NEW HOW TO GET CHEAP CAR INSURANCE TIPS

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Looking for the best car insurance deals? This guide will take you through the best way to get cheap car insurance and explain how to use online comparison sites, best buy articles and insurance brokers. Our five-step guide could save you hundreds of pounds on car insurance.

Auto insurance can be a major cost for motorists who already face high fuel prices, paying for regular MOTs and services and of course covering the cost of the vehicle they drive each day.

If you’re looking to find cheaper cover, try these tips for lowering your car insurance costs. There are a handful of ways to help reduce your car insurance costs? Whether you are male or female, old or young, follow our ten steps to lower premiums.

Cheap Car Insurance

Tips To Get Cheap Car Insurance

1. Shop Around
Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers. (State insurance department phone numbers and Web sites can be found on the back cover.)

2. Compare Car Insurance Costs
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

3. Don't Put Everyone on Your Policy
Ensure that only regular drivers are named on the policy. You can always add someone for a few days when they really need to drive the car.

4. Increase Your Voluntary Excess
Agreeing to pay more towards the cost of any accident repairs will bring down premiums. If you are not at fault in an accident, the excess can be recovered. Beware being tempted to allow it to rise too high, however, especially if you have a lower value car.

5. Buy Homeowners and Auto Coverage From The Same Insurer
Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multipolicy discount.

6. Do Fewer Miles
Reduced mileage equates to a greater saving.
For example, a reduction in annual mileage of 5,000 miles could save a typical 35-year-old driver about £50 a year in premiums.
A cut of 10,000 miles a year could save more than £100.
But you must be honest about your annual mileage, as inaccuracy will jeopardise any claim.
Check your use cover - if you don't use your car to drive to work or for business - both things that increase your premium - you may be able to get a cheaper rate.

7. Mantain A Good Credit Record
Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Most insurers use credit information to price auto insurance policies. Research shows that people who effectively manage their credit have fewer claims. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don’t obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

8. Pay for Your Car Insurance Annually, Not Monthly
Check with your insurance company because sometimes you are charged interest if you pay by instalments.

9. Seek Out Other Discounts
When you comparison shop, inquire about discounts for the following:

• Antitheft Devices
• Auto and Homeowners Coverage with the Same Company
• College Students away from Home
• Defensive Driving Courses
• Drivers Ed Courses
• Good Credit Record
• Higher deductibles
• Low Annual Mileage
• Long-Time Customer
• More than 1 car
• No Accidents in 3 Years
• No Moving Violations in 3 Years
• Student Drivers with Good Grades

(The discounts listed may not be available in all states or from all insurance companies)

The key to savings is not the discounts, but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.

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CHEAP FULL COVERAGE AUTO INSURANCE ONLINE

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Many car owners avoid buying full coverage policies because they think they are too expensive. Or they’ve checked with their current carrier and were intimidated by a pricey quote.
But you’ll be surprised how affordable full coverage auto insurance can be. Auto insurance carriers are eager to sign up new customers, so competition is fierce to offer prices that are attractive.
 

Full Coverage Auto Insurance

Full coverage auto insurance generally refers to policies that include collision and comprehensive insurance — which actually cover very specific risks — in addition to liability insurance.
If you finance your car, your lender might require you to buy full coverage auto insurance. Aside from that, comprehensive and collision are optional, although some insurers don’t let you add one without the other.
 

Comprehensive and collision coverage are particularly sound investments if:

• have a new or expensive car.
• regularly commute in heavy traffic.
• live in a place with extreme weather, high car theft rates or a high risk of animal collisions.

Cheap Full Coverage Auto Insurance

However, the older your vehicle and the lower its value, the less benefit there is to having full coverage. 

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Limits

When you buy a full coverage auto  insurance policy, you and your insurer will settle on the payout limits for the individual parts of the policy. Usually, a policy has separate limits for medical bills, repair bills and collision/ comprehensive coverage, so it is important to know all of them. Limits can range from $10,000 to $300,000, but there are always limits. 

For example, if you have a $50,000 limit on your personal injury liability coverage but you cause injuries totaling $150,000 in an accident, you will end up paying $100,000 out of pocket.  To protect yourself better, you can select higher limits, but this will, of course, also raise your monthly premiums.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Deductibles

Also be aware that during any insurance settlement you will also need to pay the deductible. Thus, no matter how high your insurance limits are, you will still be liable for the predetermined deductible you and your insurer agreed on.

Auto insurance liability coverage
Liability insurance coverage covers bodily injury to others and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Bodily injury pays others' medical costs and lost wages subject to policy coverage provisions and limits. Liability coverage can also pay for your legal expenses if a lawsuit is brought against you due to an accident.
 

Collision coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if you hit another vehicle, another vehicle hits you, or your vehicle rolls over. Collision coverage can be a required part of your car insurance coverage if your vehicle is financed or leased.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
Even with full coverage, there are other policy options you might need. For example, uninsured motorist protection, towing and labor service, and medical payments insurance all provide coverage that collision and comprehensive won’t.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident by an underinsured, uninsured or unidentified driver. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage also helps pay your medical costs and your passengers' medical costs if an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver results in injury. 

This car insurance coverage may also pay for lost wages and other damages. Auto coverage varies from state to state and is required in some states.

Medical payment coverage
If you are injured in an accident, medical payment coverage can help pay for your medical expenses.

Comprehensive coverage
When used together, comprehensive and collision coverage are great ways to protect your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage may cover damage to your vehicle not caused by collision.

Additional types of insurance coverage
Designed to protect you against the unexpected, these coverage options include roadside assistance if your car breaks down, towing and labor if you're stranded and rental reimbursement to cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop for accident-related repairs.

How Much Average Cost for Full Coverage Car Insurance

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the USA average for a full coverage policy is $70.10 per month*. However, how much a full coverage policy will cost you will most likely vary quite a bit above or below the average depending on many factors.

The driver always plays an important role in establishing the price of a policy. Insurance companies will always try to determine how much of a risk you are, i.e. how likely you are to be involved in an accident where they would have to pay. They will look closely at your driving history. DUIs, speeding tickets and previous accidents are sure to increase your premium significantly. Other factors such as your age, gender, experience, the make of your car and where you live also play a role based on statistics of drivers that fit your description.

These additional variables mean that you and a friend can go to the same company and buy the same full coverage auto insurance policy with the same services on it and your premiums will be different. This makes it difficult to establish the true price of a policy without getting a full quote.

In order to find the company offering the best deal, the important thing is to get as many quotes as possible for the same level of coverage.

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CHEAP CAR INSURANCE – TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR CAR INSURANCE COSTS

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With the cost of car insurance becoming more and more of an issue for the average American family, there are increasing numbers of people looking for cheap car insurance. But although it is possible to find cheap car insurance, the question remains, is it worth buying?

Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all equal. Cheap car insurance is wonderful when paying the bill, but make a mistake on the company you select and you could find that the cheap car insurance policy that you found may turn into a nightmare. Cheap car insurance may not turn out to be so attractive when making a claim.

So if you have found a discount car insurance broker don’t just take the cheapest quote that you get. You need to find out a little about the insurance company that is offering the cheap car insurance rates.
And there’s ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to  help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.

Cheap Car Insurance Tips

One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record.

Listed below are other things you can do to reduce your insurance costs. 

1. Find a good online  discount car insurance broker before renewing.
The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts of discount insurance brokers online where you can get fast quotes from a wide range of companies. Don’t just settle for the same company you always use. Car insurance rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before renewing any policy.

2. Look at your policy when it comes to renewal time, don’t just pay. There are some things that you can vary in your policy that will affect the cost. Often there are some things there which duplicate other insurance that you may have that can be eliminated. Be critical, look carefully and ask questions about all these before you renew your policy.

3. Look at your deductible amount.
This is the amount that you pay first out of any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.

4. Have a look at the type of car you drive.
Certain types of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Cars such as sports cars and also certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost more to insure. If you are buying a car then find out which makes and models these are before you buy.

5. Drive carefully.
Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. You won’t get cheap car insurance if you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.

6. Considering installing safety and anti theft devices in your car.
Again these affect your risk profile. If you have a car that is safer and less at risk of theft it should be cheaper to insure. And if you have a car with certain safety devices now check that your insurance company is aware of these, if not tell them.

7. Have a look at who your other insurers are.
Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Get a quote from them. Find out what discounts they offer.

So if you’re in the market for cheap car insurance there’s some ideas for you. Don’t just accept that car insurance is always prohibitively expensive, get out there and do something about it.

Car Insurance Top Tips

The car insurance industry has got really competitive in the last few years, so prices haven't really changed much. There are now over 100 car insurers to choose from, so there are some very good deals out there for those who are prepared to shop around. 23% of motorists still choose to insure with the same company as the year before, but they could undoubtedly save money if they did check out some other companies.

Motorists could be forgiven for not getting other quotes, it used to be a very laborious exercise involving long waits while getting routed through the call centre, and boring repetition of facts to sales advisors. Now, thanks to the internet, it's all a lot more simple. Car insurers also offer extra discounts to people who buy online.

However, you need to consider the quality of the policy, not just the price:

• Check that your low quotation is not due to an extremely high excess.
• Check that you will get a courtesy car if your car needs to be taken in for repairs.
• Check that legal insurance cover is included, if you want it, and automatic windscreen replacement.
• Find out if there is an accident help line in case of an emergency.

It's a good idea to ring the insurer direct to talk through the policy in detail before signing up online.

Car Insurance Quotes Online - Money Saving Tips

You can get a quote with over 40 car insurers if you input your details into a good car insurance broker's website. You'll only need to give your details once. Call the insurer with the quotation to check exactly what is and isn't covered.

a garage, then you'll save by keeping your car there overnight. You'll also make savings if you can keep your car on a driveway. This is because there is more chance your car being broken into or vandalised if it's kept on the road.

Give your insurer an accurate picture of how many miles you do each year – you will save if you travel less.
Some occupations, like being a landlord, journalist or professional footballer (if only) attract higher premiums. You can save money if you work in finance or the civil service.

Get married! Men under 30 pay more if they're not married – it's just the excuse your girlfriend is looking for!

Under 25's pay more, but you can get lower premiums if can put a driver over the age of 25 with a good driving record on your policy as a named driver. That person must be under 60 though, as premiums rise again at that age.

Agreeing to higher excess (the average cost is £100) will help lower your premiums.
If your car is not of a high value, you could get third party cover and make quite a saving compared to fully comprehensive insurance.

Pay as you go insurance is a new option for 18-21 year olds. It's a recent development introduced by Norwich Union, in which you pay a unit cost per mile. The cost per mile is more between 11pm and 6am. You pay an initial fee of £199 to have a Global Positioning System fitted to your car, and then it transmits details of your mileage direct to Norwich Union. They send you a monthly invoice and you pay for the miles you've done!

Taking Pass Plus lessons to improve your driving abilities could save you around a third on your premiums. They cost £15 - £30 an hour and cover driving at night, in busy rush hour jams and fast motorway driving. You can find out more at www.passplus.org.uk . You can also improve your driving skills and make insurance savings with the Institute of Advanced Motorists ( www.iam.org.uk ).

Find out the insurance group of a car before you make the purchase. There are twenty insurance groups – the slower and less desirable the car (to criminals) then the lower the rating. You could make considerable savings by choosing a car in a lower insurance group.

If you want a high spec or performance car then you can expect to pay a lot more on your insurance. They're a lot more likely to be stolen or involved in an accident. Making the sensible choice might be a bit boring, but it will be a lot cheaper.

Watch your speed. Most insurance companies will let you get away with a single fixed penalty fine but if you repeat the offence then your premiums will rocket.

Protect your no claims discount as soon as you can (usually after four years). It costs a bit extra but it's well worth it.

Satellite navigation in your car will lower your premiums. Insurers have found that people concentrate more on their driving and less on trying to find their way, which means less chance of having an accident.

It's a good idea to have an engine immobiliser or alarm fitted not just because it could help you keep hold of your car, it will also make you a saving of 5-8%.

If there's two or more cars in the household, get them on the same policy to get a good discount.

Car Insurance, Essential Information About Excess Payments

An excess payment is the fixed contribution you must pay each time your car is repaired through your car insurance policy. Normally the payment is made directly to the accident repair garage when you collect the car. If your car is declared to be a write off, your insurance company will deduct the excess agreed on the policy from the settlement payment it makes to you. 

If the accident was the other drivers fault, and this is accepted by the third party's insurer, you'll be able to reclaim your excess payment from the other person's insurance company. But what if the other driver is uninsured? 

All motorists know that it's a legal requirement (under Section 143 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act) to have insurance for any damage they cause to third parties. But still many drive without insurance. An estimate of the incidence of uninsured driving in the UK is hard to come by and, for the obvious reasons, those drivers involved in breaking the law have every reason to keep quiet about it. 

Calculations from the Department of Transport suggest that in the UK around 5% of vehicles are being driven without valid insurance. This group of people not only impose costs on honest motorists in the form of higher premiums, but their presence on our roads also represents a serious risk to other road users. Consequently, uninsured driving is increasingly being regarded as a major social problem. 

But driving without insurance is not a victimless crime. If you have an accident with an uninsured driver and the accident wasn't your fault, the repair costs will be paid for by the Motor Insurers' Bureau that's funded in its entirety by the industry, or by your insurer. Therefore, if you're involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver you'll eventually get you car repaired but you'll still have to pay the excess and there'll be no one to reclaim your excess from. 

What is a Compulsory Excess?

A compulsory excess is the minimum excess payment your insurer will accept on your insurance policy. Minimum excesses do vary according to your personal details and driving record and by insurance company. Today the average excess is around £100, but younger drivers could be faced with excesses of up to £500 - whilst more mature, experienced drivers with a good driving record, could be offered an excess of just £50. 

What is a Voluntary Excess?

In order to reduce your insurance premium, you may offer to pay a higher excess than the compulsory excess demanded by your insurance company. Your voluntary excess is the extra amount over and above the compulsory excess that you agree to pay in the event of a claim on the policy. As a bigger excess reduces the financial risk carried by your insurer, your insurer I able to offer you a significantly lower premium. 

The garage has repaired my car but it won't release the car too me until I pay the policy excess to them. Is this right? 

Yes, that is normal practice. But make sure you inspect the car when you collect it. Satisfy yourself that the repair is perfect. Then make sure you keep their receipt for your excess payment as you will need this if you're reclaiming against a third party's insurance. And just in case there's a dispute, it's a good idea to make sure the repair garage gives you a repair schedule. This will list all the repairs that were made to you car.

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How Cars Get Classified as Group 1 For Insurance

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Within the Uk, each and every vehicle manufactured for that marketplace is put into an insurance group. There's, however one slight exception towards the rule. Package cars, converted cars, imported cars, and modified cars that no more fit the manufacturer's specifications aren't allotted into any groups.

The particular groups vary from someone to 50. Group 1 is how all of the least expensive cars to insure are put and Group 50 has got the most costly. Consequently, motorists covering Group 1 cars spend the money for cheapest monthly rates.

The grouping system for vehicle insurance makes people think hard prior to making purchases. Other automobiles are arranged exactly the same way, with 20 of these for motorbikes and 20 more for vans or light commercial automobiles. Most insurance companies stick to the grouping system, although they aren't obligated to do this.
Repairs - based on insurance companies, over 1 / 2 of their affiliate payouts in claims finish up entering repairs. The cash covers spares and manual work. One factor that's considered when setting a vehicle for an insurance group may be the vulnerability from the vehicle whether it were within an accident. You should measure the damage when it comes to the price of parts and how long it requires to repair the automobile. Cars in Group 1 don't require costly parts and don't take enough time to correct. In reality, it's frequently the work costs that comprise the majority of the balance.

Performance - the faster or even more effective the vehicle, the greater costly it's to insure. Cars with quick acceleration and also have high-top speeds have been in the greater-designated groups simply because they have a tendency to carry bigger engines that are more expensive to correct. Statistics reveal that high-performance cars have a tendency to generate more claims. It makes sense that individuals who own high-performance cars exhibit more risky driving actions.

Security - better standard, manufacturer-installed security cost less to insure. Cars in Group 1 have great security products. When the vehicle has added security, it's the driver's responsibility to allow the insurance company know. The additional security would affect rates. Insurance companies have a tendency to favor Thatcham-approved security measures to incorporate immobilisers, sensors, high-spec door locks, glass etching, prominent Vehicle Identification Amounts, and coded audio equipment.

Another component that plays into the price of covering an organization 1 vehicle may be the model. Different types of the identical make could land in various groups because they've already different performance abilities and specifications. The plethora of groups a car's make can land in ranges quite broadly, impacting on the driver's ultimate decision when looking for a vehicle.

The majority of the cars that finish in Group 1 for vehicle insurance are front-wheel drive with 5-speed manual transmissions. They're typically hatchbacks that chair four rather easily. These gas- and eco-friendly cars are 999cc or fewer and don't always house the biggest motors. These modest cars are sufficient for motorists who must receive from Point A to suggest B regularly. They do not reside in their automobiles and don't need all of the features.

Cars which are put into Group 1 insurance have a tendency to attract individuals who don't want they are driving fancy automobiles. Group 1 also targets youthful motorists who need to pay very high rates due to their lack of skill. Youthful males, particularly, makes more insurance claims than others.

Ultimately, the best factor to complete when thinking about a brand new vehicle is to check out the insurance groups. When you are performing so, think about it that some vehicle makes fall under multiple groups with respect to the model. The price of insurance rates would likely dictate which vehicle helps make the most sense to buy.

Cars in Group 1 include, but aren't restricted to:

Chevrolet Spark

Citron C1

Fiat Panda

Hyundai i10

Chair Mii

Skoda Citigo

Vauxhall Corsa

Volkswagens Fox or more


Motorists who wish to discover much more about which cars have been in Group 1, they are able to visit such websites as thisismoney.co.united kingdom, carpages.co.united kingdom, or uswitch.com. Lists are available on these web sites that detail the cars covered under Group 1 insurance. 12345

Wednesday is the deadline to get a health plan for Jan. 1

12345 Consumers have until Dec. 23 to sign up for a health plan through Washington Health Benefit Exchange for coverage that begins on Jan. 1. The last day to get health insurance for 2016 is Jan. 31. People who do not have a health plan for 2016 face a penalty on their taxes of 2.5 percent of their income or $695 per person, whichever is higher. Read more about the tax penalty.

If you are still looking for a health plan, you can look for one at our state�s health insurance exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder and find out if you qualify for financial help, including tax credits that may lower the cost of coverage. If you do not qualify for help with your health insurance, you can contact an insurance agent or broker to find out what your plan options are.

Read some tips from our office about things you should consider when shopping for a health plan.

Questions? You can contact our consumer advocates online or at 1-800-562-6900.

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Join telephone town hall to get answers to your questions about Social Security, Medicare

12345 Join the King County Library System (KCLS) for a live telephone town hall meeting with specialists from the Social Security Administration and Washington Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA). This free event will take place on Wednesday, May 18 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

Topics will include how to make the most of your Social Security benefits, health insurance and Medicare coverage. 

A telephone town hall is like a radio talk show, but you simply listen on your phone! Experts will take live questions from the audience. 

On the day of the telephone town hall you will receive a telephone call from the library between 10:25 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. Please answer the call and stay on the line, as it could take a few minutes before the call starts. You will hear some introductory remarks and then be connected.

Be sure to include your telephone number in the registration to receive a phone call! 

Brought to you by the Social Security Administration, Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the KCLS Foundation and AARP.

Register here for the telephone town hall.  12345

Need help with Medicare? Events being held around the state through summer

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Consumers get help at a SHIBA event in Washington state

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has a program that helps Washingtonians sign up for Medicare and other health care programs. It's called Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) and it offers free, unbiased and confidential assistance with Medicare and other health care choices.

SHIBA can help you:

• Understand your health care coverage options and rights.
• Determine your general eligibility for health care coverage programs.
• Evaluate and compare health insurance plans.

SHIBA holds events around the state to help people who are just getting signed up for Medicare--called birthday events--and information sessions for people who are new to Medicare or simply have questions about it.

Upcoming events:

• May 5: Lacey Community Center 
• June 18: Shoreline Conference Center
• June 23: Community Cultural Center of Tonasket 
• June 24: Grand Coulee Senior Center 
• July 9: Seattle Central Library
• Aug. 6: Kent Senior Activity Center

Find out more about these events and other events on the SHIBA calendar. 

Read more about SHIBA and how it can help you. Do you have Medicare questions? Call 1-800-562-6900. 12345

Gov. Inslee honors Cowlitz County SHIBA volunteer

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From right: SHIBA Volunteer Coordinator Terri Osbourne,
volunteer Elouise Maahs and volunteer coordinator Sarah Clark

Congratulations to SHIBA Volunteer Elouise Maahs for receiving the Governor�s Volunteer Service Award in the health care category.

Elouise, who volunteers for SHIBA with Lower Columbia Community Action Council in Cowlitz County, was honored on April 11 at the Governor�s mansion, where she receive her award from Gov. Jay Inslee. A SHIBA volunteer since 2008, Elouise serves as a data specialist, where she records and processes client cases. In the past year she�s processed over 6,000 client cases. Eloise was nominated for her dedication and commitment to ensuring that seniors and people disabilities have their Medicare issues, complaints and appeals processed in a timely manner.

In addition to meeting the Governor on April 11, Eloise also stopped by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner/SHIBA and had the opportunity to receive congratulations personally from Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.

Read more about SHIBA, which provides free, unbiased, and confidential assistance with Medicare and health care choices. 12345

Most colonoscopies should be covered 100% by your insurance

12345 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that insurance companies cover 100 percent of the cost of preventive colonoscopies for adults older than age 50. Of course you�ll need to see a provider who is part of your plan�s provider network.

However, despite this new reform, we do hear consumers who�ve had a routine preventive colonoscopy only to have their insurer process their claim as �cost-shared diagnostic care,� which is subject to their annual deductible and coinsurance.

We also sometimes hear from consumers who receive a substantial surgical bill when a polyp is discovered and removed during a preventive colonoscopy. The Affordable Care Act and other federal guidelines protect consumers from extra charges for polyp removal during a preventive colonoscopy. If you receive a bill for polyp removal, you should file a complaint with us and we�ll help you get those charges reversed.

If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, any previous related symptoms may result in your provider processing the cancer screening as diagnostic and not preventive. In that case, your treatment would not be covered as preventive care and you�ll likely have additional costs. If you have any questions, check with your doctor.

Be aware that if a procedure or treatment is not a recommended preventive service, it may be subject to your plan�s deductible and cost-sharing. Also, if a medical recommendation or guideline regarding a preventive service does not specify the frequency, method, treatment, or setting for that service, your insurer may limit your coverage.
Here are some important tips to remember:

• If you have any questions, first talk to your doctor or medical provider and your insurance company. 
• Read more about which health benefits are required under the ACA.
• If you receive a bill from your insurance company that you disagree with, request an appeal.
• In addition, file a complaint with us.

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Protect yourself from Medicare fraud

12345 The Insurance Commissioner�s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is Washington state�s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). A federally funded and volunteer-based program, SHIBA/SMP volunteers provide education on how to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud.

Medicare is the national health care plan for all U.S. citizens age 65 and older. It also covers people younger than age 65 who receive Social Security Disability Income and people who are diagnosed with certain medical conditions.

In Washington state, SHIBA/SMP volunteers help protect seniors and fight health care fraud, leaving more money in the system for everyone. Our state�s volunteers educate beneficiaries on how to avoid becoming victims of health care fraud, and how to report abuse or fraud, related to their Medicare benefits.

We all pay a price for Medicare fraud, waste and abuse, which contributes significantly to rising health care costs. There are three things you can do to help fight Medicare fraud:

1. Know your rights. As a person with Medicare, you have certain rights and protections designed to help protect you and make sure you get the health care services the law says you can get.
2. Protect your identity. Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes. Keep this personal information safe:
• Your name.
• Your Social Security Number (SSN).
• Your Medicare number (or your membership card if you�re in a Medicare Advantage or other Medicare health plan).
• Your credit card and bank account numbers.
3. Get involved with other seniors with the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). The SMP educates and empowers people with Medicare to take an active role in detecting and preventing health care fraud and abuse.

You can find more Medicare fraud tips on our website. If you suspect Medicare fraud or have questions about your bill:

• Call OIC�s Statewide Health Benefits Insurance Advisors (SHIBA) at 1-800-562-6900 or email us at shibahelpline@oic.wa.gov.
• Contact your local SHIBA office.

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