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Top Three Things to Know About Signing up for Medicare

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Whether you’re approaching retirement age or have a health condition that can significantly affect your future, signing up for Medicare is essential in preparing for your health-related needs. Understanding the enrollment process can help make the transition to Medicare smoother. Here are three critical things you should know about the Medicare enrollment process: 

  • Initial Enrollment Period: The first opportunity most people have to sign up for Medicare is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This period consists of six months, including the three before your 65th birthday and the three following that month. There’s also a General Employment Period, which begins on January 1st and goes through to March 31st each year. However, enrolling during this period can lead to delayed coverage, and you may face late enrollment penalties. 
  • Reliable Source: When you’re in the process of signing up for Medicare and you reside near Ruidoso, NM, you want to have a reliable source to turn to, such as Family Insurance Associates. This way, you can read about various topics that may fit your specific situation. Also, you can obtain information for those residing in your general area. 
  • Coverage Options: Medicare consists of several parts, each covering different healthcare aspects. Part A covers the hospital portion, and Part B covers the medical services. Part C combines Part A and Part B. Part D is the prescription drug coverage.

You’ll find detailed information on Family Insurance Associates that can break down each part for those near the Ruidoso, NM area. This way, you can enroll in the type of Medicare that will most meet your health-related needs.

Why Keep Homeowners Insurance Once My Mortgage is Paid?

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Regular mortgage payments can sometimes strain the budget, especially if your payments are high or you’ve opted for balloon payments. Regardless of your specific situation, once your mortgage has been paid off, you may consider getting rid of your homeowners’ insurance. However, you might want to rethink things and keep this valuable insurance. 

Reasons to Keep Your Homeowners’ Insurance

Homeownership is an investment, and most people want to protect their investments. One powerful way to protect your investment is to maintain adequate insurance coverage. A homeowner can never predict when someone might sue them because they were injured on their property. This could be very costly; without insurance, you would be required to pay the person out-of-pocket. Furthermore, your home could incur unexpected damage anytime, and your policy would most likely cover repairs and other losses. Could you imagine paying out of pocket to replace all your belongings because a fire has destroyed everything? That would be catastrophic because most people don’t have much cash. 

What to Do if You Can’t Afford to Keep Your Insurance

If you feel your insurance rates are no longer affordable, you have options. First of all, you could switch insurance agencies. Many agencies, including Family Insurance Associates, provide insurance coverage for the Ruidoso, NM area. Also, some insurance agencies will offer a discount if you combine all your insurance with one company. This means that you would purchase auto, life, homeowners, and any other insurance from the same company. 

As you can see, it is wise to keep your homeowners’ insurance, even once you’ve paid off your home. If you feel your rate is too high, then give us a call at Family Insurance Associates. We proudly serve the Ruidoso, NM area and are available to provide you with a quote for our homeowners’ coverage, hopefully enabling you to save money today. 

Choosing Dental and Vision Insurance

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Today, many people find insurance to be confusing and overwhelming. At Family Insurance Associates, we want to help the residents of Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding areas, make intelligent, confident insurance decisions. Keep reading to learn more about choosing dental and vision insurance. 

Why Is Insurance Confusing?

Insurance can seem confusing because there are many types of insurance plans for different needs. If you don’t know how these different types of plans work for different types of people, you can quickly start feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices. You can alleviate some of this confusion and overwhelm by sitting down with a knowledgeable insurance representative. This professional will be able to walk you through the different plans available and help you decide which one is right for you. 

Are Dental and Vision Part of Health Insurance?

In some cases, yes, but in other cases, no. Some forms of health insurance include dental and vision coverage. If this is the case, you can make a few quick decisions to determine which services you will need. If dental and vision are not included in your health insurance, you will want to spend some time researching the types of available plans and which will work best for you. 

Do I Need Dental and Vision Insurance?

Dental and vision insurance are excellent services to have. Dental services and vision services can be expensive when paid for out of pocket. A dental and vision insurance plan can help offset some of these expenses. 

If you would like to learn more about health, dental, or vision insurance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Family Insurance Associates serving Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to help you. 

No-Exam Life Insurance Policies for New Mexico Applicants

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Life insurance policies can be confusing, and those requiring an exam often end up providing less coverage than someone needs, which is why no-exam life insurance policies are becoming a popular choice. These policies offer coverage without worrying about the hassle of a medical exam or a lengthy underwriting process. Still, there are many benefits to these policies, as well as more than one type.

Benefits of No-Exam Life Insurance Policies

No-exam life insurance policies have become popular due to their convenience and quick application process. Unlike traditional policies, they don’t require a medical exam or a lengthy underwriting process, allowing individuals in the Ruidoso, NM area to obtain coverage with minimal effort quickly. No-exam policies are especially beneficial for those with pre-existing medical conditions or who need immediate coverage due to major life changes.

Types of No-Exam Life Insurance Policies

There are mainly two types of no-exam life insurance policies available: simplified issue and guaranteed issue. Simplified issue policies require applicants to answer a few medical questions on the application, but they offer higher coverage limits and are usually more affordable than guaranteed issue policies. For help determining whether simplified or guaranteed issue policies are right for you, contact the experts at Family Insurance Associates.

Factors to Consider

When looking for a no-exam life insurance policy, there are several important things to keep in mind. These include how much you’ll need to pay in premiums, how much coverage you need, how long you’ll need coverage, the policy’s terms and conditions, and the insurance company’s reputation. Always take your time to compare policies for your specific needs.

Protect your family’s future with the help of Family Insurance Associates, serving the Ruidoso, NM area. Our team of experienced agents will work with you to find the right insurance coverage for your budget and needs. Visit our website today, or email us to learn more and to get started.

Be Prepared for Whatever Comes Your Way with Commercial Insurance

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If you’re a business owner in New Mexico and looking for ways to protect your business investments, consider getting commercial insurance. 

Contact the insurance experts at Family Insurance Services in Ruidoso, NM for a free quote! 

Be Prepared for The Unexpected and Whatever Comes Your Way with Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance is like having a financial security blanket that helps shield your business from financial losses in the form of lawsuits, theft of services, theft of intellectual property, and damage from natural disasters. 

General liability insurance shields your business from devastating financial losses from lawsuits if patrons are injured on your property. 

Worker’s comp can safeguard your finances against compensation claims for medical reimbursement and damages awarded to injured employees on the job site. 

How to Choose the Best Commercial Insurance Policy for Your Business in New Mexico

Business owners have a wide variety of insurance options to shield their financial investments from unexpected losses. 

The best way to find a custom commercial insurance policy to protect every aspect of your business is to talk to a knowledgeable insurance agent who can show you the benefits of each policy type.

A licensed insurance agent at Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM can answer your questions about getting commercial insurance in New Mexico.

They can also review individual commercial insurance policy options, add-ons, and premiums to customize coverage. 

Get a Commercial Insurance Quote in New Mexico

Ready to invest in a New Mexico commercial insurance policy to protect your business? An insurance solution is available if you need insurance to protect your business assets, commercial trucking fleet, or liability protection. 

Contact an insurance agent at Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso and get a free quote for commercial insurance today! 

Tips to improve your gas mileage

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Fuel economy is an important factor to consider when considering the cost of owning and operating a vehicle here in Ruidoso, NM. Driving habits, maintenance, and choices are all important factors affecting your gas mileage. Here are some tips from us at Family Insurance Associates on how to get the most out of every trip and improve your gas mileage:

  1. Drive smart: Accelerate slowly, maintain a steady speed, and avoid rapid braking. This will help you save fuel by reducing friction and decreasing the amount of stop-and-go driving. 
  2. Regular maintenance: Keeping up with regular maintenance checks is vital for getting optimal fuel economy from your vehicle. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, your oil is changed regularly, and replace air filters as necessary.
  3. Remove excess weight: Don’t carry unnecessary items in your car, as excess weight can reduce gas mileage by up to 2%. Trunk clutter adds drag and weighs down the car, so clear out any unnecessary items that aren’t needed on the road. 
  4. Use cruise control: Cruise control helps you maintain a steady speed while driving, which can maximize fuel efficiency while on the highway or on long trips. It also prevents sudden acceleration or deceleration if you tend to be an aggressive driver or frequently speed up and then slow down while driving in city traffic. 
  5. Avoid extreme temperatures: If possible, avoid using air conditioning or heating during summer and winter, respectively, as they can significantly decrease fuel efficiency. Instead, open windows for ventilation or use seat warmers instead of turning on the heater when it’s cold outside! 

For more tips, give us at Family Insurance Associates a call today. We serve the Ruidoso, NM area.

How Old to You Need to be to Receive Medicare Insurance?

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Health insurance is necessary for most individuals to ensure they can pay for routine and emergency medical treatment. Anyone currently interested in receiving Medicare can reach out to the experts at Family Insurance Associates, proudly serving the residents in and around the Ruidoso, NM, area.

Medicare Coverage 

Anyone wanting to sign up for Medicare coverage can begin the process three months before their 65th birthday. This coverage is designed for older adults 65 years of age and older. Anyone with questions related to Medicare coverage can consult with our Medicare experts to get more details. Our agents are highly trained to help customers learn more about the coverage this health insurance provides. They also review the fine print to ensure everyone understands the terms and conditions.

Medicare offers specific coverage for its individual parts. For example, Medicare has parts B and D. Some coverage covers regular medical expenses, while others cover pharmaceutical and similar health maintenance products. Medicare allows older Americans to get affordable coverage to help maintain their health and manage any health conditions.

Having Medicare is also an important financial planning tool to help manage expenses. Individuals who sign up for Medicare through our agency can access Top Notch customer service and ongoing customer care. Our team can assess each situation and submit any required documents for coverage or claims.

Reach Out Today 

Anyone interested in learning more about Medicare insurance coverage or wanting to sign up for a policy can contact us for a consultation. Call or stop by the office of Family Insurance Associates, proudly serving Ruidoso, NM. Get the quality medical coverage necessary to avoid difficulties and ensure peace of mind.

Understanding Potential Coverage Gaps in Your Home Insurance Policy in Ruidoso, NM

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Are you a homeowner in Ruidoso, NM? If so, the experts at Family Insurance Associates are here to help you understand potential coverage gaps in your home insurance policy. You must review your policy regularly to protect your home and belongings against unexpected events.

Know Your Property Value and Limits

When it comes to home insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different homeowners have different needs when it comes to their policies. You should know your property’s current value and ensure your policy covers it up to that amount. In addition, you should also know the limits of your coverage and ensure they match the value of your property and belongings. 

Understand Special Situations and Exclusions for Home Insurance

Every home insurance policy has unique situations and exclusions that standard policies may not cover. For example, you may need additional coverage for these events if you live in an area prone to natural disasters such as flooding or earthquakes. Additionally, items such as jewelry or artwork may require extra protection or a separate rider if included in your policy. 

Check for Additional Coverage Options

It would be best to consider any additional coverage options that may be available with your existing policy. This could include things like personal liability insurance or identity theft protection services. These can provide additional peace of mind if something happens while on vacation or away from home for extended periods, providing an extra layer of security while away from home. 

If you have any questions about your home insurance policy coverage, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Family Insurance Associates. We are here to help ensure that you and your family are adequately protected in Ruidoso, NM.

Are all dental and vision policies the same?

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Perhaps your employer only offers the minimum medical insurance required by US law, but you really want dental and vision coverage. Family Insurance Associates wants you to know that you can add that coverage with a personal dental and vision plan from our firm.

Dental and Vision Coverage Choices

You have many choices. Not all dental and vision policies offer the same coverage. You can choose between the two – either adding dental or vision coverage. You don’t have to add both types of insurance.

Local Doctors

Don’t worry about keeping your local Ruidoso, NM doctors when you add this type of insurance. Our plans already provide local coverage.

Essential or Comprehensive Coverage

You will need to choose between plans covering essential annual checkups and more comprehensive plans covering advanced treatments. Dental insurance refers to treatments such as braces or invisible straightening options. Vision insurance refers to purchasing glasses, contact lenses, or undergoing laser surgery.

Deciding on a Deductible

Some plans offer no deductible, while others require you to decide on a deductible you find comfortable. A deductible refers to the amount of money you’ll pay for dental and vision services before insurance kicks in and pays.

A higher deductible typically lowers your monthly premium. A lower deductible raises the monthly premium. While it might seem tempting to choose the option that results in a lower premium, consider how often you’ll need services that require a deductible. Do the math to determine which option costs you less.

If you need to purchase glasses and contacts each year, then choosing a higher premium with a lower deductible could save you money in the long run. Similarly, if you know that you want to get braces or teeth whitening or you’ll need filings eventually, choosing a lower deductible with higher premiums makes more sense.

Contact Us Today

In Ruidoso, NM, contact Family Insurance Associates for dental and vision coverage to help you remain healthier. Let us help you build an insurance plan that provides for your dental and vision care.

How to Choose the Right Life Insurance for You

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Most people don’t want to think about life insurance too soon because it gets them thinking about when they die and leave their loved ones behind. Even though it’s something most people don’t want to think about, it’s important to think about and plan for sooner rather than later. There are many life insurance policies and ways to calculate how much life insurance might be right for you.

Types of life insurance policies available

There are two main types of life insurance policies available on the market. The first is term life insurance. Term life insurance only covers a certain time rather than the rest of your life. This option does not come with the option of building cash value as the permanent option does.

The second type of life insurance is permanent life insurance. Permanent life insurance is set in place for the remaining part of your life instead of a set time. With this comes a premium rate that is set at a fixed rate. Unlike term life insurance, permanent life insurance builds up cash value.

Important things to consider

On top of deciding whether you want term or permanent life insurance, other things are also important to consider.

  • Your policy should include enough to pay off your debt in full, plus a little extra for interest.
  • Income replacement for dependents if you are the sole income provider
  • Only insure people who would be a financial loss to you if they died.

Calculating how much life insurance to get

There are a few different ways to calculate the right amount of life insurance that you should have.

  • Multiply your annual income by 6-10 and add 100,000 per child.
  • Multiply the annual salary by the number of years left until you retire.
  • Take the amount of money survivors will need to maintain a standard of living and multiply it by 20.
  • DIME: Debt, Income, Mortgage, Education

Contact us today for a quote at Family Insurance Associates in Ruidoso, NM.