Medicare

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

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

Posted on by Matt McColm
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is a health insurance redo for the year

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!

suzie appointment

Topics, Wenatchee, Dental, Medicare, Advantage, Okanogan, Quincy, Grant County,

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Important Health Insurance Plan Coverages

Posted on by Matt McColm
Health insurance for the emergency room

Ah, health insurance. It’s like the ultimate adulting test, but instead of a grade, you get co-pays. And if the thought of picking the right health insurance plan makes you feel like you’re trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded, don’t worry—Suzie and Matt at Wenatchee Insurance are here to help. Let’s dive into what every health insurance plan must cover, using examples that prove even the mundane can be hilarious.

1. Doctor Visits: The “Ouch!” Standard

All health insurance plans must cover preventive care, like your annual physical or flu shots. So, when you stub your toe on the coffee table for the fifth time this month, rest assured you’re covered for a doctor visit.

Example: Remember Bob from East Wenatchee? He thought his sore throat was a sign of his budding opera career. Turns out, it was strep. Thankfully, his insurance covered the visit, and Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance helped him pick a plan that didn’t leave him crying in the pharmacy aisle over antibiotic prices.

2. Emergency Services: For When You Really Mess Up

Whether it’s a car accident, a kitchen knife mishap while perfecting your “Chopped” audition, or your kid thinking their LEGO belongs in their nose, emergency services are covered.

Example: Matt once helped a family in Cashmere who needed an ambulance after their teenager attempted a backflip off the barn roof. The good news? Their plan covered it. The bad news? The kid’s TikTok account gained 20,000 followers from the footage.

3. Prescription Drugs: Because Over-the-Counter Isn’t Always Enough

Insurance plans cover a range of medications, so you’re not stuck Googling “natural remedies for gout” in the middle of the night.

Example: One client, Nancy, tried to cure her migraines with a DIY essential oils concoction that ended up attracting bees. Suzie found her a plan that covered real migraine meds—and a bee sting cream just in case.

Medicare prescription plan d talk to Suzie at Wenatchee about Inflation Reduction Act

4. Mental Health Services: Brain Care Counts Too

Every plan covers therapy and mental health treatment. Because sometimes, adulting really is that hard.

Example: Fred, a Wenatchee resident, found himself overwhelmed by his parrot, who had learned to imitate his mother-in-law. Therapy sessions covered by his plan helped him cope (and gave him the courage to teach the bird new phrases).

5. Maternity and Newborn Care: Tiny Humans, Big Bills

Pregnancy care and newborn checkups are a must. And honestly, who doesn’t need a little financial help when baby formula is practically worth its weight in gold?

Example: A couple in Leavenworth came to Matt for help after realizing their baby’s hospital bill rivaled their down payment on a house. With the right plan, they saved enough to afford diapers and pizza delivery during sleepless nights.

6. Preventive Care: Because “An Apple a Day” Isn’t Enough

From cancer screenings to vaccines, your plan’s got you covered here. It’s like insurance for your future self.

Example: Suzie helped a Wenatchee apple farmer find a plan that covered his annual skin cancer screening—important when you’re out in the sun all day naming your trees after your favorite superheroes.

7. Pediatric Care: Kids Break Things (Including Themselves)

From immunizations to vision checks, pediatric care is mandatory. Because it turns out, kids aren’t as indestructible as they think.

Example: Matt once worked with a family whose son mistook a skateboard ramp for a launch pad. Good news: His arm healed. Better news: The family’s plan covered the X-rays and cast.

suzie reviews at Wenatchee insurance

Suzie and Matt Have You Covered

Navigating health insurance might feel like wandering through a corn maze blindfolded, but that’s where Wenatchee Insurance shines. Whether you need coverage for everyday aches and pains or for those epic fails that deserve a highlight reel, Suzie and Matt are the dynamic duo to guide you.

So, call Wenatchee Insurance today. Because picking the right health plan shouldn’t feel like surgery—just a checkup with friends who know the ropes (and have probably seen it all).

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Does Dental Insurance Cover Orthodontics/Braces in Washington?

Posted on by Matt McColm
dental insurance braces wenatchee suzie

Ah, braces —the rite of passage that every kid (and some adults) in North Central Washington dreads. If you’re wondering whether dental insurance will help you foot the bill for straightening little Dillan’s teeth, you’re in good company. This question comes up all the time at Wenatchee Insurance, especially when people start tallying up the cost of those shiny metal brackets like they were made of gold.

Orthodontic / Braces Coverage Basics

Dental insurance can cover orthodontics, but it’s not always a guarantee. It’s a bit like assuming all apples in Wenatchee taste the same—they don’t! It is tough to eat a Red Delicious from cold storage. Orthodontic coverage depends on your plan, and most plans that do cover it will only do so for kids under 18. The magical phrase is “Medical Necessity” especially if there is an Apple Health Plan in play.

If your parents couldn’t get you braces when you were a kid then there are a couple of individual unicorn plans available. Suzie and Matt went hunting for plans that could be purchased by the individual for this purpose and they have some restrictions.

How Much Is Covered?

If your plan does cover braces, it typically covers a percentage of the total cost—usually around 50%. So, if little Billy’s braces cost $6,000, your insurance might cover $3,000, leaving you to pay the rest. It’s like getting a discount on a family-sized apple pie at the local bakery—not free, but better than full price.

Example

Let’s take young Emma from Omak, who needed braces but didn’t want to look like she had a mouth full of railroad tracks. Her mom found a dental insurance plan that covered clear aligners instead of traditional braces. Now Emma’s teeth are straightening out just in time for high school, and she can smile confidently in all her Instagram pics—no filters required.

At Wenatchee Insurance we have found that exploring some of your options early can have some of the lowest costs for braces. As we get older, it gets a little tough but not impossible for dental insurance to cover orthodontics as adults.

Let’s talk about Braces

Topics: health insurance, Dental, Medicare, Implants, Braces, Bridge, Delta, Ameritas,  Dentures, Lifewise, Cavity, Suzie,  Chelan, Okanogan, Grant, Douglas, 509, Quincy, Cashmere, Entiat,

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Should You Update Your Health or Medicare Plan During the Fall Enrollment Period?

Posted on by Matt McColm
Suzie with the Wellcare banner on Mission for Fall Enrollment

Let Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance Be Your Enrollment Guide!

It’s that time of year again—leaves are falling, pumpkin spice is everywhere, and it’s officially fall. Suzie has started hosting the feathers to help people find our Mission street office.

While you’re busy sipping on that latte, don’t forget that it’s also Medicare and health insurance open enrollment season. Yes, it’s the magical time of year when you can review, tweak, or overhaul your health plan to prepare for the coming year. If you’re scratching your head, unsure about when to update your Medicare or health plan, don’t worry—Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance has been a resource in Wenatchee for over a decade!

set appointment with Suzie

Why the Fall Enrollment Period is Important

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7, while health insurance marketplace open enrollment typically starts around November 1 and ends mid-January (for Washington State). This window is your chance to make changes that could save you money, improve your coverage, or protect you from unexpected healthcare surprises down the road.

But here’s the catch: if you snooze, you lose. Once the period closes, you may be stuck with your current plan for the entire year—unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. So, grab that calendar and select an appointment today. Trust Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance to help make the process as painless as possible—she’s even got some great jokes up her sleeve to keep things fun!

Please note if your insurance plan is leaving then you may have extra time to enroll!

Installed the Wenatchee Insurance sign for Suzie
While we liked the old one, the new sign sparkles better.

When Should You Update Your Health or Medicare Plan?

Here are some key scenarios where updating your plan during the fall enrollment period makes perfect sense.

  • Your Plan has left

It takes two to tango and sometimes the Health Insurance Companies cannot reach an agreement with the local doctors. If you have Medicare then you can double check on Medicare.gov the first couple of weeks in October. In Washington state, the health plans go through an approval process starting about June every year. Both are required to send out notices. When your plan leaves then you may have good unexpected options.

  • Your Health Has Changed

Did your health take an unexpected detour this year? Maybe you discovered you’re allergic to dogs, but you adopted three Corgis because you couldn’t resist their fluffy tushies. Or perhaps you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that requires more trips to the doctor or prescription medications. If your healthcare needs have changed, it’s time to update your health plan.

Health Insurance Medicare Advantage Wenatchee Suzie

For Medicare enrollees, this is especially important. If you’re on Original Medicare but now need more comprehensive prescription coverage, it might be time to consider a Medicare Advantage Plan or adding a Medicare Supplement with a Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Suzie can help you explore your options and make sure your plan aligns with your health needs.

  • You’ve Moved or Plan to Travel More

Did you recently move to a charming little town like Winthrop where your internet is slower than molasses, but the mountain views are worth it? If so, your current plan may not cover your new healthcare providers. Or maybe you’re spending more time traveling and need a plan that accommodates your jet-setting lifestyle (or in Suzie’s case, jet-fueled coffee).

Medicare Advantage Plans and some health insurance policies are region-specific, so updating your plan can ensure that you’re covered no matter where you are—or where you’re heading.

  • Your Current Plan is Draining Your Wallet

If you’re starting to feel like your health insurance premium is eating up your budget for pumpkin spice lattes, it’s time for a change. Fall enrollment is the time to shop around for more affordable options.

Please note that Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) can be shopped year-round.

Maybe your plan has been creeping in some fee increases or out-of-pocket costs over the last couple of years that now feel like a second mortgage. Suzie can help you compare plans and find one that offers better value for your money. Who knows—you might even be able to upgrade your coffee from regular brew to that fancy almond-milk version you’ve had your eye on!

  • You Want to Try Something New

Health plans aren’t tattoos—you can change them! You never know if a new plan has arrived with different benefits if you never look. If you’re simply curious about trying a new type of plan or want to explore the extra benefits of a Medicare Advantage Plan (like vision, dental, or hearing coverage), fall enrollment is the time to do it. Suzie can walk you through the options, making the process as smooth as your favorite blend of coffee.

Suzie with Wenatchee insurance can change medicare and health insurance plans.
  • Get Help From Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance

Whether you’re updating your plan due to health changes, moving, financial concerns, or just wanting something new, Suzie at Wenatchee Insurance is here to help. She knows that health insurance can be confusing, and she’ll make sure you understand every option available—without boring you to tears. Plus, with her sense of humor, she’ll turn what can feel like a tedious task into a conversation you’ll enjoy.

So this fall, while you’re sipping your seasonal drinks and raking leaves, take a moment to think about your healthcare needs. And when you’re ready to make some updates, give Suzie a call at Wenatchee Insurance. She’ll have you laughing your way to better coverage in no time!

chat with Suzie

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What Happens If I Miss My Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?

Posted on by Matt McColm
original medicare, medicare advantage and part d initial enrollment

Missing your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is like missing the last ferry out of Chelan to Stehekin—you can still get where you’re going, but it might be a bit more complicated and costly. The IEP is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare, and it spans seven months (the three months before you turn 65, the month of your birthday, and the three months after). If you miss this boat, you might face late enrollment penalties.

Suzie tip: If you are turning 65 in October, November or December then select your appointment early as your Initial Enrollment overlaps with the Annual Enrollment Period and it is a very busy time.

But don’t worry, Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance is here to help you catch the next one. She’s like the friendly dock attendant who knows all the schedules. If you’ve missed your IEP, Suzie can help you sign up during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. However, enrolling late could mean higher premiums for Part B, like paying extra to charter a private boat instead of catching the ferry.

What if I am working with a employer & have a health plan?

Suzie can also check if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), maybe because you were still working and had employer coverage. This is like getting a free ticket for the next ferry because of a rain check.

So, if you’ve missed the Medicare boat, don’t panic—Suzie will make sure you find the next best option to get you where you need to go.

Suzie tip: If you have a plan on the Washington Healthplanfinder, the minute that you become Medicare eligible then you lose the advanced premium tax credits. It is worthwhile to talk to Suzie before this occurs.

Suzie has been assisting people in Washington state for over a decade selecting Medicare Prescription and Medicare Advantage Plans. She has people selecting her months in advance for these updates. If you do not see her available then call and we will do our best for a personalized appointment.

chat with Suzie
Suzie Medicare Initial Enrollment, Annual Enrollment or Special Enrollment

Topics: health insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Wenatchee Insurance, Suzie,  Chelan County, Okanogan, Grant County, Douglas County, 509, Leavenworth, Quincy, Cashmere, Entiat,

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Do I Need a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Policy?

Posted on by Matt McColm

Ok, imagine you’re at the Okanogan Valley Farmer’s Market in the American Legion Park, picking out some juicy apples. Original Medicare is like paying for the apples themselves. You could be forgetting some things. What about the cost of the basket to carry your apples in, or maybe you want that delicious caramel sauce for dipping? That’s where Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, comes in—it covers the extra costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance is like your personal shopper, helping you decide if you need that extra basket (Medigap policy) to make your Medicare experience complete. Let’s say you have Original Medicare and you end up needing frequent doctor visits, or you’re planning on a lot of travel, maybe visiting family in Winthrop or Ellensburg. A Medigap policy could save you from those unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Suzie can compare the various Medigap plans for you, much like sorting through different apple varieties to find the perfect one. With her help, you’ll know if you need the extra coverage and which plan fits your budget and lifestyle.

Do not forget Prescriptions

Suzie tip: Prescriptions Coverages are not covered by Original Medicare and if you skip it then you may have a late enrollment penalty later. Worth the conversation.

So, whether you’re staying close to home or hitting the road, Suzie will make sure you have the right Medicare “basket” for your journey over the river and through the woods.

Medicare Supplements are an important consideration during your initial enrollment

Suzie has been assisting people with Medicare plans for over a decades. She brings over twenty years experience as a pharmacy technician and saw first hand the difficulties people had with an incorrect plan. By answering the coverages and questions on the front end, many of the problems can be solved before a person goes to use their medicare policy.

appointment with Suzie
Enrollment Periods Wenatchee Suzie Health Insurance

Topics: health insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Suzie,  Chelan County, Okanogan, Grant County, Douglas County, 509, Leavenworth, Quincy, Cashmere, Entiat,

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Can I Switch Medicare Plans, and If So, How Often?

Posted on by Matt McColm
switch medicare during annual enrollment for Medicare advantage

Switching Medicare plans is like swapping seats at the Wenatchee Wild—you can do it, but you need to know when and where you’re allowed. Medicare gives you several chances to switch Medicare if your needs change, just like moving from the bleachers to next to the glass when the view isn’t quite right.

Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance is like a friendly usher who knows all the best seats.

talk with Suzie

Annual Enrollment – Oct 15 through Dec 7

During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, change your Medicare Advantage plan, or sign up for a Part D prescription drug plan.

During the AEP, you want to double-check your plan (ticket) to make sure that it is in the section that you want to be. You also get the chance to change the plan on your side kind of like upgrading your tickets to make sure you’re seeing the action from the best spot.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Jan 1 -March 31

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and decide it’s not for you, there’s also the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31. Suzie can help you switch back to Original Medicare or find a new Medicare Advantage plan during this time.

Medicare prescription plan d talk to Suzie at Wenatchee about Inflation Reduction Act

Special Enrollment Periods like losing a plan or moving

And if life throws you a curveball, like moving to a new area or losing other insurance, Suzie can check if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), giving you even more flexibility to switch medicare plans.

Suzie tip: We have another blog post that has a timeline for a Medicare Advantage plan leaving Washington State.

So, whether you’re looking for a better seat or just want to see the game from a new angle, Suzie will make sure you have the perfect Medicare plan to enjoy the show.

Suzie with Wenatchee Insurance has been helping people in Washington State navigate the twists and turns of Medicare for over a decade. If you have been a long-time resident, you may have encountered her when she was a Pharmacy Technician in Wenatchee. She has people who have set appointments years in advance to do the change from healthcare to Medicare.

Suzie Appointment
insurance bundle Wenatchee insurance

Topics: health insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, health alliance, wellcare, Molina, humana, Suzie,  Chelan County, Okanogan, Grant County, Douglas County, 509, Leavenworth, Quincy, Cashmere, Entiat, switch medicare,

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Who do I call for Medicare Fraud

Posted on by Matt McColm

We hear about medicare fraud more than we like. Suzie and Matt have been working with health and medicare insurance for over a decade in Washington State. In addition with Shayla we make up Wenatchee Insurance. We do not work for Medicare. Here is the disclaimer:

“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.”

Every agent is required to tell you a disclaimer and you will even see them on their websites. If you don’t receive one then you know that something strange is occuring.

Medicare Fraud does occur during the annual enrollment period.

The Medicare annual enrollment period runs October 15 through December 7 every year. It allows people with Medicare Prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans to review and change plans every year. There is a lot of activity and chaos so we want to make sure that if you encounter anything strange that you can lend a hand in prevention. Having an appointment with an agent that you know can reduce the chance of fraud from occurring.

recommend setting appointment

If you are not in our office in Wenatchee at 413 Mission Street then we are talking over the phone, it is on a recorded line. Medicare enrollments over the phone have been required for the last couple of years to be recorded. Yes, trained medicare agents record calls.

Medicare Fraud prevention tips

The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner has some great medicare fraud tips. The suggest checking the credentials when ever you have a question about who is selling you a medicare plan. We post copies of our licenses in our office lobby.

If you see Fraud then call 800-562-6900

When you report them. Let them know who they said they were and their phone number.

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What Is Medicare, and Who Is Eligible for It?

Posted on by Matt McColm
wenatchee medicare suzie

Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance— has seen this before. She can be your guide through the trails of Medicare Mountain. Suzie’s like the friendly tour guide; she has been trained about the ins and outs of Medicare and can make the whole experience as smooth as a glass of your favorite local vintage.

OK, storytime.  You are strolling through one of the scenic vineyards near Lake Chelan sipping on a crisp glass of Riesling and enjoying the view. Life is pretty sweet, but you are getting close to 65, and suddenly, Medicare looms on the horizon like a far-off mountain range. You have had coverage for years from your job. What is this Medicare everyone’s talking about, and do you need to start climbing that mountain now?

Medicare 101

Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed primarily for people aged 65 and older, though younger folks with certain disabilities or conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can also qualify. Think of Medicare as a big safety net, ensuring that as you transition into your golden years, you’re covered for hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, and other essential health services.

But wait—Medicare isn’t just one massive umbrella. It’s more like a series of cozy cabins at Mt Index’s Espresso Chalet, each with a different purpose:

  • Part A covers your hospital stays, kind of like the main lodge where you’ll spend most of your time resting and recovering.
  • Part B is your medical coverage, taking care of things like doctor visits and preventive services—think of it as your day trips around the area, keeping you in tip-top shape.
  • Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) bundles Part A and B together with some extra perks, like dental and vision—imagine this as an all-inclusive spa package.
  • Part D is your prescription drug coverage, ensuring you have everything you need, from allergy meds to daily vitamins—like stocking up on brownies before taking a picture with Bigfoot.
chat with Suzie

Who’s Eligible for Medicare?

Now, who gets to enjoy this Medicare experience? If you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident who’s been living in the country for at least five years and you’re about to turn 65, congratulations—you’re eligible for Medicare! That is correct not everyone can get Medicare, you have to be eligible.

But Suzie knows that life isn’t always a straight path forward. Maybe you’re still working at the local apple orchard, or perhaps you’re basking in semi-retirement, splitting your time between Wenatchee and your cabin in Conconully. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B when you hit 65. Keep an eye on that mailbox. Otherwise, you’ll need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)—a seven-month window that starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after.

Suzie’s tip: Mark your calendar! Missing this window could mean penalties down the road, like forgetting to RSVP to that big community BBQ and getting stuck at the end of the line and getting the potato salad with raisons.

Suzie Medicare Initial Enrollment, Annual Enrollment or Special Enrollment

How Suzie Makes Medicare Fun

Suzie’s got your back, ensuring you’re not just surviving the Medicare process, but thriving. Picture this: It’s a sunny day in Wenatchee, and Suzie invites you to her office for a Medicare 101 session. She’s got a spread of local snacks—cheese from Walla Walla, apples from Stemilt Growers orchards, and we will skip the wine for the moment because we want to be clear-headed.

She’ll walk you through each part of Medicare, breaking down the insurance lingo into simple, easy-to-digest bites, just like that dutch apple pie you can’t resist. Maybe you’ve heard rumors that Medicare is complicated—like trying to figure out which trail to take on a hike through the Cascades. But with Suzie, it’s more like a leisurely stroll around town, where she points out all the highlights and makes sure you don’t miss a thing.

Need help choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage? Suzie’s got you covered, like marked-up trail map that shows you the best route based on your needs. She’ll make sure you’re not paying too much, missing out on any benefits, or accidentally wandering off the beaten path into a bears den in Leavenworth.

Wrapping Up the Medicare Adventure

By the end of your chat with Suzie, Medicare will seem less like a daunting mountain and more like a gentle, rolling pasture—beautiful, manageable, and maybe even enjoyable. So, when you’re ready to start your Medicare journey, remember that Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance is there to make it as delightful as a day spent exploring the best of Eastern Washington. Cheers to that!

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