Newsletter

Hot Weather Tips From Columbia River Insurance Services

 

Summer is here, and the 4th of July is just around the corner. As we move to do more outside activities, it will be important to remember to stay cool. For people who labor outside throughout the summer, heatstroke is the most serious risk and should be handled as a medical emergency. Heatstroke happens when the body's temperature is out of control, causing damage to the brain and other internal organs. Heatstroke can result in permanent impairment or even death if not treated promptly.

• Drink plenty of water
• Do not consume alcohol in the heat
• Appliances generate heat. An oven can easily raise the room temperature by 10 degrees. Save cooking with heat for cooler hours during the day, or cook outdoors on your grill. It is also a good idea to run the dishwasher and clothes dryer at night.
• Choose garments made from natural fibers, such as cotton, which is breathable. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that will allow air to circulate while you are out in the heat.
• Eat small meals more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein because they increase metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• A cool shower or bath is a great way to stay cool and much more effective than using an electric fan.
• Limit physical activity: Take breaks during the day.

Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related sickness, defined as a body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Hot, red skin, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, disorientation, delirium, and coma are some of the symptoms.

Please keep an eye on your neighbors who are old, housebound, or otherwise hesitant to seek assistance in your neighborhood. On hot days, you can offer to host them in your air-conditioned living room, transport them to a nearby cooling center, or phone family or city agencies to make arrangements for them to stay cool.

All of us at Columbia River Insurance Services hope you stay cool and enjoy your summer! Keep us in mind if you need to insure your summer toys.
 

Consumers who previously went direct to the health insurance market are returning to agents, according to a recent survey by Assurant Health. According to the report, 60 percent of consumers who previously purchased directly from the market have returned to agents for assistance. Consumers have determined that their expenses remain constant, and that having an independent agent adds value. We strive to offer our clients the best insurance options available to meet their needs.

As a local independent agency, we represent many companies. We always maintain and deliver personal attention and strive for first class customer service. Our expertise lies with our well trained and experienced agents.

We value your feedback and we want to hear from you. There are a number of ways for you to get in touch with us.

If you would like to speak to us right away, please call us today and speak to any of our experienced Medicare insurance agents. In Vancouver, please call us at 360.883.5776. In Portland, please call us at 503.382.9091. If email is your preference, you may email us at [email protected]

It has always been our focus to offer our clients the best insurance options available to meet their individual needs.
 

Most people insure their material possessions—their homes and cars, for example. But many of these same people don't insure what is probably their most valuable asset — their ability to work and earn income. Disability insurance is designed to replace your income should you become unable to work at your current job. Disability insurance is important because it can ease the financial burden on a household when someone has a serious illness or injury. There are two basic kinds of disability insurance:

Short-term disability insurance covers a percentage of your lost salary should injury or illness knocks you out of work for more than a few days. Payments generally kick in when you have exhausted any available sick leave. Duration of benefits varies by policy, but six months is typical.

Long-term disability insurance is a more typical insurance product in that it protects you from catastrophic illness or injury, including tragic twists of fate that permanently end your ability to earn a paycheck. These policies usually pick up where short-term disability policies leave off. Some last only five or 10 years, but you want one that covers you until age 65.

Health insurance is only half the story. If health insurance pays your doctors and hospital, who will pay you when you become ill or injured? Income protection insurance does just that. Your best asset is your ability to earn a living. Call us today to see how affordable it is to protect it.
 

• Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
• If you want drug coverage, you can join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D).
• You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
• If you choose Original Medicare, you can also decide to:
  • Join a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) if you want drug coverage.
  • Add other insurance (like Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicaid, or employee or union coverage), to help pay your out-of-pocket costs (like your 20% coinsurance).

  • Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C)

  • Medicare Advantage is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
  • Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
  • In many cases, you’ll need to use doctors and other providers who are in the plan’s network and service area for the lowest costs.
  • Most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, dental, and more.

  • Learn more about how Medicare Advantage Plans work.