Washington wildfire victims: Hire smart when repairing, rebuilding

As Washington consumers begin to rebuild and repair their homes and businesses after this summer's wildfires, we are partnering with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to share this message: Hire registered contractors.

Unregistered contractors often have no bond or liability insurance, don’t get building permits, and fail to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. It’s a risky combination that leaves property owners financially vulnerable if workers are injured on their property or the contractor does shoddy work – or takes a down payment and never returns.

Construction contractors are required to register with L&I. In turn, L&I confirms that they have a business license, liability insurance and a bond – requirements that give property owners some monetary recourse if something goes wrong.

Hiring registered contractors provides the best chance for success and to protect your investment.

Hire Smart to avoid rebuilding and repair headaches

• Verify your prospective contractor’s registration at www.ProtectMyHome.net or call 1-800-647-0982.
• Get at least three written bids.
• Check contractor references.
• Pay only as work is completed.

Moda will honor health coverage according to current contracts

The announcement this week by Moda Health that it’s withdrawing from the Washington insurance market has understandably raised questions from its current enrollees.

Enrollees should be aware that their current policies will remain in effect according to the terms of the contracts. Moda said it will fulfill its obligations for plans signed on or renewed by Oct. 31, 2015. That includes policies that have already been sold that start on Nov. 1 or Dec. 1, 2015. Policies that start on Jan. 1, 2016 or later will be terminated.

That’s true for individual, small- and large-group employer plans.

Moda this week notified the Washington Health Benefit Exchange of its decision to quit doing business here. The Exchange is reaching out to its customers to let them know.

You can read that notification here.

In Washington state, Moda has:

• About 18,000 people enrolled in the individual market inside and outside of the Exchange.
• About 29,000 people covered through large-group plans.  
• Another 900 enrolled in small-employer plans. 

Moda said it is withdrawing from Washington to focus on its business in Oregon and Alaska.

By the first week of November, the Oregon-based company is expected to notify all of its enrollees of its withdrawal from Washington.

Do you need flood insurance? Now is the time to do your research

Residents in Eastern Washington are facing increased risk of flooding after extreme wildfires the last two summers destroyed much of the vegetation there that would normally help prevent landslides and mudflows.

Flood damage is not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Consumers who want to protect their property must purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Most properties qualify for NFIP, as long as it is located in a community that participates in the NFIP.

NFIP has told to us that Okanogan County and most towns within the county will be able to purchase flood insurance.

Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before your flood insurance policy takes effect. Here is information on how to find an agent near you who sells flood insurance policies through NFIP.

Read more about flood insurance: Are you protected against flood damage?

Eastern Washington fires burned down much of the vegetation that prevents flooding.
Photo courtesy Washington Military Department. 

OIC partners with the American Indian Health Commission on Medicare training

 Terri Osborne, SHIBA, right, speaks with 

AIHC Executive Director Vickie Lowe. 

Earlier this year, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler signed a contract with the American Indian Health Commission (AIHC) to support providing Medicare and other related training to tribal staff throughout the state.

The Commissioner's State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) held its first quarterly training on Oct. 21 at Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal facilities in Kitsap County to 35 staff from several Western Washington tribes.

SHIBA will provide training throughout the year to tribes all over the state. Next up is a training in Spokane for tribes in the region.

The goal of the training to provide tribal assisters with information about Medicare eligibility, benefits and coordination with Medicaid for tribal elders and tribal members who need health care.

Dale Ensign with SHIBA provides
training to tribal staff about Medicare.

Mold, mildew, rot typically not covered by homeowner’s insurance

Living in the Northwest, it is not unusual for homeowners to discover mold, mildew or rot damage to their homes as a result of things like a leaking pipe, a hole in the roof, a failing window seal or improper venting.

Such damage is considered wear and tear and is typically not covered by homeowner's insurance. Insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental damage caused by specific perils, such as a windstorm, fire or explosion. Some policies may cover mold or mildew damage discovered and reported within two weeks of the leak that caused the damage and some insurers offer limited mold coverage. Consumers should check their policies to find out what is covered.  

We do hear from consumers who are unhappy to find out this type of damage is not covered by their insurance. If the policy specifically excludes such damage, we can't compel the company to pay for the repairs. 

Here are some perils that homeowner's insurance policies typically do not cover:

• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Mold damage
• Damage due to animals or rodents
• Foundation settling 

Read about more things insurance doesn't cover. 

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