Insurance questions, answered

Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes 10+ years. Part B has a monthly premium. Advantage and Part D plans vary — some are $0 premium.

No. Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age. Medicaid is a state/federal program based on income. Some people qualify for both (dual-eligible).

Yes — that's called being dual-eligible, and it usually unlocks lower costs and extra benefits through a D-SNP plan.

Not always. If you have creditable employer coverage you may delay Part B penalty-free. Without creditable coverage, delaying causes lifelong penalties. We check your situation.

October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes you make take effect January 1. We review your plan every fall to make sure it's still your best fit.

Parts A and B are through Social Security (online, phone, or local office). For your plan choice, a local agent like us compares your options and enrolls you — free.

The coverage-gap 'donut hole' is effectively gone, replaced by a ~$2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap. After you hit it, covered drugs cost $0 the rest of the year.

Often yes — Part B protects access to non-VA care and avoids penalties. VA and Medicare cover different settings, so together they give you the most flexibility.

IRMAA is an income-related surcharge added to your Part B and Part D premiums if your income is above set thresholds. We can estimate whether it applies to you.

No. A $0 plan premium means no extra monthly premium beyond your Part B premium, but you still have copays, a possible drug deductible, and a max out-of-pocket. Two $0 plans can differ by thousands in real cost.

At minimum, enough to rebuild your home from the ground up at today's construction costs — not its market value. We calculate the right dwelling coverage amount for your specific home.

Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance is available through the NFIP or private carriers. If you're in a flood zone, we'll discuss your options.

Yes — we work with multiple carriers and can find replacement coverage quickly, even for high-risk properties.

Absolutely. We'll compare what you're paying now against what's available and show you the difference — no obligation to switch.

In Wisconsin, insurers can use your credit-based insurance score as a rating factor. Improving your credit over time can lower your premium at renewal.

Personal auto policies typically exclude rideshare and delivery driving. We can find the right endorsement or policy to cover you during those periods.

Typically 10–25% on both policies, though the exact amount varies by carrier and your situation. We'll calculate your actual savings before recommending anything.

Yes. Options exist for most ages and health situations, including simplified and guaranteed-issue final expense policies. We'll find what you qualify for.

Usually no. Most final expense policies use a few health questions or guaranteed acceptance — we'll match you to the best rate you qualify for.

Only short, skilled-care stays after a hospitalization — not long-term custodial care. That's the gap long-term care planning fills.

Fixed and fixed-indexed annuities protect your principal and are backed by the issuing insurer. We only recommend products that fit your goals and risk comfort.

The ACA Open Enrollment Period runs November 1 – January 15 each year. Outside of that, you need a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, birth) to trigger a Special Enrollment Period. We help you determine whether you qualify.

Subsidies are based on household income relative to the federal poverty level. For most households earning up to 400% of FPL, some subsidy is available. We run the numbers for your situation — for free.

An HMO typically requires a primary care physician referral and an in-network provider network. A PPO gives you more flexibility to see specialists and out-of-network providers at a higher cost. We compare both for your specific doctors and needs.

Yes. Homeowners policies exclude business property and liability. Even a home-based business needs at least a home business endorsement or a separate policy.

General liability covers third-party injury and damage claims. A BOP adds commercial property coverage (your building, equipment, inventory) in a single bundled package, usually at a lower combined cost.

Yes — we work with carriers that specialize in new businesses and can often get competitive rates even without prior coverage history.

Most contractor license and permit bonds are issued same-day. Larger performance and payment bonds may take a few days depending on project size and underwriting.

Bonds protect the obligee (your clients or the government agency that required the bond), not you. They're a financial guarantee of your obligations. For your own protection, you need general liability and other business coverage.

Most small bonds cost $100–$400 per year depending on bond amount and your credit. Larger performance bonds are typically 1–3% of the contract value. We'll give you an exact quote quickly.