Does Your Health Affect Your Insurance Rates

How To Get The Best Insurance For Your Health In Idaho

Currently there are five ways your insurance company can use when setting your rates and premiums.

• Age: Rates are higher for older people than younger
  
• Where You Live: Your premiums can change based upon your zip code and the city and state you live in.
  
• Tobacco Use: Your rates can be up to 50% higher when you use tobacco.
  
• Individual Rates and Dependents: If your policy is only for you the rates are lower than if you have dependents and family members on your policy.
  
• Plan Category: There are currently 5 plans to choose from and the more benefits your have the higher your rates. 

My father growing up used to say to me that if you don't have your health you don't have nothing! So, when it comes to  health insurance, finding the right policy is very confusing! From state laws to federal regulations and everything else out there like politics guiding the health care industry. It has truly complicated the health care industry into one big mess. Hopefully we'll give you a couple tips and recommendations to help you understand your policy more. If you don't currently have a plan but are shopping. Please call or contact us for a no obligation quote or review of your current policy. 

Health insurance can be expensive. However, even the cost of health insurance is pocket change when compared to the astronomical cost of some health bills. Take out a policy that won't leave you completely bankrupt if an emergency hits. This means really consider your deductibles, out of pocket max and your monthly premium that you pay. 

I know it's a pain and most of us never do it, but you Need to read your policy. You cant blame anyone "not even your agent". If something happens and you are caught off guard with a bill or the carrier not paying a bill. This may have been averted if you read the provisions and asked your agent how it may affect you. 

You may find that the most affordable policies are the plans where you use a network of Doctors and Hospitals. We are really fortunate here in the Boise area to have Saint Luke's and Saint Alphonsus as the primary networks. You will most likely be able to fins a plan that covers your doctor. But if you are getting a new policy or switching, call your doctor to make sure they accept your new plan. 

Medicare Insurance Tips In Boise Idaho & The Treasure Valley

Whether you may be traveling out of the state or out of the country, check with your health insurance company first to make sure you are covered for illness or injury. Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans work differently when you travel so call your agent to verify how your plan works if something were to happen health wise. When it comes to Medicare insurance, there are a few things you need to know in order to make the most out of your coverage. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you understand what Medicare covers and what it doesn’t. There are four main parts to Medicare coverage: hospital insurance, medical insurance, prescription drug coverage, and supplemental insurance.
2. You can get Medicare coverage through a variety of methods, including employer-sponsored health plans, private health insurers, and the government’s Medicaid program.
3. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for Medicare coverage, you can contact the Social Security Administration or your state’s insurance department for more information.

You may be able to exclude the money you pay towards employer-provided health insurance from your income tax at year end. Even if you are paying into Medicare, you can typically exclude that as well. If you're paying for insurance for your dependents, you may also remove those premiums. Talk to your accountant or CPA as the laws are changing very frequently. A good CPA will be on top of all this for you. Keep all your health care bill and premium payments to make there job a bit easier. 

Determine whether Medicaid or Medicare is an available option for you. For seniors, Medicare can help alleviate costs, picking up where your insurance leaves off. For those that are lower income and not able to afford a health insurance policy, Medicaid could ensure that you have some sort of health coverage for emergencies and routine care.

Chris Antrim Medicare Insurance Broker Can Help

You need to understand that bad health does not affect Medicare coverage in any way. Regardless of your health condition you will receive full benefits. It works the same for all who are available for Medicare coverage. You are guaranteed coverage, but where your health may play a part is whether you look to a Medicare supplement or a Medicare advantage plan. This can be confusing, but one of our agents will be happy to walk you through this process of planning. 

The best way for you to get a great plan that is affordable is for you to do your homework. For something so important it really is on you to make sure the plan is something you approve. We will review all your options with you. But remember there may not be a perfect plan, as such with most things in life. Sometimes you need to settle for the best plan at the time. Read our next article that asks the question if you even need health coverage https://www.goidahoinsurance.com/why-do-you-even-need-health-insurance

Call or come by the office and we can help you navigate, either a personal plan or a group plan for your business we can help. 

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