Life Insurance Archives - Healthedly Insurance Services

How to Change Health Insurance

Man and woman discussing changing health insurance with agent looking at papers

If your health insurance is no longer working for you, it’s simple enough to change plans – here’s how it works.

When Can I Change My Health Insurance?

You can enroll in Medicaid at any time. Otherwise, you can switch during the Open Enrollment Period or the Special Enrollment Period.

Open Enrollment Period: You can change your health insurance during the annual Open Enrollment Period. The dates vary slightly depending on the plan, but Open Enrollment normally takes place between October and January each year.
Special Enrollment Period: Certain life events, such as moving state, having a baby, or getting married, trigger a Special Enrollment Period during which you can change policies.

Some job-based plans have slightly different enrollment plans, so always check with your employer if you’re unsure.

How Long Does it Take to Change Health Insurance?

Here’s the good news: changing health insurance is quick and easy, and it’s even faster with our help. It only takes a few minutes to complete our form or call our agents, and we’ll help you select and sign up for health insurance as quickly as possible if you’re eligible.

How to Change Health Insurance

Changing health insurance providers or switching plans is simple.

When the Open Enrollment Period comes around, review your existing policy. Consider what changes you need to make so you know what coverage you’re looking for.
Think about how much you can afford to pay each month and bear this in mind when shopping around.
Compare quotes online or let our friendly team help you choose and enroll in a new plan.

If you’re in a Special Enrollment Period, you may need to provide proof of this before getting insurance.

Canceling Your Health Insurance

You can normally terminate your health insurance plan whenever it suits you (unless your employer places restrictions on this). To end the plan, just call the insurer and advise them of your wish to cancel. You can choose a date for coverage to end or you can end the plan immediately.

How to Change Health Insurance When Moving Out of State

Some health insurance policies expire when you cross state lines, or they might not offer you the same level of cover. If this happens to you, it’s simple to switch policies.

Moving to a new state is a qualifying event which triggers a Special Enrollment Period. So, you can easily change plans or coverage at any time of year to suit your new circumstances.
Shop around for a new insurance plan which meets your needs, and apply within 60 days of moving. Otherwise, you may not qualify for the Special Enrollment Period any longer.
Your new coverage probably won’t start right away. To cover the gap, consider taking out short-term health insurance. These plans take effect from the day you apply so you’ll be covered immediately.

At Healthedly, we can help you find, compare, and enroll in the best available individual and family health plans. To learn more about how to cancel your health insurance, or to switch plans, contact us now.

January 13, 2023

How Long Can You Stay on Your Parents’ Health Insurance?

Individual and Family, Life Insurance

As a young adult, chances are you have questions about your health insurance. So, here’s a rundown of how long a child or young person can stay on their parent’s health insurance, and what happens when your coverage runs out.

When Can I Stay on My Parent’s Health Insurance?

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you can stay on your parent’s health insurance until you turn 26. This is the case even if you have kids, qualify for another plan, start school, or live elsewhere. You don’t need to be dependent on your parents financially, either – it all comes down to age.

Can I Stay on My Parent’s Health Insurance After Age 26?

Not typically, but some states may have different age limits. New York, for example, allows under-29s to remain part of their parent’s health insurance plan if they can’t get employer-sponsored insurance. There’s also a nationwide exception for disabled persons aged 26 or over if:

They are mentally or physically disabled;
This disability means they cannot support themselves; and
The disability began before they turned 26.

Otherwise, your coverage ends when you turn 26. The coverage may not end immediately – it could be during your birthday month or the calendar year. This gives you time to shop around for your own insurance plan without leaving a gap in your coverage.

Can You Stay on Your Parent’s Health Insurance if You’re Married?

Yes. So long as you’re under 26, you can normally stay on your parent’s health insurance plan even if you’re married. However, you might opt to choose your own insurance plan instead – it depends on you and your family’s needs.

Should I Stay on My Parent’s Health Insurance?

It’s a personal choice. On the plus side, staying on your parent’s health insurance means there’s one less thing for you to worry about. You can rest easy knowing your healthcare needs are taken care of.

However, your parent’s plan might not actually be the best option for you financially. And if you live away from home, you might prefer to have more control over your own healthcare.

What Should I Do if I’m No Longer Covered by My Parent’s Health Insurance?

Turning 26 triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). At this point, you can choose your own health insurance policy, whether it’s through your employer or the open marketplace.

Think about what type of coverage you need for your health.
If you have dependents or a family, consider a family health plan.
Determine your budget for insurance premiums.
Shop around for the best deal.

Can My Parents Remove Me From Their Health Insurance?

Yes. By law, health insurance issuers must offer coverage to under-26’s as part of their parent’s plan, but your parents can remove you from the plan before this date. At Healthedly, we can help you find, compare, and enroll in the best available individual and family health plans – call us today on (855) 522-2201.

December 7, 2022

Best Health Insurance for Small Business Owners

Health, Life Insurance, Small Business

A pediatrician examining a young girl who is holding a teddy bear

Running a small business is hard, and navigating getting your employees health insurance can really be a hassle. Especially if you don’t have experience or a trusted advisor. With that in mind, we’ve crunched the numbers. We’ve come up with the best group health insurance plans for small businesses.

We want to make sure you have as many health insurance options as you can get. You should know the plan options and the health benefits available to you. We also want you to know how to provide your small business’s number of employees health care that will be good for them.

#1. UnitedHealth care

Why Get It: Coverage in all 50 states, largest health insurance provider in USA

When it comes to the best small business health insurance plans, everyone trusts UnitedHealth care. That’s why they’re the largest health insurance provider in the United States. They have coverage options in all 50 states. This makes them even more attractive if you’re a business that operates remotely but wants to have a single health insurance plan.

They have a national network of doctors and hospitals, making them one of the most accessible insurance organizations. On top of this, UnitedHealth care is moving hard into the digital realm with consultations over computers and mobile. Hence, this lowers costs for the insured.

#2. Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Why Get It: Coverage specialized to your area through local health insurance agencies

Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an interesting one, because they work through 36 different local health insurance companies. This makes them more tied to specific geographic areas and leads to a more targeted view of business. Like United HealthCare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield are available in all 50 states, and it is the most popular plan on this list: one in three Americans is covered under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Association.

#3. Humana

Why Get It: Specializes in small business healthcare

Humana is a very large health insurance company, and is on this list because they make a concerted effort to offer health insurance to small businesses. Some of the perks of Humana Small Business include in-network preventive care, 100% covered by all Humana group plans. They also offer telehealth visits, and the Humana Pharmacy

#4. Aetna

Why Get It: High-deductible plans with tax advantaged savings options

Aetna is a long-standing pillar in the health insurance community, and they offer something very attractive to small business owners: high-deductible health insurance plans with tax-advantaged savings options.

Known especially for their good customer service–something that’s hard to find in an insurance company–their large provider network of more than 700,000 providers gives you access to every kind of care you need.

The downside is that Aetna is not available in every state, and you usually can’t get a quote without an Aetna sales rep walking you through the options.

Choose the best Small Business Health Insurance for you

If none of the above are the right fit, no worries, we have other options for small business health insurance. Now is the time to get to know plan options for your employees.

Still looking for the right Health Insurance Plan? Browse our plans here.

November 18, 2022

Life Insurance 101

Health Resources, Life Insurance

Life Insurance: everything you need to know

You’ve probably heard of life insurance by now. But if you are reading this, you are probably hoping to learn more about life insurance, what it all means, what you need to know before you enroll for a life insurance policy. You may have questions like, why do I need this type of insurance? What does this type of insurance cover?

What is it?

Life insurance is a type of policy that pays out a set sum of money either immediately after a person dies or a short period after that person’s death. This money usually goes to the spouse and/or children of the deceased individual. So, life insurance is essentially coverage for those left behind following the death of the policy holder.

What is the difference between permanent and term life insurance?

Permanent life insurance is coverage that remains in place until the policy holder passes away. Meanwhile, term insurance only covers you for a certain period of time, like 10 to 20 years. Term policy rates tend to be lower than those of permanent rates, so most people choose term policies instead. Permanent policies can grow, however, with a savings component known as a “cash value” of the policy that can increase over time.

How much coverage do I need?

Typically, it is recommended that you get a policy that is at least six to ten times your job salary. So if you are making $50,000 per year at your job, you would take out a policy of at least $500,000. This policy would need to last at least 15 to 20 years.

How much does life insurance cost?

These policies typically cost $26-$55 a month. This is the average rate for these types of policies. However, this cost usually varies depending on the type of coverage you need–whether it is term or permanent, and the amount you opt in for.

Are you looking for a health coverage policy but you have no idea where to start? Look no further than Healthedly! Reach out here or call us at 855-522-2201.

November 16, 2022

What Does Life Insurance Cover?

Life Insurance

No one likes to talk about what happens after they die, but if you have dependents, you might want to think about how to protect them financially after your death. A life insurance policy can give your loved ones the peace of mind they need – but what is life insurance, and what does it cover? Let’s take a look.

What Is Life Insurance?

This insurance is a type of contract between you and your insurer. You make regular payments, known as premiums, and in return, the insurer agrees to pay out a lump sum to certain individuals – known as “beneficiaries” – upon your death.

Can you use this insurance money for anything? Sure – once your beneficiaries receive it, they can use it how they wish. However, it’s commonly used to cover expenses such as funeral bills or to supplement your income if you die before your spouse.

Types of Life Insurance

There are two types of this insurance: term life and whole life insurance.

Term insurance covers you for a fixed period of time e.g. 10 years and pays out if you die during this period.
Whole life insurance covers your lifetime, so regardless of when you die, it still pays out.

Regardless of your policy, it will only pay out if you keep up the premium payments.

What Does Life Insurance Cover?

So, what does this insurance cover? Here’s a breakdown.

Accidental death: Deaths caused accidentally e.g. drowning are usually covered by these insurance policies.
Natural death: If you die due to a natural cause e.g. heart attack or old age, your policy covers this.
Suicide: Most of these insurance policies cover suicide, but only after a qualifying period e.g. one year.
Medical conditions: Depending on your level of coverage, your policy may pay out if you die from a chronic or pre-existing condition such as cancer. You must declare these conditions when you apply, though, or contact your insurer if you’re later diagnosed with an illness which affects your policy – otherwise you could void your agreement.

What Does This Insurance Not Cover?

Mother child and father playing in field as a family

This insurance covers most – but not all – eventualities. Here’s when your insurer may not pay out to your beneficiaries.

Insurance fraud: If you lie on your application or deliberately omit information, your policy won’t pay out.
High-risk activities: Unless you take out high-risk life insurance, your policy may not pay if you die during a dangerous sport or pastime e.g. skydiving.
Criminal acts: While policies vary, benefits may not be paid out if a person dies while committing a criminal offense.
Murder: Under the so-called “Slayer Rule”, a beneficiary won’t receive proceeds from your insurance policy if they intentionally cause your death. Others from your estate, however, can still receive proceeds.

Find a Plan With Healthedly

Choosing the right insurance policy can be tricky. The Healthedly team can help you choose between a variety of life insurance plans catered to your needs, and we’ll match you with competitive quotes.
Still looking for the right life insurance plan? We can help. Browse our insurance plans or request a quote today.

October 9, 2022

What Health Insurance Is Most Accepted in Florida?

Life Insurance

A sign that says “welcome to Florida, the Sunshine State”

The most accepted health insurance in Florida is Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida Blue) and Cigna. These insurance carriers are accepted almost everywhere in the Sunshine State. This makes them some of the best health insurance plans in Florida.

That said, Aetna is currently ranked as the best medical coverage in the Sunshine State. That is, assuming that it is accepted by your doctors. It is one of the most affordable insurance plans, both for individuals and companies.

Aetna has Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans that can be as little as a few hundred dollars per month. Of course, this depends on your age. They also have special student coverage, with plans covering university students.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield the Same as Florida Blue?

Florida Blue is a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is a nationwide provider. Florida Blue offers PPO plans (as opposed to HMO plans). This gives participants significantly more flexibility in choosing their doctors and providers.

PPO plans are especially good if you have long-standing or chronic conditions. You might have come to rely on a certain set of medical providers who know your personal challenges intimately. Being able to rely on the same doctors even if you take a job with a new company is a major benefit.

Florida Blue is also considered one of the best coverages for people who are on a fixed income.

How Much Is Health Insurance in the Sunshine State per Month?

When it comes to the best health insurance companies in the Sunshine State, as far as monthly premiums and affordable health insurance, things are a little different. Checking the Florida Health Insurance Marketplace can give you good ideas of what is available for short-term plans. Also check this marketplace for individual and family plans, and prescription drugs.

For health insurance quotes, the average cost of health insurance for a 40-year-old is $554 per month. It goes on to say that “over all age groups, average cost of health insurance is $203 per person for a major medical individual health insurance plan.”

The same study states that the best price for healthcare plans in the Sunshine State is through Blue Cross Blue Shield or Cigna. This holds in virtually every county in the state.

They rate the cheapest health insurance coverage in the Sunshine State as being Florida Blue or Cigna. The best for fixed-incomes is Florida Blue. If you want to get the best health insurance in Florida overall, Aetna ranks as superior. However, Cigna has the best prescription coverage plan.

Want to see what options you have for health insurance in the Sunshine State? Request a quote today.

July 20, 2022

Will Travel Insurance Cover Covid-19 Cancellations?

Life Insurance, Supplemental, Travel Medical

The coronavirus has changed the face of travel insurance. Prior to 2020, almost all travel insurance did not cover epidemics or pandemics as part of their regular health care coverage.

Remember, all travel insurances are different and you must always read the fine print on any travel insurance plans before you sign. Here are the general coverages that have come up with most travel insurance that covers COVID-19:

Travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related complications includes:

Emergency medical coverage
Emergency medical evacuation coverage
Trip interruption
Free cancellations

Examples of these coverages could include things like getting your trip expenses reimbursed in the event you contract COVID-19 before leaving. Or, you could get medical expenses paid for in a foreign country if you contract COVID-19 while abroad. Moreover, travel insurance could pay to cover accommodations in a foreign country if you are not allowed to return home. These are not covered in all travel insurance plans, but they are becoming more common.

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage

One thing to keep an eye out for is a clause that some of the better travel insurances have, the CFAR clause, or “Cancel For Any Reason.” CFAR has a lot of restrictions applied to it, mostly related to timeframes and eligibility requirements. However, if you have this coverage you could have as much as 50-75% of your trip reimbursed by your travel insurance.

What Happens If You Get Sick with COVID-19 While Traveling?

Travel medical insurance that covers COVID-19 will make it easier and cheaper to get medical care in a foreign country.

Before getting any travel medical insurance that covers COVID, check with your current insurance carrier and see what benefits they offer for traveling abroad. Many of them will not offer any services out of the country. Or perhaps they will have certain countries where they do operate. You will often find your own private insurance company will have travel insurance plans that have special rates for members.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plans will offer you global benefits, no matter where you are. Keep in mind, however, that if you contract COVID in a country like Germany or Canada, you should make use of Comprehensive travel coverage. This does not apply if you get sick with COVID-19 in parts of Southeast Asia, Central America, South America, or Africa.

You will still receive the benefits of the travel insurance. However, it may be harder (due to poor communication lines in certain regions) to get immediate coverage.

Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage gets you out of a foreign country if you are seriously ill or injured. These plans offer both ground transportation which to the nearest medical facility. The plans also offer transportation to an airplane for out of the country dispatching.

The choice to fly you out of a region for evacuation only happens if local physicians don’t feel they can adequately treat you.

Trip Interruption Coverage is in most travel insurance plans. It provides reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses if the travel needs to be cut short. This could include expenses like cruise ship tickets, railway tickets, and hotel accommodations.

Get a quote for travel insurance today.

May 18, 2022

Just 30 Minutes Of Exercise A Week Could Help Increase Your Life Expectancy

Health Resources, Life Insurance

There are several reasons why engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day may increase life expectancy:

Exercise improves cardiovascular health:

Regular physical activity can help to improve heart health by strengthening the heart muscle. Moreover, it lowers blood pressure, which can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Exercise maintains a healthy body weight:

Physical activity can help to burn calories and maintain a healthy body weight. Also, it can reduce the risk of obesity and associated conditions such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Physical activity reduces stress:

Exercise can help to reduce stress and improve mental health by releasing endorphins. These are chemicals that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.

Physical activity improves sleep:

Regular physical activity can help to improve sleep quality. Of course, sleep is important for overall health and well-being.

Exercise boosts mood:

Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce the risk of developing depression and anxiety.

By improving cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy body weight, reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting mood, regular physical activity can help to increase life expectancy.

For more information on health insurance or healthy tips, visit us through Healthedly Insurance Services to learn more.

March 9, 2022

US Government Has Failed Attempting To Limit Teen Tobacco Use

General, Life Insurance, News

The use of tobacco products among teenagers in the United States has long been a concern for public health officials and the government. Despite numerous efforts to limit the use of tobacco among teens, the prevalence of this substance use remains alarmingly high. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways in which the US government has failed in its attempts to limit teen tobacco use and what can be done to address this issue.

One major factor contributing to the failure of government efforts to limit teen nicotine use is the presence of marketing and advertising from cigarette companies.

While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented regulations on nicotine advertising, including a ban on television and radio advertising, these regulations have not completely eliminated the influence of tobacco marketing on teens.

Tobacco companies have found ways to bypass these restrictions.

For example, they use social media and the placement of advertisements in retail stores. Both of these marketing strategies can be easily seen by teenagers. In addition, the use of flavored nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and flavored cigarillos, has been heavily marketed to teens. It has contributed to the increase in teen tobacco use in recent years.

Another factor contributes to the failure of government efforts to limit teen nicotine use.

Tobacco products remain highly available to minors. True, laws exist prohibiting the sale of nicotine products to individuals under the age of 18. Regardless, teens still have access to these products through various channels. This includes the purchase of these addictive products by older peers or the theft of tobacco products from retail stores.

In addition, the lack of enforcement of these laws has also contributed to the problem.

Studies have found that retailers often fail to check IDs when selling tobacco products to minors. Thus, there often exists a lack of penalties for retailers who violate these laws.

Another issue is the lack of comprehensive and effective prevention and education programs.

Of course, the government has implemented programs such as the Truth Initiative. This initiative aims to educate teens about the dangers of nicotine use. Unfortunately, these programs have had limited success in reducing nicotine use among teens.

One potential reason for this failure? These programs do not address the underlying social and cultural factors that contribute to teen tobacco use.

For example, teens may feel pressure to use nicotine products in order to fit in with their peers. These teens may hope to appear more mature. Without addressing these underlying issues, it is difficult to effectively reduce nicotine use among teens.

One solution to these issues is to implement more stringent regulations on tobacco marketing and advertising.

This includes a complete ban on advertising targeted at teens. This could involve measures such as stricter penalties for retailers who sell tobacco products to minors. It could also involve increased funding for prevention and education programs. These programs would focus on the underlying social and cultural factors that contribute to teen nicotine use.

In addition, the government could consider implementing higher taxes on nicotine products.

These have been shown to be effective in reducing tobacco use among all age groups. This could include increasing the federal excise tax on nicotine products, which has not been raised in over a decade.

Finally, there needs to be a greater focus on enforcement of laws and regulations related to tobacco sales to minors.

This could include increased penalties for retailers who violate these laws. It could also involve more frequent compliance checks to ensure that retailers are following the rules.

Overall, it is clear that the US government has failed in its attempts to limit teen nicotine use. While there have been some efforts to address this issue, they have been insufficient in reducing the prevalence of tobacco use among teens. To truly address this problem, there needs to be a comprehensive approach that includes stricter regulations on tobacco marketing and advertising, increased taxes on tobacco products, and better enforcement of laws related to the sale of tobacco products to minors.

Looking for a health insurance provider who fits your needs or your family’s financial constraints? Look no further than Healthedly! Call us at 855-522-2201!

February 2, 2022