Newsroom
Blog & resources
Plain-English insurance and Medicare guidance — written for the people we serve in western Wisconsin and the Coulee Region.
COBRA vs. ACA Marketplace in Wisconsin: What to Do After Job Loss
Lost your job-based health insurance? You have 60 days to enroll in a Marketplace plan. See how COBRA and ACA Marketplace coverage compare on cost, network, and how a job loss can affect your subsidy.
Read →
ACA Special Enrollment Period in Wisconsin: 2026 Rules
Lost job coverage, got married, moved, or had a baby? You may qualify to enroll in a Marketplace plan mid-year. See the 2026 qualifying life events, the 60-day and 30-day deadlines, and what changed this year.
Read →
20 Free Insurance Calculators for Western Wisconsin
Hougom Insurance Agency's free tools hub has 20 calculators across Medicare, health insurance, life, retirement, disability, and employer benefits. See what each one does and how to use it.
Read →
Business Owners Policy (BOP) Insurance for Wisconsin Small Businesses
A Business Owners Policy bundles general liability and commercial property into one policy. See what a BOP covers, what it doesn't, and who qualifies for La Crosse-area small businesses.
Read →
Long-Term Care Insurance in La Crosse County: What Medicare Won't Cover in 2026
Medicare and Medicare Advantage don't cover most long-term custodial care. See what's actually covered, what isn't, and how La Crosse and Winona-area families plan ahead with long-term care insurance and the Wisconsin/Minnesota Partnership Program.
Read →
Motorcycle, Boat, ATV & Snowmobile Insurance in Wisconsin: What's Required and What's Worth It
Wisconsin powersports insurance requirements for motorcycles, boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles — what the law mandates, what it doesn't, and why a dedicated policy beats an endorsement.
Read →
Umbrella Insurance in Wisconsin: What It Covers and Who Needs It
A personal umbrella policy adds $1M or more of liability protection above your home and auto limits for a few hundred dollars a year. Here's who needs it and why.
Read →
How Bundling Home and Auto Insurance Saves Money in Wisconsin
Bundling home and auto insurance typically saves 10–25% on both policies. Here's how multi-policy discounts work, when bundling is the best deal, and when it isn't.
Read →
Wisconsin Contractor Bonds: What They Are, What They Cost, and How to Get One
Contractor license bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds explained for Wisconsin tradespeople. Most bonds issue same-day. Here's everything you need to know.
Read →
Group Benefits for Small Businesses in Western Wisconsin: What You Need to Know
How small businesses in the La Crosse area can offer competitive employee benefits — group health, dental, vision, life, and disability — without breaking the budget.
Read →
How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Premium in Wisconsin Without Sacrificing Coverage
Practical strategies to reduce what you pay for car insurance — from bundling and deductible adjustments to discounts most people never ask about.
Read →
What Homeowners Insurance Covers in Wisconsin — And What It Doesn't
The six coverage parts of a standard policy, what's excluded (flooding, wear and tear, business use), and how to make sure your dwelling limit is actually high enough.
Read →
Annuities Explained: Turning Your Savings Into Retirement Income You Can't Outlive
Fixed, fixed-indexed, and income annuities compared — what they are, when they make sense, what to watch out for, and how to use one as a retirement income foundation.
Read →
How Much Life Insurance Do You Actually Need?
A practical formula covering income replacement, debt payoff, final expenses, and future obligations — plus the term vs. whole life question answered plainly.
Read →
ACA Health Insurance in Wisconsin: What to Know for 2026
Metal tiers, premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, open enrollment deadlines, and tips for the self-employed — everything you need before shopping marketplace plans.
Read →
Your 2026 Medicare Guide for the La Crosse Area
Parts A, B, C, and D explained. Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap compared. The 2026 Part D $2,100 drug cost cap. Local Gundersen and Mayo network considerations. Enrollment windows you cannot miss.
Read →
Wisconsin Medicare Supplement: Basic Plan & Riders Explained (2026)
Wisconsin doesn't use Plan G or Plan N. Learn how the Wisconsin Medigap Basic Plan and optional riders work, and which combination gives you Plan G-equivalent coverage.
Read →
Understanding Medicare: The ABCD's Explained
Parts A, B, C, and D each cover different areas of your healthcare needs. Here's what every letter means and why choosing the right combination matters.
Read →
Understanding Roof Coverage: Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value vs. Payment Schedule
Homeowners insurance policies vary widely in how they pay for roof damage. Know the difference before you need to file a claim.
Read →
Comprehensive Insurance for Hotels: Protecting Your Hospitality Business
Whether you operate an independent boutique or a chain-affiliated property, hotel insurance involves unique risks that standard business policies don't fully address.
Read →
Waiver of Subrogation: Why It Matters for Business Owners
If you sign contracts with clients, landlords, or contractors, you may be required to include a waiver of subrogation. Here's what it means and what to watch for.
Read →Captive vs. Independent Insurance Agency: What's the Difference?
A captive agent works for one company. An independent agent works for you. Understanding the difference could change how you shop for insurance.
Read →
Wisconsin's Auto Liability Limits: Why Higher Coverage Protects You & Your Assets
Wisconsin's minimum liability limits of $25,000/$50,000 can disappear fast in a serious accident. Here's why higher limits are worth the small premium difference.
Read →