
Health insurance plans are available through both private insurers and the government health care exchange. Individual health insurance plans are designed for people who do not have access to insurance through their employer or a government program. Family health insurance plans cover multiple individuals within a family under one policy.
WHERE TO GET HEALTH COVERAGE?
A group coverage plan at your job or your spouse or partner’s job
Your parents’ insurance plan, if you are under age 26
A plan you purchase on your own directly from a Health Insurance Company or Marketplace
Government programs such as: Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program
The Veterans Health Administration or TRICARE for military personnel
Your state, if it provides a health insurance plan
Continuing employer coverage from your former employer, on a temporary basis under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
When choosing a health insurance plan, you’ll need to decide what type of coverage you want. There are 4 types of health insurance plans:
HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS (HMOs) and EXCLUSIVE PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS (EPOs)
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) often restrict coverage to providers within their networks. A network consists of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who deliver medical care to members of a specific health plan. If you seek care from a provider outside the HMO’s network, you may have to pay the entire cost of the services received.
HMO members typically have a primary care physician and are required to obtain referrals to see specialists. This requirement generally does not apply to EPOs.
PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS (PPOs) and POINT-OF-SERVICE PLANS (POS)
These insurance plans allow you to choose between receiving care within a provider network or outside of it. With PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or POS (Point of Service) plans, you can use out-of-network providers and facilities; however, you'll likely incur higher costs compared to using in-network options.
If you have a PPO plan, you can see any doctor without needing a referral. In contrast, if you have a POS plan, you can visit any in-network provider without a referral, but you will need one to see a provider outside of the network.
HIGH DEDUCTABLE HEALTH PLAN (HDHP)
High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) usually have lower premiums but higher deductibles compared to traditional insurance plans. If you have an HDHP, you can take advantage of a health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to cover qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. This can help reduce the amount of federal taxes you owe.
CATASTROPHIC HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
A catastrophic health insurance plan covers essential health benefits but comes with a very high deductible. This means it acts as a "safety net" in case of accidents or serious illnesses.
Typically, catastrophic plans do not provide coverage for services like prescription drugs or vaccinations. While the premiums for catastrophic plans may be lower than those of traditional health insurance plans, the deductibles are generally much higher.
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY HEALTH INSURANCE
Individual and Family health insurance in the United States has undergone a lot of change in recent years. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed, and since then, there have been a number of changes to the individual health insurance market.
One of the most significant changes brought about by the ACA is the introduction of the individual mandate. The individual mandate requires all individuals to have health insurance coverage, or else they will face a tax penalty. This has led to an increase in the number of people with health insurance coverage, as more people are now compelled to buy coverage.
Another change that has taken place in the individual health insurance market is the expansion of Medicaid. Under the ACA, states were allowed to expand their Medicaid programs to cover more people. As a result, the number of people covered by Medicaid has increased significantly.
Despite these challenges, the individual health insurance market is still a viable option for people who need coverage. The market is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. If you’re considering buying individual health insurance, be sure to shop around and compare plans to find the best one for you.
GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS
Government health insurance programs such as:
Medicare
Medicaid
Children’s Health Insurance Program
The Veterans Health Administration or TRICARE for military personnel
Your state, if it provides a health insurance plan
Continuing employer coverage from your former employer, on a temporary basis under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
As a licensed Health Insurance Broker, Rochelle has completed the annual Affordable Care Act certification by the Marketplace in Philadelphia and New Jersey. With this yearly training, and an individual or family's formal consent, brokers are authorized to search for and assist households with their Marketplace account. The purpose of this form is to receive your informed written consent.
BASED IN PHILADELPHIA, PA
LICENSED & SERVICING: PA, NJ, NY, OR, CA
This is a solicitation of insurance. Agent is a licensed and certified representative of multiple Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans each with a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on contract renewal. Contact may be made by an insurance agent or insurance company. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government entity or agency. "We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent several organizations which offer many products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options." This is a proprietary website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This site contains decision-support content and information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare. If you would like to find more information about the Medicare program please visit the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare located at http://www.medicare.gov