Matt McColm - Blog | Wenatchee Insurance Agency

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

Posted on April 24, 2024April 24, 2024 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 15^th).

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.

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 April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 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:

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?

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?

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.

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.

Weather Damage: Without regular upkeep, vacant properties are more vulnerable to damage from storms or cold weather.
Insurance Challenges: It can be harder and more expensive to get insurance for a vacant property, and the coverage might be limited.
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 April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 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:

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.
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.”
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)?”
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!
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.
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

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 April 12, 2024April 12, 2024 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.

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 April 5, 2024April 16, 2024 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 7^th. 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.

We love our senior insurance customers — Why be boring, life is short.

Can my tribal affiliation affect Healthcare?

Posted on February 21, 2024April 16, 2024 by Matt McColm

If you are an American Indian or Alaska Native, then healthcare was improved by the Affordable Care Act with it’s permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. It took Matt nearly three years to find the first person that qualified for this program.

appointment with Suzie

The Top Four:

Here are the top four ways the Affordable Care Act (ACA) benefits Native Americans:

No Cost-Sharing: Native Americans with certain income levels are exempt from co-pays and deductibles when they buy insurance through the ACA Marketplace. We like to print this out because it is radically different than most people are used to.
Special Enrollment Privileges: Native Americans can enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace any time of the year, not just during the standard open enrollment period. If you enroll before the 15^th then your plan starts on the 1^st of the following month.
Access to More Services: The ACA provides additional funding to the Indian Health Service, improving and expanding available healthcare services.
Coverage for Preventive Services: The ACA ensures coverage for various preventive services without additional costs, which is crucial for maintaining good health.

For the Affordable Care Act (ACA), proof of tribal affiliation typically involves demonstrating membership or eligibility for services from a federally recognized tribe. This can be as simple as uploading your Tribal Membership Card or Tribal Enrollment Records.

The no cost sharing plans mean your only responsibility is paying the premium. There are zero co-pays and zero-deductibles on these plans. If you run into network issues then they can be changed the following month with ease.

appointment with Suzie

Suzie and Matt assist people in understanding and enrolling in health plans without charging any fees. For six years, they ran the Enrollment Center in Wenatchee. They continue a similar effort with Wenatchee Insurance supporting more insurance products.

Topics

Topics: Tribal Health, Enrollment, Healthcare, Wenatchee Insurance, NCW Insurance, Native American, ACA, Healthplanfinder

#medicare, #health #wenatcheeinsurance #thesuzie #enrollment

The springs winds are around the corner is your insurance ready?

Posted on February 19, 2024April 16, 2024 by Matt McColm

Ah, Washington! Land of coffee, rain, and the occasional trampoline taking flight like a misguided UFO during a windstorm. So, let’s talk about wind damage coverage.

talk with Shayla

trampoline and homeowner insurance lability in Grant County

First off, most homeowner policies here are pretty solid. They’ve got your back when the wind decides to redecorate your yard or play bowling with your roof shingles. But, remember, it’s not just about the ‘whooosh’; it’s also about what the ‘whooosh’ brings along. We’re talking trees that suddenly believe they can walk, and yes, the legendary flying trampolines.

Now, if a trampoline decides to audition for the role of ‘Mary Poppins’ and lands on your roof, your policy usually steps in. It’s like, ‘Don’t worry, we’ve seen this episode before.’ They cover the damage to your house, maybe even the fence it crushed on its way down.

But here’s the kicker – if your own trampoline decides to go on an adventure and damages someone else’s property, you might need to check the liability part of your insurance. Because, let’s face it, nobody wants a neighborly dispute over a rogue trampoline.

And let’s not forget the ‘Wind-Driven Rain Ensemble’. This is when the wind plays maestro and directs rain to places it’s not supposed to be, like inside your house. Coverage here can get a bit tricky, but generally, if the rain’s invited in by wind damage, you’re covered.

Wind trampoline damage insurance wenatchee

One more thing – deductibles. In some cases, you might have a separate ‘wind deductible’. Think of it as the entry fee for the ‘wind damage club’. It’s often a percentage of your home’s value. So, if your home is worth a lot, maybe start a ‘wind deductible’ piggy bank.

In summary, yes, wind damage, including the acrobatic acts of trampolines, is generally covered. But policies vary, and it’s always a good idea to chat with your agent – especially if you own a trampoline. They might just have a frequent flier program!”

talk with Shayla

Always check the specifics of your policy and talk to your insurance agent for personalized advice, especially if your backyard has a trampoline with a mind of its own!

Trampolines are one of the risks that we like to chat about so that our clients better understand their policy.

topics:

#home #renters #deductible #wenatcheeinsurance

Topics: Home Insurance, Renter Insurance, Trampoline, Wenatchee Insurance, Washington, Wind Coverage, wind deductible, backyard, liability, shingles

Who can enroll in health insurance outside of fall’s Open Enrollment?

Posted on February 1, 2024April 16, 2024 by Matt McColm

Sometimes it helps to remember things when put to a simple rhyme. We are going to consult the Bard.

talk with Suzie

If you missed open enrollment, don’t despair,
Here’s a rhyme for situations quite rare:

When life throws a curve, like a baby’s new cry,
Or marriage bells chime under the sky,
That’s a time when you can apply.

If you move your abode, a new place to dwell,
Or lose your old coverage, as records can tell,
These events open the gate, so all can be well.

A citizenship change, a status update,
Or if Medicaid says, “Sorry, you’re late,”
These too swing wide the special enrollment fate.

But remember, my friend, in this healthcare quest,
Timing is key to getting the best,
Typically 60 days post-event, no jest!

So if life changes course, be it merry or tense,
You’ve got a chance for insurance hence,
In this rhyme, I hope, it all makes sense!

The bottom line:

If you do not have health insurance then we want to see you ASAP to see if you qualify. Special Events can also occur and you could be qualified and not even know it for a plan cheaper than you expected.

This was the first year that we could assist with insuring Washington state residents that did not have citizenship like DACA or dreamers.

We do our best to make insurance understandable and usable. Wenatchee Insurance doesn’t charge fees and answers questions throughout the year. Suzie was a pharmacy technician and is incredibly usefully.

appointment with Suzie

Topics: Chelan, Dental, Health, Independent Insurance Agency, Life, Mission, SEP, Special Enrollment Suzie, Wenatchee,

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

Posted on January 23, 2024April 16, 2024 by Matt McColm

Not the Annual Enrollment Period!

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place every year from October 15th through December 7th. Every year Medicare Eligible people can enroll or change plans that start January 1st.

This runs January 1st through March 31st

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change for whatever reason. Maybe you changed during the enrollment period and the new plan isn’t working. Maybe you missed changing your Medicare Advantage Plan during the AEP.

Set Appointment with Suzie

Talk with Suzie Today

Imagine Medicare as a big, bustling supermarket of health care plans. Now, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is like this special three-month-long festival in the supermarket, starting January 1st and ending on March 31st, where you can swap your shopping cart (your current Medicare Advantage plan) for a different one.

Switching Carts (Plans): Let’s say you’re wheeling around a cart (your current Medicare Advantage plan) and you spot another cart that looks sleeker, has better wheels (better benefits), or maybe even a built-in cup holder (extra perks). You can ditch your old cart and grab the new one! Just make sure it’s still in the Medicare Advantage aisle.
Back to Basics with a Handbasket (Original Medicare): Maybe you’re tired of pushing around these fancy carts. You miss the good old days of a simple handbasket (Original Medicare). Well, you can swap your cart for a handbasket during this festival. And if you miss having a place to put your soda (prescription drugs), you can always grab one of those trendy little clip-on cup holders (Medicare Prescription Drug Plan).
Adding a Cup Holder (Prescription Drug Plan): If you switch to your handbasket and suddenly realize, “Oh no, where will I put my soda?” (prescription drugs), you can pick up one of those nifty cup holders (join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan) to clip onto your basket.

Remember, this festival is only for folks who already have a shopping cart (are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan). If you’re still contemplating the merits of a basket or a cart (if you’re on Original Medicare), this isn’t your festival, but don’t worry, your time will come during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7)!

So, during this special festival, feel free to peruse the aisles, compare the carts, and make sure you’re wheeling around the one that fits your shopping list (healthcare needs) the best! Just don’t try to check out with more than one cart, or you might set off the security alarms (confuse the system)! 🛒😄

Medicare has a bunch of Enrollment Periods, from Initial Enrollment Period, General Enrollment Period, Special Enrollment Period, in addition to the Annual Enrollment Period and the Open Enrollment Period. If you have questions then let us know as we are always glad to lend a hand at Wenatchee Insurance.

Topics: Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, Prescription Drug Plan, Open Enrollment Period, Local Insurance Broker, Wenatchee Insurance

Local insurance agents helps out in Central Washington

Posted on January 9, 2024January 9, 2024 by Matt McColm

We have a lot of fun around Wenatchee insurance. Let’s add a humorous twist to the importance of a local independent insurance agent from Chelan County:

Knows Your Neighbors Better Than You Do: Your Wenatchee insurance agent is like the neighborhood gossip guru but for insurance. They know everyone’s business – in a good way! Need to know if Mrs. Johnson’s cat really did cause that tree to fall? They’re on it.
Weather Wizard: They have an uncanny ability to predict local weather risks. It’s like they have a sixth sense for when the next big hailstorm will hit Wenatchee, saving you from the dreaded ‘hail-dented car’ look.
Apple Insurance Expert: In Wenatchee, the apple capital of the world, they’re not just insurance experts; they’re apple insurance connoisseurs. They’ll insure your apples, apple trees, and even your apple pies!

4. Mountain Man/Woman Vibes: Living in the gateway to the Cascades, they know all about insuring your hiking gear, bear-proofing your camping insurance, and making sure your mountain bike is covered, even if you’re just riding it to the local coffee shop.

5. Coffee-Spilling Coverages: They understand the local habit of sipping coffee non-stop. Spilled coffee on your laptop? They’ve got a policy for that.

6. Personalized Service with a Smile (and Maybe a Pie): They’re so friendly that every policy discussion could end with a smile and a shared recipe for the best apple pie in Wenatchee.

7. Bigfoot Coverage?: Only in Wenatchee would your insurance agent seriously discuss coverage options for a Bigfoot sighting on your property. Just in case, right?

In short, a local independent insurance agent from Wenatchee isn’t just an expert in policies; they’re an integral, quirky part of the community fabric, blending local charm with professional expertise – and possibly holding the secret recipe to the perfect apple pie! 🍎🥧

Topic: Wenatchee Insurance, Lake Wenatchee, Entiat, Chelan, local agent,

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Annual SEPs:

Short Special Enrollments:

Summary

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

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

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

The Fearless Contractor

The Daring Business Owner

The Adventurous Importer

The Courageous Notary Public

Why You Might Love Surety Bonds

Medigap plans are standardized so price shopping can fight inflation.

Important Plan D Note:

Set appointment for Oct 15 through Dec 7th.

The Top Four:

Topics

topics:

The bottom line:

Not the Annual Enrollment Period!

This runs January 1st through March 31st

WE return calls & are here for appointments..OR you can start your free online quote now!

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