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

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

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.

How to Find Cheap Home Insurance in North Central Washington

Posted on March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 by Matt McColm

So, you finally bought your dream home—whether it’s a charming craftsman in Wenatchee, a cozy cabin in Leavenworth, or a fixer-upper in Okanogan that “just needs a little love” (aka a total gut job). Now, before you get lost debating which shade of “rustic sage” to paint the kitchen, let’s talk about home insurance—because you’re going to need it when a windstorm turns your backyard trampoline into your neighbor’s new patio furniture.

But don’t worry! Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance is here to save your budget, your sanity, and maybe even that questionable fence you keep saying you’ll fix “next summer.”

1. Bundle Up Like It’s January in Winthrop

You wouldn’t survive a Methow Valley winter in just a T-shirt, so why would you buy home insurance without bundling it? If you’ve already got auto, life, or even farm insurance, Shayla can combine them to save you money—like when you buy apples by the box at Smallwood’s Harvest instead of one at a time.

2. Raise That Deductible—But Not Too High

A higher deductible means a lower premium, but let’s not get crazy. If your deductible is so high that you’d have to sell your fishing boat to cover it, you might want to reconsider. Shayla can help you find that perfect balance—somewhere between “too expensive” and “I’ll just live with the hole in my roof.”

insurance deductibles are important to the policy

3. Home Improvements = Lower Rates

You might be fixing up your home to impress the in-laws, but some upgrades can also slash your insurance bill. Things like a new roof, better wiring, or an anti-burglar system can earn you major discounts. Plus, if you’ve been putting off replacing that 1970s avocado-green carpet, now you have an excuse.

4. Shop Around Like It’s the Chelan Farmers Market

You wouldn’t just grab the first apple cider bottle you see—you compare prices and samples first. The same goes for insurance. Shayla has access to multiple providers and will do the price-hunting for you, so you don’t have to spend hours on hold with an insurance company in another time zone.

5. Only Pay for What You Need

Do you need hurricane insurance in Wenatchee? No. Do you need wildfire coverage? Absolutely. Shayla helps you customize your policy, so you’re paying for protection against things that could actually happen—like an elk crashing through your fence, not a tsunami.

Wildfire around Central Washington can make insurance tough — Wild Fire along the Columbia River

6. Discounts Are Everywhere—If You Know Where to Look

There are discounts for first-time buyers, retirees, having good credit, and even installing a fire extinguisher. Shayla knows how to uncover these hidden savings, so you can keep more money for important things—like gas money for your next Leavenworth trip.

Call Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance—Your Wallet Will Thank You!

Finding cheap home insurance doesn’t have to be a headache. With Shayla’s expert advice, a few smart decisions, and maybe some minor home upgrades, you’ll get the coverage you need without breaking the bank.

Give Shayla a call today—she’ll help you save money, avoid insurance headaches, and maybe even find a way to finally afford that dream deck with a view of the Columbia River.

talk with Shayla

If you bundle with Wenatchee Insurance then you can save

Turning 65? Don’t Panic—Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance Has Your Back!

Posted on March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 by Matt McColm

So, you’re turning 65. Congratulations! You’ve officially leveled up in life. Along with senior discounts at restaurants and the ability to yell at kids to get off your lawn with newfound authority, you now have to deal with something equally exciting (or terrifying): Medicare enrollment.

Turning 65 Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance can help you with Medicare — Suzie helps with important birthdays year round.

Before you run away screaming, let me introduce you to your new best friend—Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance. She’s the kind of insurance expert who can turn Medicare mayhem into something that actually makes sense.

talk with Suzie

Wait… Do I Even Have to Sign Up for Medicare?
Great question! If you’re already drawing Social Security, the government enrolls you in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. Boom. Done. Easy.

But if you’re still working or have insurance through a spouse, you might need to make some decisions. Do you delay Part B? Do you enroll right away? Do you flip a coin and hope for the best? (Hint: Don’t do that last one.)

Suzie can help you figure it out so you don’t get slapped with penalties later. Yes, Medicare penalizes procrastination. Who knew?

Medicare: The Alphabet Soup of Insurance
Medicare comes in four parts, and much like choosing between sugar and salt for your morning coffee, picking the wrong one can be a disaster.

Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and some home health services. Usually free if you worked long enough.
Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services. This one comes with a monthly premium.
Part C (Medicare Advantage): A bundle of A & B (and sometimes D) offered by private insurance companies. These can include perks like dental, vision, and even gym memberships—because apparently, seniors are required to be more active than they were at 40.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Because medications aren’t free, and no one wants to take out a second mortgage for allergy pills.
Suzie will help you navigate these options without making your head explode. She’ll translate all the Medicare jargon into normal human language—so you can focus on more important things, like enjoying retirement.

Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage—Which One’s Right for You?
If Original Medicare (Parts A & B) was a basic car, you’d probably want to add insurance so you’re not left paying for repairs (aka, giant hospital bills). That’s where Medicare Supplements (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plans come in.

Medigap helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, rolls everything into one plan, including some extras. It’s like deciding between buying car insurance or getting an all-in-one ride-sharing subscription with bonus perks.

Suzie can break it down for you without using confusing sales talk. She’ll compare plans from different companies and find one that fits your needs, not the one that gives her a bigger commission (because that’s not how Wenatchee Insurance rolls).

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts until three months after. Miss it, and you might have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period—plus, penalties could be lurking in the shadows.

But don’t stress. Suzie’s got this. Whether you need a plan, a translator for Medicare lingo, or just someone to remind you that yes, you are still incredibly cool at 65—she’s here to help.

Call Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance—Because Medicare Shouldn’t Be Scary
Want to skip the stress and actually enjoy turning 65? Call Suzie. She’ll handle the hard part, and you can get back to celebrating your milestone birthday—preferably with cake. Lots of cake.

chat with Suzie

Why You Should Use Suzie of Wenatchee Insurance for a Notary

Posted on February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 by Matt McColm

So, you need a notary. Maybe you’re buying a house, transferring a title, or dealing with paperwork so complicated it makes your head spin. Whatever the reason, you need someone reliable, professional, and—let’s be honest—someone who won’t make the experience feel like a trip to the DMV. That’s where Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance comes in.

Schedule Suzie

1. She Actually Cares About Your Paperwork

You ever meet one of those notaries who barely glances at your documents, stamps them with the enthusiasm of a sleepy sloth, and sends you on your way? Yeah, that’s not Suzie. She knows how important these papers are to you—whether it’s a real estate closing, a power of attorney, or an affidavit stating that, yes, you did in fact sell your cousin’s 1998 Honda Civic. Suzie makes sure every detail is correct so you don’t end up in a mess later.

2. No Judgment Zone

Let’s be real, notary documents are often tied to life’s big moments—buying a home, starting a business, dealing with legal matters. Maybe you’ve had to Google what “jurat” means three times. That’s okay! Suzie isn’t here to make you feel like you should’ve gone to law school. She explains what you need in plain English and ensures you walk away confident that everything is in order.

3. Convenience is Key

Need a notary today? No problem. Wenatchee Insurance isn’t some giant, impersonal office where you have to wait weeks for an appointment. Suzie works with your schedule and makes things as easy as possible. Need her to notarize something fast? She’s got you. Need a friendly face to reassure you that, yes, this is the right document? She’s got you there, too.

4. Local Expertise with a Smile

Suzie knows Wenatchee and North Central Washington like the back of her hand. She understands what documents people in this area commonly need notarized—whether it’s property-related, business agreements, or those all-important DMV forms that could make or break your weekend plans. Plus, she’s actually friendly, which is more than we can say for most bureaucratic processes.

5. One-Stop Shop for Insurance and Notary Needs

Why stop at just a notary? If you’re at Wenatchee Insurance, you might as well have Suzie check out your home, auto, or health insurance while you’re there. Because nothing says “I’m an adult who has my life together” like knocking out two important tasks in one stop.

The Bottom Line

When you need a notary in Wenatchee, Suzie is the one to call. She’s reliable, fast, and makes the process easy. Plus, she won’t judge you if you accidentally bring the wrong form the first time. So, skip the hassle, head to Wenatchee Insurance, and let Suzie take care of business!

Schedule with Suzie

How do I get a surety bond in North Central Washington?

Posted on February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 by Matt McColm

Yes, we do surety bonds at Wenatchee Insurance

Why You Should See Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance for a Surety Bond (And Avoid the DIY Disaster)

Let’s talk about bonds. No, not the kind James Bond carries around in his secret spy wallet—though that would be cool. We’re talking about surety bonds, contractor bonds, notary bonds, and all the other fun financial guarantees that businesses and individuals sometimes need. If that sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, don’t worry—Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance makes the process painless, simple, and, dare we say, almost enjoyable.

Surety Bonds Are Confusing. Shayla Is Not.

If you’ve ever tried to Google “how to get a surety bond in Washington state,” you probably ended up in a confusing rabbit hole of legal jargon, application forms, and requirements that make no sense. That’s because bonds involve three parties—the principal (you), the obligee (the entity requiring the bond), and the surety (the insurance company backing it). Still with us?

Good news: You don’t need to memorize any of this. Shayla already knows it all. She translates “insurance-speak” into plain English so you understand exactly what you need and why. No more guesswork, no more frustration—just straightforward answers.

Speed Matters—And Shayla Delivers

Need a bond fast? Maybe you just landed a big job as a contractor and need a license bond yesterday. Or perhaps you suddenly realized that your business permit requires a specific bond you didn’t even know existed. Instead of panicking, just call Shayla. She works quickly to get you bonded ASAP so you can move forward with your business (and avoid that scary fine from the state).

Plus, trying to go it alone can lead to mistakes. A small paperwork error could mean delays, rejections, or worse—paying too much for a bond that doesn’t even cover what you need. Shayla knows how to navigate the system, ensuring you get the right bond at the best price, with zero headaches.

Fast Bond connection

Local Expertise, Personal Touch

Sure, you could go online and try to get a bond through some faceless website. But do you really want to deal with a call center in who-knows-where when something goes wrong? With Shayla, you’re working with someone who understands Wenatchee, North Central Washington, and all the specific requirements of our state.

More importantly, she actually cares. Need a reminder when your bond is about to expire? She’s got you covered. Not sure if your business needs additional bonding? She’ll walk you through it. Try getting that level of service from a random internet company.

The Bottom Line: Call Shayla

If you need a bond, don’t make it harder than it has to be. Skip the stress, save time, and go straight to the expert. Call or visit Shayla at Wenatchee Insurance—because when it comes to bonds, it’s always better to have a local expert in your corner.

Need help today? Shayla’s ready—give her a call before you find yourself tangled in a web of bond confusion!

talk with Shayla

Where is my 1095 form so I can file taxes

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by Matt McColm

The 1095 Form, Taxes, and Individual Health Insurance: A Match Made in (Paperwork) Heaven

Ah, tax season—when we trade our snow shovels for calculators and every mailbox visit feels like a lottery draw, except instead of money, we get… forms. If you’ve got individual health insurance, there’s one form you can’t escape: the 1095. It starts the third week in January. But don’t worry! Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance has seen it all, and with her knack for breaking things down (and a good sense of humor), she’s here to help you understand how your health insurance and taxes go hand-in-hand.

What Is the Mysterious 1095 Form?

The 1095 form is like the awkward cousin of the W-2. It doesn’t hold the keys to your refund, but it’s crucial for showing Uncle Sam you had health insurance last year. Think of it as your golden ticket to avoid paying the “Individual Shared Responsibility Payment” (aka the we-didn’t-see-your-coverage penalty).

If you bought health insurance through the Washington Healthplanfinder, you’ll likely receive a 1095-A. If your coverage came directly from a private insurer, you might get a 1095-B. If you received Apple Health then you may be looking at a 1095-B form. Either way, they both scream, “Proof I’m covered!”

Please note for Apple Health and people with a 1095-B form, the IRS does not require the form.

What Do You Actually Do with the 1095 Form?

Suzie will tell you straight: Don’t panic. When the form arrives, here’s your action plan:

Check it for Errors
Suzie swears by the two-minute error check. Are your name, address, and Social Security number correct? Is the coverage period accurate? If you spot a mistake, reach out to your insurance provider ASAP.
File It with Your Taxes
The IRS doesn’t need you to send in the form, but keep it handy. Your tax software or accountant might ask for it to confirm your coverage.
Double-Check Tax Credits
If you received premium tax credits (yay, lower premiums!), the 1095-A is your BFF for reconciling them on Form 8962. Suzie’s advice? Don’t skip this step—it could mean the difference between a sweet refund and an awkward bill.

Suzie working hard with Ambetter Health Insurance

How Does Individual Health Insurance Affect Your Taxes?

Suzie often says, “Health insurance and taxes are like peanut butter and jelly: a weird combo, but they work.” Here’s how:

Tax Credits
If you qualified for tax credits through the Marketplace, your 1095-A shows how much the government chipped in. If your income changed during the year and you didn’t update the Marketplace, you might owe (or get back!) some of that credit.
Penalties (Not So Much Anymore)
Suzie says the big bad penalty is mostly a thing of the past, but some states (like California and New Jersey) still have individual mandates. If you live in one of these, your 1095 form is your get-out-of-jail-free card.
Self-Employed Deductions
Here’s a silver lining: If you’re self-employed, you might be able to deduct your health insurance premiums. That’s right—your individual plan could save you money on taxes.

Suzie’s Top Tip for Stress-Free Tax Season

Suzie’s golden rule: Organize early, relax later. Don’t let your 1095 form live under a pile of junk mail until April 14th. As soon as it arrives, add it to your tax folder—or, as Suzie calls it, “The Box of Financial Doom.”

If you have lost your 1095 or don’t have a printer then stop in. We do print copies for our clients.

And if you’re confused about your plan, tax credits, or which 1095 form you should expect, don’t hesitate to call Wenatchee Insurance. Suzie and Matt specialize in turning health insurance headaches into manageable to-dos.

When in Doubt, Ask for Help

Taxes are complicated, health insurance is complicated, and when you combine the two? Let’s just say Suzie has seen some impressive forehead wrinkles from her clients. But that’s why Wenatchee Insurance is here—to make things simple, funny, and as painless as possible.

When you have a plan from the Healthplanfinder then you are required to file your taxes every year.

You can file taxes for Free.

The Washington State Department of Revenue has a list of assistors.

So, grab that 1095 form, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or something stronger), and tackle tax season like a champ.

.If you can’t find it then stop in and we will be able to print one out or tell you if you don’t need to include your 1095 form.

appointment with Suzie

Topics: health insurance, tax document, 1095, apple health, Molina, Ambetter, Community Health, Suzie, Chelan County, Okanogan, Grant County, Douglas County, 509, Leavenworth, Quincy, Cashmere, Entiat,

What Is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment? And Why You Should Call Suzie Before You Regret It

Posted on December 17, 2024December 17, 2024 by Matt McColm

Ah, the new year. A time for resolutions you may or may not keep, gym memberships that go unused after January 15th, and… Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment! That’s right, folks. While the world is busy pretending kale smoothies are delicious, you’ve got the golden opportunity to switch, drop, or tweak your Medicare Advantage plan from January 1st to March 31st.

suzie appointment

So, what exactly is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment? Don’t worry, we’re here to make it crystal clear, with fewer big words and more laughs. And if it still feels like a brain bender? That’s when you call Wenatchee Insurance and let Suzie save the day.

The Open Enrollment Lowdown

Imagine you bought a car, but by January you realize it’s more of a lemon than a luxury ride. Maybe it gets terrible mileage. Maybe the stereo only plays polka music. Either way, you need a switch. Well, Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is your chance to ditch the “lemon” plan and grab something that fits your life—minus the accordion solos.

During this special window:

You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (because sometimes you just need a better deal).

You can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare (hello, freedom!).

You can add a Medicare Part D plan for prescriptions (because paying full price for meds isn’t on anyone’s vision board).

prescriptions cost money a medicare plan d can save

It’s a relaunch for this year’s health insurance. But here’s the kicker: you can only make ONE change during this window. That’s right—no double-dipping. So, we have to make it count!

Why You Need Suzie From Wenatchee Insurance (Like, Yesterday)

Here’s the deal: Medicare rules can feel more confusing than assembling furniture with no instructions. One minute you’re comparing plans, and the next you’re buried in pamphlets muttering, “What even is a deductible?” It’s a slippery slope, my friend.

Enter Suzie. She’s not just any insurance agent; she’s the Medicare whisperer of Wenatchee Insurance. Picture this: while you’re sipping coffee and trying to remember what Part C does, Suzie’s already found three plans that cover your favorite doctors, lower your out-of-pocket costs, and include extra perks like dental or vision. She’s like a superhero, but instead of a cape, she wears a friendly smile and has a phone glued to her hand.

Need examples? Let’s say you’re Steve from East Wenatchee. Steve didn’t call Suzie last year and ended up with a plan that didn’t cover his prescriptions—ouch. Meanwhile, Betty from Cashmere gave Suzie a ring, and now her plan includes gym memberships and a dental cleaning so good her dentist asked for her secret.

Don’t be a Steve. Be a Betty.

Where can we get our one stop insurance shop in North Central Washington?

At Wenatchee Insurance, Suzie, Matt and Shayla make the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period a breeze. They do the research, break down the jargon from the different insurance companies, and find you the best plan for you and your family. No accordion solos, no paperwork nightmares—just great coverage and a sigh of relief.

So, if you’re ready to switch things up (or just make sure you’re on the right plan), pick up the phone and call Suzie. Trust us: your future self will thank you.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment ends March 31st. Don’t miss out—call Wenatchee Insurance today!