Best Health Insurance Agencies in Evanston

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.
  

• When is the last day Evanston residents can enroll for health insurance coverage?

  The open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act ends on January 31st. Following this date, Evanston residents should meet specific criteria to be eligible for a special enrollment period. Special enrollment eligibility is based on experiencing significant life events, such as losing health coverage, getting married, or adopting a child.

• Can people living in Evanston buy health insurance through web brokers?

  Yes. Web brokers like www.eHealthinsurance.com and www.HealthPlanOne.com operate private websites that can directly register Evanston residents for health insurance policies, which include those available on the public exchange. One key benefit of web brokers is their ability to offer applicants the opportunity to view and register for insurance plans from multiple providers. However, it is important to note that not every state allows web brokers to facilitate enrollment in public exchange programs.

• What are the available health insurance options for Evanston residents?

  When shopping for health insurance options in Evanston, individuals can choose from various plans, such as HMO, POS, and PPO. With HMO plans, policyholders incur lower out-of-pocket expenses. In the case of POS plans, insured individuals can pick a primary care physician from a designated network of providers while still having the flexibility to see out-of-network healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, PPO plans have more out-of-pocket expenses but offer a wider network of healthcare providers.

• What is the impact of the Affordable Care Act on health insurance coverage in Evanston?

  The Affordable Care Act introduces new safeguards for residents of Evanston, offering previously unavailable benefits such as the issuance of a document outlining policyholders' benefits and coverage. Furthermore, this healthcare reform law prohibits insurance providers from terminating coverage due to application errors, rejecting applicants, or increasing premiums based on pre-existing medical conditions.

• When is the best time to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Evanston?

  Evanston residents who are newcomers to Medicare should take advantage of the initial enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans. This seven-month window encompasses the three months prior to turning 65 or the month of their 65th birthday. If this opportunity is missed, residents can still enroll during the general enrollment period from January 1 to March 31 or during a special enrollment period.

• 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.