Quality medical insurance in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be expensive. We help consumers that need coverage for a few months, or need a policy to last a decade. There are many affordable individual Pa medical options that are very inexpensive. What makes this website so helpful is that we can quickly review hundreds of different plans, and determine the 5-10 best policies that will be the perfect solution for your situation. Regardless if you need Senior supplemental coverage, or an individual plan, we can help.
And of course, a live experienced broker is available at any time to help you apply for a policy. However, you can also apply directly to the carrier from our website. You simply answer some questions without talking a physical. Underwriting your application does not take long and we can guide you throughout the brief process. We feel that the “quality” of the coverage you get, is just as important as the cost.
Even the least expensive Pennsylvania health care plans will offer some benefits that you may not realize are included. For example, on most non-temporary plans, national health care reform changes from 2010 now require all qualified preventive benefits to be covered at no cost to the policyholder. There are no deductibles, waiting periods or coinsurance limits that needs to be met. Do you need a physical for work or school? No problem, since your policy covers it at 100%.
This means that annual routine physicals, well baby visits, pap smears, mammograms and preventive colonoscopies don’t cost you anything! And they are covered immediately! That’s quite a change from a few years ago. Most of these changes should remain active unless Congress enacts legislation to dismantle these changes. Although there may be changes to Obamacare, we don’t anticipate a repeal of the legislation, regardless of Presidential election results.
Importance Of Out Of Pocket Expenses
Although “catastrophic” and “high deductible” plans offer low premiums, it’s important to understand the coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs you could possibly face. These types of policies contain varying degrees of benefits once the deductible has been satisfied. Most HSA high deductible plans cover 100% of medical expenses (after the deductible). This is a popular type of plan and is precisely the type of policy that I (myself, wife and two children) have.
The cost savings can be substantial, especially if you keep coverage for several years. And your premiums tend to remain more stable with this type of policy since less claims are submitted. If you regularly are submitting office visit, hospital and diagnostic testing claims, this type of plan is not the best option. Lower deductibles, copays and coinsurance from a comprehensive plan would be more cost-efficient.
You also may not be able to qualify for a “catastrophic” policy now since enrollment guidelines have changed. With the passage of “The Affordable Care Act,” unless you are under age 30 or qualify for a “financial hardship” exemption, you may have to purchase another type of coverage. We can very quickly review the guidelines with you, and if needed, make an alternative recommendation. Several options, including qualified Ministry plans can often be purchased at any time of the year. However, pre-existing conditions may not be covered for 12-24 months.
Limitations of Catastrophic Plans
Some catastrophic contracts in Pennsylvania will have limitations on office visit and prescription benefits after a deductible has been met. Common limitations are lack of non-generic prescription coverage, incomplete office visit coverage or no office visit or prescription coverage at all. Premiums can be thousands of dollars less per year, and if the risk is understood, this type of policy is very appropriate.
Of course, it’s impossible to predict your future medical bills. But a fairly accurate barometer is to look at your personal history for the last 3-5 years. If you have been relatively healthy during that time, there’s a good chance that the trend will continue. And since Open Enrollment is offered every year (Typically in November for Jan 1 effective dates), you can easily change to a policy that matches your out-of-pocket needs.
The Cheapest Option
Regardless of the type of benefits you purchase, you are not required to keep it any amount of time. You do not have to sign a contract obligating you to keep coverage and typically you are not penalized for canceling a plan early. For that reason, “temporary” medical plans have become very popular if an individual or family only needs coverage for a limited amount of time. There are many carriers that we utilize, so that you are always able to receive the lowest prices.
Rates are cheap, policies are quickly approved and coverage can continue without interruption while you seek other job or employment options. If you need coverage for a longer period of time than originally anticipated, there usually are still many options to consider. If you missed the Open Enrollment deadline, a temporary contract will cover the gap until you can buy a more comprehensive plan.
Research And Quality
The Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Their mission is to improve safety for patients, professionals, and facilities through informed decisions and more accurate information. They serve Pa residents and all other US states. The data and information that is provided, helps medical professionals and lawmakers improve benefits and reduce costs for consumers. Ongoing programs include clinical decision support, comparative health system performance initiatives, continuing education, diagnostic safety improvement, health literacy, national quality strategy, pediatric quality measures, and technology assessments.
We are happy to review either long-term or short-term Pennsylvania medical options with you. We always publish the lowest prices available from each company. There are never any fees, and with three decades years of experience, we know we’ll recommend the right plan for your unique situation. We listen to what you say before we start our research.
You can contact us or compare rates after using the “Quote” section of the website. Remember….we work for you, and not any single insurer.
