Best Health Insurance Agencies in Gastonia

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.
  

• What steps should individuals take for health insurance after relocating to Gastonia?

  Obtaining health insurance in Gastonia requires consideration of previous coverage and evaluation of eligibility for various programs. You have 60 days after relocating to obtain NC coverage. If neither Medicaid nor Medicare applies, contact the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 to inquire about possible subsidy options. If you are ineligible for subsidies, consult with local private insurers or an independent agent for customized options.

• Can residents of Gastonia opt out of certain benefits, like maternity, in their health plan?

  In Gastonia, even if a person does not require specific benefits, major medical health insurance must include Essential Health Benefits, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act. This means that benefits such as maternity and newborn care are available to both men and women. Other essential services include, among others, emergency assistance, prescription drugs, hospital stays, mental health treatments, and child-specific oral and vision care.

• Is short-term insurance available to Gastonia residents, and how will they qualify?

  Under federal guidelines, residents in Gastonia can obtain short-term health insurance for up to 364 days, renewable for up to 36 months. To qualify, however, one must be under the age of 65 and in good health. These plans frequently exclude pre-existing conditions and may not provide all of the ACA's essential benefits, such as maternity, prescription, and mental health care. Before committing to a plan, it is critical to thoroughly review its inclusions and exclusions.

• How do Gastonia residents benefit from North Carolina's federally run health insurance exchange?

  Using HealthCare.gov provides significant financial relief to Gastonia residents. The majority of enrollees, approximately 90%, see an average monthly savings of $583, resulting in around $67 monthly payments after subsidies. Income-based tax credits and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) can also help you save money. CSRs are available to those earning less than 250% of the federal poverty line. Because of these ACA provisions, it may be the most affordable insurance option available.

• How can Gastonia residents benefit from ACA subsidies?

  Under the Affordable Care Act, Gastonia residents are eligible for two types of financial assistance: premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. The former reduces monthly payments for all metal tier plans, excluding catastrophic coverage. Income range, absence of other coverages, and citizenship are all eligibility factors. Meanwhile, cost-share reductions, which primarily apply to Silver plans, reduce out-of-pocket expenses. They are intended for people in lower-income brackets who are already eligible for premium tax credits.

• 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.