Best Health Insurance Agencies in Boynton Beach

FAQs

• Introduction

  If you're looking for health insurance for yourself or your family, an agent can help you save time, understand your options, and manage your costs. Insurance agents must be licensed in the state where they operate. They can provide information about on- and off-exchange plans to help you weigh all of your options, and they can see if you qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premiums. There's no cost to work with an agent, and they can help you save quite a bit by recommending the best plan for your needs. Here's what you should know before you get started.
  

• What kind of information is needed to apply for health insurance in Boynton Beach?

  Personal information such as full name, contact details, Social Security number, and date of birth will be needed. Relevant details of the applicant's household members will also be required. Income details and documentation proof, such as tax returns and payslips, are needed when applying for health insurance in Boynton Beach. Proof of residency in the form of rental contracts and utility bills is sometimes asked.

• What can you do in Boynton Beach if an insurer has still not paid the medical claims for months already?

  You can call the appropriate agency for assistance in resolving unpaid medical claims in Boynton Beach. Policyholders of individual or group plans from private insurers can contact the Consumer Services Division of the Florida Department of Financial Services at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) or Consumer.Services@myfloridacfo.com. For Medicare plans, they can call 1-800-633-4227. They can reach out to the Health Care Administration at 1-877-254-1055 for Medicaid. Employees of self-insured employers can contact the Department of Labor at 1-866-444-3272 if their concern is still not resolved after a discussion with employers.

• How can catastrophic health plans help someone in Boynton Beach?

  Catastrophic health plans have low monthly premiums making them more affordable initially. For consumers in Boynton Beach, these can be beneficial in certain situations, such as serious illness or severe accidents. However, only specific groups of people may be eligible for these plans, like those under 30 years old or who have a hardship or affordability exemption. A disadvantage of the plan is its high deductible, which makes it cost more if used for routine checks.

• Do you need to inform Medicaid if you move from Boynton Beach to another county?

  For any changes in your address and other contact information, inform the FL Department of Children and Families by calling 1-866-762-2237. Contact the direct line at (850) 487-1111. It is best to call in advance the local DCF office of the county you are transferring to for further guidance. At best, the transfer of your case from Boynton Beach to another county should not take more than 30 days and not involve disruptions in your coverage.

• Can you purchase temporary health insurance in Boynton Beach?

  Yes, temporary health insurance can be bought in Boynton Beach and throughout Florida. These health plans are designed to fill in coverage gaps so these are usually not required to comply with the Affordable Care Act. This means the plans may not cover pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, and preventive care. The coverage is usually for the short term ranging from 30 days to 12 months, with some able to be extended up to 36 months.

• How can you find affordable health insurance? 

  Affordable insurance is available through employers, Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers subsidies in the form of tax credits. You can also purchase coverage through private insurance companies and independent agents. Nearly half of all Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance, and about 10% of the population is uninsured.

• What is health insurance?

  Health insurance policies are contracts that require an insurer to pay some or all of a beneficiary's health care expenses in exchange for a premium and deductible. Plans cover preventive care and emergency medical services arising from an injury or illness. They may also offer optional coverage for dental and vision.

• How do health insurance companies make money?

  Health insurance companies make money by collecting premiums from consumers and reinvesting the funds. Federal law requires insurers to put approximately 80-85% of collected funds toward claims, and 15-20% is used to pay for administrative expenses.

• What is subsidized health insurance?

  Subsidized health insurance is available exclusively through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This system applies federal tax credits that can reduce or eliminate premiums. Tax credits are available to consumers who earn up to 400% of the federal poverty level based on household size.

• What is a health insurance deductible? 

  A deductible is a fixed amount you must pay out-of-pocket before normal copays or coinsurance rates apply. Under the Affordable Care Act, some services, such as annual physicals and wellness screenings, must be covered at no charge.

• Is it illegal to not have health insurance?

  No. Starting in 2019, the federal government eliminated the penalty that applied to individuals who could afford health insurance but chose not to purchase it. Financial penalties still apply in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.

• Does health insurance cover therapy? 

  All Marketplace plans must cover behavioral health care services, including counseling, inpatient care, and substance abuse treatments. However, there are coverage limits, and preauthorization may be required.
  

• What is a copay?

  A copay is a fixed price that you pay at the time of service after your deductible is satisfied. Insurance companies set specific rates for primary and specialty care and other services, such as emergency room visits and X-rays. Alternatively, plans may have coinsurance rates that require beneficiaries to pay a certain percentage of covered charges.

• What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

  The Health Insurance Marketplace is a federal service designed to help consumers compare and purchase subsidized health insurance plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act. A number of states operate their own insurance marketplaces, including California, Colorado, New York, and Pennsylvania.
  

• How can you find health insurance without a job?

  Individuals who don't have access to health insurance through their job can purchase ACA-compliant plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Off-exchange plans are also available through private insurers and independent agents. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives certain individuals who are losing their coverage the right to maintain the same plan for a limited time period. 
  

• Can you cancel health insurance at any time? 

  Consumers can cancel their health coverage at any time. Cancellations may be effective immediately or at a specified date. However, you must wait until Open Enrollment to sign up for a new plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment period.

• Can you have more than one health insurance policy?

  It's possible to have primary and secondary health insurance. This is most common with Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, including dual enrollees and individuals who purchase supplemental plans. Secondary plans can cover some additional expenses, but you're still responsible for premiums and deductibles.

• Is health insurance pretax?

  Premiums for employer-sponsored health plans are generally deducted from the worker's pretax income. The same is true for voluntary contributions made to Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts that are paired with a qualifying high-deductible health plan.

• How long can a child stay on a parent\'s health insurance policy?

  Children can stay on their parents' health insurance plan until their 26th birthday. There's a 60-day special enrollment period following this date. Exemptions allow disabled adult children to remain on their parents' policy beyond this age.

• Do you have to pay a health insurance deductible upfront?

  In most cases, out-of-pocket expenses for approved services count toward your deductible. However, it's increasingly common for hospitals to request all or part of the deductible upfront when scheduling major services, such as CT scans and surgeries.

• Do employers have to offer health insurance?

  The Affordable Care Act requires companies with at least 50 full-time employees to make essential health benefits available to 95% of their workforce. Companies that choose not to offer such benefits may have to pay a penalty.

• Is there a tax credit for having health insurance?

  The Advance Premium Tax Credit is a federal tax rebate designed to lower the cost of health insurance plans purchased through the Marketplace. Eligibility is based on income and household size. Consumers can decide how much of their tax credit to put toward their premiums.