Best Health Insurance Agencies in Gilbert

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.
  

• Is your small business qualified to receive a tax credit for providing health insurance to employees in Gilbert?

  A health insurance tax credit is available to Gilbert small businesses that, on average, pay an annual compensation of $50,000 or more per employee, provide coverage for more than 50% of their employees' insurance expenses, and have a maximum of 25 full-time staff. Small businesses will get a 50% tax credit on their employee’s medical, dental, and vision premiums. If they pay an average annual compensation of $25,000 and have a maximum of ten full-time employees, they are eligible to receive a 100% tax credit.

• Can your health insurance company increase your rate in Gilbert?

  Yes, but you should be notified in advance. Check your policy or speak with your Gilbert insurance agent regarding rate changes and when to expect the notification. If you have a small group health insurance plan, the notice should be sent 60 days before the rate change. However, there is no state law that limits how often or how much health insurance companies can change their rates.

• What is the difference between a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) health insurance plan in Gilbert?

  If you have an HMO plan, you need to pick a primary care physician who will be coordinating your healthcare services and specialist referrals in Gilbert. HMOs only cover services from in-network providers. Meanwhile, you don't need a primary care physician or a referral to obtain services from any healthcare provider in a PPO network. In terms of costs, an HMO may charge you a copayment and require a deductible. A PPO health insurance plan would only require a deductible.

• Will your hearing aids be covered by your Medicare plan in Gilbert?

  Only Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage plans pay for hearing aid costs. Parts A and B do not include hearing aid coverage. Medicare Advantage plans pay for hearing tests, hearing aid devices, fitting sessions, new device batteries, and device repairs. You can request that your existing Medical Advantage plan be changed to include hearing aid coverage if it does not currently do so between January 1 and March 31, which is known as Gilbert's open enrollment period.

• Are mental health services covered in all health insurance plans in Gilbert?

  Mental health services are required to be covered under individual and large group health plans in Gilbert. These include plans provided by public and private employers and those purchased privately or through the Marketplace. Mental health benefits are not required in limited-benefit and short-term health insurance plans. A health insurance policy issued before 2014 may not cover mental health.

• 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.