Sequim Gazette staff
In recent months Castell Insurance, 426 E. Washington St., has increased its offerings.
With the upcoming implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Phil Castell — who co-owns the business with his wife, Sharon — said plans are nearly complete to expand both the sales and administrative staff to facilitate the thousands of local residents looking to navigate the new system.
“This will be a challenging time with unprecedented changes affecting many thousands of local residents,” said John Coulson, one of the agency’s health specialists. “We will be all hands on deck to continue the same excellent level of service our clients have come to expect as we help them navigate the changes.”
Of the agency’s 3,000 clients, Castell said about 85 percent are on Medicare.
“Everyone who is not on Medicare and on an individual or small-group program will be affected as all current plans will be discontinued and they will have to choose a new plan,” Castell said.
To help customers, the Castells launched a new website to answer questions. They also offer a free monthly e-mail newsletter.
The Castells started the family business in 1994. With the implementation of Medicare Part D in 2007, they hired Coulson.
They also expanded further to include financial planning from Phil Castell via Fidelity Investments as custodian of client funds.
Their son, James Castell, joined the staff recently, too, to help customers with auto and homeowners insurance.
Staffer Christy Francis brings the office to five full-time licensed agents as well after passing her Health Insurance Agent license.
“Going with an independent agency gives you a lot more shopping power as the agency will compare many carriers and explain your options in easy, clear and concise language,” Phil Castell said.
“It’s the same prices whether you use a local agency or go direct, so why not have a local person available to help if you ever have questions.”
Castell Insurance is a locally owned and operated independent insurance agency that offers insurance in the categories of automobile, home and health/Medicare plus financial and retirement planning.
For more information on Castell Insurance, 426 E. Washington St., call 683-9284 or 800-279-2937 or visit www.castellinsurance.com.
