Medicare's 2012 Annual Enrollment Period Ends December 7

MEDICARE'S 2012 ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD ENDS DECEMBER 7

BOISE, ID (November 28, 2011) - The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) office of the Idaho Department of Insurance reminds consumers that December 7 is the last day for Medicare open enrollment.

"Senior citizens have a small window of opportunity left to review their plans," says Department Director Bill Deal. "Any changes to existing plans need to be made by next Wednesday."

Idahoans who have questions about open enrollments are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-247-4422, or Medicare at 800-633-4227. Due to expected high call volume, people who choose to call Medicare may have the best results by calling in the evening or on weekends.

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If you have any questions, please contact SHIBA, Medicare, or your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent today.

Safely Preparing this year's Thanksgiving Feast

We are only one day away from Thanksgiving, and a marathon of cooking.  Do you know the safest methods for preparing, cooking, and storing that turkey and dressing?  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been busy putting together some great tips and guidelines to help you make the best out of your Thanksgiving feast!

Preparation

• When preparing foods, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching any raw food product (turkey, eggs, etc.).
• Be sure to use different cutting boards when cutting raw meat and cutting cooked food or preparing salads.
• Never thaw a turkey on a counter.
• Fridge: Thaw a turkey 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey.
• Cold Water: Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound.  Make sure water is not able to leak through packaging on to turkey.  Change the water every 30 minutes.  Cook the turkey immediately after thawing, do not refreeze.
• Do not stuff the turkey in advance.  For optimum safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended.  If you choose to stuff your turkey, mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey cavities.  Fill the cavities loosely.  Cook the turkey immediately.  Use a food thermometer to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165-degrees F.

Cooking

• Set your oven temperature no lower than 325-degrees F.
• A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165-degrees F, as measured with a food thermometer.
• Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
• Basting the turkey is not necessary.  Bacteria can grow on basting tools if they are allowed to sit at room temperature between bastings.
• For quality, let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to set.  The turkey will carve more easily.
• Remove all stuffing from the turkey cavities.

Storing Leftovers

• Remove all meat from the turkey carcass within two hours of the turkey's removal from the oven.
• Discard any turkey, stuffing, and gravy left out at room temperature longer than two hours.
• Leftovers should be stored in shallow containers, in the refrigerator, for no longer than four days.
• You may freeze leftovers within two hours, and use them within 2 to 6 months for best quality.

Reheating Leftovers

• Cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated.
• In the oven:
• Set the oven temperature no lower than 325-degrees F.
• Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165-degrees F.
• Add broth or water to keep turkey moist while reheating.
• In the Microwave:
• Cover your food and rotate it for even heating.  Allow standing time.
• Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165-degrees F.
• Never taste leftover food that looks or smells strange.  When in doubt, throw it out!

For more information, please read the USDA's entire "Let's Talk Turkey" pamplet.

BE SAFE. BE SURE. Auto insurance tips for your winter trip.

BE SAFE. BE SURE.

Auto insurance tips for your winter trip.

BOISE, ID (November 16, 2011) - Before you hit the road this winter, make sure your auto and auto insurance are ready for the journey.  The Idaho Department of Insurance reminds motorists that planning ahead can help avoid mishaps that could ruin a vacation.

"Whether you are traveling near or far, you will likely be packing some valuable items such as skis, a laptop or a video camera - none of which are covered by an auto insurance policy," says Department Director Bill Deal, "These items must be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy to be reimbursed if they are stolen."

Top 5 Auto Insurance Tips

• Confirm your auto insurance is active and premiums are up-to-date.  Have a current copy of your insurance card in the vehicle.
• Select liability limits that are appropriate for your financial circumstances.  If you are found to be at fault in an accident and purchased insufficient limits, your personal assets are at risk for the remaining financial obligation.
• If renting a vehicle for the trip, check your auto policy to see if it includes coverage for this added exposure.  Verify potential coverage limitation with your agent, and make sure you are not duplicating benefits from your existing policies.
• Verify your homeowners or renters insurance covers the theft of personal items from a vehicle, especially if you are planning to carry expensive items in it.
• Check to see if your policy includes roadside assistance.  You can be covered for towing, fuel delivery, lockout service, jump-starts and more.

If you are unclear about your auto insurance coverage or would like to learn how to lower auto insurance costs, talk to your insurance agent, contact the Department of Insurance, http://www.doi.idaho.gov/, or visit http://www.insureuonline.org/.

Visit the Department's website to read a Consumer Alert with more tips on auto rental insurance and winter travel.

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Your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent would be happy to do a free policy review with you, to prepare for the holiday season and travel.  Please give your agent a call anytime you would like to schedule a review.

Grangeville 6th Grader wins Farm Bureau Insurance's Veterans Day Essay Contest

"What My Sister's Military Service Means to Me" was the subject of Grangeville 6th grader Hailey Russell's entry in the Farm Bureau Insurance Veterans Day Essay Contest.  Hailey was awarded a $500 U.S. Savings Bond for her essay, in which she says, "My sister's service means that others are free to go overseas.  It means families are able to safely welcome their new babies.  It means I am safer here in Idaho."

Congratulations Hailey!

The winning essay is featured in it's entirety below:

What My Sister's Military Service Means to Me

by Hailey Russell

My sister, Elizabeth Russell VanHorn, 29, is an Army nurse.  She has been in the Army for 6 years and is a captain.  She is an obstetric nurse which means she delivers babies and helps the new mothers.

Elizabeth made sacrifices to move away from her family.  She was stationed in Texas at Fort sam where she took care of soldiers who were burned in Afghantistan and Iraq.  She was able to make the soldiers who serve our country feel better by taking care of their needs and talking to them.  She helped them recover and cared about them.  My sister said it was an honor to take care of our American soldiers who were wounded during duty!

Even though my sister is not fighting a war in another country, she is still serving our country by what she does for soldiers and their families in the United States.

My sister has a baby, my niece, Madison, who is 1 years old.  She takes care of Madison and lives away from her husband who has a job in Vermont.  Elizabeth is now stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.  She helps deliver hundres of babies every month for military families.  The moms stay home to take care of their families while their husbands are overseas.  Elizabeth takes care of them and helps welcome their new babies even when tthey are not with their own families.  Elizabeth has even delivered babies on her own when the doctor could not get there in time.

I am proud of my sister because she is good at her job and even when she could work anywhere she is helping our country.  If she didn't do this job, who else would do it?  She is a piece of an important puzzle.

Being a nurse isn't easy, especially in the Army.  Besides being a mom and being away from her family in Vermont and Idaho, Elizabeth has to pass physical fitness tests and take a lot of extra courses so she can keep up on her job and know everything she is supposed to know.

My sister is an everyday hero because she does things to help keep everything in line in America.  She even knows how to shoot a gun and carry a backpack a long ways.  She could be sent to another country to serve if she had to but I hope she doesn't have to do that.  Not just because I would worry about her, but because I think the job she does here is important.

My sister's service means that others are free to go overseas.  It means families are able to safely welcome their new babies.  It means I am safer here in Idaho.

Be Wary of Websites Imitating Government Agencies

Be Wary of Websites Imitating Government Agencies

BOISE ID (October 14, 2011) - The Idaho Department of Insurance urges consumers to be careful when using the Internet to gather information about health care reform. Sites that request personal information from users should be approached with extreme caution.

Department Director Bill Deal says, "Use common sense when surfing the Internet. Sites may have an official-looking appearance, but may in fact be misleading or even fraudulent. Be proactive and do your research before divulging personal information."

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently raised a red flag about a new website - http://preexistingconditioninsuranceplan.com. This website is not maintained by any government programs, and consumers are urged not to submit any personal information requested by this website on the assumption that it is a government website.

To learn about the Pre-Exisiting Condition Insurance Plan made available through the Affordable Care Act, consumers are encouraged to visit www.pcip.gov or call 866-717-5826.

The Department of Insurance also has information about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on its website, www.doi.idaho.gov.

Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho encourages Idahoans to be vigilant whenever using the Internet.

Car Seats - Simplified

A Complicated Task - Simplified Into 4 Steps

Many parents must deal with the ever complicated task of deciding what type of child seat to use for their children, and when their children are able to change over to a different kind of seat.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided the following guidelines to help determine when your children are ready to move up from rear facing, to front facing, to booster seats, and then to seat belts.  

If you have any questions about the installation of a child seat in your vehicle, many local Car Seat Inspection Stations are available, in most cases free of charge. Visit the Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find the nearest check station. Many of these stations will have special events this coming Saturday, September 24, for National Seat Check Saturday!

Announcing: Idaho Farm Bureau GM PRIVATE OFFER

Before shopping for your next new car, Farm Bureau has a brand new special offer you might want to check out!

Beginning September 15, 2011, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation members can receive a $500 discount on each qualifying 2011 or 2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC, or Buick vehicle they purchase or lease.  This Farm Bureau member exclusive is offered for vehicles purchased or leased at participation dealerships through Farm Bureau's - GM PRIVATE OFFER.

Twenty-six GM models are eligible for the rebate program.  Some conditions and restrictions apply. For complete program details, please click on the flyer below:

*Not every policyholder qualifies for member benefits. Please see your local county office for more details.

Protect Your Groundwater Day

Protect Your Groundwater Day was started by the National Ground Water Association to make groundwater protection a regular part of how every American citizen lives.
Today, NGWA urges you to ACT. Use this day to begin doing your part to protect one of our most important natural resources - groundwater.

1.  Acknowledge the causes of preventable groundwater contamination -

• Everyone
• There are hazardous substances common to households.
• Most household water use occurs in a few areas around the home.
• If you own a water well
• Wellheads should be a safe distance from potential contamination.
• Septic system malfunctions can pollute groundwater.
• Poorly constructed or maintained wells can facilitate contamination.
• Improperly abandoned wells can lead to groundwater contamination.

2.  Consider which apply to you -

• Everyone
• What specific hazardous substances are in and around your home?
• Where do you and your family use the most water
• If you own a water well
• Is your wellhead a safe distance from possible contamination?
• Is your well/septic system due for an inspection?
• Are there any abandoned wells on your property?

3.  Take action to prevent groundwater contamination -

• Everyone
• When it comes to hazardous household substances:
• Store them properly in a secure place,
• Use them according to the manufacturer's recommendations,
• Dispose of them safely.
• When it comes to water conservation:
• Modify your water use,
• Install a water-saving device.
• If you own a water well
• Move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead.
• Get current on your septic system inspection and cleaning.
• Get your annual water well system inspection.
• Properly decommission any abandoned wells using a professional.

[Information courtesy of the National Groundwater Association.]

Emergencies Affect all of Us, Including our Pets

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household.  When planning your family for disaster, don't overlook the needs of your cherised family pets.  In order to be safe and survive an emergency, you must take steps to prepare today.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), while you make a plan to prepare your family also consider your family pet.  This year, NPM is focused on helping Americans remember the disasters from our past, while preparing for the disasters of our future.  Get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan including your pets, and make sure you are ready to help those who may need extra help.

Pet owners can receive free preparedness tips on how to best prepare for emergencies at Ready.gov, or by calling 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Learn what to put in a pet Emergency Supply Kit, how to develop a pet care buddy system, and how to make plans in advance for neighbors' pets if they need to evacuate.  In addition, instructional videos on family and pet preparedness are available at: Ready.gov.videos. This September, remember to prepare your entire family, including your pets.

[Article written by Darryl J. Madden, Director, Ready Campaign]

September IS National Preparedness Month!

It Doesn't Cost A Lot To Be Prepared

By Darryl J. Madden, Director, Ready Campaign

It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be prepared? Preparedness doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

 

September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come. Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.

• Make a Plan. Work with your family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates at Ready.gov.
• Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends, and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.
• Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy** anually and make any necessary changes - renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.
• Make a Ready List.  You may not need all of th items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don't forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample Ready Lists can be found at Ready.gov, use these as inspiration.
• Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don't buy preparedness items just before a storm when they're expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.
• Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won't notice the cost as much.
• Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe containers. You don't need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight.
• Request a Gift. We all get things we don't need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It might just save your life.
• Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.

*The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!

**If you have questions about your current coverage, please give your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent a call. He or she will help answer any questions you might have.

Labor Day Weekend - Boating Safety

Labor Day Weekend marks the last long weekend of summer for many families. Your weekend activities may include taking a boat to the lake or river one last time before the weather starts to cool down.  The following Boating Safety Tips will help to make sure everyone enjoys a fun, safe boating experience!

• Life Jackets - 90% of all victimes who drown were not wearing a life jacket. Make sure all people on your boat are wearing a life jacket that is the correct size for them. Also, it never hurts to have one or two extra life jackets just in case something happens.
• No Alcohol -  Historically, alcohol is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Driving a boat while drinking is the same as driving a car, you can lost control quickly. If it is hot outside, consuming alcohol may also lead to dehydration. The best rule of thumb, do not take any alcohol onto your boat.
• Keep An Eye Out - You should constantly pay attention to all passengers on board your boat, especially chidren. It only takes one second for a child or passenger to fall out or get injured. Some passengers may get sea-sick on a boat, and the best way to tell is by watching them. If you feel that something is wrong with a passenger, it may be best to go back to shore for a while. Also, watching for other boaters, objects in the water, and your surroundings will help ensure everyone's safety.
• Vessel Safety Check - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's United States Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free Vessel Safety Checks to look at: life jackets, registration and numbering, navigation lights, ventilation, fire extinguishers, distress signals (flares, horns, etc.), and battery covers and connections. If your vessel passes, you will are awarded a VSC Decal that alerts law-enforcement agencies that your boat was found to be in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws. If your boat does not pass, no report is filed. Instead, you are given a written report to aid in corrected any discrepancies noted. To schedule a VSC in your area, visit Vessel Safety Check, enter your zip code, and search for your local USCG Auxillary Vessel Examiner.

And, one last thing, insurance. Most insurance policies require that your boat be listed separately and to have all equipment listed. If you have questions about insuring your boat, please contact your local Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent who can help you determine the right type of coverage necessary. Have a great SAFE Labor Day weekend!

* Photo Courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard

Protect. Prevent. Prevail. Beat the flu!

Protect. Prevent. Prevail this Winter

Get the flu vaccination – not the flu!

BOISE ID (August 15, 2011) – Adults age 65 and older and people under 65 with chronic illness are encouraged to get a flu shot early, before flu season begins. The flu vaccine is available to Medicare beneficiaries at no cost, no coinsurance, no copayment and no deductible.

Idaho Department of Insurance Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Coordinator Jacquie Kennedy-Gooch says, “The flu vaccine helps prevent the flu, it doesn’t give you the flu. By protecting yourself, you are protecting those around you.”

The Department of Insurance reminds Idahoans of some common-sense tips to help avoid the flu:

·         Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your elbow – not your hand.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water.

·         Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

·         Try to avoid close contact with people who are ill; stay home if you are ill.

For more information, contact the SHIBA office at www.doi.idaho.gov, or call 1-800-247-4422.

Veterans Day Essay Contest

To mark both Veterans Day 2011 and the September return of the Idaho Army National Guard's 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho is sponsoring the "Veterans Essay Contest". The essay topic is "What My Parent's (or Sibling's) Military Service Means To Me". The essay is a great opportunity for children to put in their own words the impact their active duty parent's or sibling's military service has made in their lives. Contest rules and entry forms are available from any Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent or you may download an entry form here.

Farm Bureau Insurance's Relay For Life Purple Reign

For the sixth consecutive year, Farm Bureau Insurance’s Home Office Relay For Life team raised more money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event than any other Pocatello-area team. Farm Bureau Insurance’s first-place team raised $8,852 this year for the fight against cancer.

Team captain Marci Hamann credits Farm Bureau Insurance and its employees for the team’s successful fundraising campaign. “To have the opportunity to work for an employer that supports and cares about this cause so much is very rewarding in itself.”

Hamann believes that one day there will be a cure for cancer. And when there is, she says, “everyone who has ever supported the American Cancer Society will have had a hand in it.”
 
The 2011 Farm Bureau Insurance Relay for Life team included:
Rebecca Clemens, Michelle Coffin, Sheri Hokanson, Shalae Kane, Lindsay Kopp, Leigh Ann Languein, Wendy Linscheid, Jennifer Lowrey, Ashley Miller, Brandon Peterson, Linda Peterson, Lisa Shappart, and Marci Hamann, team captain.

The Relay for Life, known for its purple theme, celebrates cancer survivorship and raises money for American Cancer Society research and programs.

Cancer survivor and longtime Farm Bureau Insurance Relay for Life team member Linda Peterson at the 2011 Relay for Life of Pocatello.

IFBF Farmers' Market - Free Listings!

Last year, the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation started a new program called the IFBF Farmers' Market, giving free advertising on their website and in their magazines to Idaho Farm Bureau members who sell their produce locally.  This free advertising is once again being offered to current Idaho Farm Bureau members.  All members have to do to receive their free listing is send an email to Joel Benson, Member Benefits Manager, at jbenson@idahofb.org with the following information:

Name:
Membership Number: (ex: 043432-01; or you may list your Farm Bureau Insurance agent) *This information will not appear on the published list.*
Produce/Meat products being sold: (ex: Sweet Potatoes July-Aug, Pumpkins Mid. Oct.-Mid. Nov.)
Location/Address: (ex: 112 S. Baker St. - turn south at Baker & Hwy 45 intersection, go 1/2 mile)
Phone Number:
Email: (if applicable)
Special Instructions: (ex: Please only visit between 9:00am and 5:00pm, or call ahead)

Please note, at this point in time only produce and meat products that are human edible may be submitted for listing.  Things such as hay, crafts, and tractors will not be listed. A current list of producers listed in the IFBF Farmers' Market may be found here.

A two-page spread run in this year's August Farm Bureau Quarterly, including all listed producers in the IFBF Farmers' Market.  If you are an Idaho Farm Bureau Member, or know of a member, who would enjoy getting this free advertising, please submit your information either by fax or email no later than Monday morning, August 1st. Any submissions after this date will not be in the Quarterly magazine listing.

For more information, please contact:

Joel Benson, Member Benefits Manager
Email: jbenson@idahofb.org
Phone: 208-239-4289
Fax: 208-232-3616
Mail: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
         Attn: Joel
         PO Box 4848
         Pocatello, ID  83205

Notice to Idaho Farm Bureau Members: Be sure to check with your insurance agent to see if your existing policy covers the direct sale of your farm products to consumers.  Additional coverage may be needed for certain types of retail sales.

Reduce Your Risk of Interior Water Damage

Water damage can be costly and it doesn’t take a lot of water to cause major damage to floors, furniture and cabinetry – not to mention valuable electronics. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offer the following information to help you reduce your risk of interior water damage.

IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims and used that information to identify the leading causes and develop the following solutions.

1.   Plumbing Supply System Failure

This type of failure costs homeowners time and money more often than any other source of water loss, according to the IBHS study. In fact, the average cost of an incident was more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid. A little maintenance can go a long way toward prevention since the majority of insurance claims were caused by corroded and rusty pipes and frozen pipes.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• An increased monthly water bill, banging pipes, rust stains, moisture in the walls or on floor, and signs of wet soil erosion near the foundation are all potential indicators of a plumbing problem.
• Setting the thermostat to at least 60 degrees in winter months, letting faucets drip and insulating pipes are all ways to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• As a backup, let technology pay attention for you by installing a house leak detection system.

2.   Toilet Failure

The sour look on a homeowner’s face is not only from the smell of a toilet failure, but also from the price tag that comes with it. Toilet failures in the study cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid. One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line.

3.   Water Heater Failure

We all enjoy a hot shower; keep the enjoyment going by giving your water heater some much needed attention. A simple inspection by a plumbing professional at least once every two years – and annually after the warranty expires - can save you thousands of dollars in potential water damage. The most common causes of water heater failures in the IBHS study were a slow leak or a sudden burst in the tank, followed by supply line failures.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Check the life expectancy and warranty for your water heater and replace accordingly.
• Proper maintenance, such as flushing sediments and inspecting the heater’s anode rod, can increase life expectancy.
• Inspect valves to ensure proper operations, and use ball valves in place of gate valves whenever possible.

4.   Plumbing Drain System Failure

A backed up sewer drain has the potential to ruin your whole day. The IBHS study found more than half of plumbing system failures were the result of sewer backups. The problem was more common in southern states and on average cost $4,000 per incident after the insurance deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• If your home’s sewer system is connected to the city’s sewer system – a particular problem for older homes – or if you are located downhill or below street level, contact a plumbing professional to install a backflow prevention assembly into your sewer system.
• Plant your trees away from lateral drain lines to prevent roots from damaging piping.
• Never pour grease down the drain.

5.   Washing Machine Failure

Sometimes the smallest components cause the biggest headaches. In the case of your washing machine, those rubber hoses that come with every new machine put your home at risk of water damage. More than half of the claims in the IBHS study were linked to washing machine hose failures. Replace these hoses with reinforced braided versions and save time and money in repairs later. Washing machine claims in the study averaged more than $5,300 per incident after the deductible was paid.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Inspect your supply hose annually and replace very five years.
• When you leave the house for an extended period of time, turn off the hot and cold water supply valve to reduce failure risks.
• Don’t try to cut corners by overloading the machine, and use it only while someone is at home.

Pocatello-Inkom Deer Fence Funds Matching Program Ends This Week

Donations to Farm Bureau Insurance’s Pocatello-Inkom deer fence fund matching program are at the halfway mark with less than one week remaining before the program’s end.

Farm Bureau Insurance will match up to $5,000 in individual monetary donations made to the fence project before Friday, July 1. A $100 donation was recently made by a Three Forks, Montana resident after his car struck a deer on I-15 between Inkom and Pocatello. The deer smashed through the passenger side of the windshield and hit his wife in the head. She recovered after spending several days in the hospital.

Each year, according to Idaho Fish and Game estimates, at least 100 deer are killed on the section of Interstate 15 between Pocatello and Inkom. These deer-car collisions also cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and personal injuries.

To make a donation to the Pocatello-Inkom deer fence or for information about volunteer opportunities, please contact Jim Teare, Wildlife Staff Biologist and Mule Deer Initiative Coordinator at the Idaho Fish and Game’s Pocatello office, at 208-232-4703.

To report a wildlife collision observation or for more information about wildlife collisions in Idaho, please visit http://www.fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/manage_issues/collision.

"On Guard" by Ernie T., Arco, ID. From www.reasonstoloveidaho.com

Member Benefits - Salt Lake Express

Do your summer travel plans involve flying out of Salt Lake City?  If so, this week's Member Benefit* may help you save on travel costs from Idaho to Salt Lake City!

Click the van for complete program details.

When traveling between a city in Idaho and Salt Lake City, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation members who book a round trip or one-way trip using Salt Lake Express will receive a $2 - $4 discount if booking ONLINE.  (Members may call 208-656-8824 to make a phone reservation, but will not receive the Farm Bureau discount.)

For complete program details and a list of promotion codes, please click on the Salt Lake Express Van above, or visit Idaho Farm Bureau Federation - Salt Lake Express.


*Not every policy qualifies for member benefits. Please see your local county office for more details.

Lightning Safety Week: June 19 - 25

Not only does June 21st mark the first day of Summer, it also begins the peak season for one of our nation's deadliest weather phenomena - lightning. Last year (2010), there were a total of 29 lightning related fatalities in the United States - one of which was Idahoan Michael Haslett, who was struck by lightning while herding cattle on his horse.

Hundreds people who are struck by lightning each year are left with a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including: memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, chronic pain, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and more.

The good news is: there are safety precautions that you and your family can take to stay safe during a lightning storm! The National Weather Service has provided the following Lightning Safety Tips:

Lightning: What You Need to Know

• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter.
• Safe shelter is a substantial building or inside an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle.
• Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety Tips

• Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips

NO PLACE outside is safe when lightning is in the area, but if you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:

• Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
• NEVER lie flat on the ground
• NEVER use a tree for shelter
• NEVER use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
• Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)
• UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should ANY of the above actions be taken if a building or an all-metal vehicle is nearby.

If Someone Is Struck - CPR

• Victims do not carry an electrical charge and may need immediate medical attention.
• Monitor the victim and begin CPR or AED, if necessary.
• Call 911 for help.

Member Benefits - 10% Discount at Commercial Tire!

Before jumping in the family vehicle to head out on your summer vacation, there are a few items that you should check. AND, a Farm Bureau Federation Member Benefit to help you save on any services needed!

1. Brakes. Make sure your vehicle's brake pads are not worn down, making any vibrations, griding, or squeeling. Also, if you brake and your car pulls to one side, this is a good sign that you need to have the brakes replaced on your vehicle.
   
   
2. Hoses and Belts. Check under-the-hood to make sure there are is no obvious damage or cracks to the many hoses and belts that keep your vehicle running.
   
   
3. Vital Fluids. In addition to visually inspecting hoses and belts, it is a good idea to have a look at the spot where you normally park your vehicle. Is there any fluid or are there any dark spots on the garage floor or in your driveway? If so, this could be a sign of a vital fluid leak. These fluids include oil, coolants, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Should you notice any leak, it is always best to have the problem checked before you head out on the open road. And, as always, it is best to have your vehicle's oil changed if it has not been changed in the last 3,000 miles.
   
   
4. Battery. While most batteries are maintenance-free, you should visually inspect your vehicle's battery for cracks or holes in the outer casing. Also, if your battery is over 5 years old, a replacement would be the best idea - as older batteries tend to overheat.
   
   
5. Tires. Making sure your tires have the proper tire pressure will not only mean safer driving, it will also lower your fuel bill. Also, check for proper amount of tread left and any damage. If you have had your tires for over 30,000 miles, or you live in an area of rough terrain and changing seasons, take your vehicle into the nearest tire store where they will be able to inspect your tires for you.

If you need service on any of the items listed above, there's a Farm Bureau Federation Member Benefit* available for you! Idaho Farm Bureau members receive 10% off almost all products and services at participating Commercial Tire locations in Idaho. (Some farming specilized products are not included.)

For complete program details, please click on the poster below:

Be sure to check back next week for another Member Benefit Thursday!

*Not every policy qualifies for member benefits. Please see your local county office for more details.

Member Benefits - Adventure & Lodging Discounts at Silver Mountain Resort!

If you and your family are making plans to visit Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho this year, you are in for a treat! A new Farm Bureau Federation Member Benefit* was announced this week, allowing members to receive a 10% discount on adventure and lodging.

For complete program details, please click on the poster below:

Be sure to check back next week for another Member Benefit Thursday!

*Not every policy qualifies for member benefits. Please see your local county office for more details.

Spring Cleaning Checklist Item: Annual Insurance Check-Up

This Spring is no different than any other, in the fact that Spring Cleaning will be taking up a good chunk of our time indoors. However, there may be one item missing from your Spring Cleaning Checklist. Have you ever considered that this may be a great time to complete an Annual Insurance Check-Up? The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) says that this is "a chance to brush up on what is covered, and to evaluate whether the coverage is still adequate (or too much) for your current situation."

When reviewing your policy, the NAIC suggests that you find the answers to the following questions:

1. What type of coverage do I have?
   Homeowners or Renter's. A homeowners insurance policy covers the structure, belongings and legal obligations if someone is injured at your home. A renter's policy does not insurance the structuer, but otherwise provides similar coverage. To review a list of coverages that are in a typical homeowners or renter's policy, go to www.InsureUonline.org, select the appropriate life situation on the right, then clock on the "Home" tab.
   
   Replacement Values. Check the type of replacement value provided in the policy. Actual cash value (ACV) is the amount it would take to repair damage to a home or to replace its contents after allowing for depreciation. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to rebuild or replace a home and its contents with similar quality materials or goods, without deductiong for depreciation.
   
   Liability Limits. Liability insurance protects you from legal obligations arising from accidents involving visiting non-residents. With a few exceptions, such as auto or boating accidents, all-purpose liability coverage follows wherever you go. An umbrella policy can extend the liability limits of a homeowners or renter's policy if the policy limit is insufficient.
   
   Medical Payments. Homeowners and renter's policies typically include limited medical expense payments for injuries occurring on your premises to visiting non-residents. It may also cover medical expenses of another individual injured by you, a member of your family or a family pet while away from the home.
2. How much coverage do I need?
   Make a home inventory. A home inventory is the best way to determine the appropriate level of coverage needed for contents. It is also a useful tool to have in case of a loss. When doing the home inventory, make sure to include as much detail as possible about the items.
   
   Do no over insure. Homeowners do not need to insure the value of the land a home sits on, but coverage should include any outdoor structures on the property. For both homeowners and renters, concentrate on an accurate list of belongings and be sure liability limits are at a proper level.
3. What are my deductibles and discounts?
   Save money on homeowners or renter's insurance. Deductibles and discounts are generally the easiest places to save money on this type of policy. Most companies offer discounts for people who have more than one type of insurance policy with them, and for people who have had few claims or are long-term customers. When it comes to the deductible - which is the amount you have to pay if there is a loss - usually the higher it is, the lower the premium. It's normal to consider raising a deductible to save on premium, but remember, the bill will be that much more following a claim.

Once you have completed your review, the NAIC suggests that you call your agent and ask the following five questions using the information from your review as a starting point:

1. Is the coverage on my home and its contents adequate? Is it too much?
2. Is my premium as low as I can expect it to be? Are there additional discounts available? Can/Should I raise my deductible? What about mitigating against damage from local threats?
3. Are there any losses - like flood or earthquake - I need to worry about that are not covered in my current policy?
4. Would my long-term financial health benefit from an umbrella policy?
5. Has anything changed in my coverage in the last year?

Please be sure to read all notices and information sent from your insurance company throughout the year, this will help you stay on top of your policy information and make it easier to do a policy review when it is needed.

If any of the items mentioned above caused you to question your current coverage, give your Farm Bureau agent a call. He or she will help you answer any questions you might have.

What to Expect When Your Home is Damaged in a Disaster

The hours following a disaster at your home will be stressful and heartbreaking. Dealing with your insurance claim – whether you are a homeowner or a renter – will be emotional, but should not be difficult. The Idaho Department of Insurance offers this overview of what you might expect and what you will need to file a claim after a disaster.

Immediately Following the Disaster

• To protect your property from further damage, you should make temporary repairs or arrange for a qualified professional to do so. Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured. Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim.
• Many policies include reimbursement for storage costs incurred until your home is repaired.
• If you can still live in the home, talk with your agent about critical repairs that need to be made. Whether you make the repairs or hire someone, save the receipts for your claim.
• If you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts. Homeowners and renter's insurance generally provide limited coverage for expenses such as meals, rent, utility installation and transportation.

Reporting Your Claim

• Most insurance companies have a time requirement for filing a claim. The process will go faster if you can locate a copy of your policy and home inventory.
• Call the company or visit a mobile claims center to start your claim. If you cannot find the company or agent's number, call the Department of Insurance.
• You will be asked to list all items destroyed, damaged or missing. If you do not have a home inventory, begin making a list of items going room by room from memory. Include as much detail as possible, such as where and when the item was purchased, the cost, brand name and model.
• If your car is damaged while in your garage/carport, it is covered by your automobile policy – not your homeowners policy. If you are insured by two separate companies for these coverages you must file a claim with both companies.

From Your Company

• Your insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to survey the damage at no cost to you. Public adjusters may offer the same services, but you would be responsible for any related fees. Check to be sure they are licensed with the Department and ask for references and qualifications before retaining an independent adjuster.
• Do not feel rushed or pushed to agree on a settlement. If there are disagreements, try to resolve them with your insurer. If you cannot reach an agreement, the Department can help you decide if arbitration or mediation is an option.
• Your full claim may come in multiple payments. The first will likely be an emergency advance and may include additional living expenses. The payment for your personal property and any additional living expenses will be made out to you. Payments for the structure may be payable to you and your lienholder if there is a mortgage on your home. Lenders may place that money in an escrow account to pay for repairs as the work is completed.

Making Repairs

• Fraudsters often take advantage of the chaos following a disaster. When choosing a contractor to make repairs, check licensing and references before hiring. Always insist on a written estimate before repairs begin and do not sign any contracts before the adjuster has examined the damage. In some cases the adjuster will want to see the estimate before you begin making repairs.
• Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front or sign over your insurance settlement payment. A contractor should expect to be paid a percentage when the contract is signed and the remainder when the work is completed.
• If the contractor finds hidden damage that was not discovered in the original assessment by the adjuster, contact your insurance company to resolve the difference. For any disagreements that cannot be resolved, contact the Department about your recourse.

 

Additional Information

• Flood and earthquake damage are not covered in a typical homeowners or renter's policy. If you have a separate flood or earthquake policy, contact the company that wrote the additional policy to file your claim.
• If your insurance company delays in responding to your claim, call the claims department to find out if an adjuster has been assigned. Verify your contact details, especially if you have evacuated your home. Call the Department if the delay is unreasonable.
• Even after settling your claim, if you think of items that were not in your initial loss list, contact your insurance company. Unless the company has paid the entire limit for the coverage of those types of items, it is possible the company will make an additional payment.
• If your damages exceed the amount of your coverage, federal agencies will occasionally provide grants or low-interest loans to assist with recovery following major disasters. Check with your local disaster center or the Department of Insurance for more information.

After You Have Rebuilt

• Once you have re-established your home following the disaster, take time to do a home inventory.
• Once you have completed the home inventory, talk with your agent to make sure your homeowners or renter's policy is adequate to cover your new investments.

More Information

If you have any questions about the coverages in your policy, or if you need help with a problem regarding your claim following a disaster at your home, contact the Department of Insurance at www.doi.idaho.gov, or call 334-4250 in the Boise area, 800-721-3272 toll-free statewide.

If you have any questions about your current coverage, please give your Farm Bureau agent a call. He or she will help you answer any questions you might have.

National Kids to Parks Day

The sun is starting to shine and the weather is finally warming up. Now is a great time to grab your kids and head outdoors for some good old-fashioned family fun. And, just in time, this Saturday (May 21st) is National Kids to Parks Day!

Encouraging children and their parents to visit national, state and local parks, this day is celebrated under the slogan "Explore outdoors, the parks are yours!" Join Buddy Bison and see firsthand what makes America's parks so great, how much fun it is to go outside and play, and learn why preserving our parks is so important.

Our parks and outdoor areas are just a few of the many Reasons to Love Idaho! Be sure to take pictures this weekend while your family is out enjoying Idaho's natural beauty. Then, visit www.ReasonsToLoveIdaho.com to submit your favorite pictures in the current quarterly contest - you might even win a brand new iPod Touch!



Member Benefits - Discount passes at Lagoon Park!

School is almost out, which means families are getting ready for vacation season. Looking for a great way to vacation on a budget this year? Check out your Farm Bureau Federation Member Benefits! We'll be sharing a different Member Benefit each week. This week we'll take a look at the Lagoon park discounted tickets.

Enjoy Lagoon park on a budget with your
Farm Bureau member benefits!

Farm Bureau members can save on daily passes, meal combo passes, and (new this year) season passes to Lagoon park in Farmington, UT. Member prices are listed below:

FULL DAY PASS

Farm Bureau members pay: $35.50 (save $11.31)

General Public pays: $46.81 (w/tax)

 

MEAL COMBO PASS

*Members can get lunch or dinner in the park for only $4.00 more than a regular FULL DAY PASS.

Farm Bureau members pay: $39.50 (save $16.31 - $17.31)

SEASON PASS

Farm Bureau members pay: $96.00 (save $10.45)

General Public pays: $106.45 (w/tax)

 

How does it work?

Members may purchase tickets through their local county office or call Joel Benson at 208-239-4289 to have tickets mailed to them. Season passes, however, may only be purchased through Joel Benson.

 

What is included in the pass?

Rides, Lagoon A Beach, Midway, Pioneer Village, Picnic Areas and Daily Entertainment are all included.

Multiple Days or Bounce Back Special Using Farm Bureau Tickets

Farm Bureau members may use their discount tickets any day during the 2011 season. However, if a member wants to spend more than one day in the park, a family may access a bounce back program during certain parts of the season and pay only $10 for their second day.

All members need to do is get their ticket validated once they enter the park on their first day. There are validation stands are set up where a ticket will be printed for $10 to be used on a second day under the bounce back promotion. If members do not validate their ticket sometime during their first day, their ticket will not be valid for the bounce back option. Check with Lagoon for eligible bounce back days.

Location/Directions/Information

Lagoon is located in Farmington, Utah, just north of Salt Lake City. General Park information can be obtained by calling 801-451-8000 or by visiting www.lagoonpark.com.

*Not every policy qualifies for member benefits. Please see your local county office for more details.

Deer Fence Fundraiser - Dutch Oven Rendezvous

Looking for a reason to get out of the house this weekend? This Saturday, May 7th, is the Dutch Oven Rendezvous at Ace Hardware and Snake River Outdoor Sports (222 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello). From 11am until 3pm, you will have the opportunity to hone your Cast Iron cooking skills, as well as sample "tastes" from some of the area's best Cast Iron cooks. Taste tickets will be available at the Fish and Game Booth during the event. The public is invited to attend and you are asked to make a donation in return for your taste tickets. In addition to the Cast Iron activities, raffle tickets will also be sold for many great prize packages.

All proceeds from the taste tickets and the raffle tickets will go towards the Pocatello-Inkom Deer Fence project. This fence will be built along I-15 to help keep the mule deer population safe and off of the interstate. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho has pledged to match up to $5,000 in monetary donations made to the Deer Fence project through July 1. The matching program includes all donations made during the Dutch Oven Rendezvous.

For more information about the Pocatello-Inkom Deer Fence project, or to make a donation, please contact Teare with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 208-232-4703.