The Role of Brokers in Healthcare Reform

Columbia River Insurance Services is an independent agency. This means we don't work for any one specific insurance company. We have access to many markets, giving us the ability to shop your account and search the market for the best option for you. Under Healthcare Reform you will still have choices and options. You are not required to use the healthcare exchanges, but if you do, we can help you review options, and it does not cost you anymore. Individuals and businesses will still need advice and help to understand the options. You do not have to go through the exchanges!

We have the experience to help you navigate through the Healthcare Reform.

1. We will be able to assist business clients either through an insurer-based pathway or directly through the exchange.
2. We can also enroll individuals through a State of Washington facilitated or a partnership exchange.
3. We will keep you informed of any updates through our social media, newsletter, and regular communication.
4. There are many compliance issues and dates employers must comply with. Columbia River Insurance Services can make sure you make informed decisions.
5. We can help you understand how Medicare interacts with each other. 
6. Provide options for voluntary benefits to individuals and businesses.
7. Create benefits strategies to deal with reform changes.
8. Work directly with employers to structure medical packages.
9. We can also provide options for other kinds of insurance such as long term care and critical illness coverage.
10. We will provide our clients with benefits education and communication tools that will help keep employees informed about healthcare costs and programs.

In light of healthcare reform, it will be more important than ever for employers and individuals to work with us to find solutions that meet your unique needs in this new era of health insurance.

Ways to Save Money on Your Washington & Oregon Home Insurance

When looking for affordable home insurance it is important to request quotes from many insurance providers. As an independent agent, we have access to many competitive markets for your home insurance. We shop your home and auto insurance on a regular basis in order to find the best combination of pricing and coverage.

There are at least three of factors which determine the insurance premiums our clients pay:

1. Location
2. Home value
3. Personal property value

There are some things you can do to reduce your premiums, including:

1. Combine your auto and home insurance together to receive "package" discounts.
2. Customer loyalty.  When you stay with a company for a period of time, you can receive discounts each year.
3. Maintain good credit. Credit scores do have an impact on your premiums.
4. Consider increasing your deductible. The higher your deductible, the more money you can save on your premiums. Nowadays, most insurance companies recommend a deductible of at least $500. If you can afford to raise your deductible to $1,000, you may save as much as 25 percent.
5. Improve home security. You can usually get discounts of at least 5 percent for smoke detectors, a burglar alarm, and dead-bolt locks.
6. Central station alarms can also reduce premiums.
7. Consider retro fitting your older home for earthquakes.
8. Review your limits on personal property. If you had an expensive item ($5,000) and sold it during the year, you may want to consider reducing your coverage by that amount.
9. Don't buy unnecessary coverage. If you live on top of a hill, flood insurance most likely is not needed. If you don't have expensive jewelry, you don't need a jewelry floater.

Ask us about discounts. Some insurers offer special discounts for certain homeowners. This often includes retirees or members of the military. Avoid claims by taking precautions. By cutting down the dead tree in the yard or erecting a fence around the swimming pool, you can reduce the likelihood that you'll have a claim.