If you’re searching for a local independent health insurance agent or a licensed healthcare broker in Kalamazoo, Michigan, there are a few things to know before purchasing any health insurance. First of all, verify you are working with a state licensed insurance agent or broker.
At Maple Valley Insurance Group, we offer health insurance products and services for individuals, families as well as group benefit plans.
Also, as an independent health insurance broker and a certified Marketplace, healthcare.gov agent, we can offer a much better experience securing your Marketplace health insurance. Count on professional guidance in picking the right plan. We help you select the the right policy for your needs and budget and get your application submitted quickly and painlessly. There is no cost to you for our services, ever.
Now, if you are looking for a Medicare expert in Kalamazoo, look no further. This is where we started our business over 25 years ago.
What To Expect In Shopping For A Health Insurance Plan
Now, some insurance companies may be better choices for certain types of health plans. For example, some carriers may only offer group health insurance coverage while others focus on health insurance for individuals and families.
Whether you are looking to make changes to your company’s group benefit plan or are in the market for a health insurance policy for yourself and your family, we can help.
Certain types of health insurance are are distributed thru different channels. Federally facilitated Marketplace plans (FFM) are offered on healthcare.gov as well and connected to our platform, Health Sherpa. Health Sherpa is more intuitive and a faster process and the system we use to help you secure healthcare.gov (Marketplace) medical insurance.
Medicare Advantage plans for seniors are also regulated by the government. Regulators of these insurances include both the State of Michigan DFIS and the CMS. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulates which insurance agents and brokers are certified to help you with Medicare and Marketplace health insurance. The State of Michigan ensures licensing, all health plans and practices meet all state laws and follow required State procedures.
We are CMS certified and state licensed to assist and advise you in securing coverage. Only agents who are certified by the federal gov’t can offer Marketplace health insurance and/or Medicare Advantage plans.
Will I be asked any health insurance questions?
With ACA Marketplace (healthcare.gov) plans, insurance companies cannot cherrypick you based on any pre-existing health issues. Your premium will be determined in part by your age and the taxable household income as you would file on your federal income taxes. You must declare if you are a tobacco user but there will not be be any additional health questions. Medical insurance sold on the Marketplace is prohited from doing since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect in 2010. An insurance agent selling you a policy that includes health history questions in not a healtcare.gov (Marketplace) healthcare plan. Make sure you understand the difference.
If you have Original Medicare, unless you are in your initial open enrollement period (6 months) you should assume that the insurance company will require you answer their health history questions. Different carriers ask different questions. Do not assume you will be declined. Medicare Supplemental insurance policies are purchased everyday by seniors with less than perfect health. The key is to find an independent agent who knows what they are doing…to recommend the right carrier for your personal situation.
Like Healthcare Marketplace insurance, Medicare Advantage plans do not discriminate based on your health history. Your premium is based on your age and the benefit package you choose during the yearly enrollment period(s). Even someone in very poor health can change during an open enrollment period.
Do I have to pay for the Medical Insurance right away?
No, but the insurance company issuing the medical insurance will need your financial commitment with your application for insurance. What this means is, you will be charged within 30 days of your application for any premium due unless you cancel your policy. In Michigan, you have a 30 day free look provision under state law once you receive your policy. If you have a $0 dollar plan, your premium payment will be credited appropriately. Any additional premium can be remitted monthly. This is set up during your application.
Monthly premium credit is based on your estimated earnings for the year. If you miscalculate or have a income change for one reason or another, it is adjusted when you complete your federal tax return for the year. If your income was less than anticipated your credit will increase and vice-versa.
If you are receiving any Social Security benefits, we advise people to schedule their payment to coincide with their Social Security deposit. Request “Social Security billing.” Your agent can help you set this up at application. Our clientele are very pleased with this billing mode whether is a health insurance policy, dental or life insurance coverage.
Medicare Experts In Kalamazoo, MI
Medicare and Medigap is what started us off as an agency nearly 25 years ago. If you are looking for help with your Medicare options an/or a Medigap insurance policy, we have seasoned Medicare agents who have years of experience working with seniors and advising them on their Medicare options.
Health Insurance Kalamazoo, MI and Surrounding Areas
If you are looking for health insurance in Kalamazoo or anywhere else in Michigan, we can help you get the right health insurance coverage in place regardless of your age as a healthcare broker working with dozens of the finest insurance carriers around the country. Let us help you start your shopping.
For those who are not Medicare or Medicaid eligible, you may choose to start the Marketplace Health Insurance shopping right here using our technology on your own. This is the online quoting system we use to enroll our clientele. It reflects the Healthcare Marketplace pricing and credits you may be eligible for. Be sure to use all the features to sort out the right company and plan for you. You will be given the Marketplace price based items such as your age, gender, household income and number of dependents. Note: not all providers accept every plan. Some providers may accept one plan but do not accept another. If you have a doctor you really like, make sure you verify which plans he/she accepts before buying. Our platform will help you see what your provider accepts, but It always best to call your preferred provideer and double check that they are accepting a specific plan. Sorting by prescription coverage is another option. Enter any medications you are prescribed and verify the plan best suited to cover your medications.
Medicare enrollments are a bit more complex and due require a professionl to guide you thru. There is a lot to consider with Medicare.
If this is overwhelming or you are on Medicare, your independent agent or broker at Maple Valley Insurance Group should be able to narrow down which health plans will best for your goals. Phone 269-244-3420