Hurricane Helene caused more than $250 billion in economic losses and property damage, prompting some insurance companies to up the stakes in Western North Carolina.
News 13 investigates the hardships for homeowners coupled with property loss and what steps you can take to keep from receiving a cancellation notice.
Read the full story ​by Jennifer Emert.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced important updates for Medicare beneficiaries. These updates include a projected decrease in the average monthly premium for Medicare Part D plans in 2024 and significant changes to the catastrophic coverage drug phase.

These developments will help provide beneficiaries with lower out-of-pocket costs and improved coverage options. Below, we discuss the details of these changes and their potential impact on you, the beneficiary.

For More Information on the changes to Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, click the link to the article HERE

In the wake of Covid, travel insurance sales have spiked with the rebound in travel as people seek to protect their investments against flight delays and cancellations, extreme weather events, and the persistence of the virus. But travel insurance is complicated with a range of benefits, inclusions, and prices. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

 Know what’s covered: 
​ Generally speaking, travel insurance covers unforeseen events, like an illness in the family, the loss of a job, or a natural disaster, that force you to cancel or interrupt a trip. It can also apply in the event of a strike at a transportation company, a terrorist attack at your destination, or when your travel provider goes bankrupt. These are known as covered reasons. Most polices also include medical coverage, which is useful abroad where your health insurance may not cover you. While policy prices vary based on age, length of travel, and type of coverage, expect to pay between 4 to 10 percent of your entire trip cost to get insured. 

Learn More About Travel Coverage in this article written by Elaine Glusac at the New York Times  HERE
Elaine Glusac

Insurance companies want to hike rates for rental and investment properties by nearly 50% statewide, but a lot more at the coast. Why? Blame climate change and rapid growth

If you own a second home at the beach or an investment property, prepare to take another hit in the pocketbook.

​Less than eight months after raising insurance rates on rental properties by a statewide average of nearly 10%, the group that represents the state's insurance industry wants to increase the cost of new and renewing policies by more than half starting next summer.

Continue to read this article by Gareth McGrath USA TODAY NETWORK
​HERE

The average monthly premium for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is expected to fall slightly in 2024, to $55.50, a 99-cent drop from the 2023 average of $56.49, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on July 31.

The amount beneficiaries will pay in 2024 will vary depending on which prescription drugs they take, what plan they pick and where they live. In addition to premiums, deductibles and copays also vary by plan. CMS says more than 51 million Medicare beneficiaries currently have prescription drug coverage.

More information about the Part D Premium decrease can be found at AARP.org

Learn more about your Medicare options at MedicareOptionsForYou.com

A growing number of Americans are working past age 65—typically the age when you enroll in Medicare. But if you’re still getting health insurance through your employer at that age, does it make sense to move to Medicare? 

The best answer to that question depends on factors unique to you, including:

• The features and cost of your current insurance.
• The size of your employer’s firm and your income.
• Your health.
• How you want to receive healthcare.

When navigating the question “When should I enroll in Medicare?” it’s important to step carefully in order to avoid stiff late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part B (outpatient services) and smaller penalties for Part D (prescription drugs).
Let’s walk through the rules on timing your Medicare enrollment, and the tradeoffs of these decisions.

​More information found here at Morningstar.com

Learn more about your options at MedicareOptionsForYou.com

The increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the United States, and the growing concerns with Climate Change have caused insurance companies to react with increased rates and some reductions in coverage. Below are some tips to help make an informed decision when purchasing your next home or home insurance coverage. 

Before the Purchase

Before purchasing a home or home insurance policy, examine the risks. You can enter the home address into a Risk Calculator, like Risk Factor to help look for potential perils. Also, consult with your agent about what insurance carriers could work best, and to check on the carrier's rating from A.M. Best.

Review Your Policy

Shop around for new policies each year, as rates and needs can change. For example, inflation has drastically impacted construction costs, so your existing coverage may not be enough to cover major repairs. Read the terms of your coverage. Make sure your "Replacement Costs" of your home and it's contents are covered. We recommend contacting your agent to review this policy information.

Reduce Costs

Bundling home and auto coverage (among others) is one potential way to get a discount and save money. Getting the most coverage for your money is a priority, so also make sure that you're over insured for perils that may don't affect you. Home improvements, like securing your roof from wind damage or cutting brush back to reduce fire risk will reduce risks to your house and may also deliver some savings on your insurance.

​Contact your agent today to learn more about your policy and explore other options.

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Your family, their future, and their security are your main priorities. You've created a strong foundation to build that on, but what would happen if half or all of that foundation were to be weakened? Would your family be able to maintain their standard of living if you were unable to work due to an injury from an accident or an illness? The right combination of insurance policies can provide you with much-needed assistance when you need it - and for an affordable amount. ​

Oral healthcare is an essential component of overall healthcare. Good oral health has been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, better management of diabetes, and reduced risk of some cancers. Conversely, poor oral health has been associated with a range of negative health outcomes, including chronic pain, tooth loss, and infections that can spread to other parts of the body.
Here are some ways that oral healthcare can improve overall healthcare:

1.     Prevention of Systemic Diseases: Poor oral health has been linked to a range of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help detect and prevent these diseases.
2.     Early Detection of Health Issues: Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of health issues such as oral cancer, gum disease, and cavities. Early detection allows for early intervention, which can improve overall health outcomes.
3.     Improvement of Chronic Conditions: Many chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be managed more effectively with good oral healthcare. For example, treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
4.     Improved Nutrition: Good oral health is essential for proper chewing and digestion, which in turn helps maintain good nutrition. This is particularly important for children, whose overall growth and development can be impacted by poor oral health.
5.     Improved Mental Health: Poor oral health can also impact mental health, leading to feelings of low self-esteem and social isolation. Good oral health can help improve self-confidence and overall mental well-being.