December 2024

If you have been following the news recently, somewhere between holiday shopping and Christmas baking, you might find yourself holding your loved ones a bit closer. This month has already brought its share of unsettling events, including the tragic death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson by an individual reportedly acting out of anger with the healthcare system.

As someone who has worked in the insurance and healthcare industry for years, I understand the frustrations that many feel. I’ve faced challenges myself—both on behalf of my clients and in my own experiences. There are times when the system falls short, when the balance between profit and patients feels skewed, or when getting a simple answer to a straightforward question becomes an endless ordeal.

That said, I could never condone the extreme actions taken in this case. However, I can empathize with the deep frustration that led someone to feel their only option was to make an irreversible statement. Still, the question remains: how can we, as individuals, push for change in a system that often feels indifferent to our voices?

How do we hold these massive organizations accountable? How can we ensure they uphold the promises they make to their members? And how can the “little guy” ever hope to stand against a giant?

While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I do know where we can start:



• Understand your rights and protections as a consumer.
• Ask informed questions and demand clarity from your insurance provider.
• Review your policies carefully to catch and address discrepancies.
• Keep detailed records of all communications and decisions.
• Appeal denied claims and advocate for the fairness you deserve.
• Report unethical or questionable practices to regulatory agencies.
• Use public platforms like reviews and social media to raise awareness and demand accountability.
• Seek legal counsel when necessary.
• Join advocacy groups and support meaningful policy reforms that aim for transparency and patient-centered care.

As the year comes to a close, I want to thank you for entrusting me with your healthcare and insurance needs. I remain committed to advocating for you and your family because I believe in the work we do and its importance. Together, I hope we can continue to work toward a healthcare system that reflects the values of the holiday season—one rooted in fairness, compassion, and the well-being of all.

-Vanessa

A Happy Holidays Video from Team Voss

Thank you for making 2024 a great year!

Our Favorite Christmas Traditions

What are your favorite traditions for this Season?

We would love to hear them!

"After the busy time of Annual-Enrollment season, I like to take advantage of the slower pace of December to make up some time with my best friend- my Husband, Paul. It is our tradition to dress up, enjoy a nice dinner, and stay the night in a hotel on Christmas Eve. This year, we are looking forward to some quality time, some amazing steaks at STK steakhouse in Bellevue, and new memories to share." 

-Vanessa

"One of my favorite Christmas traditions is when all the women in my family gather at my house to make tamales. It’s something we’ve done for as long as I can remember, and it’s always a special time to connect, laugh, and share stories. Making tamales together feels like more than just cooking—it’s about keeping our culture alive and creating memories that mean so much to me. It’s the one time of the year that my family all comes together in one place, and it’s hands-down my favorite part of the holiday season. We also love sharing them with our friends and neighbors, and it’s so amazing to spread some of that Christmas joy with the people we’re close to."

- Mia

"Christmas is a time for me to continue grounding myself in my faith, so I enjoy going to church festivities and have a tradition of focusing on the Nativity Story. This year, I was able to attend a great Live Nativity Event at Edgewood, Church of Joy. It always amazes me how much work and collaboration go into events like this during the holidays, and how different cultures come together to learn and celebrate with a shared appreciation for the season."

-Brittney

Winter Tips for your Home

Thank you to Pro-Tip Contributor:

Before snuggling up for those cozy nights by the fire, tackling a ​​​​​​list of winter projects will ensure your home is protected from the cold temperatures coming your way this season.

Here’s a list of ​​​​​​​to-dos ​​​​​​​and tips to get you started:

☑ Wrap your pipes to insulate them against the cold and to prevent them from freezing, which could be very costly to fix.

☑ If there’s a winter storm on the horizon in your climate, keep a supply of flashlights and batteries handy. Stock up on firewood (and generator fuel, if needed) as well.

☑ If your home uses a furnace, clean out your air filters and heating ducts, making replacements as needed.

☑ Reverse your ceiling fan blades to spin clockwise. This will create a slight updraft, which forces the warm air near the ceiling downward.

I hope these tips help you to feel safe as you hunker down and cozy up this winter at home. For any questions about local market conditions, or for help planning a home sale or purchase, reach out anytime. ​​​​​​​

Opening the Conversation of Cancer Care

Cancer treatment is becoming more expensive and the need for it is unfortunately becoming more common, making it a tough journey for many families. Aflac's latest research shows that cancer treatment costs often climb into the tens of thousands and sometimes exceed that. On top of that, treatment can last nearly three years on average.

Catching cancer early can make a big difference, but data shows that too many people are skipping their screenings. While over half of cancer diagnoses come from routine checkups, three out of five Americans admit they have avoided an important screening. Younger adults, especially millennials, are seeing higher cancer rates but are often putting off preventive care and relying on emergency visits instead.

Talking about these risks is key, especially with younger generations. Many people don't realize how much skipping a screening could cost—not just financially, but emotionally too. Aflac emphasizes the importance of removing barriers to care, like arranging rides or childcare for screenings, and sharing real-life stories to show how early detection can save lives.

It’s time to make this a family conversation.

Talk with your kids and loved ones about the importance of regular checkups and screenings. Let them know how vital it is to stay on top of their health and catch potential issues early. These conversations could make all the difference in protecting their future health and finances.

NOTICE TO RECIPIENT: we do not offer every plan in your area. Currently, we represent 13 organizations which offer 66 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, or your local state Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.