HERE ARE THE TOP 5 QUESTIONS FOLKS ASK ME ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE

You may have asked yourself at some point, do I really need Health Insurance? The answer is yes and I hope to clear it up for you as to why by answering the top 5 questions folks ask me.

1. Why do I need health insurance?

I think we should start here. Do you know one of the leading causes of Bankruptcy in America? It’s medical expenses. Please don’t take my word for it. Check out these articles.

Investopedia – Top 5 reasons people go bankrupt 

CNBC – This is the real reason most Americans file for bankruptcy

American Bankruptcy Institute – Health Care Costs Number One Cause of Bankruptcy for American Families

One of the most important reasons you have health insurance is for the Max Out of Pocket, or, as I like to call it, the stop loss. Let’s say, for example, you’re
If your max out-of-pocket (MOOP) is $2000 and you just had a hospital stay, the bill is $100,000. You would only pay $2000, and your health plan picks up the rest as long as your provider is in-network.

That said, the goal is to keep you out of the hospital, right? That’s why it’s important to have your annual wellness checkup every year. Your primary care physician helps keep you on track and that wellness visit doesn’t cost you a penny. Health insurance offers you peace of mind. Health insurance works with doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies to lower costs.

So, just by having a health plan, you’ll usually pay less for care or prescriptions than if you didn’t have coverage, even before you meet your deductible.

2. How much will it cost?

The cost depends on the plan you choose. Most health plans must cover a set of preventive services, like annual wellness checkups, vaccines, and screening tests, at no additional cost to you when you stay in-network. Some people qualify for help from the federal government. This financial assistance is called “tax subsidies” These tax credits can lower your monthly payment based on your income, family size, location & the type of plan you choose.

3. Are my doctors in-network?

This is one of the most important factors in choosing a health plan. Health insurance companies work with doctors to bring your costs down. If your doctors aren’t in-network, you’re going to pay much higher out-of-pocket costs even if you’re in a PPO. It’s important to tell your agent who your doctors are so they can make sure they are in-network in the plans you are looking at. That being said, Florida Blue has been serving Florida for over 75 years we have a very large network of doctors.

4. What’s included in a health plan?

The specific details of what is included in a health insurance plan can vary depending on the provider and the type of plan. You and your agent need to review the benefits summary for the plans you are considering. Here are some standard features of health insurance plans:

Coverage for medical services: Health insurance typically covers a range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, and emergency
care.

Prescription drug coverage: Many health insurance plans include coverage for prescription drugs, which can help lower the cost of medications.

Preventive care: Health insurance plans often cover preventive care services such as annual checkups, screenings, and immunizations.

Mental health and substance abuse treatment: Health insurance plans may cover mental health and substance abuse treatment, including counseling, therapy, and medication.

Maternity care: Many health insurance plans include coverage for maternity care, including prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.

Rehabilitation and therapy services: Health insurance may cover rehabilitation and therapy services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech
therapy.

Some plans may include Vision and dental. If they don’t, you’ll need a stand-alone vision or dental plan.

5. When do I need to enroll in a plan?

Enrolling in a plan is during the Open Enrollment Period (November 1st – December 15th). If you miss the Open Enrollment Period, you may still be able to enroll throughout the year if you have certain life events, such as losing current coverage, getting married, or having a baby.

Health insurance is an essential investment in your health and financial well-being. Health insurance can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have financial protection in a health crisis. It can also help you avoid financial hardship or bankruptcy due to unexpected medical bills.

If you’d like to have an Agent who’ll be in your corner every step of the way in this process, please give me a call at (813) 388-8373. My consultation won’t cost you a penny, and I’ll do a thorough needs analysis to make sure you choose the right plan for you and your family.

About Steve Turner

Steve Turner is a longstanding member of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals® and holds the prestigious designation of Registered Employee Benefits Consultant^® NABIP^® is the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals and works diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality affordable Healthcare and related services.

Steve Turner is a licensed Agent appointed with Florida Blue.