Let us turn now to the story. Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.

He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born.

He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself…

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.

I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.

This essay was adapted from a sermon by Dr James Allan Francis in “The Real Jesus and Other Sermons” © 1926 by the Judson Press of Philadelphia (pp 123-124 titled “Arise Sir Knight!”). If you are interested, you can read the original version .

Learn these medicare supplement basics before you shop…

Medicare Supplement Insurance, sometimes called Medigap plans, are insurance policies made available by private insurance companies that do what their names imply; they supplement or fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. To properly understand Medicare Supplements it is important to first have a basic understanding of what they supplement – Medicare.

Medicare is health insurance offered by the Federal government to people over age 65, people under age 65 with certain disabilities and people of any age with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who meet eligibility requirements.

Original Medicare is comprised of two parts: Part A and Part B

• Medicare Part A covers a wide range of hospitalization and inpatient services.
• Medicare Part B helps pay for doctor services, outpatient services and other medically necessary services that are not covered under Part A.

Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay 100% of the services they cover (and they where never designed to do so); there are deductibles and coinsurance amounts that are not covered. The biggest concernwith what is not paid by Medicare is the fact that there are NO limits to what a Medicare beneficiary may be responsible to pay.

Some of what is not covered under Original Medicare is based on a percentage. Medicare usually pays only 80%. That leaves 20% owed by the person on Medicare. This may be 20% of an $80 office visit or 20% of some astronomically expensive on-going procedure.

This is where the real liability and exposure lies for those that choose to only have Medicare coverage and not purchase Medicare Supplemental coverage.

The Most Important Thing To Understand About Medicare Supplement Insurance

The single most important thing for a person to understand about Medicare Supplement insurance, and shopping for Medicare Supplement insurance, is the fact that in most states insurance companies can only sell “standardized” Medicare Supplement plans that are identified by letters A through N.

Each standardized Medicare Supplement policy must offer the same basic benefits, no matter which insurance company sells it. Cost or premium, is usually the only difference between Medicare Supplement policies with the same letter sold by different insurance companies.

Medicare Supplement policies supplement Original Medicare and don’t cover your share of costs under other types of health coverage such as: Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicaid, Employer/Union group health coverage, etc.

Furthermore Medicare Supplement plans, as a rule, only cover and pay for services that are covered under Medicare and don’t cover non Medicare covered services such as dental, elective procedures and other items.

The above information is by no means all that one needs to know about Medicare Supplement Insurance but is intended to provide a basic base of knowledge from which to build on.

Having helped thousands of seniors over the course of twenty years I can tell you that if you understand and have a grasp on what is discussed above, you are well on way and will have a proper foundation of understanding that will help you immensely.

Learn More About Medicare Supplement Insurance

The Medicare publication at: www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02110.pdf will provide very detailed and in depth information, to aide in your understanding of Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Finally;  as much as you having a good grasp on some of the basics that are important, it is also incredibly helpful to obtain the assistance of a knowledgeable, trustworthy and experienced professional – like the assistance that you will find at Reed & Associates.

Reed & Associates can help you bring it all together. We will assist you in finding the best Medicare Supplement coverage for your money and will help you to make sense of it all.

Get Fast, Professional, Friendly, Expert Medicare Supplement Help

Call Nicole at:  866-282-1925   or Local   541-975-1364

Or use our Quick Contact Form

Helping Seniors find the best Medigap / Medicare Supplemental insurance in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona

Medicare Supplement Insurance: How to choose the best plan

Many people new to Medicare often believe Medicare will take care of all their medical expenses, but in actuality Medicare generally will only pay 80% of eligible costs less deductibles. The truth is, a Medicare supplement policy will be necessary to cover what Medicare doesn’t cover. Sometimes called Medigap Insurance, Medicare Supplemental insurance will pay all or most of what Medicare doesn’t pay on covered services.

When shopping for Medicare Supplemental Insurance, there are so many important factors to research that most people find it  stressful and nearly impossible to navigate all the options on their own.

So we’ve provided this information to help you make intelligent, informed decisions about your Medicare & supplement needs.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Basics

Here are some basics to know before you begin shopping:

1.) Plans of the same letter are standardized. Some insurance companies may want you to believe they offer more than their competitors. The truth is that plans are standardized – insurance companies can only sell one or more of the ten standard plans. Each of the ten plans are represented by a letter – the same letter plan from one company is the same coverage as the same letter plan from a different company. Benefits remain the same, regardless of which Medicare Supplemental Insurance Company is chosen. However, there are big differences in prices and the quality of customer service…

2.) Timing can be important. Although there may be other chances, depending on different states, companies and law, the best time to get Medigap Insurance is during open enrollment. This time period lasts for six months once you turn 65 years old and become enrolled in Medicare. Most states allow for guaranteed coverage during this open enrollment period, no matter what your medical history may contain.

3.) Prescription drugs are probably not included. If you are just now considering Medicare supplement insurance, you will need to look elsewhere for help with prescriptions. Medigap insurance after 2006 no longer includes any coverage for prescriptions. However, a solution can be found through the part D plan of Medicare.

4.) Younger, disabled people may have trouble getting supplements. Supplements are available for everyone who qualifies for Medicare. However, unless you obtain coverage during your “open enrollment” period, getting coverage if you are on Medicare because of a disability, can be challenging.

5.) You do not have to use a certain insurance company. Some companies may lead you to believe that there are no other choices for Supplemental insurance. The only requirement is that the company must be licensed to sell Medicare gap insurance in your state.

6.) Shopping for Medicare Supplemental Insurance can be very time consuming. With so many different companies, it can take a lot of time to wade through the information and determine which company offers the best price. Again, coverage’s are the same… only the price and service will be different.

The Best Way to Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan

As you are probably realizing, there is a ton to know and understand. And the information above is only the beginning. Each person’s needs and what plans they qualify for can also be different.

It is very easy to be misled, “ripped off”, improperly covered and even miss opportunities that may not be available again.

So what is the answer? Truly, the best way to choose the Medicare Supplement policy best for you is to get honest, trusted help from an independent agent that specializes in Medicare Supplement.

Here’s why:

1.)  An honest, experienced independent agent allows you to relax and carry on with your own business while they complete the search.

2.) They know all the rules, details & best priced plans available. In the end, you are presented with the best choices for you without hassle and worry.

3.) There is no additional cost for using an independent agent to find the best provider & costs and because they have no allegiance to any one company.

4.) They are free to pursue  your best interests. Be sure to work with an independent agent that will shop many reputable companies for you.

5.) You will save time, money and grief by getting personalized help from an honest, reputable, independent Medicare Supplement agent.

As an independent Medicare Supplement insurance agency for the last 25 years, Reed & Associates is committed to working with your situation to determine the best company for your Medicare Supplement insurance.

We represent you and have no ties to specific insurance providers. We shop over 30 companies. Our best interest is finding and giving you the best program possible.

If you need help with these or any other issues surrounding Medicare Supplemental Insurance, simply give us a call. Let us relieve your concerns and help you find the perfect plan to meet your needs. Feel free to call us with any of your questions.

Get Fast, Professional, Friendly, Expert Medicare Supplement Help

Call Nicole at:  866-282-1925   or Local   541-975-1364

Or use our Quick Contact Form

Helping Seniors find the best Medicare Supplemental insurance in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage: What is the Difference?

This is an important question and one in which there is quite a bit of confusion!

Medigap (also called Medicare Supplements) and Medicare Advantage Plans are very much different, and it’s important to understand the difference.

I like simple… and the simple and basic differences are as follows:

• Medigap or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are insurance plans that do what their names imply – they supplement or fill in the gaps of Medicare coverage. You are covered by Medicare Parts A & B and then a Medigap Plan would be secondary to Medicare and pay after Medicare.

• Medicare Advantage Plans work differently than Medigap Plans, they are not supplements and they do not supplement Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans take the place of Medicare as far as paying for medical services. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare will not pay your medical bill, the Medicare Advantage Plan will. Medicare Advantage Plans are administered by private company’s that are contracted with Medicare. You must have both Parts A & B of Medicare and continue to pay your Part B premium. Medicare Advantage Plans are also referred to as Medicare Part C.

More Medigap Basics

With a Medigap Plan you will generally pay a higher monthly premium, have no or minimal cost sharing, have greater latitude in terms of DR and, Hospital choice and you will need to purchase a separate Part D Plan (prescription). Medigap Plans are also broadly available and don’t vary greatly from area to area. Costs can vary greatly depending on the provider… even for the same coverage.

More Medicare Advantage Basics

With a Medicare Advantage Plan you will generally pay a lower monthly premium, have much more cost sharing (co-pays and coinsurance), have greater restriction in terms of Dr and Hospital choice, and your Part D Plan (prescription) will have to be included with your Medicare Advantage Plan (there are some exceptions to this requirement). Medicare Advantage Plan availability can vary greatly from area to area.

With the exception of a special circumstance (you move, loss of employer sponsored coverage, first becoming eligible for Medicare) you can only sign up for or switch your Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Election Period from October 15th through December 7th. You can compare and change your Medigap Plan any time of the year.

These are the basics, but an understanding of these facts will alleviate a lot of confusion as these two terms get thrown around.

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage… which one should you choose?

One is not necessarily superior to the other; individual preference, an individual’s budget, and Plan availability based on where you reside all factor into this important decision.

Need more help or questions answered?

Call the experts at Reed & Associates and we can explain these options in an easy to understand, concise fashion and help you understand which option is best for you!

Get Fast, Professional, Friendly, Expert Medicare Help

Call Nicole at:  866-282-1925   or Local   541-975-1364

Or use our Quick Contact Form

Helping Seniors find the best Medigap or Medicare Advantage insurance in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona

Supplemental Health Insurance: Is it needed with Medicare?

“Do I need supplemental insurance with Medicare?” is a question that is sometimes asked by individuals getting ready to go on Medicare or individuals that are already on Medicare.

The short answer to this question – “Yes…”

Medicare Supplement insurance (or Medigap insurance) supplement fills the gaps of what Medicare doesn’t pay.

Under Medicare Part A and Part B there are deductibles, co-insurance and cost sharing that are the Medicare beneficiary’s responsibilities. The thing that is different about an insured’s responsibility under Medicare coverage is the fact that there is no limit to the amount that one is obligated to pay, unlike most other types of health insurance which have some form of a limit.

For example under Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance); Medicare pays 80% (of the Medicare Approved amount) and the Medicare beneficiary would be responsible for the other 20% – there is no limit. Now 20% is not a big concern for a routine Dr Office visit but 20% could represent a significant concern for a multitude of other procedures, treatments, tests or therapy’s.

Needed Protection in Addition to Medicare

A Medicare Supplement insurance policy is not a “good investment”; by that I mean you cannot expect that on the average year you will receive more in benefits than you have paid in premiums, and in actuality you don’t want to because that means you had the misfortune of needing more than just routine medical care.

Most of the cost that is built into the pricing of a Medicare Supplement is the cost to cover the large and catastrophic claims.

It is important to remember that you are purchasing protection; sure its nice to have the Dr’s Office visit paid for by insurance but it’s a whole lot more comforting having the quarter of a million dollar bill taken care of.

Fortunately the big medical bill’s don’t come along to often and may not come along at all BUT when they do you will be glad that you had a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy to pay what Medicare doesn’t.

When It’s Not Needed

It is important to add that people that are on Medicaid (available to low income individuals), individuals that have coverage through their employers, or retirees of certain government agencies, will for the most part not need to be concerned with purchasing a Medicare Supplement insurance plan.

When shopping for Medicare Supplement insurance it is important to work with an Independent Broker such as Reed & Associates as we will provide unbiased comparisons between different plans and companies without allegiance to one particular company!

Get Fast, Professional, Friendly, Expert Medicare Supplement Help

Call Nicole at:  866-282-1925   or Local   541-975-1364

Or use our Quick Contact Form

Helping Seniors find the best Medicare Supplemental insurance in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona

The Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) and its affect on Medicare:

Hello, we wanted to touch base with you as we have been getting a lot of phone calls and inquiries about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (aka Obama care) and it’s effect on Medicare. As many of you know, the Affordable Care Act will be implemented in January 2014.

The Affordable Care Act will have no immediate impact on individuals that are on Medicare!! You do not need to be concerned about making any changes or signing up for new or different coverage.

The Affordable Care Act enrollment period begins in October of this year. During this period, individuals that ARE NOT ON MEDICARE will have to select and enroll in an approved health care plan that will take effect on January 1, 2014.

There is going to be an increasing amount of advertisement and news about the Affordable Care Acts implementation in the coming months, and we wanted to let you know that there is nothing that you will need to do or be aware of as it relates to your Medicare coverage.

On a side note, if you have family or friends that will need to comply with the Affordable Care Act – we have been certified and are authorized to help individuals sort through their options and sign up for compliant coverage. We are happy to help those needing assistance.

We are committed to keeping you up to date and hope that you have a great day!

Sincerely,

Kevin Reed
Reed & Associates

Get Fast, Professional, Friendly, Expert Medicare Supplement Help

Call Nicole at:  866-282-1925   or Local   541-975-1364

Or use our Quick Contact Form

Helping Seniors find the best Medicare Supplemental insurance in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona

“How much does Medicare Supplement insurance cost?” is not a question that can be easily answered…

There are many factors that go into being able to answer this question. Most importantly, it is best answered on an individual basis.

The primary factors that go into answering this question are an individuals age, coverage choice, gender, residence and tobacco usage:

• Age – most Medicare Supplement policies are based upon your age. Younger individuals will generally pay a lower premium than older individuals. Also, most companies will raise the premium as you age.
• Coverage Choice – there are of course different Medicare Supplement plans to choose from. Medicare Supplement plans are all “Standardized”, meaning insurance company’s can only sell standardized plans with each plan being represented by a letter (for example – Plan A , C, F, G etc..). There are differences between these plans and these differences largely determine the premium charged.
• Gender – most companies charge a higher premium for male’s than they do for females.
• Residence – Medicare Supplement insurance premiums can vary according to where you live.
• Tobacco – most companies will charge a higher premium for tobacco usage.

An important factor to keep in mind is the fact that different companies do charge different premiums for the exact same coverage.

For example:  a Plan F with one company is the exact same coverage as a Plan F with another company however there can be quite a discrepancy between what these different companies will charge you for that same Plan F.

It is important to shop around or better yet work with a knowledgeable and helpful independent agency like Reed & Associates that will explain your options and shop around for you!

Botom line: Having explained what I have above, if I were forced to answer this question, I would say that an individual that is age 65 can be well covered on a Medicare Supplement insurance plan in Oregon for between $80 and $135 per month.

Please let me know if we can help.

Thanks!

Kevin Reed

Get Fast, Professional, Friendly, Expert Medicare Supplement Help

Call Nicole at:  866-282-1925   or Local   541-975-1364

Or use our Quick Contact Form

Helping Seniors find the best Medicare Supplemental insurance in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona

Like many questions, “what Medicare Supplement Plan do I need” is not easily answered and one persons “correct” answer may be different than that of someone else’s.

The Most Important Thing to Understand

The most important thing to understand when trying to answer this question is to understand that Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (sometimes called Medigap Insurance) are all standardized – this means that company’s that sell Medicare Supplement Insurance can only sell ten standardized Plans.

Each Plan is represented by a letter, such as Plan A, B, C, F, N and… the same letter plan from different company’s provides the same exact coverage. However, the rates charged by that company for the same exact plans can be drastically different.

More About the Actual Medicare Supplement Plans

For the most part, the differences coverage wise between different lettered Plans are relatively nominal. For example the coverage difference between a Plan F and a Plan G is the $147 Medicare Part B deductible; Plan F pays this deductible Plan G does not.

Plan N requires that you pay the $147 Medicare Part B deductible, like a Plan G, but also requires that you pay a $20 doctor visit co-pay and a $50 emergency room co-pay.

All of the above mentioned Plans provide very complete catastrophic coverage, the differences in the above mentioned Plans shouldn’t amount to more than a few hundred dollars of benefits that will either be paid by you or paid by the insurance company.

Furthermore most of the differences between different Plans can easily be quantified. I do want to add that some of the differences between some of the Plans can be more significant.

With the coverage differences between different lettered Plans being fairly easily to quantify and with those differences being fairly nominal one needs to factor in the difference in premium.

For example if a Plan F cost $100 more per month than a Plan G, choosing Plan G would be a “no brainer” – its $1,200 less per year and you are going to have to pay a $147 deductible, all other benefits are the same. If a Plan F is only $5 more per month than a Plan G – I would chose Plan F as it is only costing you $60 more per year and you are getting a $147 deductible paid versus saving $60 per year and having it cost you $147.

In Summary… Here’s the best thing to do

In summary it is fairly easy and quantifiable to weigh the different options out between different Plans; you just look at the trade offs coverage wise versus the differences in premium.

Reed & Associates will walk you through this process and help you understand it all. It is important to work with an Independent Agency like Reed & Associates as we don’t have allegiances to any one particular company or Plan but will objectively present your various options.

We discuss your needs and then shop and get you the best rate available on the plans you need.

Contact Nicole at Reed & Associates today and you will be guided with kindness, knowledge and expertise on you Medicare Supplement options!

Thank You,

Kevin Reed

Get Fast, Professional, Friendly, Expert Medicare Supplement Help

Call Nicole at:  866-282-1925   or Local   541-975-1364

Or use our Quick Contact Form

Helping You find the best Medicare Supplemental insurance in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona

Medicare Supplement Insurance and Medicare Advantage Plans are two of the most common types of Insurance that we write for people, over the years we have helped thousands of individuals with their Medicare Insurance needs.

One question that we are frequently asked is if a procedure, surgery or test will be covered? – a good question to ask!

It is important to understand that Medicare makes the determinations as to what is covered and what is not.

Medicare Supplements pay most or all of the remaining balance of health care costs that Medicare does not pay on Medicare approved services – which includes the 20% coinsurance, the Medicare deductible and other co-pays that Medicare imposes. Again, your Medicare Supplement will only pay on Medicare approved services.

Medicare Advantage Plans also cover what is covered under Original Medicare and you will share in the cost of services that you receive. Sometimes Medicare Advantage Plans cover additional items that are not covered under Original Medicare such as vision coverage, but this additional coverage is usually very limited.

Medicare does a good job of covering most “medically necessary” items. When we are asked – “is ________ going to be covered by my insurance?” we usually respond by clarifying that, “if its covered under Medicare it will be covered by your insurance”. And again – Medicare’s scope of coverage is very good for “medically necessary” services.

It is a good practice to ask your provider, in advance, whether or not a suggested or prescribed service will be covered by Medicare.

In today’s unsettled economy, many people are looking for ways to stretch their money—but sometimes this includes altering insurance coverage’s to dangerously low levels or eliminating coverage entirely.

If you’re thinking about changing your coverage to save money, consider these key issues below — and give us a call. We can help make sure you’ve got the right protection at a price you can afford.

Smart Ways to Reduce Insurance Costs:

1.) Make sure you’re getting the appropriate discounts and credits: Most insurers offer a variety of policy credits and account discounts that can translate into significant savings — without endangering the level of protection you need for your home, autos and other valuable property. And often, if you purchase multiple policies through the same insurance company, you’ll receive further discounts. People who own motorcycles or boats and who complete approved safety courses can qualify for discounts, and families with teen drivers who earn good grades in school may qualify for auto policy discounts.

2.) Increase deductibles for cost savings: Only a small percentage of homeowners have claims in any given year, so you might consider increasing your deductible.

3.) Specialty lines coverage options: Own a classic car or RV? If their use is seasonal, you can typically reduce your coverage to liability only during the off-season, then add full coverage only when you are actually using the vehicle

4.) Full payment on policy: Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be able to make lump-sum payments instead of partial premium payments, such as monthly or quarterly. Partial payments often include small transaction fees, so paying the full amount can eliminate those extra costs.

Some Decisions to Avoid

It is just as important to understand what not to do as you look for cost savings. Here are some scenarios you should avoid:

• It may be unwise to carry only the minimum state-required amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on auto policies, or to cancel it entirely if it is not required in your state: According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC)*, the correlation between the percentage of uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate is high — when the economy is struggling, more people go without insurance. You want to make sure you’re protected in this instance.

• Ignoring renters insurance: This coverage is often overlooked no matter what shape the economy is in. Landlords’ policies generally only cover the structure, not the individual renters’ contents. Imagine having to replace furniture, clothing and other personal property out of pocket because you excluded this essential, affordable coverage and then suffered a devastating loss from a burglary or other covered event.

Saving money is important, but so is making sure that what you’ve got is protected. If you’re looking for ways to save, or want to review your coverage’s, give us a call!

The cost to rebuild your home is its replacement value. This can be very different from the estimated market value or actual purchase price. In most cases, it costs more to rebuild the home you own than to buy a new one.

How much home insurance is right for you?

Reed & Associates Insurance understands the home insurance needs of our customers. We’ll work with you to estimate the replacement cost for your home and to adjust your policy limits from time to time as needed.

It is critical that you provide us with accurate, updated information about your home and contents. If your dwelling limit accurately reflects your home’s true replacement cost, some companies will pay more than the limit if a covered loss is greater than the limit on your policy.

Once a review of your home and possessions indicates you are properly insured, it’s a good idea to reexamine your coverage’s and limits from time to time, especially whenever you make additions or improvements.

Reed & Associates Insurance can help your re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 866-282-1925 to speak with us.

We serve all of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona

Be Sure You Have Enough Homeowners Insurance…

Here are steps you can take to reduce the danger of being seriously under insured:

1.) Give us a call – If you have questions or concerns about the limits in your policy, ask us to show you how those amounts were calculated. This will also give you an opportunity to make us aware of an overlooked information.

2.) Read your policy – Certain property, such as jewelry, and certain perils, such as earthquake or flood, is better insured separately. Knowing what is covered and for how much will help you insure properly. If there is anything in our policy you don’t understand, call us at 866-282-1925  and ask for an explanation.

3.) Review – At each annual renewal of your policy, you receive a new Policy Declarations page showing limits of coverage and optional coverage’s. Review this information. If you do any significant remodeling or add a family room, extra bedroom, etc., tell us about these changes so your coverage limits can be adjusted to cover the improvement.

4.) Consider carefully whether your policy provides all the protection you need – Does it provide coverage for extra costs resulting from building code changes? Does it automatically increase coverage limits annually to keep pace with inflation? Does it provide additional funds if the cost of rebuilding your home exceeds the policy limits?

Make sure you know:

• Will your insurance company stand behind agreed upon repairs after a claim? Some companies are willing to put this guarantee in writing.

• Does your policy include replacement cost coverage for contents (clothing, furniture, appliances, and other personal property inside your home)?

If not, you can add it by endorsement. The cost is small, the protection is valuable. Replacement Cost Coverage pays for losses to your possessions at the cost of brand new items. Without this option, a covered loss to your personal possessions would be depreciated by their age and condition, reduction the size of your claim settlement.

If you have an art collection, antique furniture, jewelry, or other valuable possessions, talk to your agent about supplemental coverages, such as fine arts or scheduled property endorsements, to adequately protect your investment in these items. The cost is modest for the extra protection, and often the deductible is waived.

Consider whether you should have more coverage for personal property (contents) than your policy provides. Personal property coverage is usually 70%. Supplemental protection is available for a small additional premium.

Inventory Your Home

Prepare an inventory of personal property items, update it periodically, and keep it in a safe place outside our home, such as a safe deposit box at your bank. It will save you hours of time trying to list everything damaged or destroyed if you need to make a claim. It will also help ensure you don’t forget some items. We can advise you on ways to simplify the job of preparing a personal property inventory such as videotaping each room with descriptive information on the sound track. Simply give us a call.

Personal Liability

Besides making sure you have enough protection to cover possible damage to your own home and contents, you should also evaluate your exposure to liability risks. These result in damage to the property of another, or injury to a person, not a member of your household, for which you can be responsible.

In recent years it’s become common for homeowners to be sued for injuries or damages to others, even when there is no evidence of negligence by the homeowner. The reality today is if you have any appreciable assets, you are exposed to the risk of being sued. Even if you ultimately prevail in court, your legal fees and the months or years of worry and uncertainty can be a terrible burden on you and your family.

The Personal Liability coverage provided by your Homeowners Policy usually provides a limit of $100,000 or $300,000. We recommend increasing this protection with a personal umbrella policy. Not only will it increase your personal liability, but also your auto liability. Limits are available from $1 million to $10 million and beyond. The cost of this coverage is usually very reasonable.

Keep in mind that Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California & Arizona  can require certain minimum levels of coverage. The right coverage for you is unique – Give us a call today to find out how to get the best price and value on home insurance for you!

Trees are pretty amazing things.  They produce oxygen.  They serve as natural air conditioners, both by blocking sunlight and through evaporation.  And they even absorb sounds, helping to keep things peaceful.

These benefits, along with countless others, are great reasons to keep the trees on your property in good shape.  Looking for another?  Unhealthy trees can actually pose great danger to your home and property, as well as to your family and other people.

With these tips from the National Arbor Day Foundation, you can help prevent tree trouble-and potentially save yourself from a home insurance claim:

1.) Inspect trees frequently

The size, color and condition of leaves, and overall leaf cover are good indicators of a tree’s health.  Cavities or disfiguration can be a warning sign, although they don’t always mean a tree is a hazard.  Just keep a close eye on it.  Dead branches are a big risk because they can fall easily.  Those that cross or rub can create weak spots.

2.) Plant in an appropriate space

Putting in a tree that will grow to be large?  Don’t put it near power or sewer lines, or close to your home.  And avoid brittle trees-their limbs are weak and more likely to break and fall.  Examples include Silver Maples and Willows.

3.) Prune correctly

Cut outside the branch collar, and prune regularly as trees age.  Don’t allow a tree to be topped.

4.) Leave it to an expert

Once a year, have a qualified arborist thoroughly evaluate the trees on your property.  An arborist can identify ones that need to come down immediately, as well as those to watch.  In particular, trees that have been topped, or have lost large limbs unexpectedly, could cause trouble.  Taking down trees can be very dangerous, so leave it to a professional.

5.) Remember, you’re responsible

Property owners are generally responsible when their hazardous trees cause damage or injury to others.  So keep your trees healthy, your space beautiful and your liability low!

When a tree does fall, you may or may not have coverage through your homeowner’s policy for any damage it may cause.  If you’d like to discuss your coverage, please give us a call today.

It may be a good time to think about adding extra liability coverage to your insurance portfolio with an umbrella policy.

Get a FREE Home Insurance Evaluation. It’s fast. We’ll go over your existing coverage and make sure you have the exact amount of home insurance coverage you need. No more, no less

Call 541-975-1364 or use our quick contact form

Think fast – your tax return from 2014, where is it? How about your grandmother’s diamond watch? Is it in a secure place?

Having a home safe means that not only are important documents and valuables protected from fire and theft, but that you also know exactly where they are when you need them.

But, is a home safe or a safe-deposit box- or both- right for you?

Let’s take a look at the advantages, disadvantages and uses of each.

Home Safes

• Advantages: They help protect against fire and theft and give you the ability to quickly and easily find important documents and other items.

• Disadvantages: If the safe can be easily pried open or carried off, your valuables aren’t actually all that safe.

• What to keep inside: Documents and other things you access regularly or might need to find quickly, such as insurance policies, medical information, investment and bank documents, wills, safe-deposit box keys, passports, fine jewelry, etc.

Safe-Deposit Boxes

• Advantages: A secure location within the bank vault makes theft very unlikely, unless someone gains access to your key. Banks likely have a lower risk of fire and other incidents than your home, as well.

• Disadvantages: You have to leave home to access important documents or valuables, and can do so only during bank hours. There’s typically a monthly or annual cost, rather than the one-time purchase of a home safe. You’ll also likely need to have an account with the bank in order to rent a safe-deposit box.

• What to keep inside: Original documents (car titles, property deeds, etc.), valuables that you don’t often display or access, your home inventory, etc.

Whichever you choose, it’s sure to beat the shoe box you’re using now to store important documents. However, neither is a substitute for having your valuables properly insured.

Are your personal items and valuables insured? Many times people think they are, when in reality they are not.

Questions?

Give us a call today to talk about your personal property insurance and be sure your valuables are covered!

To really feel secure about protecting your assets and your future, you may need the extra level of protection provided by a personal umbrella liability insurance policy.

What’s Peace of Mind Worth to You?

An umbrella policy provides additional layers of liability protection. If the liability limits are exhausted on your home, auto, or other underlying insurance policy, your umbrella insurance policy takes over and provides you with additional protection. The cost is minimal compared to the comfort of knowing you’re covered.

Do You Have Enough Liability Insurance?

Imagine what would happen if your dog was to bite a neighbor’s child, or if there was an accident on your rental property. What would happen if a fire in your condo spread to other units? If any of these things happened to you, there’s a good chance your current liability limits wouldn’t be adequate to protect your assets, or your future earnings.

Liability Insurance Starts When the Others Stop

Once the liability limits are exhausted on your home, auto, or other policy, your umbrella policy takes over and provides a second layer of protection of at least $1,000,000. Higher limits may also be available. Talk with Reed & Associates to determine the right amount of coverage for your needs.

Broad Coverages

An umbrella insurance policy also pays some claims not covered by your home, auto, or other underlying insurance. The policy covers not just you, but your spouse and all family members living in your household, anywhere in the world. Legal defense fees are also paid.

The right umbrella insurance coverage for you is unique – talk to Reed & Associates today to find out how to protect yourself, your family and your future with the right personal umbrella insurance for you.

Just call (541) 975-1364 to speak with one of our agents and determine the right coverage for you.

Not all insurance agents are the same! Choosing the right one can make a big difference – in price, service, and value.

With other agencies, you get one company that sells one brand of insurance. With an independent insurance agency like Reed & Associates you get choices.

Why? Because independent insurance agencies, like Reed & Associates, represent a number of different insurance companies, and can compare coverage and prices to find the best possible value for your individual circumstances. As independent agents we’re committed to doing business face-to-face and being your advocate in times of need.

Here are a few reasons why Reed & Associates should be your first and last top when looking for insurance:

• We work for you when you have a claim.
• We are not beholden to any one company. This means you don’t have to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
• We are your consultants, working with you as you determine your needs.
• We are value-hunters who look after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage, and service.
• We offer one-stop shopping for a full range of products, including home, renters, auto, business, life, health, and retirement plans.
• We can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
• We are committed to customer satisfaction – it’s the key to our livelihood.
• We treat you like a person, not a number.
• We are licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties.

There is a difference. To find out how our independent insurance agency can help you find the right insurance coverage, please contact Reed & Associates today.

We specialize in these types of insurance coverage:

• Auto Insurance
• Home Insurance
• Medicare Supplement
• Life Insurance
• Safe investments

Give us a call today at (541) 975-1364

Serving Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Arizona and California

The Annual Election Period (AEP) which begins October 15th and runs through December 7th is quickly approaching us.

With few exceptions, this is the only time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare Insurance coverage (Part C) and Medicare Prescription Coverage (Part D ).

The changes that you make during the AEP will be effective January 1, 2017.

Many of you have Medicare Supplement Insurance: please note that this DOES NOT apply to your Supplement coverage. Medicare Supplement Insurance can be changed at anytime of the year.

In regards to your Part D (prescription) coverage; you will be receiving an Annual Notice of Change from your current carrier prior to the AEP- this will outline any changes your plan will be making for the upcoming year.

It is always a good practice to compare you current Part D coverage to other Plans to make sure you are in a plan that is best for you.

Our office will be happy to compare your plan with others based on your current prescription regiment.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like a comparison!

Give us a call today at (541) 975-1364

Serving Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Arizona and California

Quick Holiday Travel Tips!

Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season – the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you’re simply driving around in La Grande or headed to Boise, Portland or beyond.

At Reed & Associates Insurance, we’d like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you’ll be around for future holidays, too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.

Prepare your car for winter

Before leaving on your trip, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And – we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us – your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.

Before you leave

Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof – ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.

When you’re on the road

Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all – stay home if you can.

If your vehicle becomes disabled

Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

We hope you enjoy your holidays with friends and family, and we look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Getting ready for winter weather

Winter has arrived! But there’s still time to get ready for winter weather, including storms. Extreme cold is always a possibility here in La Grande, so we at Reed & Associates Insurance have compiled some tips to help you stay safe and limit damage.

Preparing your home

• Perform basic winter maintenance — insulate your walls and attic, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows, and insulate water lines that run along outer walls. When temperatures drop, keep water taps slightly open so they drip continuously, and keep the cabinets under sinks open to allow warmer air in.
• If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney or flue inspected each year. Make sure your house has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them monthly.
• Check your emergency supplies and ensure that you have adequate food and water, along with a battery-powered radio, in the event of an extended power outage. You’ll want a week’s worth of supplies, or more if you live in a remote area.
• Never use gas-powered generators or barbecue grills indoors. These can allow deadly carbon monoxide to build up.

Preparing your car

• Have your vehicle serviced according to manufacturer recommendations. Check the antifreeze level.
• Keep the gas tank near full, which helps avoid ice in the fuel lines and the gas tank itself.
• Replace wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
• Make sure your tires are in good shape and have the proper air pressure.
• Check to confirm your battery has a good charge, your heater and defroster are working well, and that your emergency lights are functional.

Preparing yourself

• Always wear temperature-appropriate clothing, such as hats, gloves, scarves, etc. Remove any wet clothing immediately. And keep spare clothing in your car trunk throughout winter in case you are stranded or stuck.
• Stay hydrated. You might think this is more important when it’s warm outside, but it’s just as vital in winter.
• Be mindful of physical exertion and the amount of time you’re spending outdoors. Shoveling snow is hard work, so don’t overdo it!

Winter is a lot of fun, and we’re looking forward to it! So get your house, car and body ready, and have a great season!

Contact Us!

At Reed & Associates Insurance, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 541-975-1364  or send us a note at admin@kereed.net. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Stop Wasting Energy – and Money – This Winter

Are you tired of high utility bills landing in your mailbox in? Not sure how to lower those bills without turning your heat way down or taking cold showers?

Reed & Associates Insurance can help you with these tips:

Nearly 70 percent of the average home’s energy use to falls into our four main categories, according to EnergyStar.gov: Heating (29 percent), water heating (14percent), appliances (13 percent) and lighting (12 percent).

Here are some quick tips to help you save money in each of those areas and stay comfortable at the same time:

Heating

• Use (or install) a programmable thermostat. Running the heat all day when you are at work is a waste, but keeping it off all day means you’re coming home to a freezing house. Today’s thermostats allow you to easily manage when the heat goes on and off.

• Have a professional check your heating and cooling equipment to make sure it’s running efficiently. Also replace air filters regularly – whenever it looks dirty, or every 3 months, whichever is sooner.

Water Heating

• In addition to lowering your thermostat to about 120 degrees (F), adding insulation to an older water heating or the pipes themselves can keep water warmer longer. Cover all hot water pipes under your home with fowm tube insulation.

Appliances

• Wait to run your dishwasher until it is full; a half-load uses the same amount of water and energy as full one.

• When you’re using the stove, choose the right burner for your pots and pans. Using a big burner for a small pot can waste a lot of energy.

• Keep your washing machine set to use cold water, whenever possible. And don’t forget to clean that lint trap in the dryer.

Lighting

• Using compact fluorescent bulbs is an excellent idea, particularly for lights you use all the time, like above your porch or in your kitchen.

• Replace your old decorative lights with new, energy-efficient models. Not only will they save electricity, they’ll last longer.

It’s not hard to get started with saving energy. Once you do and you see those bills get lower and lower, you’ll want to keep going.

Check out EnergyStar.gov for more tips and information.

At Reed & Associates Insurance, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 541-975-1364  or send us a note at admin@kereed.net. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?

There’s a ticking time bomb in your La Grande, Oregon house right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one. And each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.

We here at Reed & Associates Insurance are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.

Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), washing-machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.

You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs – or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:

Washing Machine

Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply – hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.

Dryer

Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. Flexible plastic or foil ducting can easily trap lint and increase the risk of fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency recommends the use of a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead. Whichever you use, be sure to disconnect and clean the ducting annually.

Refrigerator

If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it is also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.

Dishwasher

Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hoses.

Gas Grill

At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill) and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.

In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.

To further protect you, your homeowners insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.

If you have questions about your homeowners insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we here at Reed & Associates Insurance are happy to help.