Rhodes-Warden Insurance Blog

10 Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 17:29:00 GMT

Shopping online by Nenad Stojkovic / CC BY 2.0

Shopping online. Visiting the doctor. Buying gas. In nearly all of the things we do from day to day, there’s the risk of identity theft.

You could unknowingly give your information to a fraudster thinking you’re shopping at a legitimate site. Your doctor’s office could experience a data breach. Or you could come across a tampered credit card reader at the gas pump.

The risks your identity faces go on and on. So what can you do to stop it? Unfortunately, virtually no one today can completely negate the risk of identity theft. But we can all take some important steps to help prevent it.

Here are 10 sensible habits to adopt that will help you protect your identity:

Limit what you carry in your wallet, and know what’s there in case it goes missing. First things first, don’t carry your Social Security card on a regular basis. Instead, keep it in a locked safe at home. Have a form of identification or some other card with your Social Security number (SSN) on it? Carry a photocopy of it instead of the real thing, and cut out or otherwise render your SSN unreadable. As for credit cards, only carry the ones you need. Finally, make photocopies of the front and back of the cards you always keep in your wallet and store them in your home safe. If one (or all of them) goes missing, you won’t have to search high and low for the card issuer’s contact information.
Keep your computers, software and other electronics secure and up to date. This means using strong passwords or enabling passcodes – remember not to write them down. It also means installing firewall, as well as spyware and virus protection. Keep everything up to date (and backed up) for the latest security enhancements. For your portable devices, consider installing software to remotely wipe your data or locate the device if it’s ever lost or stolen.
Don’t over share. Does every entity that asks for your (or your child’s) SSN really need it? Take a moment to think instead of automatically jotting it down. At the very least, maybe only the last four digits will do. In addition, be careful what you share online. Posting your full address, phone number, license plate number or your birth date online, even if it’s in a photo, may help others piece together a full picture of your identity.
Check your credit reports throughout the year. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus once a year. And since the information on each report is oftentimes largely the same, you can stagger your requests and receive a different report once every four months. Once you receive your report, check it for accounts and other activity you don’t recognize. Even a credit check from a company you haven’t done business with could be an attempt at identity theft. To order your free credit reports, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
Keep an eye on your accounts. Your account statements can alert you to identity theft sooner than your credit report, in most cases. Check regularly for unauthorized charges or withdrawals and other illicit activity, such as address changes or additional cards you didn’t request.
Watch your surroundings. Whether you’re using the ATM or a portable device, you want to be sure others nearby aren’t watching as you type in your PIN or password. And just because you don’t see anyone nearby doesn’t mean they’re not there. If you’re using a shared or public WiFi, everyone else on the same network may see the data, including passwords or account numbers, you submit. Be sure to conduct sensitive transactions on secure networks.
Reduce your mail. Start by opting out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT and following the prompts. This should stay in effect for five years and help curb the risk of someone else obtaining a new credit card in your name. Next, sign up for paperless billing with your financial and service providers and/or schedule automatic payments through your bank. The less mail containing personal and account details that comes to your home, the less likely it is to fall into the wrong hands.
Be skeptical when someone asks for your information. Scam artists don’t always have to steal your information. Sometimes they convince you to give it up willingly by telling you via a phone call, email, snail mail or text that you won a prize or need to verify your account. To claim the prize or account, you’ll, of course, need to supply some sensitive information. Requests like these are almost always inauthentic – what’s known as a “phishing” scam. So stay on guard and contact the entity through a known, verified method to inquire about the matter, rather than providing personal details on the spot.
Mind your garbage. If you’re throwing out account statements or other documents with personal information, you’re making it easy for dumpster divers to learn a little, perhaps a lot, about you. They may even learn enough to take over one of your accounts. So shred your sensitive documents and then recycle them – don’t just throw them out in the garbage.
Tidy up at home. Tax returns, credit cards you use infrequently, checkbooks, passports, birth certificates — these and other important documents should all be stored under lock and key. Whether it’s in a home safe or a locking desk or file cabinet is up to you. And don’t leave the code or key in an easily discoverable place.

Despite your best efforts, you may still discover that your identity has been stolen. If so, take immediate action to:

Fill out the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Affidavit.
Take your affidavit to the police and file a report. Be sure to get a copy for your records. It will come in handy if you need to close fraudulent accounts, straighten out your credit report and more.
Call your financial providers to request new account numbers and, if needed, cards.
Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, which will encourage creditors to contact you before opening new lines of credit, on your credit report. The bureau you contact will share it with the other two.
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Transunion: 1-800-680-7289

And, if you’re involved in a data breach and offered free credit monitoring, be sure to take advantage of it.

In today’s world of hyper connectivity and speed, it’s easy for your information to end up in the wrong hands. But, by being cautious with how you use and share your information, and checking for misuse, you can help keep your identity secure.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Own a home? Here are two policy options you should know about

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:15:00 GMT

House by David Sawyer / CC BY-SA 2.0

If you have a homeowners policy, you probably expect it to cover all the costs of rebuilding your house in case it’s damaged or destroyed by a covered hazard. But are you certain you have enough coverage? Read about two common situations you may be unaware of — and the affordable options that can help put your mind at ease.

Extended dwelling coverage

Since reconstruction costs are different from market value, your current homeowners policy may not accurately reflect the true costs of rebuilding your home. Extended dwelling coverage helps you rebuild if construction costs change and add up to more than your current policy limits.

To illustrate this concept, consider this real-life scenario. Your home is currently insured for 100% of its replacement cost, with the cost based on the value of your house when the policy was originally written. However, a wildfire sweeps through your area destroying your home along with hundreds of others nearby.

Due to the high demand caused by the natural disaster, construction materials and labor costs increase 20% in your area. So your $200,000 home will now cost $240,000 to rebuild. If you had 20% extended dwelling coverage, you’d get the $240,000. Without it, you get $200,000 and will have to make up the difference out of pocket or settle for less house than you originally had.

Building ordinance or law coverage

If your home is damaged by a covered loss and needs to be rebuilt or repaired, you are required to build according to current building codes. And since codes have grown more rigorous over the past 20 years, this could mean much higher costs to rebuild than you anticipate. That’s where a building ordinance policy, or law coverage, comes into effect — and it could save you thousands of dollars.

Again, let’s take the example from above and assume you have a $200,000 homeowners policy. With a 10% building ordinance policy, you would get an extra $20,000 to apply to the new building code requirements you must meet. Without this policy option, you’ll have to pay the difference to bring your house up to code.

Extended dwelling and building ordinance policies offer valuable protection from gaps in coverage in case of an unforeseen covered event, and all for an affordable annual premium. To better understanding your risks, and to protect yourself from a loss that may exceed your policy limits, give us a call today.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

6 Tips for Getting to Work on Two Wheels

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Did you know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States commute to work by bicycle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau? That’s a lot of cars off the road each day, a lot of gasoline saved and a ton of calories burned.

Maybe you’re a bicycle commuter already — or maybe you want to give it a try. These tips from the League of American Bicyclists and other organizations will help you prepare for the challenges you’ll face on your way to work. (We’ve included a few tips for drivers, too.)

Be prepared. Always check your bike and other equipment before you leave on each trip. Also carry the proper tools and gear (including wet-weather clothing, if needed).
Obey the law, traffic signals and signs. You have a right to be on the road with cars, but you also have the same duties.
Stay right. Ride with the flow of traffic in the right lane. Leave room to make emergency maneuvers.
Be visible. Drivers are often distracted, and many aren’t expecting to see cyclists on the road. So make them see you! Stay out of blind spots. Wear bright-colored clothing during the day, with reflective clothing and lights at night or in inclement weather. Also use hand signals so motorists know your intentions.
Consider the conditions. Riding can be miserable when it’s wet, unless you have waterproof rain gear. Watch out for slick roads, too.
Be hyper-aware. Scan your surroundings constantly so you can react quickly. Pay attention to cars parked alongside the curb; a door can fly open at any moment.

Bonus tips for drivers: Stay on the lookout for cyclists. When you see them, be patient — they have a right to the road, too. If you park on the street, check behind you before opening doors. And, always remember that your significant size and speed advantage can be deadly in an accident.

Cars and bicycles can, in fact, peacefully coexist on the roads. All it takes is a little preparation and a lot of awareness, along with some understanding thrown in for good measure.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Summer Driving Tips

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Summer’s almost here. The sun will come out of hiding, and people will, too.

As crowds swell at the beach, in parks, and even on roadways, it all makes for some challenging driving conditions. More people are out and about, whether on foot, bike, or skateboard, or by car, motorcycle, or RV, increasing the risk of an accident. And, the summer heat isn’t exactly kind to your vehicle.

Still, there’s no stopping the allure of a summer drive. To help keep yours safe, keep your attention on the road and on your surroundings, as well as on these safety tips.

Summertime Safety Behind the Wheel

Just like winter, summer has its own set of seasonal hazards that require your complete attention as a driver. Here are some to be particularly mindful of:

People: In your neighborhood, on city streets, in parking lots, and especially around parks, beaches, or any popular summer attraction, people are outdoors and often more focused on their enjoyment than on personal safety. Children are out of school and they might be playing in the street in a quiet neighborhood or chasing a basketball bouncing away from a driveway hoop. In summer, there is simply more human activity everywhere, and it’s up to you to slow down and stay alert.
Bikes and motorcycles: Bicyclists and motorcyclists are also more active in good weather. Pay attention and take extra care in areas that attract cyclists.
Glare: The sun’s glare is bright in summer, and even harsher when the sun is low and in your face. Have your sunglasses handy if you’re not already wearing them, and be ready to flip down the visor so you don’t spend even a second driving while blinded by the glare.
Roadway obstacles: A busy roadway is no place for a sofa. But, with scores of people completing summer moves, you might just encounter one. Keep an eye out for roadway obstacles and plan as far ahead as possible on how to safely maneuver around them. Thunderstorms and tropical storms can further clutter the roads with debris, tree limbs, or even downed power lines.
Heatstroke: Finally, don’t forget the dangers of summer parking. Children and pets left in parked cars are vulnerable to injury or even death from heatstroke. At an outside air temperature of 60 degrees, a car’s interior temperature can reach 110 degrees, which is a lethal level for children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Rolling down car windows does not provide sufficient cooling, so don’t be tempted to leave children or pets for even a minute. It can be lethal—and in many states illegal—to leave children and pets alone. To help keep your car cool for when you return, park in the shade or place a removable sunshade in the windshield.

Road Trip Safety

A road trip with family and friends can make a memorable summer for both the right and the wrong reasons. Make it the right reasons with some careful planning and driving. There will be plenty of time for fun once you reach the campground, resort, or cabin.

Inspect your ride: Have a mechanic give your car, bike, or RV a full inspection before you go. Be especially mindful of coolant and oil levels to help protect your engine, and remember that tires often deflate with significant temperature changes, such as during the transition from spring to summer. If you have a bike carrier, car carrier, or trailer attached to your vehicle, be sure everything’s secure before taking off.
Pack your emergency supplies: We know space is at a premium when packing for a summer road trip, but don’t neglect to include some important necessities in case of emergency. This includes water, food, maps, first aid supplies, a tire pressure gauge and tire change kit, a flashlight, towels, and jumper cables. Be sure to keep your phone charged and gas tank full in case of trouble. And, don’t forget plenty of games, books, snacks, and activities to keep the passengers distracted—and to keep them from distracting you.
Plan your route: Map out how to reach your destination and how much time it will take to get there, and be sure to leave plenty of room for unexpected delays. Minimize those unexpected delays by checking the Department of Transportation websites of the states where you’ll be traveling for planned road work before you go.
Check your insurance coverage: Is your insurance ready to help out if you injure a pedestrian on your summer drive? What if you crash into a tree or run out of gas? If you’re not sure for what types of scenarios you’re covered, check in with us before heading out on your trip.
Take your time: Don’t get frustrated when unexpected delays—or fascinating roadside attractions—put you behind schedule. Keep to the speed limit, and don’t risk shortcuts that aren’t clearly marked. Take plenty of breaks to stretch your legs and rest your eyes while kids run off excess energy, and switch drivers when you’re drowsy.

There’s no better time to be on the road than when the sky’s clear and the sun’s shining. We wish you safe travels and a wonderful summer!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Want a Safer Home? Consider these Inexpensive Fixes

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 07:00:00 GMT

Home improvement: It’s a never-ending process for many people, and for those of us who aren’t necessarily handy, it can be a hassle, too.

But there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks and other improvements you can handle to make your home safer – whether you’re handy or not. And you won’t have to break out the power tools (or any tools at all in some instances) or worry about getting in over your head.

Water Works
You need running water in your home – but not water running in your home, if you know what we mean. Even minor leaks can cause major problems, from higher water bills to damage requiring costly repairs (maybe even the kind you can’t tackle yourself). Here are some easy ways to make sure your water stays where it should:

Check your appliances. They’re the most common source of water leaks in homes, so it’s worth taking a look at least once a year to check for problems. And the hoses that come with your washer and dishwasher can mean big trouble – they break down over time. Look for kinks and cracks, and replace if needed. Consider using reinforced hoses, too; those with steel braiding or mesh won’t hold up forever, but they’re stronger than rubber or plastic.
Watch the pressure. Water pressure that is set too high can cause pipes, hoses and water lines to leak or burst. Inexpensive gauges are available at home-improvement stores to test your pressure.
Consider installing water sensors. These can alert you to a leak or other problem soon after it occurs – some can even send messages to your smartphone.

Keep Your Family (and Your Guests) On Their Feet
Millions of Americans – many of them older adults – are injured in falls each year. About 2.5 million were hurt in 2013 alone, according to the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Look around your home. Should you make some of these fixes?

Reduce clutter. Everything from small pieces of furniture to area rugs can pose a hazard, so make sure they’re in appropriate places and out of the way if possible.
Add stability to stairs. Make sure stairways have sturdy rails, and maybe even non-slip strips, particularly outdoors.
Let there be light. It’s hard to walk safely when you can’t see obstacles or potential trouble spots. Make sure your home is well-lit, and don’t forget night lights, too.

Give Everyone Some Air
Pollution isn’t just an outside thing – the air in your home can be unhealthy, too. Helping people breathe a little easier isn’t hard when you follow these steps:

Test the air (and your detectors). Make sure you have working carbon-monoxide and smoke detectors and test them regularly. Also, consider testing your home for radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be dangerous over time.
Check your filters and ducts. Keeping your furnace filter and air ducts clean will keep your air cleaner as well. And consider adding some of nature’s air filters: plants.
Keep your home clean. Dust doesn’t just build up on the furniture – it ends up in the air as well. Regular cleaning means cleaner air (just be sure to use safe products).

Home improvement doesn’t have to mean a kitchen remodel or finishing the basement. Making your home safer, in fact, just might be the best improvement of all.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Teen Driving Safety

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 08:00:00 GMT

Talking to Your Teen About Safe Driving

When teens begin to drive, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, the sobering statistics start to pile up:

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens ages 14 through 18.
A teen’s crash risk is three times that of more experienced drivers.
Being in a car with three or more teen passengers quadruples a teen driver’s crash risk.
More than half of teens killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

You can help your young driver make better decisions behind the wheel, however. Start by setting a good example yourself. And set time aside to have a serious discussion about the following issues, all of which have a large impact on the safety of teen drivers:

Speed: According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, speeding continues to grow as a factor in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Thirty-three percent of such accidents in 2011 involved excessive speed. While a lot of emphasis is rightly placed on the risks of driving under the influence or while distracted, the danger of speeding is just as important.
Alcohol: If drivers are under 21, driving with any amount of alcohol in their system is illegal. It’s as simple as that. And not only does the risk of a serious crash increase once alcohol is involved, jail time is a possibility as well.
Seat belts: Teens don’t use their seat belts as frequently as adults, so it’s important to set a good example and always have yours on. Seat belts are the simplest way to protect themselves in a crash, so let teens know that buckling up is mandatory.
Phones: Distracted driving is dangerous driving, especially for an inexperienced teen. That means no calls or texting when behind the wheel — no exceptions. Again, it pays to set a good example when you’re driving with your teen in the car.
Passengers: The risk of a fatal crash goes up as the number of passengers in a teen driver’s car increases, according to the NHTSA. Depending on your state’s licensing laws for young drivers, limiting your teen to one passenger is a good guideline. (And some states don’t allow teens to have any passengers for a time.)

Of course, any driver needs to have a good grasp on the laws and rules of the road, and, because teens don’t have much experience, it’s important to have regular conversations about safe driving. How teens drive doesn’t just depend on them. It depends on you, too!

Burglary Prevention: Should You Leave the Lights On?

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 17:54:00 GMT

It seems like a no-brainer to leave the lights on outside your home to deter burglars while you’re away (or even while you’re asleep). But does that really work? Or is it just a waste of electricity — particularly this time of year, when the days keep getting shorter and shorter?

Those answers can differ depending on a number of factors. However, one thing is clear: With more than 1.5 million residential burglaries in the U.S. in 2015, according to the FBI’s Crime in the United States report, it takes more than flipping a switch to prevent property crime.

So, if you are relying on lights as part of your home security routine, be sure to put some thought into how you’re using them. Here are recommendations about when to light things up — and some instances where it may be better to go dark. Contact your local law enforcement if you’re curious about recommendations specific to your area.

When to Keep Your Lights On

There are plenty of instances where it makes sense to leave your porch light on:

When you’re home (and awake). This doesn’t simply alert people to the fact that someone is home; it allows you to see anyone approaching or prowling around outside. Having a variety of interior lights on, of course, also shows that the home is occupied and not the best target.
When you go out at night. You’ll be able to get to the door easier and unlock it more quickly when you get home — which is nice, but also important if someone happens to be lurking nearby.
If possible, combine a porch light with other lights. If you have lighting in your back yard, for example, or by the garage, use those in conjunction with the one by your front door and interior lights. This can add to the appearance that someone is home.

When to Keep Your Lights Off

Despite what many people think, having your lights on all the time isn’t helpful. In fact, it may actually attract burglars. Here’s when you should think about leaving them off:

When it’s light out. Exterior lights left on all day can give the impression that nobody is home. After all, wouldn’t someone turn them off during the daytime?
When you’re on vacation. The same principle applies here — if a burglar notices lights on for several days at a time, that’s a pretty clear sign that you’re gone.
When you go to sleep. This seems counterintuitive, but most residential crime happens during daylight hours, according to SecurAmerica, a firm providing security personnel for businesses, schools and residential communities. So, that porch light at 3 a.m. might not make much of a difference.
If you live in a rural area. In this instance, lights might help burglars more than deter them by providing light to help them see. And, unlike in an urban area, there are few people around to spot them milling about suspiciously in the glow of that porch light.

An Even Better Option: Automate Your Lights

The goal of lighting, at least from a security standpoint, is to make burglars think someone is home. The most effective way to do that is through lights, both inside and out, that turn on and off at varying times. You can accomplish this through systems that automatically turn lights on after sundown, or even new options that allow you to control lights from your phone or other mobile device.

And, don’t forget motion-sensing lights. They’re affordable, and they can startle burglars and even impair their vision in the moments after they illuminate.

Other Things to Consider

However you use your lights, it might not matter if you don’t take other security measures. For example, are your trees and shrubs trimmed, or do they instead provide cover for someone casing your home? Do you have a good relationship with your neighbors? Will they notice if someone suspicious is outside? Do they even know when you’re going out of town?

Remember, turning on your lights may only be truly effective as part of an overall strategy to keep your home secure.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.

Medicare Open- Enrollment Important Dates

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 20:54:00 GMT

If you are already enrolled in Medicare, this can be an important time of year for you. The Medicare Open-Enrollment Period that runs from October 15, 2016 through December 7, 2016, gives you an opportunity to make changes and look at what other plans have to offer. Here are some important dates:

October: This is when current enrollees should be aware that they may receive notices of upcoming plan changes and if necessary, get ready to make changes or review plan options.

October 15th: Open-Enrollment begins. Individuals with Medicare can make changes to their health plan and prescription drug benefits for the next year. October 15th is also the first day you can change your Medicare choices for the upcoming year. Be aware that the insurance company must receive your enrollment change request before December 7th.

January 1st: Your new coverage begins if you switched to a new plan during the Open-Enrollment Period. If you stayed with your same plan, then any changes to coverage, benefits or costs begins for the upcoming year.

January 1st to February 14th. If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare if you wish. If you do change to Original Medicare during this period, you’ll have until February 14th to also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that will add prescription drug coverage. Your coverage will begin the first day of the month after the plan received your enrollment form.

We are currently making appointment times to review Medicare options during our office hours Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made subject to availability starting daily at 8:30 a.m. with the last appointment scheduled at 4:00 p.m. each day. We encourage you to call us early at (541) 258-2131 as available appointment times are filling quickly. To learn more about Medicare and the plan choices, visit our website at https://www.rhodeswardenins.com/medicare-insurance...

2017 Health Insurance Open-Enrollment Period

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 17:36:00 GMT

By now, most of us are familiar with Obamacare and the changes it has made in our country’s health care laws. One of the most far-reaching changes is the Individual Mandate that requires most Americans to have health insurance coverage or pay a financial penalty when they file their taxes. If you already have health insurance coverage through your employer or are enrolled in Medicare/Medicaid, then you satisfy the requirement.

When it comes to purchasing health insurance coverage, an important time of year is the upcoming annual Open-Enrollment Period. This year, the Open-Enrollment Period runs from November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017. If you plan on purchasing health insurance coverage and want a January 1, 2017 effective date, you will need to have your enrollment completed before December 15, 2016. You can still apply for coverage after that but you may have a later effective date.

The penalty for not having health insurance is referred to as the “Shared Responsibility Payment”. For 2016 the payment is the higher of 2.5% of household income or $695.00 per adult, $347.50 per child under 18 years old with a family maximum of $2,085.00. After year 2016, the flat dollar amounts are based on the 2016 amounts plus an inflation adjustment. There are some Exemptions that can be found here on the IRS.gov website.

We’re Here to Help

Here at Rhodes-Warden Insurance we know that choosing the right health insurance policy for you and your family, at a price you can afford can be challenging. That’s why one of our licensed health insurance agents will work with you to make the best choice and help you through the enrollment process. We can either help you apply through our federal marketplace, Healthcare.gov to see if you qualify for a premium subsidy to help you pay for your insurance or apply for coverage directly through one of the many insurance companies we represent.

We are currently making appointments times for Open-Enrollment during our office hours Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made subject to availability starting daily at 8:30 a.m. with the last appointment scheduled at 4:00 p.m. each day. We encourage you to call us early at (541) 258-2131 as available appointment times are filling quickly. If you think you might qualify for the Oregon Health Plan, you will need to find enrollment help online at http://www.oregonhealthcare.gov and then click on the “Get Help” link.

Here are some helpful links to help you get ready:

While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information as of the publication date, the information provided is subject to change. Federal and state rules and interpretations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as Obamacare continue to evolve, and every individual’s circumstances are unique. Please consult with your own legal and tax advisors for advice.

The ABC's of Medicare

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 22:42:40 GMT

When considering which Medicare insurance plan to choose, the first step is to make sure you work with a licensed insurance agent that understands Medicare and the supplemental plan choices. The knowledgeable staff at Rhodes-Warden Insurance can assist individuals who qualify for Medicare to choose a plan that best fits their needs. We work closely with our customers to provide personal and trustworthy service. Allow us to share our knowledge about the options so you can confidently choose a Medicare insurance plan that represents the greatest value to you.

Part A - Hospital Insurance
Part B - Medical Insurance

Original Medicare consists of two parts, Hospital and Medical insurance benefits. But what most people don't know is that Medicare was never intended to cover all hospital and medical costs. In some instances, Original Medicare may have a premium to pay along with deductibles and co-insurance costs with no limit on out-of-pocket expenses. It also does not cover routine vision, hearing, dental or prescription drug.

Part D - Prescription Drug

Since Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage, private insurance companies will sell a supplemental prescription drug benefit plan under what is known as Part D. There are many difference Part D drug plans available for purchase. Because Part D prescription plans differ in their cost, the drugs they cover and pharmacies they work with, it is important to fully understand your choices.

Part C - Medicare Advantage Combines Part A, Part B and usually Part D

For people that want more health care coverage than Original Medicare offers, they can purchase a Part C Medicare Advantage plan. They may still have a premium to pay as well as co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles but Part C plans also have a set maximum for yearly out-of-pocket expenses. Some Part C plans may also cover prescription drugs, routine vision, hearing and dental that are not covered under Original Medicare.

Medigap Plans - A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N
Medigap High Deductible Plan - F

Medigap is another name for Medicare Supplemental Insurance. With Original Medicare, beneficiaries must pay some of the cost such as decuctibles and co-insurance. Because of these gaps in Medicare Parts A and B coverage, private insurance companies sell Medicare Supplemental Insurance palns to fill in those gaps. If you are in the Original Medicare plan and have a Medigap policy, it is important to understand that although the plan benefits are all standardized, cost can vary. You can compare the different Medigap plans side-by-side on the Medicare.gov website at https://www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/compare-medigap/compare-medigap.html

You may only apply for an Oregon Medigap plan if you reside within the State of Oregon and are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Some people get Part A and Part B automatically, others have to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. You can check online to see if you have signed up for Part B at https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/enrollment/check-enrollment.aspx or call the Social Security office at (800) 772-1213.

What type of plan would be a good fit for you?

While many people prefer the options offered by Medicare Advantage or Medigap Plans; others may prefer just having Original Medicare coverage and purchase a supplement prescription drug plan. When considering all of your options, it is a good idea to work with a licensed agent that understands Medicare and the available plans. Rhodes-Warden Insurance can help you navigate the maze that insurance can be and simplify the challenge of understanding your choices for Medical supplemental insurance.

To get help with deciding which options may be best suited for your needs, contact us at (541) 258-2131 during our business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.

This article is meant as general overview of information only and does not include all rules, conditions and exceptions that govern Medicare or the purchase of Medicare supplemental insurance.