If this is your first-time shopping for healthcare plans, you're not alone. Many Americans are first-time healthcare buyers and look to licensed agents to learn more about your healthcare plan options. Here's a few tips to help you understand what's available, so you can confidently choose the right health plan for you.
These plans offer the most flexibility by allowing care to be obtained by any health care professional without a referral, regardless of whether they’re inside of the network coverage area or not.
You wouldn't make a significant purchase without shopping around. Well, buying health insurance shouldn't be any different. We recommend getting at least 2-3 other health plan comparison quotes before deciding on a health plan. Make sure to consider how much coverage you need, what exactly is covered and what you can afford monthly.
"Does my Doctor accept this insurance?" Different policies have different network options. A plan with a broad network of doctors is known as a PPO network, while narrow networks are classified as HMO networks. Before choosing your preferred network, ask yourself "do you want the ability to keep your current doctor?" If so, you may want to choose a plan that has access to a PPO Healthcare network. If you don't plan on seeing a specific physician, be mindful that your network is broad enough and offers a variety of provider options.
Open Enrollment is an annual period when individuals can enroll in a health insurance plan, make changes to their coverage, or cancel their current plan. General Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace takes place from November 1st – December 15th, with all plans effective January 1st of the following year.
Also known as Obamacare, The ACA is a healthcare reform intended on making healthcare more accessible and affordable to millions across the Nation. Obamacare plans are offered on healthcare.gov and have specific coverages that are priced based on age, household size, income, and smoking status.
To enroll in an Obamacare plan outside of open enrollment you will need to qualify for a special enrollment period based on a life-changing event (i.e. loss of job, new child, recently moved, and various other qualifying events).