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Wenatchee Insurance Agency

413 N Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801

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Author: Matt McColm

We work with all kinds of insurance in Washington State. From Health, Life, Auto, Home, Business and more. If you have an insurance question then let us know.

Can my tribal affiliation affect Healthcare?

Posted on 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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 15th then your plan starts on the 1st of the following month.
  3. Access to More Services: The ACA provides additional funding to the Indian Health Service, improving and expanding available healthcare services.
  4. 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 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.

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Wenatchee Insurance simple process

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 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 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.

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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,

Can Renters Insurance cover a wild senior party in NCW?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Renters insurance typically provides coverage for certain risks or perils like theft, fire, or water damage. It is affordable and handy coverage to have when you rent an apartment or home. However, the coverage for incidents arising from a Senior’s party blowout can vary depending on the specific terms of the policy and the nature of the damage or liability involved.

talk with Shayla

Example:

If you do not have event insurance, here’s how renters’ insurance might (or might not) cover a the shenanigans of a party that has gone overboard:

  1. Property Damage: If your crazy party turns a bit too wild and results in accidental damage to your rented property, renters insurance might come to the rescue. Imagine a scenario where someone enthusiastically demonstrates their dance moves and accidentally crashes into a wall, creating a cartoon-like human-shaped hole. Your renters insurance may cover the cost of repairing the wall after the deductible.
  2. Liability Coverage: Suppose a guest at your wild party decides to reenact a scene from a superhero movie and ends up injuring another guest. If you’re held liable for the guest’s medical expenses, your liability coverage in your renters insurance could help cover the costs. Just don’t expect it to cover any attempts at actual superhero landings.
  3. Personal Property: If during the chaos of the party, your expensive sound system is accidentally damaged or stolen, renters insurance could help replace or repair it. However, it won’t cover the emotional trauma of not being able to play the party’s theme song on repeat.
  4. Additional Living Expenses: In a very extreme scenario, if your party results in damages making your rental uninhabitable (like an impromptu indoor fireworks show gone wrong), your policy might cover temporary living expenses. But it won’t cover the cost of continuing the party at a five-star hotel.

Not all things are covered:

Remember, insurance policies have exclusions. Damage caused by intentional acts or gross negligence (like deciding it’s a good idea to indoor-ski down the staircase) typically isn’t covered. Also, the insurer might not see the humor in the situation like we do! Always walk through your insurance plan with your independent agent.

talk with Shayla

Topics: Renters Insurance, Party Insurance, Event Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Liability, Property Damage,

Is your Homeowners Insurance Deductible a percentage?

Posted on by Matt McColm

In tough times, not everyone has a pile of cash lying about to cover an unexpected loss. How much do you want to pay before the insurance company starts paying?

talk with Shayla

Example:  You are doing good and own a lovely $400,000 home. One day, to your surprise, you find that water has decided to throw a pool party in your basement without your permission. Oh no, it’s a water backup loss! But fear not, you have water backup insurance coverage with a 1% deductible.

Here’s how this plays out in a simple way:

The 1% Rule: Your insurance says, “We’ll help, but remember the 1% rule!” This means you’re responsible for 1% of your home’s value before the insurance kicks in. In your case, 1% of $400,000 is $4,000. So, you’re like a bank for the first $4,000.

The Water Backup Bill: Let’s say repairing all the water damage and evicting the unwanted pool costs $10,000. You might gasp, but hold on!

Your Share vs. Insurance Share: You pay the first $4,000 (because of the 1% rule). The insurance company, wearing a superhero cape, swoops in to pay the remaining $6,000.

Note if you have a $1000 deductible then you would only pay $1000 and the insurance company would pay the remaining $9,000!

The End Result:

Your basement is saved, and your wallet is lighter. You’ve learned a valuable lesson about water backups and probably consider buying a lifejacket for your basement.

In short, with a 1% deductible on a $400,000 home, you cover the first $4,000 of any damage, and then your insurance covers the rest, up to the policy limit. It’s like going to a fancy restaurant and paying for the appetizer, while insurance pays for the main course and dessert.

For many people in Central Washington, it is easier to find $1000 to pay for a deductible rather than 1%. At Wenatchee Insurance, focus on usable and affordable.

talk with Shayla

Topics: Water Damage, Home Insurance, Wenatchee Insurance, Deductible, NCW, Central Washington, Chelan County, Sewer backup, Allstate, travelers, Hartford,

Winter is coming is your Semi Truck Insurance Ready?

Posted on by Matt McColm
talk with Shayla

You need insurance coverages for the wind, snow and ice. Between Blewett, Snoqualmie Pass and the Vantage Bridge, the roads can get rough. Let’s sprinkle in some winter-themed humor with snow and ice into our semi truck insurance coverage list for your trucking business that we should talk about.

  1. Primary Liability Insurance: From Wenatchee Insurance Agency, it’s like giving your truck a superhero cape, but with extra padding for those slippery snowball fights on the highway.
  2. Physical Damage Coverage for Icy Encounters: This is like kitting your truck out in a snowsuit. Perfect for those chilly days when your truck decides to go ice skating across the road.
  3. Cargo Insurance for a Winter Wonderland: Whether you’re hauling apples or timber, Wenatchee Insurance Agency has you covered like a warm, fluffy snow blanket on a cold winter night.
  4. Bobtail Insurance for Snowy Solos: Ideal for when your truck wants to make snow angels on its day off, ensuring it can frolic in the winter wonderland without a worry.
  5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage with a Frosty Flair: It’s like having a friendly yeti guarding your truck against drivers who think insurance is as mythical as a snow dragon.
  6. General Liability Insurance for Slippery Situations: Watch out for those ice patches! This coverage is like having a team of penguins on standby to guide anyone who might slip on an icy patch at your business.
  7. Non-Trucking Liability Insurance for Joyrides in a Winter Fantasy: Even when your truck is just exploring the snowy landscape of Grant County, this semi truck insurance ensures it’s as protected as a hibernating bear.
  8. Occupational Accident Insurance for Those Braving the Cold (No Squirrels Included): Ideal for your human team members who are out there braving the icy roads, ensuring they’re covered faster than you can say “hot chocolate break!”.

Additional:

Incorporating a bit of snowy humor makes the topic of insurance a bit more fun, especially with the Wenatchee Insurance Agency potentially familiar with the unique challenges of insuring trucks in snow and ice. Just remember, while the snow and ice jokes are light-hearted, ensuring you have the right coverage for all seasons is seriously important. Stay safe and maybe keep your chains and a snow shovel handy, just in case!

talk with Shayla
simple process for insurance
Wenatchee Insurance simple process

How do I pay for my Health Insurance on the Healthplanfinder?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Suzie & Matt help run the Enrollment Center in Wenatchee and they get a lot of questions. How to make a payment is a big one. This year we are seeing a bunch of new folks as Cascade Care has introduced Immigrants to the Healthplanfinder.

appointment with Suzie

During the open enrollment period the Healthplanfinder allows for an initial payment once your plan has been selected. The open enrollment period runs from November 1st through December 15th.

Since Washington State has it’s exchange the Washington Healthplanfinder they can add additional enrollment periods. For this year, we are going to January 15th for plans starting February 1st.

Some companies will not ship your insurance policy information before they have received payment so it is an important step.

Your main screen will look like this:

Go to the Payment tab, push the Green button, and process the payment. Some companies will allow you to set up the automatic monthly payment here.

Here is the payment tab.

After the enrollment period

You will want to work directly with the insurance companies. Some will allow for automated payments and some insurance companies work well with brokers to allow for payment processing. (Talk to your insurance broker if this is an option).

The current list of insurance companies and their payment links:

Ambetter from Coordinated Care

BridgeSpan

Community Healthplan

Delta Dental

Dentegra

Kaiser Permanente

Lifewise

Molina

Pacific Source

Premera

Regence

United Healthcare

Washington Apple Health

Companion Life

If you enrolled using the Washington Healthplanfinder then you can make an immediate payment using the Washington Healthplanfinder during the enrollment period. If you want to use the insurance company’s webpage then it may take a couple of days for the files to transfer. Making a call to the insurance company can speed up the process.

appointment with Suzie

Do not hesitate if you have questions about your insurance plan on the Washington Healthplanfinder to contact Suzie and Matt.

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

Top 5 things that Seniors look for a local insurance agent in NCW

Posted on by Matt McColm

We love our Seniors from Suzie assisting with Medicare plans to Shayla finding discounts on home and auto. It’s why we have a friendly office that is easily accessible off Mission Street.

appointment with Suzie

Top Five Reasons

Age Is Just a Number, Especially When Forgetting Yours: Find an agent who doesn’t just offer senior policies, but also reminds you of your age – preferably someone who celebrates your “29th” birthday with you, annually. We love you checking in, reviewing policies and shopping.

Experience in Senior Discounts, Including Early Bird Specials: An agent who knows the ins and outs of senior discounts is a gem. Bonus points if they can also guide you to the best early bird specials in town. (We like Shakti’s).

A Walking, Talking Medical Dictionary: You want an agent who understands senior health plans better than they understand their grandchildren’s slang. If they can explain your policy options without needing a nap afterward, you’ve struck gold. (As a former pharmacy technician, Suzie can spell Ozempic in her sleep).

Technologically Savvy, But Not Too Savvy: Look for someone who’s tech-savvy enough to email you your policy but still prints out directions from Google Maps. By using an appointment app, it gives us more time to chat.

The Patience of a Saint: This agent doesn’t just have patience; they have the kind of zen-like calm that could rival a tortoise in meditation. They’ll explain the fine print so many times, even your forgetful cousin could recite it.

Remember, finding the right insurance agent should be as satisfying as finding that last piece of candy at the bottom of your purse – a delightful surprise that makes your day just a bit sweeter!

appointment with Suzie

Topics: Senior, independent insurance agent, Medicare, Care insurance discounts, Early Bird Special, Wenatchee Insurance

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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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