Best Health Insurance Agencies in Columbus

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 health insurance required for Columbus residents, and what happens if they don't have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act?

  In Columbus, under the Affordable Care Act, residents are mandated to have health insurance. If they don't, they might face a tax penalty. This could mean a smaller refund or owing more taxes at year-end. The fine is $695 per uninsured adult and $347.50 per uninsured child (maxing at $2,085 for families) or 2.5% of the family income, with the higher amount being applied. Exceptions exist for those eligible for an exemption.

• What health insurance options are available to Columbus residents who are unemployed or with low income?

  In Columbus, Medicaid, including Georgia Families Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, provides health coverage for qualifying low-income individuals. Eligibility is determined by income, aligned with Georgia Medicaid's financial criteria. Interestingly, the extra $600 weekly CARES Act unemployment benefit doesn't affect Medicaid eligibility. Columbus residents can check out the Georgia Gateway website or dial 1-888-423-6765 for more info.

• Where can Columbus residents apply for health insurance?

  Since Georgia doesn't operate its own state-run health insurance exchange, residents of Columbus and other parts of Georgia utilize the federal platform to browse, compare, and enroll in health insurance options. This federally facilitated marketplace aids individuals and families in gauging financial assistance eligibility and securing the right coverage that meets their needs.

• What factors influence health insurance costs in Columbus?

  In Columbus, health insurance rates are shaped by individual age, geographical area, the nature of the plan, and behaviors like smoking. The plan's source—whether it's private, through an employer, or government-backed—also plays a role. Costs are also determined by the deductible, copay, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket cap. These elements dictate the expense distribution between the policyholder and the insurance company.

• Is short-term health insurance available in Columbus?

  Columbus residents can purchase short-term health insurance. Following federal guidelines, these plans can last up to a year and be extended to 36 months. They can be ideal for those who missed open enrollment or those transitioning between jobs. However, these plans aren't mandated to cover essential health benefits. If specific services, like maternity care, are needed, one should review their choices closely.

• 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.