministry members.

Before considering a health share ministry, it’s crucial to carefully review your policies, coverage limitations, and eligibility requirements. As the full-service Enrollment Center located in Wenatchee, we have been educating options for eleven-plus years at no cost.

When can I enroll in Health Insurance

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Topics, Alternative Health, Wenatchee Insurance, Healthcare, Health Ministries, Financial Assistance, Enrollment Center, Cascade Care, Affordable Care Act, ACA, Confluence Health, Chelan County

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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.

We work with all ages and charge no fees.

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