Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl

You may have asked yourself at some point, “Do I need Health Insurance?” The answer is yes, and I hope to clarify why by answering the top five questions folks ask me.

Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl

1. Why do I need health insurance?

Let’s 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. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

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 maximum out-of-pocket expense, or, as I like to call it, the stop-loss. Let’s say, for example, 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; your health plan picks up the rest if your provider is in-network. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

That said, the goal is to keep you out of the hospital, right? That’s why it’s essential to have your annual wellness checkup every year. Your primary care physician helps keep you on track; 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. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

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. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

2. How much will it cost?

The cost depends on the plan you choose. Most health plans must cover preventive services, like annual wellness checkups, vaccines, and screening tests, at no additional cost when you stay in-network. Some people qualify for help from the federal government. This financial assistance is referred to as “tax subsidies.” These tax credits can lower your monthly payment based on your income, family size, location, and the type of plan you choose. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

3. Are my doctors in-network?

This is one of the most critical factors in choosing a health plan. Health insurance companies work with doctors to help bring down your costs. If your doctors aren’t in-network, you’ll pay much higher out-of-pocket expenses even if you’re in a PPO. It’s essential to inform your agent about your doctors so they can verify that they are in-network with the plans you are considering. That said, Florida Blue has been serving Florida for over 75 years, and we have an extensive network of doctors. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

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. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

Prescription drug coverage: Many health insurance plans include coverage for prescription drugs, which can help lower the cost of medications. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

Preventive care: Health insurance plans often cover preventive services, including annual check-ups, screenings, and immunizations. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

Mental health and substance abuse treatment: Health insurance plans may cover mental health and substance abuse treatment, including counseling, therapy, and medication. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

Maternity care: Many health insurance plans cover maternity care, including prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

Rehabilitation and therapy services: Health insurance may cover rehabilitation and therapy services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech
therapy. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

Some plans may include Vision and dental. You’ll need a stand-alone vision or dental plan if they don’t. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

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. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

Health insurance is a vital investment in your health and financial security. Knowing you have financial protection in the event of a health crisis, health insurance can give you peace of mind. It can also help you avoid financial hardship or bankruptcy due to unexpected medical bills. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

If you’d like an Agent who’ll be in your corner every step of this process, please call me at (813) 388-8373. My consultation will cost you nothing, and I’ll do a thorough needs analysis to ensure you choose the right plan for you and your family. [Big 5 Health Insurance Questions Near Saint Petersburg Fl]

About Steve Turner

Tampa

Steve Turner is a licensed agent appointed with Florida Blue.