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Wenatchee, WA 98801

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Featured Insurance Blog

Month: April 2024

How to Avoid Insurance Fraud in the Renters Market

Posted on by admin

Insurance fraud leads to serious consequences in the renters market, leading to financial losses for insurers and policyholders alike. By implementing preventive measures and staying vigilant, renters in the Wenatchee, WA region can remain safe and secure the integrity of their insurance coverage.

Verify Information and Documentation

When applying for renters insurance, it’s essential to verify all information and documentation provided to insurers. This includes accurate reporting of personal belongings, rental property details, and occupancy information. Do not give dishonest information because it can become insurance fraud and jeopardize coverage in the event of a claim.

Choose Reputable Insurance Providers

Research insurance companies thoroughly, read customer reviews, and check their ratings with industry organizations like AM Best or J.D. Power. Working with a trusted insurer ensures that policyholders receive reliable coverage and support when needed.

Be Cautious of Unusual Requests or Offers

Be wary of any unusual requests or offers related to renters insurance, such as unsolicited calls or emails promising unusually low premiums or instant coverage. Scammers may attempt to exploit renters by offering fraudulent policies or misleading information. Verify the legitimacy of insurance offers directly with reputable insurers or licensed agents.

Report Suspicious Activities

If you suspect insurance fraud or encounter suspicious activities related to renters insurance, report them to your insurance provider or state insurance department immediately. Providing timely and accurate information about potential fraud helps protect other renters and maintains the integrity of the insurance market.

Stay Informed and Educated

Stay informed about typical insurance fraud schemes and tactics targeting renters. Educate yourself about the warning signs of fraud and how to protect your personal information and assets. 

Let Wenatchee Insurance Agency Inform You

Wenatchee Insurance Agency helps answer renter’s insurance questions and serves the Wenatchee, WA, region. Call us today.

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

Posted on by Matt McColm

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

woman qualified for special health insurance enrollment

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

chat with suzie

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

Annual SEPs:

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

child qualify Apple Health Coordinated Care

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

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

Short Special Enrollments:

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

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

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

man lost health insurance needing help

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

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

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

Summary

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

appointment with Suzie

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

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

Posted on by Matt McColm
appointment with Shayla

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

talk with Shayla
simple process for insurance
Wenatchee Insurance simple process

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

How do Medicare Advantage Plans pick what areas to work in?

Posted on by Matt McColm

When someone shops Medicare plans sometimes the question comes up asking why isn’t a specific plan that they saw on television or the internet is offered in Chelan or Okanogan County?

appointment with Suzie

Imagine Medicare Advantage plans are like ice cream trucks. They want to visit neighborhoods where they know people love ice cream. But, they can’t go everywhere – they have to pick and choose based on a few things:

  1. Map Check: They look at a map and say, “Hmm, can we drive our truck easily in this county? Are there enough roads (hospitals and doctors) for us to serve ice cream (healthcare)?” It’s why you may have one plan in Chelan and not in Douglas County.
  2. Rules of the Road: They also have to follow the traffic rules. Medicare is like the traffic police, saying, “You can drive here, but not there.”
  3. Neighborly Advice: They think about the neighbors (that’s you!). They ask, “Do the lovely folks here like our flavor of ice cream (healthcare services)?”
  4. Counting Coins: They check their piggy banks and see if visiting a neighborhood makes sense. No point in going if the ice cream melts (costs are too high) before they can sell it!
  5. Competition: If there are too many ice cream trucks on the same street, it might be tough to find a good spot. They look for streets with just enough room for them.
  6. Permission Slip: Before they start the engine, they need a permission slip from Medicare. It’s like a golden ticket to drive into your county.

So, every year, these ice cream trucks (Medicare Advantage plans) figure out which neighborhoods (counties) they’ll visit. They want to make sure they can bring you the tastiest and most affordable ice cream (healthcare) with a smile! 🍦🚚

appointment with Suzie
Insurance Bundle

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 16 organizations which offer 62 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.

Do I need a surety bond in Washington state?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Unleashing the Power of Surety Bonds: The Unsung Heroes of Guarantee

Welcome to the quirky world of surety bonds, where the unsung heroes of business and construction come to shine! Surety bonds might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to exciting topics, but they play a crucial role in ensuring projects and professional services go off without a hitch. Here’s a lighthearted look at who can use a surety bond and why you might consider becoming their biggest fan!

Link to get Bond

The Fearless Contractor

Imagine hiring someone to build your dream house, only to find out they’ve mistakenly included a moat around your home. Enter the surety bond! These bonds act as a promise that the contractor will not only complete the job but will adhere to certain standards. No moats—unless you specifically ask for one, of course.

Contractor needing a surety bond for L and I

The Daring Business Owner

Opening a new business can be as nerve-wracking as performing a tightrope walk over a bustling city intersection. Surety bonds guarantee that the business will comply with local laws and regulations, ensuring that the business owner doesn’t accidentally turn their new bakery into an all-night rave (unless, again, that’s the plan).

The Adventurous Importer

Ever wonder how exotic goods make their way to your local market without turning into an episode of “When Imports Go Wrong”? Surety bonds are there to ensure that importers comply with government regulations, helping to prevent those chocolate bars from being nothing more than cleverly disguised, inedible replicas.

The Courageous Notary Public

Notaries public might not wield swords or wear capes, but their stamps wield a lot of power. A surety bond for a notary ensures that they handle your documents properly and don’t accidentally certify your cat as the next legal heir to your estate—unless, of course, that’s your wish.

Why You Might Love Surety Bonds

Surety bonds provide peace of mind in a chaotic world. They make sure everyone sticks to their promises and that professional standards are met. Plus, they prevent potentially hilarious yet undesirable outcomes from becoming a reality in your personal and professional projects.

fast access to a surety bond

So next time you embark on a business venture, sign a contract with a contractor, or deal with a notary, remember the surety bond—your invisible hero ensuring that everything goes exactly as planned. Just remember, they can’t actually make you fly or turn invisible; they’re magical, but only in the metaphorical sense!

Set appointment for Shayla

Surety bonds might not be the topic of blockbuster movies or bestselling novels, but in the world of business and legal affairs, they’re absolutely crucial. Who knew something so serious could also be a little bit fun?

Topics: Wenatchee Insurance, Business, Chelan, Grant, Notary, Contractor, Painter, Bond, Surety, Independent Agency, Washington,

Fight inflation by changing Medigap plans outside of fall enrollment in Washington

Posted on by Matt McColm

Changing Medicare Medigap plan is not restricted to the specific annual enrollment period like some other parts of Medicare (Plan D), but certain considerations and rules affect when and how you can change your plan:

Usually, in spring rates change, if you find your rates inflating then talk to Suzie and see if you can change plans in Washington State. Suzie has in person, video, or phone appointments available in Washington State.

Suzie McColm with Washington State award for new individual health and medicare insurance, Medigap

Medigap plans are standardized so price shopping can fight inflation.

Guaranteed Issue Rights: Certain situations, known as “guaranteed issue rights,” allow you to enroll or change Medigap policies without medical underwriting. You have this right during your initial enrollment period. You also have this if you are switching from a Medigap plan to a Medigap plan if you have held coverage for at least three months.

Set appointment with Suzie

Trial Rights occur when you join a Medicare Advantage Plan when you were first eligible for Medicare Part A at 65, or if you dropped a Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time. These rights allow you to switch to a Medigap policy within the first year of joining. This is a free look that prevents buyer’s remorse.

Important Plan D Note:

Reminder your Medigap plan will not cover prescriptions. Prescription Medication is covered by a Medicare Plan D. These plans are restricted to changes that can be made during the annual enrollment period.

Setting appointment for Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7th. Yes, it is good to review your plan every year during this annual enrollment period, so no surprises occur the following year. It is not required as you will receive documentation of changes from the insurance company, it is however highly recommended.

Set appointment for Oct 15 through Dec 7th.

Set Appointment Oct 15 through Dec 7th

Dropping a Medigap Policy: Do not just stop paying for your old plan. Take the proper steps with your advisor to have a new plan in place before the old one is dropped. This prevents coverage gaps from occurring.

Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to consult with an assistor who is trained and certified to work with Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updates the rules every year to protect consumers.  

Our Wenatchee Insurance Agency is led by Suzie McColm who has the added background of being a pharmacy technician for twenty-plus years.

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Health & Medicare

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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