Everything you need to know...


  • Private Marketplace

    Usually have to go through a broker or agency.

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  • Public Marketplace

    Guaranteed issued state government plans/ ACA/ ObamaCare. 

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Public Marketplace




Has plenty of names (Obamacare, marketplace, public plans, or state plans) it really varies from state to state. These are income based options. The benefits may not show for the price you could end up paying, but this is the most full coverage route you can go outside of an employer.



  • Why is this?

    The government during the ObamaCare Administration deemed the term Minimum Essential Coverage which only extended to government-sponsored state plans in an effort for the government to take control of what was formerly a privately controlled healthcare system in America when it came to options outside of an employer.

  • Will I be taxed for not going with Obamacare?

    No, the federal tax penalty was removed during the Trump administration allowing consumers to not be penalized for going outside of state-sponsored options.

  • What is so special about these plans?

    - If you qualify for any subsidy due to household size or threshold income this route can be very affordable.


    - If you have a lot of expensive medications or preexisting conditions plans can be more catered to your unique situation.

  • What if the rates are too high for what I am looking for/ the deductibles are way more than you would ever spend?

    Contact one of our licensed advisors to better understand your situation. By assessing your health, budget, and medical needs there could be a full coverage route on the private marketplace that better fits what you are looking for.

Public Marketplace vs. Private Marketplace


What is the big deal and why does it matter what route I go?


  • Do you qualify for any government subsidy assistance programs?


  • Do you have specific preexisting condition or medications you need coverage for?


  • What are your medical needs? Do you just need something catastrophic?


The list goes on and on, which makes finding the specific plan for your unique situation so hard to do on your own if you don't know the right questions to ask like stated above.


Private Marketplace- How do you get access?




You most likely typed in your information on a quote software website, which means brokers, agencies, or advisors are reaching out or you had a friends, family, or acquaintances refer you.



  • FULL COVERAGE

    - When you think full coverage you usually think year long plans or guaranteed renewable plans


    - Max out of pocket and typically unlimited coverage after that.


    - These plans are typically most comparable to an employer plan


    - Serious medical and catastrophic coverage


    - Can Include fixed indemnity plans as long as there is a max out of pocket


    Examples: Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Etc.

  • COBRA

    Employer sponsored coverage that you continue for 18 months to keep your same coverage, but without the employer paid portion.


    Examples: Whichever options you had to choose from during your company's Open Enrollment period.

  • SHORT TERM

    - 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, or 36 months


    - The longer the plan the higher the premium


    - Deductibles per incident


    - Preexisting Condition Clauses (can be from 12 months-indefinitely)


    Examples: Golden Rule, Life Shield, National General, Companion Life, Independence American, Etc.

  • MEDISHARE/CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

    - Must Prove you are an active member of a church


    - Cannot drink, smoke, or do drugs. Can Show up in your toxicology or blood work reports to deny claims.


    - The board of trustees comes together to decide what claims and how much of each claim will be paid.


    - Each person pays their own "dues" and can contribute as much as they want towards a premium.


    - Outlines on their websites they are not considered insurance.


    Examples: Liberty Health Share, My Christian Care, Medishare, Samaritan Ministries, Etc.

  • DISCOUNT/LIMITED BENEFITS

    - Typically a fixed indemnity with no max out of pocket


    - Mostly doctors office visits and prescription discounts


    - Plans work exactly as they sound you get discounts at participating providers for different services they may or may not approve


    - Websites will tell you they are not considered insurance.


    Examples: Chubb, Axis Core Shield, Cardinal Choice, Life Shield, Allied Health, Etc.

Terminology


Just like any other field of study is it beneficial to have a glossary of terms set aside and defined before getting into your search. This ensures you do not get overwhelmed by the process and make an impulsive decision with a plan with more drawbacks or restrictions than what you expected since you didn't know the right questions to ask.




List of Services

1 in 5 Americans goes without or has inadequate health insurance.

Insurance discrimination at facilities is 24.7% to 28.1% for uninsured adults and 18.4% to 24.0% for publicly insured adult.

Private health insurance coverage continued to be more prevalent than public coverage, at 65.6 percent and 36.1 percent.

Employment-based insurance was the most common, covering 54.5 percent of the population.

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