{"id":26712,"date":"2020-12-04T05:39:29","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T13:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/?page_id=26712"},"modified":"2023-12-11T06:54:24","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T14:54:24","slug":"you-asked-we-answered","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/insurance-options\/health-insurance\/you-asked-we-answered\/","title":{"rendered":"You Asked, We Answered"},"content":{"rendered":"
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General Health<\/h2>\n

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What is \u201cOpen Enrollment\u201d and how does it work?<\/h2>\n

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Open enrollment is the annual period when shoppers can enroll in new health insurance plans, switch plans, or take advantage of subsidies on health plans. If you don\u2019t shop during open enrollment, you won\u2019t have any options outside of special enrollment, Medicaid\/CHIP, or paying a penalty. For 2021 coverage, Open Enrollment starts on November 1, 2020, and ends on January 31, 2021. \u00a0Call 877-583-1475<\/a><\/strong> or stop by one of our offices \u2013 we will be happy to advise you on the plan that best meets your needs.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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What does health insurance usually cover? Are there medical services that are typically not covered by health insurance companies?<\/h2>\n

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Some typical exclusions to health insurance coverage include aquatic therapy, artificial insemination, chiropractic services, cosmetic services, custodial care, dietician services, disposable supplies, experimental and investigational services, hair loss and growth treatments, infertility services, and intermediate care. Even if you already have health insurance, Freeway may be able to find a cheaper plan for you. Call 877-583-1475<\/a> <\/strong>or stop by one of our offices \u2013 we will be happy to advise you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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What are the options for temporary medical insurance for visitors?<\/h2>\n

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Visitors are not required by law to be insured. Only visitors with certain immigration status qualify to use the marketplace, such as U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawfully present immigrants.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Why is it illegal to not have health insurance in the United States?<\/h2>\n

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The Affordable Care Act mandates health insurance as a shared responsibility for all Americans.<\/p>\n

Your income level and family size are considered when determining whether you will receive free or subsidized health insurance. If you do not qualify for an exemption from health insurance or you do not receive free health insurance, you will be assessed a tax penalty (if you have a health insurance gap of more than two months, or more than one gap in a tax year). Covered California<\/a> insurance marketplace plans meet federal ACA guidelines and Freeway Insurance can help you find the best plan for your health and your budget.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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What is a health insurance premium?<\/h2>\n

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A health insurance premium is the monthly fee you pay to your health insurance company to provide health insurance services and keep your policy active.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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What is cashless health insurance?<\/h2>\n

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Members of Federally recognized American Indian or Alaskan Natives can enroll in zero-cost sharing plans. This means they do not need to pay-out-of pocket costs when receiving health services.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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What are the most affordable health insurance plans available to a new, small business?<\/h2>\n

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As a small business with fewer than 100 employees, you can provide health insurance to your employees with Covered California\u2019s SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program). Freeway Insurance will help you to determine the health insurance tiers (bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and catastrophic) and the percentage you will pay toward employee and dependent coverage.\u00a0 You can cover up to 100 employees and your business may even qualify for tax credits when you purchase health insurance with Covered California\u2019s SHOP. Call 877-583-1475<\/a> <\/strong>or stop by one of our offices \u2013 we will be happy to advise you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Is IVF generally covered by health insurance?<\/h2>\n

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IVF (in vitro fertilization) is not covered under Covered California plans. Only services used to detect infertility are covered.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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What medical services are not typically covered by health insurance companies?<\/h2>\n

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Dental<\/a> and vision care are not covered for adults, though children under age 19 are covered for these services. You can purchase separate dental and vision plans<\/a> through Covered California if you wish to include these services in your health insurance coverage.<\/p>\n

Weight loss surgery and weight loss programs are generally not covered unless you are morbidly obese.<\/p>\n

Infertility treatments and elective cosmetic surgery\/treatments are not covered. Cosmetic surgery that is medically necessary is covered.<\/p>\n

Long-term care and private nursing services are not covered. You can purchase additional insurance plans for these services if you wish.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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If I\u2019m an independent contractor who uses a 1099 tax form, what is the best health insurance for me?<\/h2>\n

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For an independent contractor, Freeway Insurance recommends the Silver plan. This plan was designed to have a low monthly premium and still make out-of-pocket expenses affordable.<\/p>\n

Health insurance prices depend on various factors including age, gender, where you live, and whether you smoke. Actual prices will vary depending on each individual, but health status is never a factor on rates. Call\u00a0877-583-1475<\/a> <\/strong>or stop by one of our offices \u2013 we will be happy to advise you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Why do employers cover only part of my health insurance premiums instead of the full amount?<\/h2>\n

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Significant increases in health insurance costs have made it difficult for employers to provide full insurance premium coverage to their employees and remain in business. Health insurance costs continue to rise and employers that offer health insurance generally offer it as a shared cost.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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For entrepreneurs just starting out, what is the best type of health insurance?<\/h2>\n

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If you are self-employed, Freeway Insurance can help you to select a plan that makes sense for your situation.<\/p>\n

If you have employees, you can also provide health insurance to your employees with Covered California\u2019s SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program). Freeway Insurance will help you to determine the health insurance tiers (bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and catastrophic) and the percentage you will pay toward employee and dependent coverage.\u00a0 You can cover up to 100 employees and your business may even qualify for tax credits when you purchase health insurance with Covered California\u2019s SHOP. Call\u00a0877-583-1475<\/a> <\/strong>or stop by one of our offices \u2013 we will be happy to advise you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Can I cancel my health insurance plan without paying the premium if I never used the benefits?<\/h2>\n

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Individuals purchase health insurance because accidents and illnesses are unpredictable. You may not have accessed your benefits, but if you had needed medical care, your health insurance would have been essential in saving you stress and financial hardship. If you cancel your insurance, you will not receive a refund. If you are uninsured for more than two months you will likely face tax penalties as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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How can I obtain the best health insurance policy for me? How much is the cheapest Covered California plan?<\/h2>\n

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Freeway Insurance can help you to choose the health insurance plan that works best for your health and your budget. The type of medical care you need is an important consideration when selecting a health plan. If you are in good health, a managed care plan (or HMO plan) can be cost effective. If you have a medical condition which requires visiting specialists regularly, a preferred provider organization, or PPO plan, may be best for you.\u00a0 Freeway agents are trained to help you select a plan to meet your individual and family health needs. Freeway has partnered with some of the nation\u2019s most trusted insurance carriers to offer you the highest quality health insurance. Our brokers are here to help you save money, and guide you to any free or low cost programs for which you may qualify.\u00a0 Even if you already have health insurance, Freeway may be able to find a cheaper plan for you. Call\u00a0877-583-1475<\/a> <\/strong>or stop by one of our offices \u2013 we will be happy to advise you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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I am a 33-year-old female and I just found out I have an illness I need to take care of. I\u2019d like to purchase insurance \u2013 can I do that now that I\u2019ve been diagnosed? Is this a pre-existing condition?<\/h2>\n

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Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies cannot refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a \u201cpre-existing condition\u201d \u2014 that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts. Under this law, health insurance companies also can\u2019t charge women more than men. Freeway Insurance can help you to choose the health insurance plan that works best for you. Call 877-583-1475<\/a> <\/strong>or stop by one of our offices \u2013 we will be happy to advise you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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I have a very low income. Is there affordable dental and health insurance for someone like me?<\/h2>\n

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Yes. Depending on your income, health insurance can be very affordable, or in some cases free. Dental insurance can be as low as $13.00 per month.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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I am from Mexico, but I\u2019m working in Los Angeles. My employer does not provide health insurance coverage. Where can I obtain coverage?<\/h2>\n

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In order to obtain health insurance coverage, working immigrants are required to prove they are legally residing in the United States. Qualifying immigration status includes:<\/p>\n