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Why You Need Insurance

4/5/2016

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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.   
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Spring cleaning tips from Trout Insurance

3/21/2016

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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


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Life changes – so should your policy.

3/3/2016

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

1/30/2016

 
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...


Status of your 2016 BCBSNC Subscriber ID cards

1/14/2016

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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

 
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.

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...

Seminar tackles questions about health-care law

12/1/2015

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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.
​Read more....


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

11/27/2015

0 Comments

 
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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
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Questions About ObamaCare? Join us for Answers!

10/13/2015

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OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 1ST....
...and lots of folks have question about The Health Insurance Marketplace.  We're here to help!
 
Dave Trout will be hosting 2 seminars to provide you with answers.
 
We will discuss -
  • How the Marketplace will renew your Premium Discount Tax Credit
  • New options from the insurance companies and how they work with your doctor
  • Choosing the most effective plan for you - Compare & Save
  • Express Lane Enrollment - under 5 minutes.  NO KIDDING!
 
WHEN: Thursday, Oct 15th
TIME: 5.30 pm
WHERE: Jubilee Community meeting room
(Please enter at the Patton Ave entrance, next to Jack of the Wood.)
No registration is required –
but we would like to get an idea of attendance.

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WHEN Friday Oct 23rd
TIME: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
WHERE: ABTech – Small Business Center 
Enka campus
REGISTER HERE:
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A Prescription for a Stronger Economy
 
An integral part of the Affordable Care Act has been the expansion of Medicaid to qualified individuals primarily on the basis of income. As a result of the Supreme Court ruling in 2012, North Carolina was allowed to opt out – impacting availability of healthcare to lower income folks.
 
Dave has been a part of a local Medicaid expansion group for three years. This Friday – we are hosting a presentation by Susan Shumaker, President of the Cone Health Foundation. A prescription for a stronger economy -- why closing NC's health coverage gap will boost employment and economic activity If you are interested in attending, please click here:

 
 
Trout Insurance is a sponsor of this important presentation.
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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
​

contact@troutinsurance.com
Trout Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency Based in WNC. 
Privacy Notice Statement  | Privacy Policy
“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.”
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  • Insurance
    • Home & Auto Insurance
    • Medicare
    • Income Protection >
      • Disability Insurance
      • Long-Term Care
      • Critical Illness
      • Annuities
    • AARP - Hartford
    • Life Insurance
    • Health Insurance
    • 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
    • Jessica Cody >
      • Home & Auto Insurance
    • Jeremy Sheridan
    • Robert Pugh
    • David Hanson
    • Jennifer Trout
    • Idelle Davids
    • Jan Trout
    • Steve Dillingham
  • Resources
    • Employee Success
    • Fixing the ACA "Family Glitch"
    • Aetna/CVS Health NC
    • Client Center
    • Reviews
    • Blog
    • Articles >
      • Health Insurance 2022
      • Friday Health
      • Comparing 2022 Plans
      • Insurance Partners
      • Best Value Insurance Plans
      • ARP Facts CMS
      • ARP Unemployment
      • ARP 2020 Excess Premium Subsidy
      • No Income Cap
      • Unemployment Glitch
      • Asheville Homesharing
      • 2019 Verification-a
      • BCBS Online Setup
      • APTC Income 2023 & Tax Form 1040
      • Lost Subsidy
      • Privacy Policy
  • Community
    • Alignment's 5-Star Switch
    • Employer Networking w/ Just Economics
    • FALLing with Families
    • Medicare New Era Event October 13th
    • Blue Ridge Pride Festival
    • Health & Wellness Fair
    • Goombay & YMI
    • Alignment Health Plans
    • YMI Winter Coat Drive
    • Medicare Seminar
    • Art in Autumn + MANNA
    • Music on Main
    • Western Women's Business Center Conference
    • Mural on Main Street
    • Expanded Team- Next Generation
    • Back to School
    • Weaverology
    • Mother Earth Food
  • Contact Us