Health insurance may be the most important type of insurance you can carry. That’s because it affects more areas than just your health, it can also affect your financial bottom line.

Unexpected medical bills can devastate your finances. Health insurance doesn’t just help you pay for care, it can also financially protect you and your family in the event of unexpected medical event.

Unpredictable costs can rob your peace of mind. You don’t want to be in the position of adding “money stress” to an already stressful medical situation. Since care costs are so unpredictable, proper coverage can give you definite peace of mind in knowing you are protected from most of these costs.

Uncovered illness can eliminate your options. Proper coverage means you have options. When you don’t have insurance, you’re at the mercy of the healthcare system, which often means no care at all.

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. This law was designed to bring comprehensive health insurance reforms, hold insurance carriers accountable for costs, and  give more consumers access to health care.

Each year, there is a period of time called “open enrollment," which runs from November through January. During this time, you can shop and apply for a new health insurance plan if you find your current plan unsuitable. Once open enrollment period ends, you cannot buy or change a plan unless, you have a qualifying life event (such as losing your current coverage, getting married, or having a baby).

Consumers are also offered tax credits if their household income falls below established thresholds. For residents of the District of Columbia the law also requires penalties, based on income or number of dependents, for consumers who choose not to participate in a health care plan.  The penalties no longer apply on the Federal level.

Until recently, most people got their health insurance from their employer, and those with lower incomes received coverage from the government. But more and more, people are buying private health insurance plans tailor made for individuals, and families.

If you find yourself in this position, without a clear understanding of what you should do or even look for, you may want to investigate getting an individual health insurance plan from us now.

Because we are an independent agency offering timely health insurance quotes and online applications from multiple health insurance companies. Compare options, and apply online from the convenience of your own home or office.  If you are not eligible for a subsidy you can apply directly through the following links for Maryland and Virginia residents:

https://carefirst.inshealth.com/?allid=CAR27748&agentid=168731

For District of Columbia residents or MD & VA residents who believe that they may be eligible for a subsidy, please fill out the quote form at the bottom of this page.

We can help you simplify what seems complex, and help you choose from quality, competitive health care plans, including:

• HMO plans: An HMO, Health Maintenance Organization, is a specific type of health care plan that sets out guidelines under which doctors can operate. On average, health care coverage through the use of an HMO costs less than comparable insurance packages.  However, the network under these types of plans is usually smaller, regional as opposed to national and does not allow you to go out of network unless you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
• POS plans: A POS, Point of Service, these type of insurance policies are similar to HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations – the most restrictive type of policy) but offer more flexibility. POS health insurance provides lower cost insurance while still allowing you to go out of network in many cases without a referral.  Most POS plans offer a national network instead of regional but the network is still smaller than that offered by PPO plans and this type of hybrid policy is not always available in the individual marketplace. 
• PPO plans: A PPO, Preferred Provider Organization, type of insurance offers significantly more flexibility than an HMO or POS. A PPO health insurance plan provides has the largest network of providers and usually does not require a primary care physician or referrals for specialized medical services.  Further the networks are true nationwide networks -- however the cost of this type of plan is higher than an HMO or than the POS so you are paying for this flexibility.

While most insurance products are similar in price and function, insurance providers vary when it comes to structuring a policy tailored to you.

After all, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all insurance policy when it comes to your business.

Contact us today, and we'll help you protect what matters most.