Health Insurance Archives - Page 34 of 52

Divorce & Health Insurance

Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences in someone’s life. Not only are you losing your partner and the dreams you shared, but also your sense of normalcy and routine. The future might suddenly seem very uncertain, and that includes uncertainty about the status of your health insurance. If you were on your spouse’s insurance plan, your children will still be covered, but you will not be once your divorce is finalized. Don’t worry, though, there are options available to you. Just make sure to look for a new plan within 60 days of losing your coverage.

COBRA

A temporary, but expensive, option for coverage after your divorce is applying for COBRA through your spouse’s employer. The COBRA law allows you to stay on your ex’s plan for up to 36 months after your divorce. The downside is that employers do not contribute to the cost of COBRA premiums, so you will have to pay the full amount. This might be quite expensive for you, but it could be a useful stopgap until you find a private insurance or Marketplace plan.

Employer Coverage

If you are working and your company offers health insurance, contact your HR department to find out if you can get on your employer’s insurance plan. Because you lost coverage due to your divorce, you can enroll into a new plan without having to wait until the open enrollment period. Companies with 50 or more full-time employees may be required to provide health coverage to all full-time employees, so if you work for a large company, consider looking into their plan.

Individual Insurance

illustration of caucasian woman with blue shirt and head gear sitting in front of a white computer. — *Working with an agent gives you the ability to ask about any discounts or lower rate options available in your area that you might not be able to access on your own.*

You can purchase your own individual health insurance plan for you or your family. You can purchase these plans over the phone or online with an EZ.Insure agent. Getting your own insurance plan will cost less than going with your ex’s COBRA plan, and it might offer more coverage. An EZ agent can sit down and go through all of the options with you, and compare them to the price and coverage you would receive through COBRA. Working with an agent also gives you the ability to ask about any discounts or lower rate options available in your area that you might not be able to access on your own. There are a variety of plans available, so there is no doubt EZ will be able to find you a plan that meets your needs and budget.

Marketplace Insurance Plan

Normally, if you want to enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan, you have to wait until the Open Enrollment Period from November 1 – December 15. But getting divorced qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, which means you have 60 days after losing coverage to sign up for a new plan. If you fail to sign up for a new plan within 60 days, you will have to wait until the regular Open Enrollment Period to sign up. You can shop your state’s exchange for an ACA-approved “metal tier” plan, and possibly find a discounted rate based on your income and location. If you are considered low-income, then you might qualify for some subsidies to help you save money.

Divorce is a devastating thing to go through, and losing your health insurance will only make things more stressful. EZ.Insure can make the process of getting covered less daunting, so that you have one less thing to worry about. Our agents are highly trained and can search for and compare insurance quotes within minutes at no cost to you. Our services are always free and there is never any obligation. Allow us to help you manage your health insurance needs during this difficult time – we promise to find you the best plan for your needs. To get free quotes online, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

4 EZ Tips For First Time Health Plan Shoppers

The world of health insurance can be intimidating. There are so many industry terms, as well as different types of plans with different coverage options and prices. Doing all of the necessary research to find the plan that fits your needs can feel overwhelming. You can opt for a short-term insurance plan that offers the basics and are fairly cheap, or a more comprehensible insurance plan. On top of trying to figure out which type of plan suits you, there are ways to save money on insurance that you could miss out on if you don’t know where to look. Here at EZ, we understand how intimidating it can all be, which is why we have some tips for making the process a little less unnerving.

1. Know The Terminology

The first thing you should do when jumping into the world of health insurance is familiarize yourself with the terminology. All of these terms can seem confusing, but they don’t have to be. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important ones to know:

Premium– the fixed monthly rate that you pay the insurance company to cover you and your family. Premiums do not count towards meeting your deductible.
Deductible– a fixed amount you must pay before the insurance company either reimburses you or covers medical expenses. For example, if your deductible is $1,500, and you go to the doctor and get a procedure $3500 done, then you must pay $1500 first. Then, your company should take care of the last $2000, minus the amount of coinsurance you owe.
Coinsurance– Once your deductible is met, any insurance-covered procedure, treatment or service will result in a medical expense. The most common division of coinsurance is 80/20- health insurance companies pay 80%, you pay the remaining 20%. For example, in the above-mentioned scenario, you would have to pay 20% of it $2,000.
Copayment– a set amount you pay whenever you use a specific type of healthcare service. You can have a copay for primary doctor visits, specialist doctor visits, ER visits, as well as pharmaceutical copays on prescription drugs.

2. Know Your Budget

Before you start choosing specific insurance plans, weigh how much you are willing and able to pay for health insurance against your healthcare needs. Are you relatively healthy and just need the basics, or do you have a chronic condition and need more comprehensive coverage? These factors will play a big part in how much your monthly premiums will be versus how much your deductible will be.

If you are healthy, then a high-deductible health plan might be your best option. These plans offer low premiums and a high deductible- the thinking behind choosing a plan like this is that, since you are healthy, you will hopefully never have to pay your full deductible. It sounds like a bit of a gamble, but it can be worth it to save money on premiums.

If you need more coverage, then an ACA plan, or private plan that is offered by brokers or agents will work best because these plans offer more comprehensive coverage. There are different types of plans such as HMO plans with limited network coverage, and PPO plans that offer more in-network coverage (which costs more).

3. Know How To Save Money

After you’ve explored the different plan options available to you, don’t forget to look into the money saving options that come with some of these plans! You can save some extra money with:

- Subsidies– If you make between 100%-400% of the poverty line, then you are eligible for subsidies when purchasing plans on the ACA Marketplace. There are different kinds of subsidies:
  - Cost-sharing reductions- Cost-sharing reductions are discounts that lower your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Your eligibility for these extra savings is determined by your household income.
  - Advance Premium Tax Credit– This is a tax credit that you can use to lower your monthly premiums. When applying for Marketplace health insurance, you estimate your expected income for the year. If you qualify, you will receive an advance tax credit that you can apply to the cost of your monthly premiums.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)- If you do go the route of getting a high deductible health plan (HDHP), then an HSA will help you save money. These accounts allow you to save up money to use for qualified medical expenses.You can contribute money to this account tax-free and allow it to roll over every year, but you can only have one of these plans alongside a qualified HDHP.

4. Get A Good Agent

If you are in the market for a health insurance plan, eliminate the hassle of doing all the research yourself and contact an agent. EZ.Insure offers highly trained agents in your area who can answer questions about all of these topics, and more. With us, you’ll speak with an actual human being, not an automated phone system. We will provide you with your own personal agent who will search and compare all available plans in your area, for free. Get the answers you are looking for quickly and at no cost. No pressure, no gimmicks. To get instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above. Or if you would like to get specific answers, speak to an agent by calling 888-350-1890.

Catastrophic Plans Can Be Confusing, Let Us Help

The cost of health insurance is not one size fits all. If you’re healthy, under 30, and facing financial hardship, you could have some cheaper options available to you. For people in these categories, Catastrophic health insurance plans can provide essential health benefits without breaking the bank with monthly premiums. However, you should know that, while premiums on these plans are low, they have high deductibles. If you remain healthy, then your high deductible won’t be a problem, but if you have an accident or become ill, you could end up with huge medical bills. Before you decide if a catastrophic plan is right for you let’s take a look at how they work.

Who These Plans Are For

homeless person sitting outside with a black bag full of clothes — *Catastrophic plans are ideal for people dealing with hardships such as homelessness.*

Catastrophic plans are designed for individuals who are young or struggling to afford health insurance. Not everyone qualifies for these plans. They are only available to people who are:

Under 30 or are over 30 and meet the guidelines for a hardship exemption. This includes people whose plan was canceled by their insurer or small group employer.
Dealing with hardships such as homelessness, eviction, foreclosure or bankruptcy, domestic violence, or medical debt
Considered low-income and cannot afford insurance

These plans have the lowest premiums of any plans on the ACA exchanges, but they also have the highest out-of-pocket costs.These plans do not have a copayment or coinsurance and premiums will vary depending on where you live. Generally all plans have the same high deductible: deductibles were $7,900 for 2019, and they have risen to $8,150 in 2020. Once you meet your deductible, then the insurance company will pay for all covered services.

Who They Are Not For

weekly pill container filled with pills in it with Tuesday tab open. — *If you are unhealthy with a condition, then these plans are not right for you.*

Do you see the doctor often? Do you need a lot of coverage? Do you plan on starting a family in the next year? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a catastrophic plan is probably not the best choice for you. Because of their high deductibles, these plans are not for people who have health conditions that need constant attention. In this case, you will probably want to look for a plan with a lower deductible, even if it means a higher premium.

If you are over 30 or do not qualify for a hardship, then you can look into getting a Bronze level plan on the ACA Marketplace. These plans are very similar to Catastrophic plans, but with slightly higher premiums and without the same qualification requirements of Catastrophic plans. Even if your income isn’t low enough for a Catastrophic plan, you may still be able to get subsidies for a Bronze plan.

Just The Essentials

Catastrophic plans must include all of the ACA’s benefits, and include some free preventive care. These plans cover:

Outpatient services
Catastrophic plans cover the 10 essential benefits such as lab work.
Emergency services
Hospitalization
Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment
Prescription drugs
Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
Lab work
Preventive and wellness services, and chronic disease management
Pediatric services, including oral and vision care

Catastrophic plans aren’t for everyone. If you’re unsure what plan is right for you, come to EZ.Insure for help. We understand how intricate the insurance world is, and because we have been in the industry for over 10 years, we can offer you free expert advice on which direction you should go in. To get free quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to one of our experienced agents, call 888-350-1890.

Making The Most Of Your High Deductible Health Plan

High deductible health plans are rising in popularity, with more companies offering them and even more people purchasing them individually. These plans definitely have benefits, like their lower premiums, and they can be great for healthy people on a budget. On the other hand the high deductibles of these plans can be a problem, because going to the doctor or hospital can mean being stuck with a big bill. Or knowing you have a high deductible to meet might make you think twice about seeking care, and you might end up ignoring symptoms until things get worse. However, there are ways to make the most of your high deductible health plan while getting the care you need and saving money.

Utilize Your Freebies

Under the ACA, all insurance plans must provide coverage for some preventive health services with no out-of-pocket costs- this applies to high deductible health plans. These free preventive services will not have a copay and do not count towards your deductible. You can expect to get free vaccines, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, birth control, and some cancer screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies.

Check with your insurance plan’s details and be sure to stay in-network to avoid unexpected costs; these services are free but you still have to stay within your plan’s network.

Ask For Discount

If you are sick and need to seek treatment, but are worried about a high medical bill, ask your provider if they offer any discounts. Some doctors’ offices will offer a discount if you pay with cash, or you can ask your doctor for a discount on a service that you will have to pay for entirely out-of-pocket. If they do not offer any discounts, then ask if they offer payment plans so you can avoid medical debt.

black silhouette of a piggy bank with a gold dollar sign in the middle — *HSA accounts have triple tax advantages which can help you save money for medical expenses.*

Triple Tax Advantages With HSA

One of the major benefits of having a high deductible health insurance plan is the ability to have a health savings account (HSA) alongside it. HSAs allow you to put money aside, pre-tax, to help you pay for qualified medical expenses. These accounts offer a triple tax advantage because:

Contributions are tax-deductible
Contributions roll over and can continue to grow tax-free into the following year
Withdrawals are not taxed if you use them for qualified medical expenses.

Take note that unqualified expenses incur a 20% penalty.

Stay In Network

This is said a lot, but it is worth repeating. In order to avoid major out-of-pocket expenses, you must stay within your plan’s network. When you have a high deductible plan, it is especially important to stay within the network to avoid extra charges. Only in-network services will count towards meeting your deductible; any care you get outside of your network will not count. Make sure to double check with your insurance company and doctor’s office that any specialists you are referred to are in your plan’s network.

Do you have a high deductible health insurance plan? Are you considering one? If you are in need of help, EZ.Insure is here for you. We provide accurate quotes on all plans in your area, and our trained agents will go over each plan and will find one that fits your needs and budget. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Is Medicare For All Coming? Here’s Why You Should Check Your Insurance Options Now!

The Medicare for All debate is full of disagreements between politicians in regards to it’s future. Some Democrats advocate for the single-payer healthcare system that would eliminate private health insurance companies, while others push for a government option. Republicans, on the other hand, are in favor of sticking with a private system and getting rid of the ACA. All of this uncertainty about the future of health insurance brings an uneasy feeling. Medicare for All might happen, and the ACA might disappear. No matter what the outcome, health insurance is in a safe place right now with affordable plans. There is no better time than now to check your insurance options and find a good policy.

What Is Medicare For All?

group of people with a huge red heart in the babkground — *Medicare for All is a government-run system that would replace private health insurance offered through employers.*

Under Medicare for All, a government-run system would replace private health insurance offered through employers. This single-payer system would be paid for by tax dollars, and Americans would no longer pay premiums, deductibles, or any point-of-service costs for healthcare. While some see this as a good thing that would ensure healthcare for everyone, others see it as a potential disaster that would cost too much and create long wait times for care.

A poll from the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation found that 56% of Americans support Medicare for All. When people were told it could lead to higher taxes, support fell to 37%. When asked whether they would still support it if it led to delays in care, the number fell to 25%.

However, as of now, talks of Medicare for All have been silenced; in fact, any talk regarding the future of health insurance for the U.S has been notably nonexistent. Where will this leave the health insurance industry after elections? Where will this leave you? Will Medicare for All take over? Will you have the option for private insurance, and if so, will the prices rise to unobtainable rates?

The Future Of The ACA Marketplace

On the other side of the aisle, Republicans have a less concrete plan for how to move forward. Their plan is still pushing for the repeal of the ACA: Republicans have been trying to get rid of the ACA since it was introduced by former President Obama. As of now, 18 Republican attorneys general are still planning to participate in a lawsuit that could mean the repeal of the Affordable Care Act within a year. If the ACA were to be dismantled, over 20 million Americans would lose health insurance.

The threat of repeal is causing uncertainty about the future of healthcare because, as of now, no Republican lawmakers have proposed a replacement plan.

A Lot Of Uncertainty

Medicare for All is a faraway dream (or nightmare, depending on who you ask) right now, and both political parties have been generally vague about their future plans for healthcare. It is better to be covered now with a secured policy than wait until the industry changes, when there are likely going to be fewer options for coverage and higher prices. Even insurers are uncertain about prices and what they expect healthcare to look like. Usually they have an idea, but not this time.

One thing that is certain is that there are still affordable ACA plans and private health insurance plans available. Currently there are a range of plans, with different coverage and prices that can meet your health and financial needs. Recently, more ACA insurance companies announced that they have expanded into new counties around the U.S. This means there are more options than ever for getting covered. It’s a good time to take advantage of the choices available and get grandfathered into a plan, in case the insurance market changes drastically in the future.

Doing the research can be a lot of work. It can feel overwhelming when you have to compare different plans to find the one that meets your needs. We get it, and that is why EZ.Insure is here to help. We won’t try to make a profit off of your confusion, we just want to help you make an informed decision. We will provide you with your own agent, who will go over all of the coverage options and prices, and guide you towards the best plan for you for free. To get started, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Is It Time For A New Doctor?

The relationship you have with your doctor is an extremely important one. If you have established a great relationship with your doctor, then consider yourself lucky. Unfortunately though, not all doctors will be a good fit for everyone. If this is your case, it might be better for your health if you find a new physician.

You’re not alone if you want to make a change: according to a study conducted by the Journal of Family practice, 20% of patients studied changed their doctors over a period of 3 years. Is it time for you to move on? Here are some of the clear signs that it is time to dump your doctor, and find a new primary care physician.

persons hand with the watch being shown — *Waiting too long to see your doctor or to get an available appointment is not okay.*

You Can’t See Your Doctor

When you go to see your doctor, do you actually see your doctor? Or are you usually seen by the Physician’s Assistant or a nurse? There is nothing wrong with being seen by a PA or nurse, but if you are seeking care from a specific provider, you should get that.

When you need to see the doctor, can you get an appointment in a timely manner? These are all things to take into consideration. If you never get to see your doctor when you need to, or if you need to make appointments weeks or months in advance, then it is time to find a doctor that has time for you.

Your Doctor Is Unresponsive

If you need to speak with your doctor, do you wait for a long time for them to get back to you? Do you find yourself leaving multiple voicemails and sending many messages? Nothing is worse than not feeling good, or needing a refill on prescription medications, and not getting an answer back from your doctor.

And when you are actually speaking with your doctor, are they open to exploring your ideas or just interested in selling products or getting their other work done while you talk? This brings us to another huge red flag: feeling like you’re not being heard.

You’re Tired Of Not Being Heard

caucasian man with a white button up lifting his glasses above his eyed looking down — *If your doctor doesn’t take your concerns seriously then it might be time for a new one.*

There may be times when you express your concerns to your doctor, and they brush it off as being tired or stressed. Your doctor doesn’t take your concerns seriously and won’t order tests or recommend any form of treatment. Unfortunately this happens more often than it should, and if it happens to you, it is a very good reason to consider finding a new care provider. You should absolutely be able to question your doctor, get answers, and consider alternative diagnoses and treatments. Your health might depend on it.

You Always Feel Rushed

Not being listened to by your doctor is extremely frustrating, but just as bad as not being listened to is being rushed through appointments. If your provider is giving off impatient signals like checking their watch, the clock, sighing when you ask questions, or beginning to walk towards the door when you ask a question or are in the middle of conversation, then it might be time to seek care elsewhere.

You Just Feel Like You Need More

woman with her hands covering her face — *If you feel that your doctor does not make your health their top priority, then it is time to see a new doctor.*

Sometimes you just can’t put your finger on it. Maybe you feel like your doctor sees patients as just another number. Or maybe it’s something more concrete, like their office feels very disorganized, and they make billing mistakes, lose paperwork, overcharge you, or cancel appointments. Either way, if something doesn’t feel right to you, then move on.

Remember, you deserve more. If you feel that your doctor does not make your health their top priority, then it is time to see a new doctor. This is especially true if you are dealing with health issues, and your doctor is simply not listening or seeking the tests or treatment you need. You shouldn’t feel bad or disloyal for wanting more for yourself and your health. Take control of your health, even if that means getting a new doctor that makes you feel more cared for.

Saying goodbye to your doctor is not easy, especially if you have been with them for a long time. Finding a new doctor can be a challenge, but you can make your search easier by checking with your insurance company. Take the time to research and read reviews about different doctors after finding out which ones are in your provider’s network. This can take some time, but finding a doctor that you can trust is better (and more important) than settling for the one you have.

Tag: Health Insurance