Health Insurance

Health insurance is designed to keep your out-of-pocket costs for medical procedures, office visits and prescription drugs to a minimum.

Individual and Family Health Plans

Individual health policies offer a variety of options in deductibles, benefits and premiums. This coverage is underwritten and applicants who have health problems may not qualify for insurance. People who cannot qualify for individual insurance can apply for coverage in a state sponsored health plan. Individual policies are only available until age 65. Because there are so many variables involved in individual health insurance, it is best to meet with an agent to get detailed information on each person’s individual situation.

Short Term Health Plans

An individual, who is in between jobs and has to wait a certain period of time before they become eligible for their employer sponsored plan, can get a short term health policy, which is active for a set number of days up to one year. The premiums are very low compared to a regular health plan, since the risk to the insurance company is substantially lower. Underwriting for these plans is extremely simplified and a short term plan can be effective the day after an application is taken. There are several options available and short term plans are offered for both individuals and families.

Group Health Plans

Group insurance coverage is a voluntary benefit provided by the employer. Employers may pay for a portion or their entire employee’s and their dependents health insurance premiums or they may pay for the employee only and the employee pays for the dependent coverage. Group premiums are tax deductible to the employer.

Group coverage is usually guaranteed issue with minimal underwriting questions. It is all but identical to individual health insurance in that they both have deductibles, co-payments, out-of-pocket limits, etc. The key differences are underwriting criteria and how much of the premium is paid for by the employer. The employer can offer a variety of plans, so that each employee can choose a plan that best fits their needs.