FAQs

When is open enrollment?

Traditionally open enrollment is November 1st through December 15th for marketplace health plans. If you have a qualifying life event (marriage, divorce, child birth, loss of coverage, etc.), you may be eligible for a special enrollment period. For private (off marketplace) health plans, you can sign up anytime throughout the year.

I missed open enrollment; can I still get Health Insurance?

Yes you can! There are always options available and we can guide you to a plan that makes the most sense for your needs and budget.

My state marketplace doesn’t offer a PPO plan, but I prefer to have a PPO network. Are these plan available?

Yes. There are several private options that offer a PPO network with different deductible options and benefits.

What discounts are available on Health Insurance premiums?

Individuals can qualify for discounts in a few ways (premium tax credits, underwriting, association based coverage, bundle two or more plans). It is important to determine what benefits you need before selecting a plan. We strive to save you premium dollars as well as out of pocket expenses as you use your plan throughout the year (only pay for what you need).

What are premium tax credits?

The premium tax credit – also known as PTC – is a refundable credit that helps eligible individuals and families cover the premiums for their health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace. To get this credit, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return with Form 8962

What is underwriting?

Individuals who are generally healthy (no pre-existing medical conditions) have the option to apply for a medically underwritten health plan. The underwriting process involves a short questionnaire and allowing the insurance company to check your medical background (prescription history & MIB report). The reward for going through this simple process is a 30%-60% premium savings, access to a PPO network and lower out of pocket expenses.

What is association based coverage?

Members of associations like the American Independent Business Coalition have access to nationwide PPO health plans. Individual members enjoy the buying power of a large group plus health, personal, and professional benefits and discounts.

Why would I bundle two plans? That sounds more expensive.

There are several reasons why we bundle two or more plans, but the most common reason is to lower the financial exposure of future medical expenses for families while keeping the monthly premium low. Bundling two or more plans can reduce the family deductible by over $15,000 a year for 80% less than the cost of a low deductible insurance plan.

Why don’t you recommend short-term insurance?

Short term health insurance carries a higher risk with very little savings. Short term plans have wait periods, coverage limits, high deductibles, expiration dates and very little benefits. On the other hand, private health insurance plans (both marketplace and off marketplace) offer unlimited benefit limits at a similar price with the option to cancel at anytime.

Are health sharing ministry plans insurance?

Health care sharing ministries are nonprofits that limit membership to people of a similar faith. Members agree to make monthly payments to pay for the medical expenses of other members. These plans aren’t regulated by the state, and there is no guarantee they will pay claims. They also might not cover preexisting conditions or provide as many benefits as major medical plans.

What is supplemental insurance?

An additional insurance plan that helps pay for healthcare costs that are not covered by a person's regular health insurance plan. These are typically deductible cost due to accidents, hospitalization and critical illness. Adding one or more of these policies can reduce your medical cost by thousands of dollars and are relatively inexpensive.

Should I buy dental insurance?

We recommend investing in your health insurance first and encourage adding a dental plan if there is still room in the budget. Dental plans cover preventative care (two cleanings and one preventative x-ray) and contribute towards the cost of other basic and major procedures.

Should I buy vision insurance?

Vision insurance will be the least expensive part of your health plan. It will cover an annual eye exam and provide a credit towards the purchase of glasses or contacts. If you wear glasses, contacts or get an annual well check on your eyes, this is a no brainer.