<![CDATA[TROUT INSURANCE SERVICES

<![CDATA[TROUT INSURANCE SERVICES - NEWS BLOG]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:18:00 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Why You Need Insurance]]>Tue, 05 Apr 2016 16:28:39 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/news-blog/why-you-need-insurance
If any of the following quotes seem familiar - you may be in need of some or even more insurance protection.

"Sure, it's fireproof."
"He's probably just hibernating."
"What does this button do?"
"It's probably just a rash."
"You're sure the power is off?"
"The odds of that happening have to be a million to one!"
"Pull the pin and count to what?"
"Which wire was I supposed to cut?"
"I wonder where the mother bear is."
"I've seen this done on TV."
"These are the good kind of mushrooms."
"I'll hold it and you light the fuse."
"Let it down slowly."
"It's strong enough for both of us."
"That didn't taste right."
"It's not that much snow."
"I can make the light before it changes."
"Nice doggie."
"What duck?"
"Now watch this..."
"I can do that with my eyes closed."

Effective insurance protects good people when dumb things happen.

Call Dave to review your coverages today.

]]><![CDATA[Spring cleaning tips from Trout Insurance]]>Mon, 21 Mar 2016 19:58:11 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/news-blog/spring-cleaning-tips-from-trout-insurance

Of course, because spring is a time for new beginnings, cleaning and organization around the house are very popular this time of year. If you’re ready to tackle that monumental chore, read on for some helpful information. (And if you’re so tidy and organized throughout the year that spring cleaning isn’t a big chore for you, well, keep that to yourself! Unless you want your friends and neighbors to be jealous, that is.)

Take it one room at a time. Deciding to clean or organize your entire home can quickly get overwhelming. If you focus on just one area or room, then move to another only when you’re finished, you’ll likely work more efficiently.

Follow the six-month rule. Generally, if you haven’t used something in six months (with the exception of seasonal items), it’s a good idea to consider throwing it away or donating it.

Don’t forget the kitchen. Just like other rooms, your kitchen likely has things that haven’t been used in some time — and this includes food in the refrigerator or freezer. Give those appliances a thorough cleaning and get rid of anything you won’t be eating.

Set yourself up for success. Paper clutter is something we all could probably cut back on pretty easily. Setting up a few recycling bins throughout the house gives you a convenient alternative to just setting that old magazine or paperwork down somewhere and watching the pile grow.

Make some money! Of course, the spring cleaning garage sale is a tradition for many homeowners, and can be a great way to bring in some extra income. Talk about a win-win situation — you get rid of stuff you don’t need, and someone pays you for it!

Stay safe. When you’re cleaning or maintaining your home, be mindful of the physical risks involved. Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Avoid prolonged repetitive motions. Use ladders, lawnmowers and other dangerous tools with caution.

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact Dave Trout at Trout Insurance 828.279.4681 or dtroutinsurance@gmail.com

]]><![CDATA[Life changes – so should your policy.]]>Thu, 03 Mar 2016 18:42:43 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/news-blog/life-changes-so-should-your-policyFor each of our neighbors in North Carolina, the right life insurance will be unique for you and dependent on your personal and financial needs. As your life changes, your life insurance coverage may need to change in order to adapt to your current needs. Some life transformations that may require a policy “tune-up” and our help at Trout Insurance include:

You recently married or divorced
You have a new child or grandchild
You have opened or expanded a business
Your health or your spouse’s health has deteriorated
You are providing care or financial assistance to a parent
Your child or grandchild requires assistance or long-term care
You recently purchased a new home
You are planning for a child or grandchild’s education
You are concerned about retirement income
You have refinanced your home mortgage in the past six months
You or your spouse recently received an inheritance
You have a sizable estate

]]><![CDATA[Missed Open Enrollment ? Frustrated by Higher Premiums ? Not Eligible for Premium Subsidies ? ]]>Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:08:45 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/news-blog/missed-open-enrollment-frustrated-by-higher-premiums-not-eligible-for-premium-subsidiesAs insurance professionals, we are always looking for options for our clients. Short Term Medical -- These plans stand outside the new requirements of the ACA. You must answer health questions and coverage may be declined. Pre-existing conditions - any treatments, diagnosis - within the last 12 months are not covered.
But if neither of these apply - good potential savings.

We call this the "Not ObamaCare " ...read more about "Not ObamaCare"
====================
Consumers Cut Costs By Combining Limited Coverage Health Plans, Despite Penalty Risks
Learn More...

]]><![CDATA[Status of your 2016 BCBSNC Subscriber ID cards]]>Thu, 14 Jan 2016 20:01:41 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/news-blog/status-of-your-2016-bcbsnc-subscriber-id-cardsStatus of your 2016 BCBSNC Subscriber ID cards
Your current BCBSNC premium amount may not be correct

The ID card you received may not work. If you find that it is not working or the ID number in your online Member Services number is not working, you will automatically receive a new one in the mail before the end of the month. BCBSNC changed their operating system and ID cards from the old system were automatically generated and mailed. Now the new operating system is generating new cards. We do not know which one you received at this time. BCBSNC asks that you wait for your new card IF the 2016 card you received is not working.

In this process, providers have 180 days to file a claim for reimbursement. Please ask your provider if they will provide the service and bill once the correct ID card is received. If not, you may have to pay out of pocket now and be reimbursed when you receive your correct card.

In addition, your bill may also be incorrect. BCBSNC is also aware of this and is working on resolving this issue as well.

We agree that this is a very unfortunate position to be in. Please know that we are in constant communication with BCBSNC will let you know as soon as we have any new information.

BCBSNC has issued many press releases in the media over the last few days apologizing and explaining. Please click their link here. http://blog.bcbsnc.com/2016/01/we-apologize-for-our-service-challenges-and-appreciate-your-patience/

]]><![CDATA[Just the Facts...What you should know about the fee for not having health care coverage when you can afford it.]]>Wed, 09 Dec 2015 15:44:40 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/news-blog/just-the-factswhat-you-should-know-about-the-fee-for-not-having-health-care-coverage-when-you-can-afford-itHere are 5 facts you should know about the fee for not having health coverage when you can afford it:

The fee is calculated one of two different ways, depending on your situation. The fee for not having health insurance if you can afford it is calculated either as a percentage of your annual household income or a set amount for each person in your household who does not have coverage. When you file your federal income taxes, if you are uninsured for more than three months despite having access to affordable coverage, you’ll be required to pay whichever amount is higher. Resources on HealthCare.gov will help you estimate the fee you’ll have to pay if you don’t have health insurance based on your own situation.
The fee is increasing for 2016. For 2015, the fee for not having health insurance if affordable insurance is available to you and you don’t qualify for an exemption is $325 per person or 2 percent of your annual household income – whichever is higher. For 2016, the fee you’ll have to pay if you choose to go without health insurance will increase to $695 or 2.5 percent of your income – whichever is higher. For many people, that’s more than the yearly cost of affordable plans they can find on the Marketplace. Generally, the higher your income, the higher the fee you will have to pay.
Every month without coverage counts. The fee is calculated based on the number of months you, your spouse, or your tax dependents went without qualifying coverage, such as an employer-sponsored health plan, Medicare, Medicaid or coverage through HealthCare.gov. The more months you go without health coverage, the higher the fee you will have to pay, up to the maximum.
For some people, exemptions from the fee are available. People with very low incomes and individuals who meet other specific conditions can receive an exemption from the requirement to have health insurance and will not have to pay the fee. Additional information about exemptions and a tool that helps you determine if you qualify for an exemption is available on HealthCare.gov.
If you need health coverage and want to avoid the fee for 2016, enroll in a plan by January 31.It’s important to remember that the final deadline to sign up for 2016 coverage through HealthCare.gov is January 31. A Special Enrollment Period around the April 15 tax filing deadline will not be offered this year. If you don’t enroll by then, you could have to wait another year to get coverage and may have to pay the fee when you file your 2016 income taxes.

]]><![CDATA[Reality Check: Rising Health Insurance Rates]]>Thu, 03 Dec 2015 14:00:09 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/news-blog/reality-check-rising-health-insurance-rates

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- The cost of health insurance continues to rise despite the efforts of the Affordable Care Act.

Now, some healthcare providers are teaming up to develop a new lower cost way to offer coverage. Health insurance premiums on average next year are jumping about 10 percent across the nation, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. READ MORE...

]]><![CDATA[Seminar tackles questions about health-care law]]>Tue, 01 Dec 2015 14:49:53 GMThttps://www.troutinsurance.com/news-blog/seminar-tackles-questions-about-health-care-law

HIGHLIGHTS....

Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees can receive substantial tax credits for insuring their employees
When picking a plan, choose one that most doctors will accept, seminar leader says
The 2016 penalty for the uninsured jumps to $695 or 2.5 percent of one’s salary, whichever is greater.