Happy New Year to all my neighbors in Dripping Springs, Austin, and other nearby communities! I want to thank those of you who have followed my articles over the years, and especially those who have given me the opportunity to serve as their local insurance agent. These are difficult times that present many challenges in the area of healthcare. As a self-employed individual, my family and I are also affected by the higher rates, smaller networks, reduced benefits, and fewer companies from which to choose.
If you are unhappy with these unprecedented negative changes, why not write to your congressmen in Washington, D.C. and voice your opinion? We have experienced significant rate increases for three years in a row, from all of the major health insurance companies in our area. Two major companies in Central Texas have decided not to renew many of their individual PPO plans for 2016. Also in the last few years, three additional major health insurers chose not to sell ACA-Compliant insurance plans in our area.
The Open Enrollment will be over on January 31st. If you don’t take care of business by that date, the only way to get a new health insurance plan later will be if you experience a “qualifying life event”. Those special enrollment periods include: birth or adoption, death, marriage, divorce, loss of qualified health insurance, moving outside your plan’s coverage area, etc. However, Short-Term Major Medical insurance plans, can be sold throughout the year, although these are NOT ACA-Compliant.
Supplemental insurance plans like dental, vision, personal injury/accident plans, disability plans, hospital indemnity plans, cancer plans, long term care, and life insurance can be purchased throughout the year. Except for dental, vision, and accident plans, most of these other types of insurance require underwriting evaluations, based on medical history and pre-existing conditions. Apply while you are in good health!
A licensed independent insurance agent can help you with free quotes for any of these supplemental insurance plans. When you request an agent to enroll you in an insurance plan, that agent represents your interests if there are ever problems with your insurance company, with no fee charged for their services! Call AustinHealthPlans.com at: 512-535-3556 or send an e-mail to: Tom@austinhealthplans.com and request details about securing great coverage for your insurance needs today!
austinhealthplans 