Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Coventry, Geisinger, UPMC, Highmark, Capital Blue Cross, Keystone, Independence Blue Cross. There are so many choices when choosing a Pennsylvania health insurance company. How do you know what company and plan to pick? Which Blue Cross/Blue Shield company provides service to your area? IBX? Blue Cross Blue Shield? Highmark? Capital Blue Cross? Will you be eligible for a federal subsidy under Exchange guidelines? Which Senior Medigap options are offered in my area?
Unless you closely follow changes in legislation, provider networks and plan design, it may be difficult to select the most suitable policy. With more than 38 years of experience, we help you find and compare the best available companies and choose which individual or family plan will be the best option for you. We pay special attention to rate stability and finding high quality benefits at an affordable rate. Picking the right contract isn’t easy and that’s why we save you time and annoyance!
For example, most major companies charge different premiums, based on the area that you reside. Each company has multiple plans, with dozens of coverage options. Smoking and age will also result in rate differences. While several carriers offer policies in the four major Tiers (Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze), others only feature limited options. “Catastrophic” plans are also not available from all companies. Non-Obamacare plans are also offered by additional carriers.
If you take medication for high blood pressure, one particular company may be a better fit for you, based on their generic or non-generic drug copay. If you have more than two children, other companies may be a superior choice because they charge less for child coverage. Part of our job is to present to you the best plan choices for you and any other family member. And often, a specific adult or child may be the only person with medical concerns. Applicants can be split up to apply for different plans, but it will not result in a larger subsidy.
Do you prefer catastrophic coverage or comprehensive coverage? Would a Health Savings Account (HSA) be the best option? Each Pennsylvania carrier has a plan for your specific needs. With your information and our research, we will find the perfect match for you. The application process is quick and painless, and physicals are not required. Your acceptance is guaranteed, thanks to Obamacare. Although future changes and updates may alter the legislation, guaranteed approval is not likely to be removed. Medicare is available at age 65, and is not likely to be expanded for all ages.
Previous Healthcare Changes In Pennsylvania
Previous national healthcare reform changes provide comprehensive preventive benefits on most plans with no out of pocket cost. So regardless of the policy you have (except temporary plans), you won’t have to pay for an annual physical, mammogram or OBGYN visit. And as previously discussed on our website (quite heavily), if you apply for a policy during Open Enrollment, you will not be asked medical questions, and your personal history will not be considered.
The number of available options has become much smaller. And, doctors and specialists that were previously “in-network,” may no longer be on company provider lists. Thus, it is important to consider policy selection, tax subsidy consequences, and the impact of existing medications and treatment when determining which policy to select. As your household income changes, you may also receive a substantially higher (or lower) federal subsidy, which could also impact the type of policy (Silver tier vs. Bronze tier) that is the most cost-effective.
PPO? HMO? EPO?
Do you need an HMO or a PPO? Actually, it may depend on your unique situation. We find the plan that best meets your budget concerns, but also provides the coverage you need. It’s important to have a policy that allows you to pay only for the coverage you are likely to use. If you don’t ever meet your deductible, a Platinum or Gold-tier option is not the best fit. If you don’t wear glasses, you may not need the best vision benefits. If you already have dental benefits, there is no reason to pay extra for dental coverage. Pediatric dental coverage, however, is always included as a benefit.
Although HMO networks help keep rates low, often, there are a limited number of physicians and facilities available, and out-of-state treatment may not be offered. Although PPO plans are more desirable, and allow more choices regarding specialist treatment, in many areas of the state, they are not offered. An EPO (exclusive provider organization) provides an exclusive network of doctors and facilities to choose from at negotiated prices. But out-of-network treatment is not covered, and you will pay all expenses associated with that treatment.
Companies Offering Senior Medical Plans In Pennsylvania
Many industry changes do not impact Medicare Supplement plans in Pennsylvania. Since these types of policies are for the 65+ age group, Medigap, Plan D, and other similar contracts tend to remain the same. However, prices and ratings of specific policies often will change, and we keep you well-informed of any impact they have on your coverage. Annually, you can change plans, regardless of existing medical conditions or pending surgeries or treatment.
However, Companies offering Senior plans often do not participate in the under-65 marketplace and do not offer Exchange plans. For example, companies offering Medigap options that typically don’t offer private under-65 Pennsylvania plans include Humana, Medico, Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, AARP, Thrivent, and Cigna. Consumer Reports also helps with company comparisons, although our website typically offers must fresher content.
If you would like to quickly view or apply online for affordable individual and family Pennsylvania health insurance policies, please enter your zip code in the “Get Free Quotes” section at the top of the page. We’ll help you obtain quality healthcare and the government may pay up to 100% of your premium (if you qualify).
