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Missed Open Enrollment ?  Frustrated by Higher Premiums ?  Not Eligible for Premium Subsidies? 

1/31/2016

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As 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...
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Status of your 2016 BCBSNC Subscriber ID cards

1/14/2016

2 Comments

 
Status 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/
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Just the Facts...What you should know about the fee for not having health care coverage when you can afford it.

12/9/2015

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Here are 5 facts you should know about the fee for not having health coverage when you can afford it:
  1. 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.

  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
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Reality Check: Rising Health Insurance Rates

12/3/2015

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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...

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Open Enrollment: Deciding Between a PPO, HMO, EPO or POS Plan

11/27/2015

1 Comment

 
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How to pick a health care plan when you're faced with the dreaded alphabet soup.It's that time of year when we all seem to be mired in alphabet soup – and not the kind you eat. Open enrollment for benefits plans is here, and that includes choosing health insurance coverage...read more...
1 Comment

Millennials: How they measure up when it comes to money and their financial futures.  

9/16/2014

1 Comment

 
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Read More...
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As kids head back to school, let’s keep them safe  

9/16/2014

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The end of summer means many things, such as cooler weather, shorter days and ... the start of football here in Western North Carolina

But most important, it means kids are headed back to school. And that means we all should be extra careful on the roads, in school zones and around buses in Asheville, Hendersonville and surrounding areas. Remember to watch for bikes, too! Here are some tips for both parents and kids to make sure everyone stays safe.

Use caution on the roads

   There are going to be a lot more kids on the sidewalks and streets when school starts, so take it slow and always be aware of your surroundings. That’s good advice for all situations, of course, but be extra cautious around the times when school starts and ends for the day.

·         Watch out for school zones! They’re usually easy to spot, as many have flashing signs indicating a slower speed limit.

·         Remember to follow school-bus rules. You aren’t allowed to pass the bus on either side of the road when the red lights are flashing. Even when the lights stop, make sure the coast is clear before moving on. Kids can move quickly and erratically.

·         Leave yourself extra time to make it to your destination. Whether you’re headed to work or dropping your child off at school, rushing is a recipe for disaster.

·         Be especially careful in school or child-care parking lots and loading zones!

Teach kids to be safe while walking 

Just a few minutes spent explaining some basic safety rules to your child can help keep them safe when they’re walking to or from school. Young children should never cross streets alone, but if your child is old enough to walk with others, remind them to do the following:

·  Always use marked crosswalks when crossing streets and look both ways twice.

·  Do not assume that drivers can see you. Try to make eye contact with them, if possible, when crossing the street.

· Watch for driveways when walking on the sidewalk.

· Be aware of cars that are turning or backing up.

·  Never move into the street from behind a car or other obstacle. Don’t chase a ball, pet or anything else into the street.

· Always use sidewalks and paths. If there is no sidewalk or path, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.

Help them stay safe on their bikes

Just as it’s important to help your children learn safety tips for walking to and from school, it’s important to teach bike safety, especially by setting good examples yourself.

· Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet every time he or she rides a bike.

·  Before the bicycle is ridden, do a quick inspection to ensure it is working properly and reflectors are in place.

·  Show your kids how to ride on the right side of the road with traffic and to stay as far to the right as possible.

·   Encourage your child to walk his or her bike across busy intersections. Or better yet, choose a route without any busy crossroads.

·  Explain to your child why no one should ride on the handlebars.

·  Demonstrate the rules of the road by using proper hand signals and obeying traffic signs when you ride bikes together with your child.

·   Set curfews so your child is not riding a bicycle at dusk or in the dark. 

·   Most importantly, supervise your children every time they ride until you are certain they have good judgment.

 
We know you’re probably familiar with all of these good ideas, but everyone needs reminders. So take it slow, and let’s have a happy and safe school year!

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Love Bites—Get Umbrella Coverage

9/11/2014

0 Comments

 
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In today’s economy, everyone is pinching pennies.  So why worry about umbrella coverage?  Shouldn’t a home and auto policy leave you adequately covered?  

Unfortunately, we live in a world of lawsuits.  Large damages can be awarded, be extremely expensive and have long-term financial impact.  Those lawsuits can come from unlikely sources, such as our furry friends.

Take Herschel for instance.  Herschel is a much-loved, rather timid labradoodle who enjoys taking naps on the driveway while his owner mows the lawn. 

Herschel watched from eight feet away as his neighbor, a 39 year old man, showed off his rollerblading skills to his kids.  The man wiped out on the sidewalk in front of Herschel’s house and broke his leg.  He required surgery, costing around $35,000 in medical costs and $18,000 in lost wages.

Fair or not, the man brought a lawsuit against Herschel’s owner, suing for $220,000 in damages.  He alleged that Herschel had caused the accident by getting in his way, despite multiple witnesses to the contrary.  

But Herschel’s owner was lucky--a jury vindicated Herschel. However, lawsuits such as these can easily exceed the limits on a homeowner’s policy, leaving the insured responsible for the remainder.  An umbrella policy would prevent that, giving you an extra $1 million to $5 million in coverage.

Our furry friends can put your assets at risk in other ways as well.   According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with half of those occurring on the owner’s property.  Dog bites, according to the Insurance Information Institute, account for about a third of all homeowner’s insurance claims, which only cover limited damages.

 Protect what you love.  Call us to talk about your umbrella options.  

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The True Cost of Life Insurance

9/8/2014

1 Comment

 
“I can’t afford it.”
This is one of the most common reasons people give for not having life insurance. But the truth is: It’s less expensive than you think.
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    Contact me

    Jessica Cody
    828.450.1348
    I can help you with  Life , health,  home , auto, commercial, disability , critical illness, accident, and dental insurance.

     

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Trout Insurance Services

Monday-Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm & by appointment


​Visit: 29 N Main St
Weaverville, NC 28787
     
Mail: PO Box 1414     
Weaverville, NC 28787  
Ph: 828.279.4681
​
Fax: 1.888.221.4842
​

[email protected]
Trout Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency Based in WNC. 
Privacy Notice Statement  | Privacy Policy
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“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1.800.Medicare to get information on all of your options.”
Trout Insurance is an independent authorized agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). The content contained in this site is maintained by Trout Insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®, SM Registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.”
  • Insurance
    • Home & Auto Insurance >
      • Home & Auto Intro
      • Travelers - Customer Services
      • Hartford - Customer Services
      • Nationwide Customer Service
      • National General Customer Service
    • Health Insurance >
      • ACA 2025 Checklist
      • Blue Cross Blue Shield Customer Services
      • Aetna/CVS Customer Services
    • Medicare
    • Accident & Hospital >
      • Accident Plans
      • Critical Illness
      • Long-Term Care
      • Disability Insurance
    • Pet Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Travel Medical and Trip Protection
    • Dental and Vision
    • Employee Benefits
    • Business Owners >
      • Group Health Insurance
      • Commercial Property & Liability
      • Business Overhead Expense Disability
      • Disability for Business Owners
      • Critical Illness
    • Short Term Health
  • Trout Team
    • Our Story
    • Dave Trout
    • David Hanson
    • Idelle Davids
    • Linnea Conway
    • Jan Trout
    • Steve Dillingham
  • Resources
    • Employee Success
    • Fixing the ACA "Family Glitch"
    • Medicaid Expansion
    • Client Center
    • Newsletter
    • Thank You
    • Reviews
    • Blog
    • Articles >
      • Fine Homes WNC
      • Privacy Policy
      • Insurance Partners
      • No Income Cap
      • ACA Income Verification
      • BCBS Online Setup
      • APTC Income 2023 & Tax Form 1040
      • Prior Agents
      • Lost Subsidy
  • Community
    • Built to Last
    • Candlelight Stroll
    • Music on Main
    • Goombay & YMI
    • Weaverville Primary Spring Fling
    • 50+ WNC Articles
    • Understanding Medicare 2024
    • Mural on Main Street
    • Alignment's 5-Star Switch
    • YMI Winter Coat Drive
    • Employer Networking w/ Just Economics
    • Blue Ridge Pride Festival
    • Medicare Seminar
    • Art in Autumn + MANNA
    • Western Women's Business Center Conference
    • Back to School
  • Contact Us