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Open Enrollment Time For ACA Medical And Medicare

There are two “open enrollment periods” that are critically important for individuals and seniors. These limited time periods are the only times that new ACA (Affordable Care Act) Medical plans can be purchased or...

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US Wildfires 30% Higher than 10-Yr average acres YTD2024

Late summer and fall are characterized by extremely dry fuels in many parts of the country, and multiple geographic areas continue to fight fires that threaten homes and present major challenges to containment. Even if...

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Summer fun, vacations and fireworks

It is hard to believe that we are nearing the halfway point in 2024! Summer is here and we all can use a break about now. American Insurance agents are here to help you enjoy some worry-free fun. Just give us a call...

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Harsh Realities - Property Insurance Crisis

We hear this question multiple times every day... Why did my Homeowners Insurance premium go up so high? You deserve an honest answer and you can count on American Insurance to tell you the unvarnished truth. We are...

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AVISTA Wildfire Resiliency Plan may help rural insurance

Wildfires in the western states are one of the major drivers of property losses and insurance costs. AVISA Utilities has announced a plan of fighting wildfires before they happen. In a May 28,2024 news release, AVISTA...

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Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in 2023

Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in a May 9, 2024 News...

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Homeowners Insurance Crisis Spills Over to Northwest

While the northwest states have enjoyed some of the lowest Homeowners Insurance rates in the country, the insurance marketplace in Florida, California, Texas and other coastal states have been in crisis. The pandemic...

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Finding Calm in a Storm of Change

Wow! 2023 is coming to a close and for most of us, not a moment too soon. This year we experienced huge inflationary pressures and a shortage of workers. On top of that, closer to home there was no water for our lawns...

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Free Calendars! Opt-out or get extras

CALENDARS! As a free gift to customers and friends, American Insurance mails in December each year an appointment display calendar. They have beautiful pictures of landscapes from all around America and space to write...

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Hometown Business FOOD DRIVE - 2023 Results

More than 65 businesses partnered with us this year to provide food for those in need in our communities! - American Insurance annually sponsors and coordinates the Hometown Business Food Drive. For our 8th annual event,...

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Plans for 2023 LC Valley 4th of July Fireworks

Donations needed to meet funding challenges - First, the good news! The big LC Valley Fireworks display will be happening again this July 4th, Independence Day! However, Community Spirit, the non-profit funding the...

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We’re here to help during this ‘hard market’

As printed in our 2023 Summer newsletter As we have embarked on our 101st year, it has never been truer that, “the only constant in life is change.” Every year there is a new insurance challenge and this year that is...

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Tina has retired and we have new team members!

After 39 years of service with American Insurance taking great care of “her people” as she called her assigned clients, Tina Heitmann has retired! We are appreciative of the hard work, dedication, time, and memories...

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Medicaid transfer & Medicare options available

Did you know that Your Health Idaho is transitioning Medicaid clients back into the Exchange? We have 2 health insurance Agents who can help if you are losing your Medicaid coverage. Also, if you are a Washington or...

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Avoid dings & dents in parking lots

Parking lots in the LC Valley and on the Palouse – we love the convenience but hate the frustrations, especially when people are driving too fast, backing out of spots without looking and otherwise modeling bad parking...

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Heavy Rain? Be on the Lookout for Heavy Damage

Heavy Rain? Be on the Lookout for Heavy Damage - Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry....

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6th Annual Free Shredding Week set for April 10-14

American Insurance NW Inc invites our customers and fellow chamber members to bring their sensitive personal and confidential documents for our free indoor shredding event. We want to help you guard against identity...

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Idaho announces end of Protected Medicaid coverage

American Insurance health agents Dave Root and Tim Gleason want to share that they are available to help area residents who are losing their Idaho Medicaid coverage. In December 2022, Congress passed an omnibus spending...

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Agency celebrates 100 year milestone with annual Christmas party

The Agency held our annual staff meeting and Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 16 to share information with our staff from both offices. Agency President Shawn Sullivan shared about the growth the Agency has had in 2022...

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Giving the gift of financial security to protect your family

Life has a habit of getting very busy – from raising a family, to buying a home, to building a business or a career. Even so, we shouldn’t procrastinate on protecting the dreams for the ones we love for their peace of...

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7th Annual Food Drive SMASHES previous record

American Insurance and more than 70 Partners in our local business community worked in the 7th Annual Hometown Business Food Drive. - When the totals were announced, wow, what an outcome we had for this event! - Between...

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Thankful for you for OUR 100 years

As our 100th anniversary year comes to a close, we can sum up everything by saying one word – “thankful”! We are thankful for you, our loyal customers and friends, for your continued trust and confidence in us. For some,...

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Hometown Business 7th Annual Food Drive concludes with solid results

American Insurance has Partnered with more than 70 businesses for the 7th Annual Hometown Business Food Drive. The 8th Annual Event will be announced closer to November 2023. - Related: 7th Annual Food Drive SMASHES...

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Time to update your files - we've closed our PO Box

Time to update your files We have closed our PO boxes in Lewiston and in Moscow. Please make sure your bill payment address on file is listed as 55 Southway Avenue, Lewiston, or 604 S. Washington St., Moscow especially...

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Top 10 OSHA cited violations shared

Every day being on a work site can be dangerous, regardless of the industry in which you work. Do your employees know how to put Safety First to work to avoid possible accidents, reducing your risk and helping avoid...

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The American Dream -- Yours and Ours!

THE AMERICAN DREAM - Yours and Ours! - For our 100th Anniversary, American Insurance launched the new slogan, “We Protect Your American Dream”. Our slogan says “your” because every American Dream is as special,...

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Please join us at our celebrations!

We have three events that we'd love to welcome you to join us for our celebrations. Here are the dates for our upcoming events. 5-7 PM Thursday, Aug. 18 -- Business After Hours event with LC Valley chamber3-6 PM Friday,...

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Blooper reel - not everything always goes according to plans!

Advantage Advertising shared with us this blooper reel. John Sullivan (center) shared it with the agency to remind us that not everything always goes according to our plans!

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John B. Sullivan - Early Years: Gail Keller Scott stories about ‘Johnny’

As part of 100th year anniversary, we asked for your stories about your interactions with the Sullivans and staff at American Insurance. This story takes us back to when John Sullivan was just a young boy. So we wanted...

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Community Spirit awards given at 2022 show

Community Spirit presented awards to several well-deserving people and organizations that have worked behind the scenes for many years to support the Independence Day Fireworks events. In honor of their many...

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The emerging new threats to your business

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES The emerging new threats to your business “I didn’t see that coming!” We probably have all muttered those words recently. There seem to be new challenges to running a business that emerge daily....

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Seniors have new options for medical coverage

Seniors who have Medicare supplements have new options your Agent can review. Tim Gleason and Dave Root are our licensed health insurance agents who quote and issue Medicare Supplemental plans in Idaho and Washington. “...

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3 misconceptions about your life insurance options

Did you know that life insurance may be the single greatest gift you can buy for your family? I emphasize buy because, of course, nothing can replace the gifts of time and love you already give them. Let’s look at some...

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New social connections added for agency

We've expanded our online social opportunities beyond Facebook. We now also have a Twitter page, an Instagram account and a LinkedIn page for you to follow! We also have a Google Maps page for Lewiston and one for ...

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SURROUNDED BY HISTORY: Digging deeper into the American Insurance Story

Old photographs, newspaper clippings, advertisements, documents, digital photos and records – telling a story spanning 100-years is a challenge! The famous American author, Carl Sandburg wrote, “Life is like an onion;...

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Liberty Mutual & Safeco award Elite Status plaques to American Insurance

American Insurance offices in Lewiston and Moscow have been awarded Elite Status Plaques as being in the the top 10 percent in the nation for Liberty Mutual Insurance for 2020 and 2021 and for Safeco Insurance for 2021....

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Staff awards given for 2021

Awards were given out during our 2021 Christmas party and annual staff meeting on Dec. 10, 2021 to celebrate the year and look ahead into 2022. Newcomer Angela Hobart (above) received the newcomer award after passing...

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2022 insurance rate forecast

Rate stability will usually last up to about two years, but that may not be the case as we look at the forecast for business and personal insurance rates for 2022. LOOKING BACK TO 2021 - In January last year, I wrote...

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Mail delays could mean payment problems or cancelation!

It's no surprise to anyone that mail service seems to have slowed down. We would hate to have your payment be late or your policy be canceled because your payment did not arrive in time. Please consider skipping the...

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100 Years at American Insurance

THIS IS "OUR" HISTORY – YOURS AND OURS! Since 1922 American Insurance has become an inseparable part of the communities it serves. Our history is also the history of the business and civic leaders who helped shape and...

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DUI Education and Enforcement stretches from Border to Border on New Year's Eve

Members of the Idaho State Police are joining colleagues throughout the Western U.S. in urging drivers to buckle up and drive safe and sober this New Year's Eve. It's a unified effort from the Western States Traffic...

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Q & A: Can I buy life insurance during the pandemic

We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy life insurance during the pandemic? A: You aren’t alone if this pandemic has made you think again about the importance of...

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Open enrollment for ACA ends soon in ID & WA

ACA Health Exchange Annual Open Enrollment Period ends soon. UPDATE: Idaho has extended their open enrollment period for Advanced Premium Tax Credit plans in Your Health Idaho until Dec. 22. Washington open enrollment...

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1948 BETTY REIMLER KNOPES: Memories of working for the Christys

Betty Reimler Knopes found herself in a photo advertisement framed at the American Insurance office and told us her story. She started working at American Insurance in 1948 at the age of 16, just after she had graduated...

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1922 Founder OM Mackey -- How It All Began

This is a story we have not told before now. It was told in detail in the Lewiston Morning Tribune, The Elders / Oliver M. Mackey (published on Dec. 25, 1977), by Thomas W. Campbell. Tom interviewed OM Mackey in 1977...

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History Mysteries Quiz #1

Be in the first 100 people to answer these 4 questions correctly to receive a prize! (Hint: All answers can be found inside this newsletter available to read online from this link here.) Click this link to complete this...

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OUR STORY: 100 years in the making

We are launching our 100th Anniversary with a special 2022 Historic Calendar! - On every page you will find historic pictures (some even embarrassing - eek!) and surprising stories. Read about the people who helped...

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2021 Food Drive results

We appreciate all of our donors for their contributions to ensure our successful 6th annual food drive. The total count is 12,780 lbs. including cash donations for our 6th Annual Food Drive. - Thanks to you, our...

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Q & A: Are you having your food drive again this year?

We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Are you having your food drive again this year? A: Yes, the American Insurance HOMETOWN BUSINESS FOOD DRIVE is coming up next week,...

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It's open enrollment time For ACA Medical And Medicare

There are two “open enrollment periods” that are critically important for health insurance -- for individuals and seniors in our area. These limited time periods are the only times that new Affordable Care Act (ACA)...

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6th Annual Food Drive is set for Nov. 15-19

Everyone can shop at grocers to support event - Updates -- Watch for updates throughout the week on our Facebook Food Drive event page here. Related: See our downloadable Lewiston PDF invitation with links or Moscow...

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Q & A: When Can I Change My Rx and Medicare Plans?

We printed this Q&A column in the Oct. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When Can I Change My Rx and Medicare Plans? A: The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This...

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Q & A: How can I beat rising business insurance rates?

We printed this Q&A column in the Sept. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. How can I beat rising business insurance rates? A: If your business insurance rates have increased again, we need to talk! At...

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Habitat for Humanity offers home improvement programs

The LC Valley Habitat for Humanity organization has announced several local home improvement programs available for area residents. Clarkston repairs program available for residents - At Habitat for Humanity, we believe...

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Welcome back, University of Idaho Vandals!

Welcome back to our University of Idaho Vandals this week, from your fellow UI alumni at American Insurance.Read more about our staff on our staff directory here.

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Q & A: When should I review my insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When should I review my insurance? A: Insurance is a deeply personal business in order to protect your American dream! After all,...

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Safety use now at 90% for this device

One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt – the national use rate was at 90.3% in 2020. Seat belt use in passenger...

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We've won again as Best of the West 2021

Thank you so much for your votes of confidence! The votes are in! AMERICAN INSURANCE is honored to be once again selected as “Best of the West” insurance agency. The Sullivans & staff are very proud to be chosen and...

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Q & A: Can telematics lower my auto premium?

We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Can telematics lower my auto premium? A: Yes, safe drivers can save up to 40% off their personnal auto insurance premiums after...

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American Insurance sponsors 2 Lewiston Little League teams

Philip Sullivan, Vice President & CIC, coached two teams sponsored by American Insurance, which provided new gear that will last for many years. The the Brewers team (shown in yellow for 4-6-year-olds, including...

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WA state bans insurance scores changing rate calculations

NOTICE to Washington clients & residents The Washington Insurance Commissioner made an emergency rule on March 22 banning insurance scoring as a factor in calculating insurance premium rates effective June 20 for...

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COVID in retreat, causing some chaos in its wake

We should all be very happy to see COVID in our rearview mirrors as we cruise down the highway back to normal life. Hopefully, you have great summer plans to travel and have fun with your motorhome, camp trailer, 4-...

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Q&A: Do soaring building costs effect my insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do soaring building costs effect my insurance? A: Yes, the dramatic rise in building material cost translates into much higher re-...

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Did you know? Interlink is Moving!

John B. Sullivan is currently serving as board president of Interlink and has announced that Interlink is moving to a new office location in the next 30 days. After 21 years at the same location in downtown Clarkston,...

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Tell us how we've protected your American dream

As we prepare for our 100th anniversary, we want to hear your experiences and memories of our relationship. Please tell us your stories about your most memorable, most funny, your most exciting, your most worrisome...

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Wildfire season starts early

American Insurance is warning rural property owners in the Northwest that wildfires are expected to start earlier and be closer to home this summer. Shawn Sullivan, President of American Insurance said, “rural property...

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Q & A: Do you have any tips about RV insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the May 11, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do you have any tips about RV insurance? A: We insure RVs of all types and sizes. The insurance you need with depend on what state...

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Vote for Best of the West 2021!

TIME AGAIN TO VOTE - If you think we are still the best choice as your local insurance agent, we would appreciate your vote again this year. Click on the icon below or on this link to begin voting for "Best of the West....

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How can I find a better rate on my business insurance?

Did you close or change your normal procedures for COVID and lose out on that revenue, yet still see a JUMP in your insurance rates for your renewal in 2021?!?! Our Agents can help you solve this problem!! We have...

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Q & A: Does Idaho have a new cell phone law?

We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Does Idaho have a new cell phone law? A: Yes, Idaho is now enforcing the “hands-free cell phone” law passed last July. The Idaho...

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Community tab adds publicity opportunities for our region

We have a new website and we've added a new Community Tab landing page. There you will find out about our history of community involvement, our own agency community events plus a Community Calendar feature. Have we...

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Carmen Johnson honored with 20 year service award

”Carmen!” That’s what you hear over the partition from a co-worker who needs help with their computer. Carmen Johnson is an invaluable part of the A-Team. She works behind the scenes to keep our computers and software...

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A Refreshing Look Ahead

Preparing for our 100th Anniversary Spring brings us a fresh start and growth! New hope and sunshine awaken us as we are emerging slowly from this long pandemic. We look forward to things becoming more normal with each...

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Cybercrime - Small businesses hit with email scams

Despite the headlines, phishing and ransomware remains a disproportionate problem for small businesses. Recent reports show that 40% of ransomware attacks were against smaller companies with 1 to 100 employees. Small...

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Health exchanges again extend open enrollment

Individuals can shop for health coverage and may qualify for premium subsidy (reduced premiums) to begin the first of the following month. Your Health Idaho has extended enrollment until April 30, 2021Washington Health...

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American Rescue Plan reduces health insurance costs, expands access

With the passage of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the Biden-Harris Administration is reducing health care costs, expanding access to coverage, and ensuring nearly everyone who buys their own individual or family...

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Appointments being made for vaccine clinics in our area

Here is information for Idaho residents and where you can find your vaccines. Idaho North Central Health District has announced large-scale COVID-19 vaccine clinics will be held on Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March...

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Q&A: Are the health exchanges open again?

We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Are the health exchanges open again? A: Yes! The Idaho and Washington state health exchanges have re-opened in response to...

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New website launched

We want to introduce our new website to you, and help you find your way around our site. Each tab heading contains a wealth of convenient and useful information. 24/7 you can make a payment, file a claim, request policy...

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Does Medicare Cover COVID-19 Vaccine?

In case you wondered, if you are covered under Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) or you're enrolled in a Read More


Q & A: What to do about rising business insurance rates?

We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What to do about rising business insurance rates? A: If COVID wasn’t bad enough, business insurance companies are at the tail-end...

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Staff awards given for 2020

WELCOME TO THE A-TEAM! Team trophies were awarded during the December annual meeting to Mitch Keller, Agent, and Brittney Allen, Commercial Lines Service Representative who joined American Insurance in 2020. Also...

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Washington & Idaho both open new health enrollment period

UPDATE: Find the most recent extended health exchange enrollment article here instead.American Insurance health agents are certified for both exchanges to help our clients understand what plans are available, see if you...

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2021 Business Insurance Rate Forecast

How to beat rising business insurance rates - What is on the horizon for business insurance prices in 2021? You’ve been creative and resilient as you continue to weather the COVID-19 economic storm. Controlling...

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Q & A: Do jewelry & guns need special insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2021 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do jewelry & guns need special insurance? A: Yes, if you have higher value jewelry or guns then you may not have enough...

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Let's talk about your 2021 appointment calendar

We want to hear about your 2021 appointment calendar that you receive each year in the mail. Would you like an extra copy of this calendar to share with a neighbor or a friend? Or, do you not use your calendar and you'd...

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Q & A: Can I buy life insurance during the pandemic?

We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy life insurance during the pandemic? A: You aren’t alone if this pandemic has made you think again about the importance of...

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ID & WA Health Exchanges Extend Open Enrollment

Idaho's Health Exchange, Your Health Idaho, has extended open enrollment until Thursday, December 31st, to apply for a tax credit, select a plan, and enroll in coverage that begins January 1, 2021. Washington State has...

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COVID-19: A Wakeup Call About Uncomfortable Topics

Two-thirds (67%) of Americans say that the pandemic has been a wake-up call for them to reevaluate their finances, according to a new study by Life Happens, a nonprofit dedicated to educating consumers about the...

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Q & A: Are there new options on the Health Exchanges

We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Are there new options on the health exchanges? A: Yes, the WA & ID Health Exchanges are now open with new companies, plans and...

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Malden wildfire hits home for former local bus driver

Nellie Flatt’s home in Malden, Wash., burned to the ground in a wind driven wild fire on Sept. 7, 2020. She lost all her belongings, her pictures and mementos but amazingly didn’t lose her smile or sense of humor. She...

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New letters threaten vehicle suspension to Idaho residents

A new flood of Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) letters have gone out to Idaho drivers threatening registration suspension for vehicles they can’t match to their system. Idaho’s “Drive Insured” program is about to...

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Q & A: When Can I Change My Rx and Medicare Plans?

We printed this Q&A column in the Oct. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. When Can I Change My Rx and Medicare Plans? A: The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from October 15th through December...

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5th Annual Food Drive set for Nov. 16-20

American Insurance is inviting all small business owners to partner with us again from Nov. 16-20 for the 5th Annual Hometown Business Food Drive. If you are ready to join us, please contact our Event Coordinator...

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Q & A: My fence at home blew down during a windstorm, is it insured?

We printed this Q&A column in the Sept. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: My fence at home blew down during a windstorm, is it insured? A. YES! If you have a typical Homeowners policy (HO-3), it covers a...

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Extra DUI patrols out in force on area highways

Troopers with the Idaho State Police and Washington State Patrol want drivers to know that extra patrols are out in force now through Labor Day focused on finding DUI drivers. In 2019, DUI fatalities increased by nearly...

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COVID19: Impact on business insurance rates

What a difference 6 months makes! In my January article Forecasting 2020 Commercial Insurance Rates, I said, “most commercial insurance rates trended modestly higher in 2019 and increases are expected to accelerate...

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Q & A: What is Classic Car Insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What is Classic Car Insurance? A: Classic cars aren't just antiques, they also include restored cars, street rods, low riders,...

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COVID-19: Workers Compensation – claim prevention

Employers are challenged with two liability concerns regarding COVID-19 transmission – customers and employees. The latest liability exposure to manage is how to prevent claims for workers compensation or employer...

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Q & A: I’ve lost my health insurance! Now what?

We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: I’ve lost my health insurance! Now what?A. We can help! If you’ve lost your health insurance because of a business closure,...

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Idaho Hands-Free Cell Phone Law Begins

Beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2020, drivers throughout Idaho will be responsible to follow a new law meant to keep drivers safe and engaged while behind the wheel. The new Idaho State Code 49-1401A requires electronic...

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Commercial Lines department grows to 4 employees

Rapid growth in the number of business insurance accounts has prompted the need to expand our Customer Service staff to four with the recent addition of Brittney Allen. We welcome Brittney, who previously worked for...

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Welcome to Mitch Keller as new agent

Mitch Keller has joined American Insurance as a licensed Property-Casualty insurance agent. Prior to starting his insurance career, Mitch worked in customer service for Regence BlueShield of Idaho and most recently as a...

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Aerial fireworks display will happen July 4th

For 37 years, American Insurance has been a major sponsor of the Lewis-Clark Valley aerial fireworks display on July 4th. John Sullivan, Vice-President of Community Spirit and CEO of American Insurance said, “The...

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Q & A: Will the valley Independence Day fireworks happen?

We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Will the valley Independence Day fireworks happen?A: YES! For 35 years, American Insurance has been a major sponsor of the Lewis-...

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COVID-19 Advisory - Lobbies now open!

Lobbies are now open at AMERICAN INSURANCE offices in Lewiston and Moscow. As an essential business, we have remained open to serve you by phone, email and online during the COVID stay-at-home period. But, honestly,we...

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Q & A: What now? I’ve lost my health insurance!

We printed this Q&A column in the May 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What now? I’ve lost my health insurance! A: We can help! If you have lost your health insurance because of the COVID-19 Pandemic...

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COVID-19: Liability risk to your business

As business owners reopen their businesses to the public, the question of COVID related liability has become a concern. The primary concern has been voiced for specific industries like large retailers, medical clinics,...

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COVID-19: New Medical Insurance Options

Pandemic business closures, employee layoffs and “Stay-Home” orders have impacted medical insurance coverage for individuals and groups. Sometimes, the change in hours worked or employment status can lead to losing...

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COVID-19: Business Premium Relief

4 ways business owners can reduce insurance premiums during the COVID-19 Pandemic American Insurance is dedicated to finding you answers and helping you maintain the business coverage you need at the lowest rates you...

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Q & A: Can I get COVID-19 premium relief?

We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I get COVID-19 premium relief? A: Yes, American Insurance is dedicated to finding you answers and helping you maintain the...

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COVID-19: Auto Insurance Premium Relief

3 ways paying premium was made easier - Everyone has been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic–some more than others. American Insurance is dedicated to finding you answers and helping you maintain the...

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COVID-19 Advisory- Lobbies closed, but open to serve you!

UPDATE: Our lobbies are open again as of June 1. You can find out more about our office changes here in this new article. - Although face-to-face customer visits are restricted, our employees are on the job to serve...

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COVID-19 Insurance claim relief?

Answers to 4 common insurance questions Every business owner wants to know and is hoping that somehow their insurance coverages will provide some financial relief. Containment efforts of the Coronavirus Pandemic across...

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Q & A: What is a BOP?

We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What is a BOP? A: If you own a business, small or large, you will want to get “BOP’d” by American Insurance. It doesn’t hurt and...

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Q & A: How can I cut insurance costs?

We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How can I cut insurance costs? A: AMERICAN INSURANCE has two ways you can save money on your auto and home insurance today! 1....

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Regence & St. Joe's reach agreement retroactive to Jan. 15

Updated Feb. 5, 2020 The certified Health Agents at American Insurance are pleased to announce the news from Regence BlueShield of Idaho that they have reached a new multi-year agreement that ensures their members can...

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Forecast: 2020 Commercial Insurance Rates

Most commercial insurance rates trended modestly higher in 2019 and increases are expected to accelerate some in 2020. Rate increases of up to 10% will not be uncommon even for well managed business exposures with low...

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Q&A: Is life insurance expensive?

We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2020 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is life insurance expensive? A: The answer is “NO”! The fact is, term life insurance is very affordable and inexpensive, but sadly...

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New ID Law Verifications for Business Autos

Your Business Autos and how to comply with Idaho’s new insurance verification law. Perhaps this is the law of “unintended consequences” at work! Idaho’s new insurance verification law began Jan. 1, 2020 and has created...

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Q & A: Will Idaho's new auto liability law affect me?

This Q&A column was published in the Dec. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Will Idaho's new auto liability law affect me? - A: Maybe, so here’s what you need to know. - Even if you normally always...

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Washington car seat law has changed for 2020

Changes to Washington’s child passenger restraint law (RCW 46.61.687) began on Jan. 1, 2020. - Car crashes are a leading killer of children ages 1-13. Using the right seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71...

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4th Annual Food Drive results are in!

THE RESULTS ARE IN & WE ARE CELEBRATING! - The total count comes to 5,304 lbs. which is supporting 3 local food banks. Our Hometown Business Food Drive Partners ROCK!!! - President Shawn Sullivan is shown with AJ...

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2020 WA health rates released

Sixty-six health plans and seven dental plans set to participate in market Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board has announced an average decrease in plans for certified 2020 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and...

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Premiums reduced in 2020 for some senior plans

There's good news for seniors for their 2020 medical options and costs. Medicare continues to offer seniors and people with disabilities with flexibility and choices while providing high quality healthcare services....

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Changes for 2020 Medicare clients - Part 2

Deductibles for 2020 for Medicare plans are changing for Medicare Plans A and B. - Related: 2020 Medigap policy changesRelated: Medicare: What's the difference? Medicare 2020 Part A Deductible - For the year 2020,...

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Congrats to Jeremy Van Houten, new CIC

Moscow agent, Jeremy Van Houten, has been awarded the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. To become a CIC, Jeremy completed 100 classroom...

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Welcome back Jenni Waters!

We are pleased to welcome back Jennifer (Jenni) Waters to American Insurance. For those who don’t know, Jenni worked as our Moscow Personal Lines Customer Service Agent (PL-CSA) from 2006 to 2015. Jenni rejoined us in...

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Regence announces good news for MedAdvantage members regarding SJRMC services

Regence BlueShield of Idaho and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston have not agreed to a new contact yet. Regence rejected proposed large rate increases for hospital services previously which led St. Joseph...

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Health Exchanges Now Open until Dec. 15

Idaho Medicaid expansion may change eligibility for ACA Health Exchange in 2020 - The Idaho and Washington Health Exchanges are now open! Individuals, families, small employers, employees, dependents, college students -...

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Navigating Idaho’s new auto insurance law

Uninsured vehicle compliance begins January 1, 2020 Starting January 1, 2020, vehicle owners without auto insurance coverage for two consecutive months will receive a warning and be given 30 days to provide proof of...

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2020 ID Health Rates Released

2020 ID Health Insurance rates released - Average increase of 6% for individual, 4% for small group coverage. - Final 2020 premium rates for individual and small group health insurance plans have been released by the...

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Q & A: When can I change my RX and Medicare plans?

We printed this Q&A column in the Oct. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q & A: When can I change my RX and Medicare plans? - The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from October 15th through...

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Pre-Tax Premiums for individual plans under new HRA plan begin in 2020

Small employers and their employees will be able to pay for individual ACA medical plans with pre-tax premiums through an expansion of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). The new “Individual Coverage HRA” (ICHRA)...

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2020 Medigap policy changes

One significant change to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans beginning on January 1, 2020 is the withdrawal of two popular standardized plan options – Plans C and F. Starting January 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to...

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Prevention for pneumonia this fall

Did you know about 1 million Americans go to the hospital with pneumonia every year? Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by pneumococcal disease, which can also cause blood infections and meningitis. The bacteria that...

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New Medicare card reminders & facts

By now, our senior clients should have received their new Medicare card - with your new Medicare Number. When you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’ll get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. If you're...

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Genetic testing fraud alert

You should know about the latest fraud scheme involving genetic testing, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Scammers are offering “free” genetic tests and claiming...

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Q & A: Should I buy Renters Insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Sept. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Should I buy Renters Insurance? A: Most definitely, yes! Renters or Tenants Insurance insures more than just your stuff and is a...

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Q & A: What is Classic Car Insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune.Q: What is Classic Car Insurance? A: Classic cars aren't just antiques, they also include restored cars, street rods, low riders,...

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HHS releases plan for lower drug costs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that HHS and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are publishing a Safe Importation Action Plan that outlines two potential pathways that...

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New WA motorcycle law starts July 28

Washington motorcycle drivers have a new state law related to their insurance starting on July 28, 2019. It might surprise you to know that prior to that date Washington state law did not require motorcycles to be...

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Q & A: Why did my auto rates increase?

We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Why did my auto rates increase? A: Sometimes auto insurance rates change with no apparent explanation. The answer may have more to...

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Several changes for our Moscow office

We have made some recent changes to our Moscow office. New Office Hours: For your convenience, beginning on July 1, our Moscow office will open earlier at 8:00AM. We are now open 8AM to 5PM M-F and closed during lunch...

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Family traditions worth celebrating

Family traditions come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe an annual trip to a cabin or destination, an event you go back to annually, relatives you visit - it seems it is in our nature to commemorate important dates and...

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Q & A: How can I donate to the fireworks show?

We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How can I donate to the fireworks show? A: This is the 34th year that AMERICAN INSURANCE is the major sponsor of the valley’s...

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Q & A: Do I need to insure my ATV?

We printed this Q&A column in the May 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do I need to insure my ATV? - A: Generally, “YES”, for two reasons – it may be required by law and your exposure to liability is...

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Are Shifting Worker Demographics Affecting Claims?

Even though the number of employees age 55 and older has doubled since 2000, workers compensation claims have been declining. Why? That question led to some surprising answers in the National Council on Compensation...

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Idaho Extends Wage Claim Deadline

On March 18, 2019, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed legislation (H.B. 113) extending the time in which a claim for unpaid wages could be made to the Idaho Department of Labor, or in District Court. Idaho workers who...

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Q & A: Is Identity Theft Growing?

We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is Identity Theft Growing? - A: Yes, unfortunately Identity Theft is one of the most common outcomes following business data...

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Email scams that target small business

How I Locked Up My Computer Network - As published in our Spring 2019 newsletter I fell victim to a ransomware email scam in 2015 and want to share my story so you won’t make my mistake. Here’s how it happened to me......

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Welcome Natasha Sullivan

As published in our Spring 2019 newsletterWe were looking for someone who would be naturally helpful, friendly and courteous for customer service as well as organized, detailed and prompt with great computer skills. We...

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Idaho Takes Aim at Uninsured Drivers

Idaho law has required mandatory auto liability insurance since 1988 by means of the owner’s signature of compliance when registering a vehicle. Despite that, about one out of every eight drivers do not carry auto...

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Q & A: Is Uninsured Motorist Auto Coverage Required?

We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is Uninsured Motorist Auto Coverage Required? A: Idaho and Washington residents are required to purchase Uninsured Motorist (UM)...

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Review controls, policies to prevent employee dishonesty

Employee Dishonesty – Review your controls & policies According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, employees steal an estimated $30 billion to $100 billion per year from their employers. From inventory theft, to check...

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Q & A: When should I re-shop my auto insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q:&A: When should I re-shop my auto insurance? A: We recommend re-quoting auto insurance about once every three years, even if...

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Shawn Sullivan named President at American Insurance

Fourth generation takes helm of family owned agency - Shawn D. Sullivan, CIC, is now serving as President of American Insurance effective Jan. 1, 2019. The announcement was made at the agency’s Dec. 14 annual staff...

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We won! Business of the Year Award 2018

AMERICAN INSURANCE was chosen as the “Business of the Year for 2018” by the Lewis Clark Chamber of Commerce. This recognition from the business community is an true honor. We strive to be a leader within our industry...

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Q & A: Can I buy medical insurance when Exchanges are closed?

We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2019 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy medical insurance when Exchanges are closed? A: The answer is “NO” – unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period! ...

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103,000 sign up through Idaho Exchange for 2019

More than 103,154 Idahoans enrolled in health insurance coverage for the 2019 plan year during open enrollment held from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2018, through Your Health Idaho, the state’s health insurance marketplace....

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Embarrassing Moments 2018

#1 EMBARRASSING MOMENT: 13 people in a party limo with loud music and champagne - what could go wrong? The Lewiston staff of American Insurance took a stretch-limo to our new Moscow office for our holiday party. (...

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Q&A: Is life insurance expensive?

We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is life insurance expensive? A: The answer is “NO”! The fact is, term life insurance is very affordable and inexpensive, but sadly...

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Moscow Christmas Open House planned Dec. 10-14

AMERICAN INSURANCE - invites you to visit - our new Moscow office - 604 S. Washington St. - (across from Umpqua Bank, diagonal from Moscow Food Co-op ) During our office closures, visit our Online Service Center for...

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2019 Business Planning - SWOT it!

SWOT IT! - As a business owner it’s time to make plans for a new year of success! One common planning technique is listing out your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats - also known as the SWOT test. ...

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Thanks-a-TON for 2,655 lbs. of Food Drive donations!

2,655 lbs. - A TON of Thanks-giving! - Here are John and Philip Sullivan with one of three full pallets of food donations. Also pictured is the new Fork Lift purchased with the Make More Happen $10,000 Award from Safeco...

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Q & A: Can I get subsidized Medical Insurance now?

We published this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I get subsidized Medical Insurance now? A: Yes, the Health Exchanges are now open and you may qualify for a premium subsidy (...

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Philip Sullivan receives SOAR award from Safeco

Philip Sullivan, CIC, has received the Safeco Outstanding Agent Recognition (S.O.A.R.) Award for 2018. The S.O.A.R. Award recognizes Philip for his commitment to customer service and performance for American Insurance....

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Our Moscow office has moved!

New location at 604 S Washington St, Moscow - The Moscow office has moved now into our new office location at 604 S Washington St (the former Whitney Law office). The Sullivan family owns the building and AMERICAN...

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Adding a teen driver? What every parent should know

Here are 10 teen driving stats that may surprise you and some ways to save money on your auto insurance with a new driver. Signing your teen up for an approved driver education program can not only reduce their crash...

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Final 2019 Idaho Health Insurance Rates

Slight increase for individual plans much lower than in recent years. Final 2019 premium rates for individual and small group health insurance plans have been released by the Idaho Department of Insurance. In the...

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Q & A: When can I change my Rx and Medicare Plans?

We published this Q&A column in the Oct. 10 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When can I change my Rx and Medicare Plans? A: The Medicare Annual Election Period is coming up from October 15th through December 7th ....

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Idaho 2019 Workers’ Comp Rates to Decrease

A proposal for a (minus) -4.2 percent overall rate change to Idaho workers’ compensation insurance, effective January 1, 2019, has been approved by the Idaho Department of Insurance. The proposed rate change comes from...

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Together We Made More Happen - $5K More!

YOU MADE IT HAPPEN! - Our thanks to all who “liked” and “shared” the Safeco Make More Happen post to benefit our Community Action Partnership (CAP) Food Banks. Safeco offered to double the original grant through a...

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3rd Annual Hometown Business Food Drive ends Nov. 20

American Insurance is inviting all small business owners to partner with us again from Nov. 12-20 - now extended! - for the 3rd Annual Hometown Business Food Drive. Just bring your donations to our office or if you're a...

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Final 2019 Washington Health Insurance Rates

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board recently certified the 2019 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs) to be offered through Washington Healthplanfinder during the upcoming open...

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Q & A: Do I need an 'Umbrella'?

We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do I need an “Umbrella”? A: Yes, even in August you may need an Umbrella. When we talk about an insurance “umbrella”, we are...

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2019 Idaho health rates proposed

The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) has posted proposed health insurance premium rates and the requested increases for plans sold starting January 2019. Health insurance companies have submitted their rating...

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Top 10 causes of workplace injuries

Knowledge is power, and understanding the risks to your workers and your profits is the first step to protecting your business. AMERICAN INSURANCE represents Liberty Mutual who has just published their 2018 Liberty...

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Q & A: Is my contractor insured?

We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Is my contractor insured? A: Good question! Hiring an uninsured contractor can end up embroiling you in lawsuits and cost you more...

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What’s next for the big fireworks display?

You are part of something BIG! Your trust and confidence in AMERICAN INSURANCE has made it possible for us to be a major sponsor of the valley’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration for the last 33 years. As costs...

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Soup-Porting the YWCA!

American Insurance was recognized by the YWCA of Lewiston-Clarkston for being the dessert sponsor of their 2018 fundraising event on February 23rd. Amanda Wilhelm, YWCA community engagement manager, presented a framed...

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Best of the West Winners Announced

The votes are in! AMERICAN INSURANCE is honored to be once again selected as “Best of the West” insurance agency for 2018. The Sullivans & staff are very proud to be chosen and always strive to be worthy of your...

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Transforming our future Moscow office

We have purchased the former Whitney Attorney building at 604 South Washington in Moscow. It sits on the SE corner of Washington and 6th Street, across from Umpqua Bank and kiddie corner from the Moscow Food Co-Op...

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Is your contractor insured?

Here's how to find out. - Hiring an uninsured contractor can end up embroiling you in lawsuits and cost you more than you ever imagined. Summer is when we hire contractors for repairs, roof replacements, remodeling,...

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Are you liable?

You need to know this .... Questions of liability follow every incident that hurts someone or damages their property. For a variety of reasons, the general person's understanding of what constitutes ”legal liability” is...

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Auto wish list: You want these coverages

“After an auto accident, what optional coverages – other than comprehensive and collision – do most people wish they had purchased?” That was the question posed to the insurance company claims adjusters and agents at a...

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How an umbrella policy works to cover you

Here's how an umbrella policy works to provide you with an additional excess insurance limit in a lawsuit. There are many instances when an accident, injury or other issue can occur where you have a legal or financial...

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Wedding vendors account for most costly claims

Problems with vendors amounted to 30 percent of claim payments for all wedding claims, according to Travelers Companies, Inc. which announced the findings of its recent analysis of wedding insurance claims from 2011–...

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Drugged driving problem grows

A new report finds that in 2016, 44% of fatally-injured drivers with known test results were positive for drugs, up from 28% just 10 years prior, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). More than...

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4 reasons for motorcycle fatalities

What every motorcyclist should know - Why are motorcyclists over-represented in overall crashes and fatalities? Motorcyclists now represent approximately 14% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities, up from just 5.7% in...

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Idaho Workers’ Compensation Rates Decrease Again

Midyear change effective June 1 - Employers are benefiting from lower workers compensation rates as they continue to drop following trends of lower claims frequency, workplace safety gains, medical cost containment...

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Spring rain brings flood warning

Recent local newscasts showing area flooding - even outside a floodplain - should remind businesses and homeowners to be concerned about possible flooding. Philip Sullivan, Personal Lines Manager at American Insurance,...

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Who must call 811?

This is why you must call before digging on your property. Homeowners are the most likely to forget to call 811 before digging on their property. Something as simple as planting shrubs, installing a fence, mailbox post,...

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Q & A: What boat coverage is needed?

We printed this Q&A column in the May 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. BOAT INSURANCE - What coverage is needed? A: As you prepare for boating season, make sure your Boat Insurance coverage is ready to...

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8 boat insurance Qs to ask

Whether you take to the lake for water sports, drift down the river casting your reel or sail the ocean blue, being on the water floats your boat. Your watercraft and its engine(s), your trailer and other equipment – it...

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3 boating coverage options to consider

BOATING SEASON IS HERE! As you prepare for boating season, American Insurance recommends you consider some newer boat insurance coverage options you may have missed. Agreed Value Loss Settlement – An option for full...

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Five Seatbelt Myths Busted

The facts are different than you may think - Click It or Ticket isn’t about citations; it’s about saving lives. In 2016, there were 10,428 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States....

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Uninsured Drivers Average 1 in 8

Chances are roughly one in eight that a driver is uninsured, according to new estimates from the Insurance Research Council (IRC). After a seven year decline from a high of 14.9 percent in 2003, the countrywide...

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Should I get cyber liability coverage for my business?

A data breach at your business creates immediate and serious legal liabilities and exposes your good customers/clients to identity theft. Regardless of the size of your business, federal law and most states now require...

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Will Freezing My Credit Affect My Insurance Rates?

The 2017 data breach of Equifax, one of the three largest US credit bureaus, was reported to have affected as many as 145.5 million US consumers. As a result, many consumers have chosen to place a "freeze" on their...

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Q & A: What can I do to protect against Identity Theft?

We printed this Q&A column in the April 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. What can I do to protect against Identity theft? A. Nearly every week we hear of another major data breach or ransomware attack....

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How to Win the Cyber Battle

Nearly every week we hear of another major data breach or ransomware attack - lately Equifax and City of Atlanta. It is highly likely that the personal information of every American adult is now available on the dark...

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Q & A: Does homeowners insurance cover my “At-Home” business?

We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Does homeowners insurance cover my “At-Home” business? A. All Homeowners policy forms contain business exclusions in the property,...

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Q & A: Are business insurance premiums rising?

We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Are business insurance premiums rising? A. Natural disasters in 2017 will have little effect on Business Insurance premiums in 2018....

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2018 Commercial Insurance Rate Forecast

Natural disasters in 2017 will have little effect on Commercial Lines premiums in 2018. That is not to say that natural disasters were insignificant. The record hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, mudslides and wildfires...

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Deadline extended for some 1095 forms

There are reports that insurers or employers may be delayed in delivering their 1095-B or 1095-C forms to their clients or employees to show creditable coverage for 2017. Generally, you must file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C...

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ACA premium tax credits require 2017 tax filing

The Idaho and Washington health exchanges are reminding area residents who have not yet filed a federal tax return to do so by the Tax Day deadline or risk losing access to future tax credits. Customers who enrolled...

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2018 Insurance Rate Forecast

The perfect storm? Record hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, mudslides and wildfires coupled with already rising costs for medical injury claims, auto repairs with new tech, distracted driving – all are converging in 2018...

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Reviews requested from you!

How are we doing? We want you to tell us what you think of our service. Please send in a confidential message to management by filling out our short Customer Service Comment form. Gift Card: As a "thank you" for taking...

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Q & A: How can I cut insurance costs?

We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2018 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How can I cut insurance costs? A: Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to spend less money on insurance? AMERICAN INSURANCE has...

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2 ways to save on insurance in 2018

Is one of your resolutions for the New Year to spend less money, or find ways to cut costs? American Insurance can help you do just that! Here are two ways you can save money on your auto and home insurance today. ...

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Enrollments up in area state health exchanges

Idaho health exchange now closed; Washington is still open until Jan. 15. - Federal health exchange enrollment for 2018 coverage fell only 4.5 percent, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),...

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Q & A: Do I Need More Life Insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do I need more Life Insurance? A: The answer is probably “yes.” This is the question people ask during the holidays as we gather...

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Shocking results - 2017 Hometown Business Food Drive

When American Insurance organized the new “Hometown Business Food Drive,” we could not have foreseen these results. The response was overwhelming and the results are spectacular. “Our goal was to exceed last year’s...

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Q & A: Can I buy subsidized Medical Insurance now?

We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy subsidized Medical Insurance now? A: Yes, ACA Health Exchanges are now open! Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1st and will...

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Shorter ACA Enrollment Period for 2018

Individuals, small employers, employees, dependents, college students – anyone who relies on individual medical insurance coverage – must apply during open enrollment unless they are renewing existing coverage at a diff...

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ACA Premium Subsidies Continue

Premium Subsidies Are Not Changed. To clarify, this information from recent news articles is NOT referring to the premium subsidies (tax credits) that lower the health insurance premiums paid by qualifying lower income...

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Update on ACA Exchanges

American Insurance is following the latest developments regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). At the publication of this article, enrollments and renewals of ACA Medical Plans will proceed as scheduled. You can count...

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See our ad on KLEW TV

Our new commercial message on KLEW-TV is promoting our “Marketplace Double Check” program. You can make just one call to American Insurance and receive quotes for up to 7 top insurance companies. Watch the video here...

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2nd Annual Food Drive set Nov. 13-17

We invite you to partner with us to “fill the shelves” at Community Action Food Bank in Lewiston and the Moscow Food Bank this holiday season! We are hosting the second annual American Insurance Food Drive from Nov. 13-...

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Umbrella coverage: Because when it rains, it pours

When we talk about an insurance “umbrella”, we are referring to a Personal Umbrella Policy that provides an excess layer of liability insurance limit on top of your other personal insurance policies - auto, home,...

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2018 Idaho Small Group Medical Premiums Released

There’s good news for local businesses who offer small group medical coverage for their employees. The Idaho Department of Insurance has released the final 2018 premium rates for all small group health plans. Carriers...

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Idaho Individual Medical Premiums Increase for 2018

American Insurance health agents are certified to show all options to local clients. - Individual medical plan premiums through Your Health Idaho, the Idaho exchange, are going up in 2018. The Idaho Department of...

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2018 Washington Health Plans Certified

American Insurance health agents can explain changes, show options for local clients. - The Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board has certified the Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and Qualified Dental Plans (QDPs) to...

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Q & A: Can I buy subsidized Medical Insurance now?

We printed this Q&A column in today's edition (on Oct. 10, 2017) of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Can I buy subsidized Medical Insurance now? A: As you may have heard, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), was not...

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New Medicare ID cards coming in April

New cards will no longer contain Social Security numbers, to combat fraud and illegal use. - Seniors and others who use Medicare benefits will have a new ID number soon. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (...

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Shawn Sullivan honored for 15-year commitment to quality education

Shawn Sullivan, CIC, American Insurance Agency Vice President, recently received recognition for professional leadership and advanced knowledge by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC), a leading national...

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DOL Overtime Rule Struck Down

On August 31, 2017, Federal District Court Judge Amos Mazzant overturned the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Final Overtime Rule for so called "white collar exemptions" that would have doubled the annual salary level to...

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Rising Trend In Highway Death Rates Reversing

Idaho and Washington among states that see small decline this year. - Reversing a trend of sharply increasing motor vehicle deaths in 2015 and 2016, the first half of 2017 is down 1% from the corresponding period in...

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Q & A: How is my college student's stuff insured?

We printed this Q&A column in the Aug. 10, 2017, and Sept. 10, 2017 editions of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How is my college student's stuff insured? - A: This is the phone call you don’t want to get from your college...

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2018 Idaho Health Insurance Rates Proposed

Idaho Department of Insurance releases 2018 health insurance rates, proposed increases, and participation areas. - Proposed rate increases in 2018 for Your Health Idaho exchange plans range from a modest 6% for the Blue...

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Washington Updates Distracted Driving Law

Violations are now reported to your insurance company. - Washington state has defined its Distracted Driving law that just took effect on July 23, 2017. These changes include: No Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving...

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Q & A: When I rent a car, do I need to buy “Collision Damage Waiver”?

We printed this Q&A column in the July 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune Q: When I rent a car, do I need to buy “Collision Damage Waiver”? A: Your Personal Auto Policy (PAP) extends auto liability, uninsured /...

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New Idaho traffic laws now in effect

Several new Idaho traffic laws took effect on July 1 that could impact driving habits or citations in our local area. In an effort to clarify vehicle speed limits and safe passing rules in Idaho, the 2017 Idaho...

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4th of July Fireworks – A Sullivan Family Tradition

For 32 years AMERICAN INSURANCE has been a major financial sponsor of the Lewis-Clark valley’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on July 4th. John Sullivan, agency President, is involved in every aspect of the...

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The AMERICAN CHALLENGE - and fireworks!

In honor of Independence Day, the Sullivans invite you to celebrate your independence with us - by taking the AMERICAN CHALLENGE! Quote your preferred Auto Insurance Quote or a Home Insurance Quote and get a $10 lunch...

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You can now call your agent's direct line

When you have billing questions, need to add or remove autos or drivers, make coverage changes, quotes, report claims or any service need, now you can reach your Customer Service Agent through her direct phone number. ...

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Homeowners - Beware of Business Exclusions

A home-based business may void all coverage on your garage/shop.If you have a “home-based” business - even if part-time - at your home residence premises, there are serious insurance coverage issues that need to be...

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Fireworks & Your Liability - What if something goes wrong?

If you celebrate Independence Day with your own fireworks show, you will be personally liable if anything goes wrong. So, here is some information about how to cover your liability plus safety tips to keep your show...

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We're a Best of the West winner!

The votes are in! AMERICAN INSURANCE is honored to be once again selected as “Best of the West” insurance agency for 2017. The Sullivans & staff are very proud to be chosen and always strive to be worthy of your...

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History Brief - Our Logo

Our company logo was launched in 1990. The triangular shape contains our American colors of red (on the left), white (silhouette of the Statue of Liberty in the center) and blue (on the right). The Statue of Liberty was...

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Q & A: How can I find out if a home has had any serious claims?

We printed this Q&A column in the June 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q. Before I buy a new home, how can I find out if it had any serious claims? - A. Before you buy a home a little detective work can...

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Q & A: Do I need to insure my ATV?

We printed this Q&A column in the May 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Do I need to insure my ATV? - A: Generally, “YES”, for two reasons – it may be required by law and your exposure to liability is...

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ATV Insurance & Idaho Law

ATVs and other off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are fast and fun to ride! But summer fun, too often, turns to tragedy when an ATV overturns leading to injury or death of riders or guests. Plus, if your ATV exhaust causes a...

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Disabled Under 65 - New Medicare Supplements Available in Idaho

Medicare Supplement insurance (aka Medigap Plans) will be made available in Idaho to Medicare-eligible individuals under age 65 with disabilities or end-stage renal disease beginning January 1, 2018. This change is...

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We insure FUN at American Insurance!

Sunny weather is coming! Boating on the Snake River. Camping up the middle fork of the Clearwater River. Four wheeling on the prairie. Fishing on the Clearwater. Cruisin’ the open road on U.S. 12. Before you go, get the...

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New ACA Market Stability Rule Issued

The Final Market Stabilization rule to help lower premiums and stabilize individual and small group health insurance markets, and to increase choices for Americans was issued by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...

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Tips for Responsible Dog Owners

National Dog Bite Prevention Week® (April 9-15, 2017), is an annual event designed to provide consumers with information on how to be responsible pet owners while increasing awareness of a serious public health issue....

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Dog Bite Claims Up 18% in 2016

Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners liability claim dollars paid out in 2016, costing in excess of $600 million, according to the Insurance Information Institute (...

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Q & A: IDENTITY THEFT - what can I do to protect myself?

We published this column in the April 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Identity theft - What can I do to protect myself? - A: “Identity theft” has matured into an international organized crime industry. All...

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Zero deductible for glass repair, replacement

As published in the Spring 2017 newsletterAfter the harshest winter in recent memory, your windshield is under attack! The snow is now gone but the gravel remains on our roadways. Odds are, there is a rock with your...

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Celebrating 95 Years - Harry & Blanche Christy, Agency Pioneers

As published in the Spring 2017 newsletter AMERICAN INSURANCE is celebrating 95 years in business during 2017. Our history has become an inseparable part of the communities we serve and covers four generations of...

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Staff earns service awards from Grange Insurance Association

American Insurance Personal Lines staff Lori Chapman, Tina Heitmann, Helen Duman and Shelly Abel are shown with their Grange Insurance Association personal awards received today for outstanding service and dedication to...

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Q&A: When should I re-shop my auto insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the March 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When should I re-shop my auto insurance? - A: Right now many companies are taking large increases in their auto insurance rates. A...

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Q&A: How can I get the lowest rate on business insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Feb. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: How can I get the lowest rates on business insurance? - A: Business Insurance rates vary dramatically from company to company. That’...

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2 receive management promotions at American

Two staff members received promotions at American Insurance on Jan. 1. Heather Browning, a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), has been promoted to Commercial Lines Department Manager and agent Jeremy...

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Q&A: Is life insurance expensive?

We printed this Q&A column in the Jan. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: Is life insurance expensive? - A: The fact is, term life insurance is very affordable and inexpensive, but sadly most people don’t...

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Floods may be coming – are you covered?

Idaho has had more than its share of snow this winter, and the next big weather event may very well be flooding from rapid snow melt or rising water. The Idaho Department of Insurance reminds consumers that water damage...

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Finding lost life insurance policies

Locator will help consumers find lost life insurance policies, annuities. The Idaho Department of Insurance and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recently announced a national service that...

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Neglecting ‘Life’

Life has a habit of getting very busy – from raising a family, to buying a home, to building a business or a career. We can procrastinate taking care of a fundamental insurance coverage that protects our dreams for the...

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Deadliest Day of the Year

Jan. 1 is the deadliest day on average for alcohol-related crashes involving a motor vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist, a new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analysis shows. New Year's evokes visions of...

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Health exchange enrollment up in all areas

Around 6.4 million consumers across the country have signed up for health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act, an increase of 400,000 plan selected from last year. More than 98,000 Idahoans have selected a...

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Working smoke alarms -- a New Year's Resolution!

A working smoke alarm can save a life. In the 24-hour period from Dec. 19-20, the Idaho State Fire Marshal was called on to investigate three home fires. None of the homes had working smoke alarms. One fire resulted in...

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2016 Celebrated by Staff

AMERICAN INSURANCE staff and management celebrated our annual employee meeting and awards ceremony on December 16, 2016. President John Sullivan talked about upcoming changes in 2017 in the insurance industry and how...

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Food Drive - Thanks for your support!

You helped our Agents and employees at AMERICAN INSURANCE collect 708 lbs. of donations during our Food Drive last week to support the Community Action Partnership (CAP) Food Bank! Steven Small (left), with the Lewiston...

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Q & A: What is the status of Obamacare?

We printed this Q&A column in the Dec. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: What is the status of Obamacare? - A: It may take as long as three years for the Trump / Republican repeal of the Affordable Care...

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The Down Side of PERSONAL SERVICE

What? Is there a down side to personal service? At AMERICAN INSURANCE we are proud of providing "personal service." That means we assign our customers to a specific Customer Service Agent who knows your name, knows...

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Season of Sharing - Food Drive ahead

Food Drive set for Dec. 12-16 in both offices.We invite you to help us "fill the shelves" at Community Action Food Banks in Lewiston and Moscow this holiday season! Our staff is having a contest to see who can collect...

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2017 – A Year of Change

First, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Looking ahead, 2017 is shaping up as a year of change. Americans voted for political change and there are other changes coming that effect you and the...

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Q&A: When can I buy individual medical insurance?

We printed this Q&A column in the Nov. 10, 2017 edition of The Lewiston Tribune. Q: When can I buy individual medical insurance? - A: You can only buy or change your individual medical insurance plan during “Open...

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Big medical rate increases ahead

We might think that our local individual health insurance premium increases are hard to swallow, but things could always be worse. In an article published in the Wall Street Journal, many states have premium increases...

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Medical premium, network changes for 2017

Major changes in medical premiums and provider networks are coming in 2017. Open enrollment began Nov. 1 in the Idaho and Washington Health Exchange Marketplaces. Anyone who needs or is covered under an Individual...

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10 ways to prepare your home this fall

Cool, crisp fall days are a wonderful time in the Lewiston-Clarkston valley and on the Palouse -- if your home is ready for them. Yes, this is the time of year to fix small problems before they become big, and big ones...

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Changes to Medicare & You 2017

If you are on Medicare, you should have received your Medicare & You 2017 booklet that outlines changes and answers questions you may have about coverage options. One update is the Quality Payment Program to work...

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Medicare Yearly Enrollment begins Oct. 15

AMERICAN INSURANCE reminds area seniors to take note of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is when everyone who has Medicare – not only seniors – can change to different Medicare Advantage...

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'Grandmothered' health plans ending

Days are numbered for “grandmothered” small group medical plans. The so-called “grandmothered” medical plans are those small groups purchased from March 23, 2010 to Oct. 1, 2013 that are not yet ACA (Affordable Care Act)...

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Scam alert - Health insurance enrollment

The Idaho Department of Insurance is alerting Idaho residents about a possible scam by a company using deceptive practices to market health insurance in Idaho. Your Health Idaho, Idaho’s health insurance exchange, has...

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Premera’s new bill pay portal opens

Premera Blue Cross has launched a new, easy-to-use bill payment portal for their members. Customers who currently pay their bills online will receive an email notifying them of the new portal and the action they should...

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Independence - The American Advantage

This Independence Day we celebrate our nation’s 240th birthday!Independence is that strong human drive for freedom in our personal, political and business lives. It has given America an advantage over competing...

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Helping businesses find health coverage for employees

Local agents with AMERICAN INSURANCE in Lewiston can help area business owners find qualified individual health insurance coverage for your employees, their spouses and dependents to meet health care mandates. “We...

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3 Behaviors That Kill Us on the Road

There are three things you can do this Holiday Season to be a survivor when driving. Here's why extra caution is necessary this year... The 2015 traffic fatality estimate for the US is up a shocking 8.1 percent higher...

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Health Exchange Shopping? Find FREE help here.

AMERICAN INSURANCE in Lewiston has Exchange certified health agents who provide no cost help to find you the best health care plan during the Medical Open Enrollment period. “We are doing our best to shop all plans in...

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ACA Penalty Tax doubles for 2016

The ACA individual mandate tax penalty for no health coverage is much larger for 2016. If you can afford health insurance but choose not to buy it in 2016, you must pay a fee or have a health coverage exemption. The...

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Biggest threat to teens revealed

Half of all teens will be involved in an automotive crash and motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14- to 18-year-olds, according to the National Safety Council. Even though driving is the biggest...

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Medicare Quiz - 10 Things Everyone Should Know

HOW SMART ARE YOU ABOUT MEDICARE? TAKE THIS MEDICARE QUIZ AND FIND OUT! President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Medicare program into law in 1965. For more than 50 years, Medicare has provided essential medical benefits...

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Auto BI Claim Costs Up 32%

Auto injury claim costs per insured vehicle have continued to increase across the United States according to a new study from the Insurance Research Council (IRC). Long-term reductions in highway injuries and fatalities...

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Smoke alarms focus of awareness event

BOISE – Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has signed a proclamation declaring this as Fire Prevention Week. The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s key message for the event is to encourage smoke alarm installation in every bedroom,...

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New Flu Drug Funded by HHS

A new drug provides a novel approach to treating patients with influenza and will advance in development with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for...

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Your Odds of Hitting a Deer Double

Your odds of hitting a deer, an elk or a moose are twice as high during the 4th quarter months of October, November and December as in the other nine months of the year. U.S. drivers are just as likely to have a claim...

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Which States Have Lowest Auto Insurance Rates?

If you want to pay the lowest auto insurance rates in the USA you'd better move to good ole Idaho! Yes, Idaho has the lowest auto insurance rates in the nation according to the National Association of Insurance...

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Sullivan’s Hell Raising '65 Mustang

Philip Sullivan, Insurance Agent and Personal Lines Manager at AMERICAN INSURANCE, fell in love with his first car, a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback. Through his access to and abilities with the car, he spent his teenage...

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Safety Council: Traffic deaths up in 2015 in WA, ID

LEWISTON - Aug. 18, 2015 - A spike in traffic deaths brings a caution warning from AMERICAN INSURANCE to all drivers as they prepare for the Labor Day weekend. Traffic deaths in the U.S. have increased every month for...

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Student health insurance options explained

Lewis-Clark State College will no longer offer a Student Health Insurance Program (or SHIP) this fall, due to a change by the Idaho State Board of Education. Other regional schools that also have no SHIP include:...

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7 Tips for Managing Stress

We can all use some help managing stress in our lives. Here are 7 very practical, free and easy tips for managing daily anxieties from Business Psychology Associates (BPA). THE BINGE & PURGE PROBLEM: Do you...

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Join Us! 4th of July Fireworks Show

For our 30th year, AMERICAN INSURANCE invites you to join us in Adams Field at Clarkston High School for the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. You are invited to Adam's Field at Clarkston High School. There is no...

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ACA Exchange Subsidies Secured - Supreme Court

The latest legal attack on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has been decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. In KING v. BURWELL, plantiff's argued that the plain language in PPACA says...

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Who's Dying On The Job? 150 per day!

A study of 2013 statistics shows 4,585 workers were killed on the job in the United States, and an estimated 50,000 died from occupational diseases, resulting in a loss of 150 workers each day from hazardous working...

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Preventative Care Benefits Expanded

Regence BlueShield of Idaho announced additional new preventative care benefits are now included on all ACA compliant group insurance policies. Regardless of the renewal date of a Regence group insurance policy the...

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Idaho Universities Withdraw Student Health Plan

The Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is being withdrawn from four Idaho universities beginning July 31, 2015. Students at Lewis-Clark State College, Boise State University, Idaho State University and Eastern...

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One in Three Truckers Don't Buckle Up

About 65 percent of on-the-job deaths of truck drivers in 2012 were the result of a motor vehicle crash. More than a third of the drivers who died were not wearing a seat belt. This troubling fact has the National...

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How 5 Amateur Arsonists Screwed-up

Bedeviled by sagging bank accounts and burdensome mortgages, some cash-strapped building owners try to burn their way out of debt. Lighting up spilled gasoline or interior gas lines seems like an easy gambit. One flick...

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Law Enforcement Crackdown on Texting & Driving

From April 10 to 15, 2015, law enforcement personnel will be using a combination of traditional and innovative strategies to crack down on motorists who text while driving. This effort is a part of the national U Drive....

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Blue Cross Cyber Attacks Affect 91 Million

Some Blue Cross policyholders in Idaho and Washington states are among the 91 million people who had their personal information compromised in a cyber-attack. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Premera Blue Cross have...

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New Tech to Stop Drunk Drivers

Can we keep drunk drivers off the road? Must they kill someone with their car after being arrested 10, 20 even 30 plus times for driving drunk before we find the answer. The answer may be a technology that has been...

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Hackers Filed Your Taxes Early

Your income taxes were filed early electronically by hackers looking to steal your tax refund. - Can't happen to you? It happened to a close friend of mine, an Idaho resident, who received the IRS 5071C letter informing...

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Insuring Celebs ... Body Parts?

If you were Jennifer Lopez, which body part would you insure? Tough choice! How about Taylor Swift, Bette Davis, Bruce Springsteen, Daniel Craig, or Dolly Parton? Find out which body parts your favorite celebrities...

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ACA - Large Employer Reporting 2015

How to complete IRS forms 1095-C and 1094-C. Two new IRS forms will be required of large employers for the 2015 calendar year due in early 2016 - IRS forms 1095-C and 1094-C. Large employers will want to familiarize...

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11.7M Enrolled In 2015 ACA Health Insurance

Nationwide, nearly 11.7 million consumers selected or were automatically re-enrolled in quality, affordable health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace as of Feb. 22, according to a report...

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Three Hackers Charged In Largest Ever Data Breach

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged three men in connection to the largest data breach ever, which exposed 1 billion e-mail records from more than 100 different businesses from 2009 to 2012, according to a March...

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Future ACA Health Premium Subsidies Uncertain

The Supreme Court will decide if millions of Americans will lose their premium subsidies if they signed up under the Federal Exchange HealthCare.gov. Fortunately, Idaho and Washington residents will not be effected by...

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7 Dangerous Weather Myths

What should you do during extreme weather events? Tornadoes and hurricanes, lightening, earthquakes, floodwaters, extreme cold - PropertyCasualty360 says, "Misconceptions about the weather can prove to be dangerous or...

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Homeowners Claims & Premiums Rising

The cost of homeowners insurance claims has been increasing at twice the rate of inflation. This is according to a new report from the Insurance Research Council (IRC). Despite significant declines in recent years, the...

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The 9 Vehicles With Lowest Death Rates

Improved vehicle designs bring down death rates (IIHS). The chances of dying in a crash in a late-model vehicle have fallen by more than a third in three years, the latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)...

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ACA Saved Seniors $15B on RX

Since 2010, 9.4 million people with Medicare have saved over $15 billion on prescription drugs according to new information released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The report showed that millions...

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WA Health Exchange Extends 2015 Enrollment

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange, a state-based health marketplace, announced a spring "Special Enrollment Opportunity" for Washington residents who want to avoid tax penalty for 2015. Nearly 160,000 Washington...

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Uninsured Face ACA Penalty Tax for 2014

For the first time, American tax filers are facing the ACA individual mandate penalty for 2014. If you didn't have health coverage for all or part of 2014, you have to either qualify for a health coverage exemption or...

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Medicare Shifting From Volume To Value

Goals and a timeline are being set to move the Medicare program, and the health care system at large, toward paying providers based on the quality, rather than the quantity of care they give patients. This historic...

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Bashore Chooses American Insurance

Bashore Insurance Transfers Grange Policies to American Insurance Bashore Insurance Agency of Clarkston has announced that American Insurance of Lewiston and Moscow has been selected as service agents for Grange...

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Newsletter - Winter 2014

Featured articles include: Great Service Means...?; Welcome Bashore Policyholders; Meet the "A-Team" - the Personal Lines Service Team; Reviews - make one or read our latest Customer Service comments; Open Enrollment -...

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ACA Health Exchanges - More Savings & Options

New choices and more competition in the Health Insurance Marketplace are giving consumers affordable options during Open Enrollment this year, and the majority of returning consumers who shop can save money on premiums,...

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ACA $840M Initiative Focused on Health Outcomes

A new initiative will change the way your doctor and health care providers delivery their services to you. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced an initiative that will fund successful...

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Safeco Saves Rural Homes With Unique Program

Safeco Insurance introduced an innovative Wildfire Defense Program to help protect policyholder properties threatened by active wildfires. A recent fire in Washington state, called the Carlton Complex fire, and another...

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Action Needed to Renew WA Healthplanfinder

If you are currently enrolled in a health care plan through Washington Healthplanfinder, you will need to renew your coverage for next year. Customers who signed up for a Qualified Health Plan last year will be eligible...

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Hospitals May Recover $5.7B Due To ACA

A report released by the Department of Health and Human Services projects that hospitals will save $5.7 billion this year in uncompensated care costs because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). States that have expanded...

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"Limited" ACA Special Enrollment for WA Residents

Up to 8% of the 164,000 Health Exchange customers of the Washington HealthPlanFinder experienced on-going billing and administrative problems. This caused some Washington residents to go without insurance, lose their...

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Idaho Health Exchange Getting Ready

The Idaho Health Exchange, Your Health Idaho, is preparing to launch its own state exchange software platform prior to the 2015 Open Enrollment which begins on November 15, 2014. Last year, Idaho was a Federally...

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Oregon's Health Website Woes Spark Lawsuit

ProgramBusiness.com reports that the state of Oregon filed a lawsuit Friday against Oracle Corp. and several of its executives over the technology company's role in creating the troubled website for the state's online...

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2015 Health Care Costs Rising

Large U.S. employers expect a significant increase in 2015 health care costs. If no adjustments are made employers project a 5.2% growth rate, putting absolute cost per person for health care benefits at an all-time...

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7 Ways To Get A Better Night's Sleep

Lack of sleep can wreak havoc with your day-to-day life, causing fatigue and irritability. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to poor sleep, but that doesn't mean you're doomed to toss and turn. What...

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Uninsured Driver Numbers Declining

How many drivers are uninsured? Across the United States, the estimated percentage of uninsured motorists trended down in 2010, 2011 and 2012, according to new estimates from the Insurance Research Council (IRC). In...

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The Safest Small Cars On The Road

Five small cars, all 2014 models, earn an acceptable rating in crash tests by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety. Two earn marginal and four earn poor ratings for occupant protection in a small overlap crash in...

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Obamacare ACA Federal Subsidies At Risk

A US appeals court ruled against Obamacare subsidies for policies issued through the Federal Health Exchanges. In the case, Halbig v. Sebelius, 14-5018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that...

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Earthquake Risk Increased In US By 1/3rd - USGS

Idaho is one of 16 states now listed with the highest risk for earthquakes. Is your state on the list? The newly updated national seismic hazards maps from the US Geological Survey (USGS) show an increased earthquake...

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Best of the West 3-Peat!

For the third year in a row, AMERICAN INSURANCE, in Lewiston and Moscow, was voted "Best of the West" Insurance Agency for 2014 in a KLEW TV online survey of local resident's preferences. The Sullivans and staff are...

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New Roundabout Danger

Just when you thought you had figured out how to drive in the Roundabout, something new pops up - PEDESTRIANS! With summer weather comes an increase in pedestrian traffic needing to cross the street at the roundabout....

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P/C Insurer's Gains Slip 1Q 2014

Net losses and loss adjustment expenses (LLAE) surged upward in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the same time period in 2013. Private U.S. property/casualty insurers' net income after taxes, as a group, fell to...

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10 Most-Stolen SUVs

Which models of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) were top theft targets? The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released a new report that examines thefts of SUVs and CUVs reported...

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The Driving Talk With Aging Seniors

"I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather did, not kicking and screaming like the passengers in his car." No one wants this old joke to become a tragic reality. Is it time to ask your aging parent to...

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Vehicle Crashes Cost US Society $871Billion

Motor vehicle crashes in the US had an $871 billion economic and societal impact, according to a new study by the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The study,...

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COBRA Enrollees Get Limited ACA Access

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid recently announced a new Special Enrollment Period for individuals and families that are currently enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage, known as the federal Consolidated Omnibus...

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Safeco Honors American Insurance

American Insurance of Lewiston and Moscow is one of only 200 independent insurance agencies in the USA that has earned the President's Award from Safeco Insurance® for outstanding performance. The President's Award...

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Buying Individual Medical Plans After Open Enrollment?

When "Open Enrollment" is closed, individuals seeking medical insurance can only do so if they have a "Qualifying Life Event" which opens a "Special Enrollment Period" (SEP). If you qualify for a SEP then you can apply...

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Keeping "Grandmothered" Health Plans Extended

Keeping your current non-grandfathered individual or small group medical plan (also referred to as "grandmothered" plans) has been extended for policies with annual renewals on or before October 1, 2016. This provides...

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Alzheimer's - What is our National Plan?

Nearly all of us know someone that is touched by the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease. You may find some comfort to know that there is a National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease with a 2014 update released by the US...

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Agents Credited For Idaho's ACA Success

"Idaho's success in enrolling consumers during the 2014 enrollment period is due, in no small part, to the many Idaho insurance agents and brokers who provided invaluable assistance to Idaho citizens," said William (...

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HIPAA Fines of $2M for Stolen Laptops

Two entities have paid the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) $1,975,220 collectively to resolve potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (...

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Is Hands-Free Cell Use Safer?

Is hands-free cell phone use safer when driving than hand-held? That's the question the National Safety Council asked in a public opinion poil. The new findings indicate 80 percent of drivers across America incorrectly...

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Be Healthy From The Start

"Be Healthy From the Start" is the main theme for National Public Health Week, April 6 - 12. HHS credits the Affordable Care Act's establishment of preventative services and the new National Prevention Council with...

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ObamaCare Open Enrollment Closed! Sort Of?

An extended "Special Enrollment Period" was announced by The White House to allow more time to finish health insurance enrollments with glitches or other special circumstances. The Health Exchange Marketplace was...

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Health Exchange "Open Enrollment" Closing

What happens when the Health Exchange Marketplace "Open Enrollment Period" closes on March 31st? This is the next question as American's struggle to understand and comply with the massive, complicated and ever changing...

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Keep Your Current Health Plan Extended

The "keep your current health insurance plan" promise by President Obama is being extended even further. The Obama administration announced that Americans can keep their health plans that are non-compliant with the...

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2014 Winter – One of the Costliest

Insured losses top $1.5 billion so far. Near-record snowfall and prolonged extreme cold throughout many parts of the United States, have resulted in insured losses from winter storms of more than $1.5 billion thus far,...

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Newsletter-Winter 2013

Feature articles include: ACA/ObamaCare Deadline Extended ACA/Health Exchange - Who Needs a Quotation Roudabout Honks - New Traffic Access A Legacy to Remember Referral Awards Grand Prize - Winner Announced Welcome...

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Regence - Can I Keep My Plan?

Can I keep my plan? It depends says the Regence Group which does business in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Utah. - Fall 2013 promised to be a dynamic time in the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, with the launch of...

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ACA / ObamaCare Deadlines Extended

Political passions run high over the looming January 1, 2014 deadline of the "Individual Mandate" and other provisions of The Affordable Care Act (ACA). To add fuel to the fire, the ACA Health Exchange Marketplace...

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Fewest Atlantic Hurricanes In 31 Years

No major hurricanes formed in the Atlantic basin for the first time since 1994 and the fewest number of hurricanes since 1982, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This was welcomed...

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What Industry Has Highest Worker Injury Rate?

"Pick any other industry, and the injury rate is less," explained Scott Harris, Ph.D., MSPH, who added that healthcare worker injury rates are only less than outdoor wilderness professions such as commercial loggers and...

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Nightmares On The Roundabout

I've been having a recurring dream...a nightmare really. I find myself driving to work, north on Snake River Ave. I pass KOZE Radio and find myself becoming anxious but don't know why. As I pass under the Southway...

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Health Exchange Update 10/25/13

The Health Exchange Marketplace opened on October 1st and has experienced serious technical problems ever since. In the meantime, the Individual Mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) still takes effect in 2014....

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Only Agents Can Explain Exchange Plans

The Idaho and Washington State Health Exchanges including their navigators (online and phone assistants) will not explain or recommend any insurance plans offered in the exchanges. They feel that experienced and...

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Who Needs Health Exchange Quotations?

The new Health Insurance Exchange Marketplace isn't just for the uninsured! Almost everyone needs to take a serious look at their own state's Health Exchange Marketplace before January 1, 2014. Here's who should obtain...

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What About Prospect Ave?

The traffic plan for the south end of Prospect Avenue was always dependent on the Roundabout construction plan. So the closing of Prospect's access to Southway and Snake River Ave was a fate sealed long ago....

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3 Roundabout Rules To Know

Have you got it figured out? It turns out that Roundabouts have special driving rules. So, here are three tips you should know to drive safely in a modified multi-lane roundabout now open at the intersection of...

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Roundabout Shaping Up!

The outline of Lewiston's first roundabout is taking shape. Curb and gutter now fully border the intersection at Southway and Snake River Ave. Concrete lanes fill half the future roundabout circle and preparations to...

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$3.9B Health Premiums Saved In 2012

The Obama administration claims that consumers saved $3.9 billion on their premiums in 2012 due to implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that...

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American Ins On KLEW-TV

American Insurance is featuring a new "Best of the West" ad on KLEW-TV (CBS cable channel 3 and HD channel 460) during the 6pm News, 11pm News and 6:30am Re-broadcast. Click and watch now and tell us what you think? Do...

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Hailstorm Claims Up 84%

Insurance claims resulting from hailstorm damage increased 84 percent in 2012 from their 2010 level according to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report. See top 5 states for hail damage below. In 2010, there...

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Voted "Best of the West" 2013

AMERICAN INSURANCE, in Lewiston and Moscow, was voted "Best of the West" for 2013 in a KLEW TV online survey of local resident's preferences. The Sullivans and staff are proud to be chosen and always strive to be worthy...

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Newsletter - Summer 2013

Summer Newsletter Featured Articles Include - VALLEY FIREWORKS SHOW - schedule of events THE RAT & THE WIND - WWII Story: B-17 shot down, Sully a POW DOWN UNDER - A trip to the Australian outback HEALTH AGENTS PLAY...

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ACA Employer Mandate Delayed Until 2015

The penalties imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on large employers (50+ employees) has been delayed one year in an announcement by the Treasury Department for the Obama Administration. In the announcement by Mark...

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Top 10 Risks For Insurers - Ernst & Young

Insuring risk is risky business! As the insurance industry adjusts to a new environment of low asset returns and stricter regulation, insurers have few illusions about the challenges ahead. In an increasingly...

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Roundabout We Go!

Intersection closure this weekend. The roundabout construction project at Southway / Snake River Ave intersection is having the second and last scheduled closing this weekend. We will keep you informed on construction...

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Hospital Charges Exposed & Vary Widely

New data shows significant variation across the country and within communities in what hospitals charge for common inpatient services. Also, HHS made approximately $87 million available to states to enhance their rate...

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Health Centers Funded For AFA Enrollment

Republicans renew call to repeal the entire healthcare law while the Obama administration is providing $150 million for health centers to offer Affordable Health Care (AHC) enrollment assistance nationwide. House of...

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New Health Care Apps Shorter

Now a new series of shorter and easier applications have been released by CMS. Stinging from criticism that the new Health Care applications were too long and too complicated, the Obama administration went back to the...

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Health Agents Play Critical Role

Agents and brokers will play a critical role in helping consumers access health insurance coverage through Affordable Insurance Exchanges or Health Insurance Marketplaces, according to an announcement today by The...

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Quiz Yourself On Health Reform

Test your knowledge on key items from The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The health reform law promises to deliver big changes in the U.S. health care system. But, as with other sweeping pieces of...

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Health Reform Hits Main Street - Kaiser

Confused about how the new health reform law really works? Get answers in just 9 minutes by watching this animated movie from The Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation. Click Health Reform Hits Main Street, featuring the "...

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Distracted Driving - Employer Issues

From small business delivery to large transportation fleets, distracted driving issues are a major liability to employers. Due to high profile crashes, large jury verdicts against employers, and a changing regulatory...

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20% Of Car Accidents Are Caused By?

Nope – not texting or distracted driving. Day or night, the leading cause of auto accidents is...driving while tired, according to a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The 100-car...

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Independent Contractor? Maybe not!

Is your janitor, maintenance worker, or sub-contractor really an independent contractor? Business owners are tempted to classify some workers as "independent contractors" to avoid payroll taxes, benefits and workers...

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Heath Care Reform Overview - ADP

A free replay of the webinar "Health Care Reform: Strategies to Help Control Costs, Mitigate Risk, & Decrease Penalties," has been made available by ADP ®, a leading provider of employer health care benefits...

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Small Biz Health Exchange Delayed

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPAC) was to begin in every state by January 1, 2014 but is being delayed one year. Health and Human Services (...

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Home Claims Satisfaction Study

Following two of the worst years of natural catastrophic events in the history in the United States, overall customer satisfaction with the property claims experience remains high, according to the J.D. Power and...

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Feds To Pay 100% New Medicaid Cost

The federal government will pay 100 percent of the cost of certain newly eligible adult Medicaid beneficiaries effective January 1, 2014. The final rule was announced today by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary...

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32% Rise in Health Claims Projected

Health claim costs per member, per month for non-group individual health insurance plans will increase 32% under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a key finding in the Society of Actuaries study release in March 2013....

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Insurance Fraud Acceptance Drops

Over the last 10 years the public acceptance of insurance fraud behavior has decreased from 33 percent in 2002 to 24 percent in 2012 according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC). Still that is nearly 1 in 4...

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Auto Insurance Is 5 Year Loser

The US Auto Insurance industry will post a statutory underwriting loss in private passenger auto for the fifth consecutive year in 2012, according to a report by Fitch Ratings. Spurred by several years of weaker segment...

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BATTLE FOR ID STATE EXCHANGE

Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter needs citizen support in his battle for a state-based Health Exchange. After winning a hard fought battle in the Idaho House on Wednesday, the legislation now goes again to the Idaho...

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2013 Insurance Rate Forecast

Premiums for insurance is expected to continue a modest rise in 2013. By John B Sullivan, CIC President, AMERICAN INSURANCE Like our political climate "more of the same" is expected. Loss experience improved over 2011's...

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5 Key Health Care Provisions Finalized

A final rule that implements five key consumer protections from the Affordable Care Act were issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "Because of the Affordable Care Act, being denied...

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Final Rules for "Essential" Health Benefits

Final rules for "essential" health benefits were announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The rule outlines health insurance issuer standards for a core package of benefits, called essential...

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86% Rise In Jewelry Questionable Claims

There was a sharp 26.7% overall rise in "questionable claims" (QC) in 2012 reported to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). QCs went from 91,797 in 2010 to 116,268 in 2012-a new record. In 2011, the total was 100,...

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Governor's 5 Reasons For Idaho Health Exchange

Idaho Governor Butch Otter's top five reasons for creating a state-based health insurance exchange are listed below. He strongly supports an Idaho Health Insurance Exchange and is asking Idahoans to sign his petition to...

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Only 11 States Pass Health Care Regs

Only 11 of the 50 US states have moved to implement new consumer safeguards under President Barack Obama's healthcare law according to this Reuters report posted today by Insurance Journal. Read more...

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Idahoans Action Needed For State Health Exchange

Governor Butch Otter is appealing to all Idahoans for help passing legislation for a state based health insurance exchange. Facing opposition from far-right legislators Otter has taken the cause direct to his citizens...

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Cell Phone Insurance To Be Regulated

Idaho will regulate the insurance sold on all portable electronics in the State beginning July 1, 2013. Consumers will then have redress of complaints through the Idaho Department of Insurance. Title 41, 1081-1089, on...

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States Move Forward On Health Exchanges

Three more states are on track to implement the health care law and establish health insurance marketplaces, or Exchanges, in their states. Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the first conditional approval of a...

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Just 15 States Opt For State Health Exchanges

Only 15 U.S. states so far plan to operate health insurance exchanges under President Barack Obama's reform law, leaving Washington with the daunting prospect of creating and operating the new online marketplaces in at...

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Idaho Governor Opts For State Insurance Exchange

Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter announced today that Idaho is opting for a state-based health insurance exchange under the terms of Obamacare, subject to legislative approval. In his news release today Governor Otter said, "...

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Newsletter - Winter 2012

Featured articles include: Health Care Reform - A Closer Look - The things you didn't know about the Affordable Care Act How Smart Phones Make Smarter Claims Savings Tip - How to find the missing 15% Discount on auto &...

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Health Care Reform - A Closer Look

It appears that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is here to stay. It survived the constitutional challenge in the US Supreme Court and the electoral challenge with the re-election of President...

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Pre-Existing Condition Discrimination Banned

The Obama administration moved forward to implement provisions in the health care law that would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions beginning January 1,...

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Homeowners Claims Rise Rapidly

The cost of homeowners insurance claims has been rising rapidly! The combined effects of rising claim severity and increases in claim frequency were found in the study released by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) on...

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Newsletter - 90th Anniversary - 2012

Since 1922 (when we were insuring Model-T Fords) up to the present day, we have historic pictures, articles, and advertisements to share with you. Learn about the "who", the "why" and the "events" that shaped our...

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AMERICAN INSURANCE Celebrates 90 Years

The Sullivans - John, Shawn, Philip & the entire staff invite you to our 90th Anniversary Open House & Customer Appreciation on Friday, September 21st! For details please read below:

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10 Tax Tips for Home Sellers

If you have sold or are selling your home this year you may be able to exclude all or part of that gain from your income. Check out these ten tax tips from CPAs, Su Brown and Associates, PLLC.

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4 Myths About Renters Claims

Renting a dorm room, an apartment or a rental house may be your first experience with being out on your own. After a fire or a theft, there are some common misconceptions about who is responsible for your premises and...

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A "Classic" Love Affair Confession

By Mike Everett, agent I've had a love affair with vintage cars for most of my adult life. It grew out of necessity (fixing my cars) and turned into a hobby by my thirties. Cars, trucks - anything old - is gratifying to...

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Health Care Reform Timeline

What's changed and what's not under Health Care Reform? In light of the recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court and the complex nature of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the Independent Insurance...

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Medicare Part D Rx Premiums Hold Steady

Basic premiums for Medicare prescription drug plans, on average, are projected to remain constant in 2013, Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius announced today. The average 2013 monthly premium...

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Idaho Police Target Aggressive Drivers

Now through August 13th Idaho law enforcement is targeting aggressive drivers and motorcycle riders on Idaho's roads. Speeding, failure to yield, following too close and disregarding traffic signals are all aggressive...

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Hail & Windstorms Cause Major Damage

The rumble of thunder, the crack of lightening, the rush of windstorm, the clatter of hail stones - thunderstorms can bring devastation to your property and your autos in a flash. How does your own insurance respond to...

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8 New Preventative Services Free For Women

Women are getting access to eight new prevention-related health care services free beginning Aug. 1, 2012 announced Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The new rules in the health care law...

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Idaho Health Exchange Work Group Meets

Idaho is playing "catch-up" with Health Care Reform. The first meeting of the Idaho work group studying formation of a state operated Health Insurance Exchange was announced by Idaho Department of Insurance Director...

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Thunderstorms & Wildfires Bring Destruction

At least 28 people were killed following a prolonged stretch of severe weather in central and eastern U.S. states, which included a violent derecho - a fast-moving, long-lived cluster of intense thunderstorms - that...

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Traffic Deaths Spike Upward +13.5%

An alarming spike in traffic fatalities is being studied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A statistical projection shows a 13.5 percent increase in traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2012....

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Regence Rebates Money to Small Groups

The first Medical Loss Ratio rebate checks were mailed to small groups insured by Regence BlueShield of Idaho on July 16th. This is a rebate on their 2011 premium under the Affordable Care Act's requirement based on...

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Bad Dogs Bite All Home Owners

Dog bite claims continue to grow in numbers and cost which increases premiums for all Homeowners Insurance. In fact, from 2003 to 2011, the cost of the average dog bite claim increased by 53.4 percent. Dog bites...

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Realtors - Uptick In New E&O Claims

What is causing new E&O claims for realtors? Eric Myers, President of Victor O Schinnerer & Company, one of the largest and most experienced underwriting managers of professional liability and specialty...

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Newsletter - Summer 2012

Feature articles include: "Best of the West" Like us on Facebook Boating is a Blast - with Dave Root 27 Year Sponsor - Independence Day Fireworks A Love of the Classics - with Mike Everett Philip Sullivan - New...

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American Insurance Voted "Best of the West"!

AMERICAN INSURANCE, Lewiston and Moscow, were voted “Best of the West” Insurance Agency for 2012. We are very proud to be chosen by popular vote and always strive to be worthy of our customers' continued trust. Our “...

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7 Reasons to "Like" Us!

Facebook is personal. And what could be more personal than protecting all the things you value most - your home, autos and personal items; your health and your life; lliability protection for your earning power, savings...

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Health Savings Account Use Jumps 18%

More than 13.5 million Americans are now covered by Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible insurance plans, a more than 18 percent increase since last year, according to a new census released by America's Health...

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Doctor Groups Call For LESS Care!

Three different physician events saw national doctor groups calling for less medical care. In a bold and unprecedented announcement, they say doctors need to use clinical evidence to make care decisions. This can help...

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8 Essential Data Breach Protections For Small Business

The number of data breaches involving smaller businesses continues to grow, but a new survey by The Hartford finds that 85 percent of small business owners believe a data breach is unlikely, and many are not...

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Premium Increases Ahead For Businesses

Business owners need to brace themselves for modest insurance premium increases in 2012. Faced with high catastrophe claims from 2011 and low investment returns Property-Casualty insurance companies have no choice but...

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New pain meds approved to lessen abuse

Skyrocketing costs for opioid pain management and abuse is damaging the health care and workers compensation systems. Dan Reynolds, managing editor of Risk & Insurance writes "An intense national focus on the...

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P&C Insurance Net Income Plunges

Record 2011 losses are driving insurance price increases in 2012. As predicted in Market Forecast 2012, the insurance industry has been raising prices this year on Homeowners and commercial property risks, other...

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Top 10 Contents Items Claimed

Which personal property items were the top insurance claims in 2011? Jewelry losses were the big ticket items in value and volume for property insurance claims made in 2011 according to Enservio's annual Contents Claims...

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ID & MT Among Worst States For Injury Deaths

Idaho and Montana ranked among the worst states with the highest ratios of injury deaths while Washington state was ranked among the best. A new report ranks each state by their injury rates per 100,000 people and...

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What is driving health care spending?

The newly formed Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI) compared data from 2009 to 2010 showing that pure price increases for care rather than increased utilization is driving spending higher. In fact, the number of hospital...

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5 Ways To Reduce Motorcycle Deaths

A summer road trip on your motorcycle may be no safer than last year. No progress was made in reducing motorcyclist deaths in 2011, according to a report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)....

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Leading Cause of Death Ages 8-24

More children and young adults die of this than any other cause. Perhaps it is no surprise that motor vehicle traffic crashes continue to be the leading cause of death in the group of age 8 through age 24, according to...

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WA & OR Take Health Exchange Grants

Washington and Oregon were among the six new states to take Health Exchange grants to implement the new health care law. Idaho, a highly conservative and Republican majority state, snubbed HHS and did not take the...

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Stolen! 1 in 10 of these vehicles

Corvettes...we love to look at them and thieves love to steal them! The Chevrolet Corvette holds the title as America's oldest, continuously produced sports car. According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)...

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Obesity's Heavy Health Care Cost

Obesity now accounts for almost 21 percent of U.S. health care costs -- more than twice the previous estimates, reports a revised Cornell University study. The research, originally done in 2010, was the first to show...

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Healthcare Costs Now Exceed $20,000 Per Family - Milliman Study

A typical American family of four receiving healthcare through an employer-sponsored preferred provider organization (PPO) plan now pays $20,728. This according to the latest study by Milliman, Inc., a premier global...

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4th Leading Cause of Death Is?

1 in 3 U.S. adults-an estimated 68 million of us-have this and it is the "silent killer". Untreated high blood pressure, also called hypertension can damage the heart, brain, and kidneys without a single symptom. Each...

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Idaho's Health Insurance Exchange - On Hold

What is the status of the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange? The US Supreme Court will be making its decision in June whether all, part or none of the Affordable Care Act will stand as constitutional. So, the Idaho...

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Taxpayers May Profit Billions From AIG Bailout

When all is said and done, AIG expects taxpayers to profit from $5B to $10B on the company's 2008 rescue. Too big to fail, AIG ultimately received a $140 billion bailout from taxpayers in 2008 to avoid a feared...

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WA Gets $6.6M Health Care Grant

Ten states including Washington State received grants to provide early childhood support and home visits to families who volunteer to receive these services, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius...

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Turns Out - Death & Taxes Are Linked!

Benjamin Franklin's famous quip "in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes" has a closer connection than he knew. A 30-year study of traffic accidents in the United States has found that...

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New Health Care Rule Saves $4.6B

A proposed rule that would establish a unique "health plan identifier" under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was announced today by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)...

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“Check Engine” #1 Repair Item

The most common "check engine" light repair is "replace Oxygen Sensor." A faulty O2 sensor costs less than $250 to fix, but can lead to as much as a 40% reduction in gas mileage if ignored - immensely important to note...

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New Health Exchange Rules Released

New rules released today will offer states substantial flexibility as they design a health insurance exchange marketplace that works for their residents. The Idaho Legislature said "no thanks" this week and has failed...

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Cell Phone Related Fatalities Down 47% In CA

Traffic deaths due to hand-held cell phone use by drivers have dropped 47% since California enacted a ban in July, 2008. The analysis, conducted by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at...

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Lifetime Limits For Health Plans End

The maximum benefit limits under medical insurance plans for an individual's lifetime have been eliminated under the Affordable Care Act. "For years, Americans with lifetime caps imposed on their health insurance...

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What FBI Says Is US #1 Threat!

Cyber security is becoming our nation's number-one threat according to FBI Director Robert S Meuller, III in comments made at the Cyber Security Conference in San Francisco. The following are excerpts from his comments...

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Crop Insurance Claims Break $10 Billion

For the first time in history, crop insurance indemnities to farmers and ranchers has exceeded $10.08 billion to cover agricultural losses, reports ProgramBusiness.com. This underscores last year's high crop values and...

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Which Health Services Are Now Free?

Don't forget you have free preventative services to use in 2012! "Americans of all ages can now get the preventive services they need, like mammograms and the new Annual Wellness Visit, free of charge, as a result of...

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What Does A Cruise Ship Cost?

Ever wonder what a cruise ship costs? The grounding of the Carnival Corp. cruise ship Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy with more than 4,000 passengers and 1,100 crew aboard, may cost insurers more than 400 million...

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Allstate Agents Quit & Dissatisfied

Overall, 73% of Allstate agents answering a national survey were "not very" or "not at all" satisfied with their relationship with the company. When asked if they would be willing to refer a friend or relative to become...

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"Plain Language" Health Policies Required

Do you have trouble understanding health insurance? People in the market for health insurance will soon have clear, understandable and straightforward information on what health plans will cover, what limitations or...

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EEOC Complaints Hit All-Time High

Private sector bias charges hit an all-time high. Employment discrimination complaints for businesses large and small increased to record levels during the "great recession". Layoffs provide opportunity for employees to...

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Top Ten Senior Scams

If you are a senior or if have seniors in your life, please pass along this information. Every U.S. citizen older than 65 qualifies for Medicare, making Medicare/health insurance fraud one of the most common scams...

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Market Forecast 2012

The headlines of 2011 mark the worst year ever recorded for insured losses across the globe. Worldwide natural disasters - earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, winter storms, and unusual freakish...

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Six Year-End Tax Reduction Tips

Before saving goodbye to 2011, check out these tax reduction tips. However, you usually need to take action no later than Dec. 31st in order to claim certain tax benefits. Here are six tax-saving tips for you to...

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New Housing Starts Soar +9.3%

Housing starts soared to their highest level since April 2010, increasing 9.3 percent from October to November and 24.3 percent from November 2010 according to the Commerce Department's US Census Bureau. Permits for new...

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Distracted Driving Not Just Cell Phones

"Cell phone usage is only one of many bad habits that are distracting American drivers," said Robert Passmore, senior director of personal lines for Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). "Distracted...

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States To Decide “Essential Health Benefits”

In a surprise move, the Obama Administration has announced that each state can decide what "essential health benefits" will be offered in their state Health Care Exchanges beginning in 2014. Under the Affordable Care...

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Driver Cell Phone Ban Urged

A ban on driver use of cell phones is urged by National Transportation Safety Board. The safety recommendation specifically calls for the 50 states and the District of Columbia to ban the non-emergency use of portable...

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Newsletter - Winter 2011

Feature articles include: Market Forecast 2012 Referral Reward's Winner Medical & Medicare Updates Savings Tip WATER DAMAGE - Am I Covered? Click to read our newsletter online

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Affordable Care Act vs Supreme Court 2012

The US Supreme Court has agreed to decide the constitution issues of the Affordable Care Act. The court will hear oral arguments in March and then is expected to render a decision in June 2012. So, President Barack...

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US Record -12 Billion $ Disasters

2011 set a new record of 12 separate billion+ dollar US weather/climate disasters according to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The aggregate damage total is estimated to be approximately $52 billion. This...

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Cutting CMS Payment Errors Saved $17.6 Billion

Stopping payment errors in Medicare, Medicaid, Pell Grants and Food Stamps has saved $17.6 billion dollars in 2011 according to The Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Cut Waste Campaign by the Obama...

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Idaho Receives Health Exchange Grant

Idaho is one of 13 new states to receive grants to help them create Health Insurance Exchanges. The Affordable Care Act mandates that every state have a Health Insurance Exchange, either a state or a federal exchange,...

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Holiday Party? Reduce Your Liquor Risk.

Here are some tips on how to have a great party while managing the risks of serving liquor. Whether you are hosting a personal party for friends and family or a business party for employees and guests, when planning a...

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Hybrids Safer Than Conventional Autos

On average, the odds of being injured in a crash are 25 percent lower for people in hybrids than people traveling in non-hybrid models. Hybrids have a safety edge over their conventional twins when it comes to shielding...

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2012 Health Care Changes

The Affordable Care Act became law on March 23, 2010. The law's provisions are being implemented on a timeline through January 1, 2015. There are four new items being added in 2012. A brief explanation of each is listed...

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Beware of Flood Damaged Vehicles

Widespread flooding this fall in the eastern US has created a pool of more than 15,000 vehicles damaged by flood waters. The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning consumers to beware of undisclosed flood damaged...

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Medicare's Physician Fees Need Fixed

Physicians have faced steep payment cuts annually because of a flawed 1997 law according to Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Secretary Sebulius released this...

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Which Minivans Win Top Safety Pick 2011?

Five minivan models have earned the 2011 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, standing out from competitors for superior protection in rollover crashes. The 2012 Chrysler Town &...

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2012 Medicare Part B Premiums Lower

Medicare Part B premiums in 2012 will be lower than previously projected and the Part B deductible will decrease by $22 according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). While the...

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Who Tends To Be An Aggressive Driver?

Just today I was sitting in a coffee shop when a jacked-up and tricked out black Toyota pickup pulls up with the engine roaring and the music thumping. Out jump three young men to buy energy drinks and smokes. They pile...

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ObamaCare Heads to Supreme Court

The Obama administration is asking the US Supreme Court to decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act . Political battle lines were drawn since the Act was signed into law in March 2010. As many as 26 States have sued...

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Medicare Annual Election Starts & Ends Early

This year marks an important change in Medicare's annual open enrollment, the time period during which people can choose to change plans or shift from Medicare Advantage to Traditional Medicare. Open Enrollment starts...

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Who was 9/11's "Economic First Responder"?

Now at the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, like the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, it is a day that lives on in infamy for a new generation of Americans. But 9/11 was different in the sense that...

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New Initiative To Build "Weather-Ready" USA

An initiative to build a "weather-ready" nation is being launched by the National Weather Service, in response to the nine separate natural disasters the US has experienced so far in 2011. The latest event to surpass...

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Motorcycle Crash Risk Reduced 71% With STAR

Before your "wild hog" drives his new motorcycle make sure he takes Idaho's STAR Training - it could save his life! Motorcycle riding has become more popular in recent years, appealing to a new group of enthusiasts...

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Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in US

Hot Wheels-the list of the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States was released today by The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Nationally, for the first time since 2002, thieves preferred domestic makes over...

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New-Women Get Preventative Services At No Additional Cost

Historic new guidelines that will ensure women receive preventive health services at no additional cost were announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Developed by the independent...

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2011 Already Insurer's Costliest Year Ever

After just six months, 2011 is already the most expensive catastrophe year for the insurance industry on record, according to a ProgramBusiness.com story taken from The Guardian. Through June 30th, 2011 is worse than...

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US Home Ownership Lowest Since 1998

Stricter lending standards blocked purchases and foreclosures forced people out of their residences resulting in U.S. home ownership rate falling to the lowest level since 1998 in the second quarter reported ...

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Data Breach - Uninsured Business Threat?

Businesses, even very large ones, are typically not insured for data breach liability claims. Companies that rely on a Commercial General Liability (CGL) form, the most common policy form, to cover this cyber exposure...

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Hackers Now Target Small Businesses

Your small business is a target! Hackers are expanding their sights beyond multinationals to include any business that stores data in electronic form, according to a ProgramBusiness.com article posted July 21, 2011. The...

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Newsletter - Summer 2011

Feature articles include: Why We Need to Talk! Rental Cars - What coverage is provided by my auto policy? 26 Year Sponsor - Independence Day Fireworks Auto Policy - Is Pizza Delivery Excluded? Homeowners - Beware of...

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Social Security Retirement Estimator Now Online

What will your Social Security benefits be at retirement? The Social Security Administration, for expense savings, has suspended sending out written estimates but is now providing an online Retirement Estimator at www....

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What did health insurance cost us in 2010?

The median premium cost per employee was $400 per month under private-sector group health insurance plans in 2010 according to a survey just released by the US Dept of Health & Human Services. The Medical...

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Traveling? Bedbugs are hitchhiking!

Experts fear we are on the threshold of a bedbug pandemic! It's a public relations nightmare for hotels in major cities across America. Begbugs have checked in and guests are checking out! These are uninsured losses...

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US Weather Losses 300% of Normal

April period witnessed the largest tornado outbreak in world history. May period includes two of the costliest tornadoes ever recorded. Yes, it was really THAT bad - 3 times the average of losses for the 20 year period...

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Flood Insurance Solvency Threatened

NFIP faces external challenges that threaten the program's long-term health. As the nation's flood waters are highest, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a sinking ship according to a scathing new report by...

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30% of Employers Will Drop Medical After 2014

Thirty percent of employers will cancel health plans by 2014 because of Health Care Reform, according to a McKinsey Research study. The research suggests that when employers become more aware of the new economic and...

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The Most Common Household Fire Only You Can Prevent!

What household appliance causes more than 1,000 residential fires per month in the US? The answer... your clothes dryer! They are a modern marvel and an indispensable convenience. We use them constantly and they work...

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April Weather Claims Exceed $4B

Five separate severe weather outbreaks in April will result in combined insured losses in excess of $4 billion, according to Aon Benfield report. The first outbreak, from April 3-5, triggered around 1,500 storm reports...

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Supreme Court Blocks Class-Action Lawsuits

A divided Supreme Court, ruled on a 5-4 split decision along ideological lines, that corporations can enforce arbitration clauses to block dissatisfied customers from bring class-action lawsuits. Consumer rights...

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Was Your Accident “Staged”?

Organized Scams Defraud Consumers and Insurers Alike, Costing Billions of Dollars Annually If you have been involved in an auto accident that just didn't feel right, it might not have been an accident at all. More and...

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Electric Cars Earn 1st Top Safety Ratings

The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf earn the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the first-ever U.S. crash test evaluations of plug-in electric cars. The milestone demonstrates that...

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Feds Charge 16 in PA Identity Theft Scheme

Ever wonder who and how your identity can get stolen? Read this from Insurance Journal.

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MT Workers Comp Reform Enacted

Supporters claim reform bill will save $100 million in first year. Montana's workers compensation rates are the highest in the nation which led to urgent reform efforts that culminated on March 28th when the Montana...

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Toyota “NOT GUILTY”- Accelerator Case

Toyota was found "not guilty" by a New York jury in the 2005 unintended acceleration case brought by Dr. Amir Sitafalwalla. The case had prompted a massive recall of 8 million vehicles, a cascade of similar product...

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Traffic Fatalities Lowest Ever Recorded

DOT estimates a 3% drop in 2010 fatalities over previous year's record low. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the number and rate of traffic fatalities in 2010 fell to the lowest levels since...

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Fewer Teens Getting Driver’s License

Finances cause one in seven parents to delay teen driving. With high unemployment, concerns over rising gas prices and inflation, plus the cost of auto insurance for young drivers, the expense of getting a teen behind...

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Identity Theft #1 FTC Complaint in 2010

Identity theft was the number one complaint category in 2010 according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Between January and December 2010, the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) received more than 1.3 million...

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Workers Comp Sparked By 100 Year Old Tragedy

On March 25, 1911 the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City caught fire taking the lives of 146 people. This tragedy led to the beginnings of workers compensation insurance and ushered in a new era of workplace...

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Obama Care - One Year Later

March 23rd marked the one-year anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The date was marked with numerous events on Capitol Hill and around the country, some celebrating its enactment and...

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Japan Quake Disrupts Global Supply Chains

Global supply chain disruptions for thousands of multinational companies that rely on Japanese manufacturers for goods and services, as well as for sales, will be significant and last up to several months predicts Marsh...

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Insurance Goes Nuclear

If you lived in the shadow of a nuclear power plant would you have any insurance to cover your loss due to a nuclear accident? As events unfold at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant following the devastating...

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Japan: Insured Losses $35B

Based on currently available information, the estimates of insured property losses from Japan's earthquake are between $15 billion and $35 billion USD according to AIR Worldwide, a pioneer in catastrophe modeling...

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10 Costliest Catastrophes

The cost of natural disasters can be counted in many different ways - loss of life, overall economic loss both public and private, insured and uninsured property loss, loss of business revenue, etc. No matter how you...

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Insurer Losses Increased in 2010

Fueled by worldwide catastrophe losses, the combined ratios (claims + expenses) of US Insurance and reinsurance companies deteriorated 3.4% in 2010 compared to 2009. Fitch Ratings, in its annual report that compiled the...

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Can Insurers Withstand Catastrophes?

Insurers and reinsurers worldwide have the financial strength to pay the claims that will emerge from Japan's 9.0 magnitude earthquake and the resulting tsunami but these events, coupled with the severe quakes that...

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9 Million Lose Health Benefits

An estimated 9 million working-age adults became uninsured last year due to recession job losses according to the new Commonwealth Fund 2010 Biennial Health Insurance Survey. The recession has stripped millions of...

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Health Insurance - Employers Taking Bold Action

Employers are taking bold action to manage health care costs and offer affordable care according to the National Business Group on Health Survey just released by Towers Watson. Over the past year, employers have focused...

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Workplace Deaths At All-Time Low in Oregon

Seventeen people covered by Oregon's workers' compensation system died on the job during 2010, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced today. The total represents an all-time low in Oregon. The...

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Oregon Gets $48M Health Exchange Grant

Oregon is one of seven states awarded "Early Innovator" grants to design and implement the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure needed to operate Health Insurance Exchanges as part of the Affordable Health Care...

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Montana Workers Comp Reform Urgent

Montana Rep. Scott Reichner wants to reform Montana's workers compensation system. Montana has the most expensive workers' compensation premium rates in the country with an average of $3.33 per every $100 of payroll...

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"Salt" is Riskiest Film of 2010

Angelina Jolie's "Salt" was the riskiest movie to insure in 2010 according to Fireman's Fund Insurance Co, the leading insurer of Hollywood films for more than 85 years. "Salt," featured Angelina Jolie as Evelyn Salt, a...

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Local Food Banks Funding Threatened

Local food banks and other community service's core funding may be cut by 60% this year. For 2011, a budget bill currently being proposed in the House of Representatives will potentially cut Community Services Block...

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Beware of Latest Repair Scams

Each year consumers pay more for their auto and homeowners insurance policies as a direct result of fraud. The National Insurance Crime Bureau has heard all the stories-unnecessary auto glass repairs, aggressive and...

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Red Light Cameras Reduce Crashes 24%

Red light cameras saved 159 lives in 2004-08 in 14 of the biggest US cities, a new analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. Had cameras been operating during that period in all large cities, a total...

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Top Auto Safety Picks 2011

What vehicles are the top safety picks for 2011? To check out a specific 2011 vehicle before you buy - click on TOP SAFETY PICKS 2011 The 2011 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 earned the "Top Safety Pick" award. The...

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76% Oppose Accident Response Tax

Should you pay a fee for emergency response services following an accident? A resounding three out of four adults said "no" when recently surveyed by telephone in a Harris Interactive poll. The majority surveyed believe...

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WA Workers Comp Rates Jump 12%

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) today announced a final decision to increase workers' compensation premium rates by an average 12 percent or 6.5 cents per hour for 2011. The new rates...

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11 Issues Impact Work Comp in 2011

Every business owner will be impacted by the troubles brewing in workers compensation insurance. Among the top trends identified to watch are - medical costs continue to rise, injured employees are staying out of work...

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New Rule to Reduce Auto Rollover Deaths

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a final rule aimed at decreasing occupant ejections in passenger vehicles. The new U.S. Department of Transportation standard, which will help reduce the number...

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P/C Industry Predictions 2011

The property/casualty insurance industry turned a corner and will show a profitable year for 2010, but underwriting discipline will be more important than ever in 2011, said chief executive officers (CEOs) participating...

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Idaho Workers Comp Rates Rise

Workers compensation rates in Idaho will rise 3.7% in 2011. This is the first increase since 2005, when the overall rate increase was 5.3%. Employers in Idaho are required by law to cover their employees with workers...

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Individual Life Coverage Hits 50 Year Low

35 million US households (about 30%) have no life insurance protection at all, according to the 2010 Life Insurance Ownership Study done by LIMRA. Among households with children under 18, 4 in 10 say they would...

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Newsletter - Winter 2010

Inside this issue: Referral Rewards - We have a Winner New Website a Hit - See comments (pg 4) Customer Service Focus - Compliments for Tina Heitmann News You Can Use Wind Damage - Am I Covered? Introducing Tracey Santo...

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WIND DAMAGE - Am I Covered?

Answers to questions about wind damage to your home, fences, tree removal and liability to others. The recent windstorm of November 16th brought us a storm of more than 50 phone calls regarding wind damage claims. The...

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Mandated Health Insurance Ruled Unconstitutional

Mandated health insurance was ruled unconstitutional by a Federal judge in Virginia today. US District Judge, Henry Hudson, dealt the first significant blow to a key provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by ruling...

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Tis the Season for Candle and Tree Fires

A residential candle fire is reported every 30 minutes and each year fire departments across the country respond to approximately 260 structure fires caused by Christmas trees according to the National Fire Protection...

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6 New Health Care Reforms Begin Jan 1, 2011

January 1, 2011 is a key date for six new health care reforms created by the Affordable Care Act. Seniors primarily benefit from this current round of reforms but premium vs profit restrictions on insurance companies...

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5 Facts About the Uninsured for Health Insurance

The number of uninsured rose sharply in 2009, reaching 50 million people. Decreasing the number of uninsured is a key goal of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will provide Medicaid or...

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Denied Health Claims Subject to Review

If you have a health claim denied in Idaho you have the right to the have the decision independently reviewed. This independent review process was instituted as part of Idaho's Health Carrier External Review Act (Title...

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Class Action Lawsuits up 60%

Corporate Directors and Officers are the targets of an increasing number of class action lawsuits. The average number of US class actions filed between 2007 and 2009 was nearly 60 percent higher than in 2006, according...

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Free Medical Clinic Open for Uninsured

The area's only free medical clinic is serving the uninsured and medically needy of the Lewiston-Clarkston valley. The Snake River Community Clinic (SRCC) has limited hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings on a first...

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Auto Claims Fraud by Medical Providers Rampant

Higher auto insurance rates for New Yorkers is blamed on rampant fraud by unscrupulous medical providers. Health care costs for automobile accident victims in New York increased 42 percent faster than overall medical...

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Senior Health Plans Changing / Some Discontinued

Millions of seniors must choose new Medicare supplement plans before 1/1/2011. Some plans are being discontinued to comply with the Affordable Care Act. Call us for an appointment with a certified insurance agent to...

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Traffic Fatalities Lowest in 60 Years

2009 saw the lowest traffic fatalities ever recorded according to the US Transportation Department. Highway deaths fell to 33,808 for the year, the lowest number since 1950. In fact, fatalities declined in all...

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Crash Test - 1959 vs 2009 Chevy

Which vehicle is safer in a crash test - a 1959 Chevy Bel Air or a 2009 Chevy Malibu? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety celebrated their 50th anniversary with a crash test to demonstrate that car...

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Dog Bite Claims Top $400M in 2009

Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in 2009, costing $412 million and up 6.4 percent from 2008, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)....

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Newsletter - Fall 2010

Feature articles include: New website launch - get $5 gift card WA Voter Alert I-1082 Senior Health Plans Changing Lender Spotlight - Bobbi Hoene Referral Rewards - 3rd Quarter Winners Don't forget to fill out the...

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Professional Liability Costs Rising for Hospitals and Physicians

Hospitals and physicians should prepare for increasing liability costs, according to the 2010 Hospital Professional Liability and Physician Liability Benchmark Analysis created by Aon Risk Solution. In its 11th year,...

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WA Voters Alert - Initiative 1082

WA ballot initiative to privatize workers compensation Watch for November ballot Initiative-1082 The 30 year battle to end the state monopoly of Workers Compensation insurance goes to Washington voters in Nov under I-...

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Healthcare Law Upheld by US Judge

A US judge upheld a key part of President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, that requires Americans to obtain coverage, rejecting a challenge by a conservative...

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Homeowners’ customer satisfaction studied by JD Power

Source: JD Powers and Associates Reports AMERICAN INSURANCE increases customer satisfaction with homeowners insurance while the national trend shows a decline according to the JD Power and Associates 2010 US National...

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Insurers Spend Millions on Reform Changes

Tens of millions of dollars are being spent by insurance companies to comply with Health Care Reform. September 23rd was a major deadline, ushering in new health benefits for consumers mandated by the Affordable Care...

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50.7 M without Health Coverage reports Census Bureau

Source: US Census Bureau 17 Sept 2010 The US Census Bureau announced today that the number of people without health insurance coverage rose from 46.3 million in 2008 to 50.7 million in 2009, an increase of 9.5%. The...

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WA Seat Belt Use Jumps in 2010

Source: Washington Traffic Safety Commission Almost 98% of Washington motorists are using their seat belts! Washington state saw an improvement of 1.2% from last year's seat belt use rate to a record 97.6% in 2010. This...

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Claims & Fraud Up - Says New Survey

During an economic downturn people are more likely to commit insurance fraud than they are in normal times. That was the opinion of more than three quarters (76%) of consumers in a survey released by Accenture, a global...

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Preventive Services Required In New Health Plans

Beginning September 23, 2010 all new health insurance plans are required by the Affordable Care Act to include a long list of preventive services without you having to pay a copayment or coinsurance or meet your...

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Crack down of medical premium hikes funded by HSS

Idaho, Washington and Oregon receive $1M each to police unjustified health insurance premium increases. The Department of Health and Human Services announced the award of $46 million in the first round of grants to...

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Insurance Industry Outlook: Is the Worst Behind Us?

In 2009 the recession caused a dramatic drop in premium revenue paid to insurance companies for business insurance policies that are primarily based on the now reduced gross sales and/or payroll. How are the property-...

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New AMA Study: 95 medical liability claims per 100 physicians

On average there is nearly one medical liability claim for every physician. This is one cost driver of higher medical fees passed on to consumers. The AMA reports the high number of claims is not an indication of...

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New Idaho ATV Registration & Licensing Requirements

As of January 1, 2010, Idaho owners of ATVs, UTVs, motorbikes and specialty off-highway vehicles are required to purchase Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) registration stickers. And, if you choose to travel on local...

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Liability lawsuits cost small businesses 33% out of pocket

A U.S. Chamber of Commerce study shows that small businesses paid $105.4 billion in 2008 driving up liability insurance costs and forcing labor and benefit reductions. Read more – Tort Liability Costs for Small Business...

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Free “lunch” and $700 savings over Mutual of Enumclaw

I met your agent, Dave Root, through golf and asked him about your “lunch on me” promotion to get quotes for all my personal insurance – home, cabin, autos, etc. I wanted to have a review of my coverage and to have an...

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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Signed into Law

President Obama signed into law on March 23, 2010 H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This sweeping and controversial reform law includes many provisions that will impact employers, employees and...

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Dependent Coverage for Children Extended to Age 26

One of the new provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mandates that health plans make dependent coverage available for your children until their 26th birthday. The under 26 child does not have to...

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Lender Spotlight: James Waham

We appreciate very much the many insurance referrals we receive from all our local lenders and mortgage brokers. Thank you James Waham of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for the most lender referrals to American Insurance. “...

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Independence Day Fireworks & American Insurance

Do you know what happened 26 years ago on the 4th of July? Nothing… that was the year there wasn’t an aerial fireworks display in the valley. I was surprised and disappointed, and I wasn’t the only one. I talked about...

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Newsletter - Summer 2010

Feature articles include: 25 Year Sponsor - Independence Day Fireworks We Insure...Fun! (Boats, Motorcycles, RV's & ATV's) ATV Licensing $700 Savings - Ken Blakemen Health Care Reform Lender Spotlight - James Waham...

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Are you a distracted driver?

New survey says 38% of drivers say they have been hit or nearly hit by people “driving while distracted” (DWD). Read more – survey, facts & figures, safety tips. http://www.nationwide.com/newsroom/safety.jsp

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