Insurance questions, answered

Part A is usually premium-free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes 10+ years. Part B has a monthly premium. Advantage and Part D plans vary — some are $0 premium.

No. Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age. Medicaid is a state/federal program based on income. Some people qualify for both (dual-eligible).

Most people become eligible at 65. You can also qualify earlier if you've received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months, or have ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease.

Not necessarily. If you have creditable coverage through a current employer (generally 20+ employees), you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. The rules depend on your employer's size — we check your specific situation.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is run directly by the federal government with no provider network — you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private-plan alternative that bundles A, B, and usually D, using a provider network in exchange for often lower costs and extra benefits.

Yes — that's called being dual-eligible, and it usually unlocks lower costs and extra benefits through a D-SNP plan.

Medicaid eligibility is based primarily on income and household size. Medicare eligibility is based mainly on age (65+) or specific disabilities — your income doesn't affect whether you qualify, though higher income can raise your Part B and Part D premiums through IRMAA.

Often yes — depending on your state's program, Medicaid can cover long-term custodial care, additional dental and vision benefits, and cost-sharing that Medicare leaves you to pay. That's a major reason dual-eligible status is valuable when you qualify.

Medicare is entirely federal, administered by CMS with the same rules nationwide. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program, so eligibility rules, covered services, and application processes vary by state — including Wisconsin's own Medicaid program.

Not always. If you have creditable employer coverage you may delay Part B penalty-free. Without creditable coverage, delaying causes lifelong penalties. We check your situation.

At minimum, enough to rebuild your home from the ground up at today's construction costs — not its market value. We calculate the right dwelling coverage amount for your specific home.

Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance is available through the NFIP or private carriers. If you're in a flood zone, we'll discuss your options.

Yes — we work with multiple carriers and can find replacement coverage quickly, even for high-risk properties.

Absolutely. We'll compare what you're paying now against what's available and show you the difference — no obligation to switch.

In Wisconsin, insurers can use your credit-based insurance score as a rating factor. Improving your credit over time can lower your premium at renewal.

Personal auto policies typically exclude rideshare and delivery driving. We can find the right endorsement or policy to cover you during those periods.

Typically 10–25% on both policies, though the exact amount varies by carrier and your situation. We'll calculate your actual savings before recommending anything.

Yes. Options exist for most ages and health situations, including simplified and guaranteed-issue final expense policies. We'll find what you qualify for.

Usually no. Most final expense policies use a few health questions or guaranteed acceptance — we'll match you to the best rate you qualify for.

The National Funeral Directors Association's most recent published survey put the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial at $8,300, and a funeral with cremation at $6,280 (2023 figures, the latest available). Costs vary by region and provider, so use these as a planning reference, not a quote.

No. A pre-paid funeral plan is a contract directly with a funeral home that locks in specific services at today's price. Final expense insurance is a life insurance policy that pays a cash benefit to your beneficiary, who can use it for funeral costs or anything else — giving your family more flexibility on which provider to use.

Simplified-issue policies can decline you based on health-question answers, but guaranteed-issue policies accept anyone within the eligible age range regardless of health, typically with a waiting period before the full benefit applies to non-accidental death. We match you to whichever tier you qualify for.

Final expense policies are designed for speed — most insurers pay claims within days once the required paperwork (death certificate, claim form) is submitted, so your family isn't waiting on funds while funeral costs are due.

Only short, skilled-care stays after a hospitalization — not long-term custodial care. That's the gap long-term care planning fills.

Yes. Homeowners policies exclude business property and liability. Even a home-based business needs at least a home business endorsement or a separate policy.

General liability covers third-party injury and damage claims. A BOP adds commercial property coverage (your building, equipment, inventory) in a single bundled package, usually at a lower combined cost.

Yes — we work with carriers that specialize in new businesses and can often get competitive rates even without prior coverage history.

Most contractor license and permit bonds are issued same-day. Larger performance and payment bonds may take a few days depending on project size and underwriting.

Bonds protect the obligee (your clients or the government agency that required the bond), not you. They're a financial guarantee of your obligations. For your own protection, you need general liability and other business coverage.

Most small bonds cost $100–$400 per year depending on bond amount and your credit. Larger performance bonds are typically 1–3% of the contract value. We'll give you an exact quote quickly.